Just Aiden and Daddy...a world apart!

This morning we had an unexpected early phone call from Daddy.  Since he told me this information over the phone I assume I can go ahead and say it...he was in Saudi Arabia for an in-port exercise with the Saudi's.  This isn't a fun liberty port so he won't be able to go sightseeing, Skype or do anything at his own leisure.  However, he will get to leave the ship for a few socials at the consulate.

As usual, I let Aiden have the phone so that he could talk to daddy.  Normally he either holds the phone and talks or he paces the floor as he tries to re-tell stories and "show" daddy things!  This morning was a little different.  Aiden grabbed the phone from me, climbed up in the bed, got under the covers and snuggled the phone.  I couldn't help but feel sad for him.  He misses his Daddy, we all miss him, but he just doesn't really know how to grasp his absence.  He has verbalized his desire for Daddy to come home but I never really realized that he was probably missing Daddy snuggles and just Daddy and Aiden time.  When he was home at a reasonable hour, Daddy always put Aiden to bed.  I could hear them in the other room just talking (like they were best friends), laughing, reading books and saying prayers...Aiden obviously misses that and although it may not be the same, this morning with Daddy on the other side of the world, Aiden found a way to give himself what he was needing...a little "Daddy and Aiden" time...snuggles and all!!!

Pirate Aiden

Come set sail on an adventurous tour,
Pirate Aiden is turning 4!!!

While Aiden doesn't actually turn 4 until Sunday September 1st, I decided that with hassle of labor day I would go ahead and have his birthday party a week early.  Those that know me know that I love to host...a cookout, a BBQ, or a birthday party...I love to organize events and I always do things BIG!  I actually get anxiety at the thought of not being in control of organizing my kids parties...weird, I know! I blame the OCD!!!

I usually have lots of time to prepare but with Leif deployed most of my preparing was done with the kids attached to me or in the 3 days leading up to the party when I had some extra help!  Needless to say, I got everything done and I have so many people to THANK for their time and countless offers to pitch in.  You know who you are so THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!

Now to the party...Aiden wanted a pirate pool party!!!!  DONE!!!

This adorable cake was made by my talented neighbor

AAARRRGGGG

Daddy was there in spirit!!!

Pirate transformation party favors...

FOOD!

Fruit Swords

Pirates Teeth

These boys keep me going

My boy!

MYO pirate map and kiddie corner :-)

Grandpa made it

Getting in the spirit!

My emotions got the best of me...

A bittersweet moment...1st birthday party without Daddy!

Birthday boy!

Everyone was getting in the spirit!

Pirate Roli :-)

Pirate Jackson

My family

Siblings :-)  Life is short...we stick together!

The day was absolutely wonderful.  We really missed Daddy and my emotions got the best of me a few times...what can I say, I am only human!  Aiden asked multiple times if Daddy would be at his party...although he couldn't be there physically, I could definitely feel him there with us!  His heart was there and I know it tore him up to not be there!  We are so thankful for all of the people who were there and who have been behind us 100%!  Aiden was so excited....especially about the cupcakes...

I really can't believe that my baby boy is almost 4!  He is such an amazing "little man".  He amazes me everyday with his compassion, creativity, kindness and bravery!  I really could go on and on...but I will save that for his birthday!!!  The party was a blast...we are truly blessed with the most amazing and supportive friends and family!!!!  Thank you for celebrating with us and for making Aiden's day so memorable!

Thoughts on Friday!

There is so much going on in our lives right now.  So many things that I never want to forget and a few storms that I can not wait to pass!  Life isn't perfect but the good always out weighs the not so good!

While Leif was out for June, the boys and I took a little get away to see some friends and family.  It was the first time all of my friends met Easton and it was so nice of them to all make such an amazing effort to come meet our "little" guy!

I was able to attend my niece Kassidy's award ceremony where she received the top award...the words of her teacher left us all in tears....she is such an amazing young lady!

I was able to spend the day with my 2 favorite girls...there is nothing like playing with your cousins...I am thankful that my family feels the same way...we may not always see eye to eye but we are mature enough to look past our differences for the sake of our children!

The friendships I have are so amazing...My girl Christy and I have been friends since we were 8 years old.  Time and distance have been no match for our friendship!  I was so glad that I could attend her 30th birthday!  Given the chance, I would do anything for my real friends!!!

I took this picture the other day...there are so many things about this that I love.  His sweet innocence!  The chunky "michelin man arms".  The fact that he is sucking his thumb.  His sweet little belly.  How peaceful he is....THOSE CHEEKS!  I really can't believe how blessed I am....

These precious moments will fade quickly...Moments between brothers...the love and protection that Aiden shows for Easton.  The hugs, laughs, snuggles and silly faces!  I know that there will come a time when these laughs will turn to nagging little arguments but for now I cherish each and every beautiful moment between brothers

...even the questionable ones.

Summertime=pooltime....I am so proud of how far Aiden has come with his swimming!  My boy is fairly timid and to say that he is a fish in the water is a complete understatement!  This boy is obsessed with swimming!  Go Aiden Go!

I AM GOING TO MISS THIS MAN MORE THAN WORDS COULD EVER SAY...

The feelings that go along with deployment are tough...it's hard to enjoy these last few weeks together knowing that he will be leaving soon and will be gone for close to a year.  How do you enjoy a vacation that you are only taking because your husband is about to leave and travel into harms way????  I will miss him for so many reasons but everytime he comes home I am reminded that with or without kids...we still have it!  He still makes me laugh and I still get excited to see him!  I love him and need him not just for the help he gives me with the kids but also for the way he makes me feel about ME!!!!

Each of us has our own beliefs...I believe in the power of prayer...you may not!  Whatever you believe, may I ask a favor?  Please keep Aiden in your thoughts and/or prayers next week.  Right now we do not have a lot of details that we are ready to share but we are certainly praying for the best.  We will keep all of our loved ones updated once there is information to share but in the meantime just please pray for our sweet boy and for the best news possible during this stormy weather!

Running partner...

It looks like I have a new running partner. Before my run today Aiden asked if he could run with me.  I told him that I would run halfway with him and Easton in the stroller and then he could run with me for the last half!  This boy doesn't forget anything!  On the way back he jumped out of the stroller and took off...

He turns around to me and says "I'll meet you at the house mommy" HA!  He did great until he saw the ice cream man...he hopped back in the stroller and kept saying "faster mommy faster".  It didn't help that when I got home I realized Aiden had filled the undercarriage of the stroller with broken up concrete blocks from the construction site on our street...apparently he thinks 2 kids in a double jogging stroller isn't enough!