A Ranting of an Aimee

2009 is here, and I'm already behind on my blog. Isn't that life? You get caught up on one or two things, yet fall behind on other stuff. I'd like to take a moment and contemplate on past year. I've been advised that "One should always assess the previous year to see where you've grown and blossomed, but to see what you need to improve on as well ... etc..."

2008 was a big year. We were promoted to a 3 kiddie family. Bought a mini-van. Went camping with 3 kids. Survived a lay-off. Weathered through Isaac's terrible twos. Followed and participated in the Presidential Election. What does this all mean?

I don't know.

Which has sidetracked me to this point: Life is filled with "I don't know"s and "It's not fair"s.

There have been many articles implying or out-right saying:
Our generation and those following us are the self-indulgent, self-seeking, and self-interested. We don't know or understand the words sacrifice and hard-work. Everything must be fair! AND if we don't get it now, let all hell break loose. On top of this narcissistic emergence, we don't seem to know what we want.

We we we. . . me me me. . . us us us. I think the articles may be right.

I find myself caught up in this narcissistic web many times: What about my career? Why is the grass always greener on the other side? I WANT that grass (Literally and figuratively). Why must everyone else get the breaks, but I'm the only one suffering?? ME Me me!

But logic and reasoning usually set in. Reality slowly and surely comes crashing down. KaBAM!

Life isn't fair. It's that simple. Some 'bad' people get the breaks while good people suffer. The rich get richer. The poor usually stay poor. Reality can be harsh and cold. BUT. . .

deep breath in
deep breath out

There's always a but. :) Despite the unfeeling of reality sometimes, there is always a silver lining. I see kindness in the smile of a stranger. Good people do get breaks. Affluent people help those in need; who in turn help others. Goodness and love abide in the world.

Life may not be fair, but life is worth living.

What's my point in this ranting, you ask? Well, 2008 may or may not have gone the way you planned.

Perhaps you son didn't get potty trained as fast as you like. Perhaps the candidate you voted for didn't win. Perhaps, you received a speeding ticket or two. Perhaps someone ran over your foot. Perhaps your souffle collapsed! On the other hand, perhaps you've become closer to that special someone. Perhaps the tree you planted early in the year has survived for at least another year. Perhaps you finally finished that project that's been sitting in your garage for the past 3 years.

Whatever bad may have happened, if you look hard enough there's always something good to counterbalance that.

I do not welcome the challenges that collide into my life, but I am grateful for the lessons I've learned from those challenges. I am a better person because of "Life isn't fair" and "Life is hard".

As I plan for my 2009, I'm going to try to be less egocentric and more self-sacrificing. I do this in hope that my children may see their mom as a giver and not a taker. Perhaps it will rub off on them, and they'll be better people when they're older.

fini


None of my rantings are meant to offend or hurt. When I rant, I rant in general.

Reacquaint Yourself

Please hum Jingle Bell Rock as you watch this video.

2 Down 1 To Go

That's right! Two holidays have sped past in their holiday splendor. Halloween was a hoot. Thanksgiving was a dieter's nightmare--or dream come true depending on his/her outlook on life. Our little family--I guess it's not "little" anymore. Technically we're larger than the average American family. But I digress. . . *clears throat*

Our slightly-larger-than-average family was able to give thanks and gratitude with both sides of the family. Two Thanksgiving dinners in two days not only stretches the stomach, but is a reminder to me of how grateful I am to be a part of two great families.

Now that I have finished the formalities of given due respect to Thanksgiving, lets move on to the biggest and better (imo) of the holiday trifecta: The Birthday of our Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ. Lets stop and think about that. We are celebrating The Birthday. The gifts the Jesus wants are not the iphones, ipods, Rockband Revolutions, but the gifts of love, of charity, of hope, of forgiveness. As we give gifts to those we love, let us remember to also give gifts that go beyond the material and temporary. Again I digress. . .

I love everything about Christmas. I love the songs. I love the family get-togethers. I love the smells. I love the cold--brrrrr! I love the decorations. I love the lights! I love the food! I love even the shopping.

This is our first Christmas with a big Christmas tree. I'm so excited. Tom was kind enough to let me decorate before the 1st of December. I'm not a holiday decorator, but Christmas is (and should be) the one exception. Our living room is very festive.

*sigh* This is such a wonderful time of year!

First Snow Fall

That's right the title says it all. Last Wednesday we experienced the first sticking--unfortunately it didn't stick for long--snowfall of the winter. Each season has its epitome of beauty. That definition of beauty is different for each person. For me winter beauty is defined as thus: After a good snowstorm, there's always a breathless awe as I look out the window--The world blanketed in fresh unmarred white. But enough of my lame attempt at descriptive writing. On to better things. . . my children. :P

Benjamin and Isaac were ecstatic.

They would, could not wait to get their snow gear on and play in the snow.

I think eating snow is one of Benjamin's favorite snow activities.


Isn't Isaac adorable?!



Leah couldn't go out and play. Instead while the boys played outside, she enjoyed the attention from Mommy and Auntie Anna .

Six Months and Counting

Leah is 6 months old! Can you believe?!?

I can't.

She has grown so much. She's interacting with her brothers, reaching for things big and small, rolling somewhat, and eating some solid foods. It's amazing how happy she is. She is constantly smiling. I am grateful for the light and joy she brings into our home. Her brothers love her very much. You can't find two more kinder and loving brothers than Ben and Ike. Here are some recent photographs/videos of her. Enjoy!












I love her laughter! It's addicting, isn't it? :P



She is cute. I was somewhat afraid to have a girl, but I can honestly say that I am very happy to have a daughter. I'm not afraid anymore. Woohoo!!!

Halloween 2008

Trick or Treat!!! Halloween came and went as fast as a Jackalope in the sights of hunter's shotgun. Before I go into who was what, jack-o-lanterns, and candy mountains, let me say this:

Halloween is a dying holiday here in the United States. Fear and lack of community are holding Halloween hostage. Parents are afraid to let their children go trick-or-treating door to door for fear of weirdo's, oddballs, and/or crazies. The lack of community feeds that fear. Most home/apartment/condo dwellers do not know their neighbors. Many neighbors are too caught up in the lives, too busy with work, and sometimes even, too self-absorb to get to know their neighbors. Other neighbors are shy and timid; thus keeping to themselves in their safety zone. What is this world coming to? Hmmmmm?!?

*breathe in*

*breathe out*


okay.... I'm done.


Thankfully, we live in a wonderful neighborhood where there is a sense of community, a sense of family. Neighbors aren't just neighbors, but they are friends. We are very blessed to have such wonderful neighbors.

Benjamin and Isaac enjoyed carving pumpkins; wearing their costumes; handing out popcorn (I give out individual microwave popcorn packets instead of candy to change up the monotony of candy--if there is such as thing) to trick-o-treaters; going trick-o-treating; and most of all enjoying their candy haul.

We read this wonderful article that give a great way to regulate candy. In short, you let your kids eat all they want after trick-o-treating and then allow them to only have candy for snacks and dessert. The kiddos are allowed to hold their own candy if they stick to the rules. This regulating of Halloween candy teaches them how to eat candy in moderation. This seems to work. The boys are learning responsibility; and they don't feel like we're withholding their treats.

Isaac loved being a dragon. When you asked him, "What are you?" he would reply "I'm a dragon!" then turn around, wag his bum, and say, "See my tail!"

Ben loved the muscles on this Spiderman costume. He'd sing the spiderman theme song: "Spiderman Spiderman. Spiderman Spiderman. Spiderman Spiderman. Spiderman Spiderman." (sung to the Spiderman Theme song)

Trick or Treat!!!

We did pumpkin carving at Grammy's home. It was fun to watch the boys do their thing. :D

The boys enjoyed cleaning out their pumpkin innards.

They each drew a face on their respective pumpkins. Tom tried to decipher their sketch and cut out the face. The final products are found below.

From top to bottom, Tom's jack-o-lantern, Ben's jack-o-lantern, my jack-o-lantern, and Ike's jack-o-lantern.

I don't know how to end this post. . . . so um. . . THE END!

Me Mosaics

I found this concept on Jess's blog. Her Mosaic was cool looking. And so of course, I wanted to look cool as well. Thus the Mosaic. It's really easy and fun. It's kinda of nice see 'me' visually. If you have the time, give it a try. :D See if you can put the answers with the picture.


The Concept:
a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
b. Using only the first page, pick an image.
c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd’s mosaic maker.

The Questions:
1. What is your first name? Aimee
2. What is your favorite food? Chinese Food
3. What school did you go to? BYU
4. What is your favorite color? Red
5. Who is your celebrity crush? Christain Bale
6. Favorite drink? Boba Drink
7. Dream vacation? European Cruise
8. Favorite dessert? Peach Pie
9. What you want to be when you grow up? Entrepreneur
10. What do you love most in life? Tommy-boy
11. One word to describe you. Unique
12. Your nickname. Aimers