Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Another Father/Son Moment

Alex and Micah have a unique opportunity to make some wonderful memories together. Alex works as a landscaper during the day and because I also work Mon, Tues, and Wed, Alex has a sweet little "partner" who accompanies him to work on a regular basis.

The couple Alex works for has a home in Manchester, MA overlooking the ocean. The atmosphere is very awe inspiring, so just being on the premises is a memory in and of itself. But the time that Alex and Micah spend together as father and son is a special opportunity.

Micah follows him around, attempts to help any way he is able, rides the "gator," eats his packed lunch, and returns home for an afternoon nap in daddy's bed, all while his brothers are at school and not competing for daddy's attention.

It brings a positive spin on the fact that we were unable to find childcare for Micah on these days. I really hope that he will be able to remember these days and look back on them and smile, remembering when he was a little landscaper.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

A Night to Remember

This is one of those stories that I've been intending to record on my blog for the sole purpose of having it in "writing" for Josiah to read and remember one day.

Friday evening around 6:15 Alex calls me from work joyously proclaiming that someone was giving away free Red Sox/Yankees tickets and asked me if he should take them. I, for a single moment, got really excited and asked him which game they were for, Saturday or Sunday. He then announced, "TONIGHT." The game is set to start in 50 minutes, Fenway Park is around 50 minutes away, I'm at home with our three children, and Alex is at work. So how in the world does he think this will work? I sadly told him that it just couldn't work as he's trying to twist my arm to finding a sitter (very last minute I might add, not my idea of fun). He quickly realized it was too much to ask, knowing that it could be midnight before we would get home. Nice idea, would have been a blast, but unfortunately we would have to pass.

I got off the phone with him and within a few short minutes, Josiah, having heard one end of the conversation, asked me what Alex and I were talking about. I explained the situation and he looked at me with great anticipation in his eyes and asked, "Can he take me?" "Now thats not a bad idea", I thought, although I have no way to contact Alex at work to mention this great idea to him. Shortly after, Alex, having the same great idea, calls and tells me to get Josiah ready...he's got the tickets and will take Josiah with him. Josiah was thrilled, to say the least.

They didn't get there until 8:30, but because of a rain delay, the game was just starting. And little did I know (because I fell asleep on the couch) there would be another 30 minute rain delay in the 5th inning. I wake up at 1:00am and they are not home. I hurry to the phone and when I reach him, shortly after 1:00, he informs me that the subway stopped running at 12:30 and he and Josiah, along with about a hundred others were stuck, with no way to get to their cars. He decides to get $100 out of the ATM to pay for a cab, which didn't at all thrill me, but it sure was a heck of alot better than my getting Jacob and Micah out of bed in the middle of the night to drive to Boston to rescue them. The cab ended up only costing $30 and being blessed with FREE Red Sox/Yankees tickets, we were still way ahead of the game, financially speaking. They arrived home at close to 2:30am, but I think they would both agree it was all well worth it.

The biggest thrill of the night came after the 30 minute 5th inning rain delay. Most people left the ballpark at that time due to fact that the Yankees were beating us pretty badly because, having already clinched a play-off spot and knowing the Yankees had no chance of getting there (I just had to throw that in), we were playing many of our bench players. But because Alex and Josiah endured the rain delay, for the last 4 innings, they got to sit right behind the Red Sox on-deck circle and see everyone up close and personal. They even had quite a few TV appearances. It was quite a night! Yes, I'm a little jealous because I actually never made it to a game this year, but I think Josiah has some great memories to carry with him for a long time.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

I'll Say a Little Prayer For You....

Bedtime in the Aaron household is probably not much different from your home...bath/shower, read a book, brush teeth, get tucked into bed, and then a prayer. Leading up to the prayer I usually say something like, "ok, guys let's pray now"... not a very exciting, spiritual, or memorable intro. Micah hasn't seemed to really get into it as he continues to play with the toys he has quietly assembled to join him in his bed. Well, when Grandma Rushing was here visiting, Micah developed a change of heart. My mom tucked the boys into bed one evening, and she said, "Let's talk to Jesus." Micah looked at her like she was from another planet and answered, "huh???"

I'm not sure exactly how the conversation transpired after that, but I do know ever since then Micah, who was always so indifferent to our nighttime "prayer," reminds me every night that we need to talk to Jesus. My mom's suggestion that evening really personalized it for him. When its his turn to pray, he often repeats much of my prayer, adds in a little something about dinosaurs and Pirates of the Carribean, and ends with "the end." And after reminding Josiah that its his turn and trying so desperately to get Jacob to join in, he then "allows" me to leave the room, but only because he's had about 14 kisses and we have talked to Jesus.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Need a Little Encouragement

Ok, so far I have lost 8.5 lbs 5 weeks into my journey towards that bikini bod. Pretty good, I guess. I'm in the lead (among the women) at work, so I'm on the right track. But Wednesday night I baked a batch of cookies and they were all gone by noon the next day. OUCH! ...talk about feeling like crap. I felt as if I gained all my weight back in one day even though I know that's not possible. I woke up this morning having to make a decision whether or not to throw in the towel just for the weekend, but that would have been dangerous because it probably wouldn't have ended at the weekend. Once I "cheat" like that its almost as if I immediately feel like I've failed. But, I'm proud to say that I made the right decision and started fresh this morning, getting back on track, but I could still use a "you can do it" or "I'm supporting you" or "you're doing a great job." Sound a little needy? Oh, well. I just really want to succeed this time.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Happy Birthday, Josiah! (5 days late)

I have the following picture as my wallpaper on my computer screen, mainly because I think its so stinkin cute. But after seeing this picture day after day, I began to notice something about it.


Its my three beautiful red-headed boys, two of whom still need alot of assistance and direction in day to day life. I noticed that Josiah, in the middle, is walking confidently with shoulders held high, holding each of his brothers by the hand. He is grasping Micah's hand, or wrist, firmly, as if he knows that is what Micah needs to keep him from running into the parking lot. He is holding Jacob's hand gently and tenderly showing compassion for his brother who needs his help even though he is older. Maybe I am over analyzing this photo, but I really feel like it gives such a clear "picture" of who Josiah is. He is a loving, compassionate, loyal, and proctective brother who wants to teach them everything he knows. I love you, Josiah, for just being who you are. Your brothers are so lucky to have you in their life. Happy 7th birthday.

Monday, September 8, 2008

Out of the Mouths of Babes

Last night I asked Josiah who he wanted to become president. He knows the names of both candidates, but Alex and I haven't talked too much with him about political issues. His answer was, "Which one is the one who wouldn't tell secrets about his friends?" (referring to McCain's refusing the opportunity to be released from the POW camp). Alex answered John McCain. Josiah then stated matter of factly, "Him, then. I want him." He then asked Alex and I who we "liked better" and we both answered McCain. Josiah looked somewhat confused as he asked, "Then why is Barak Obama always on the stage on TV?" I thought this was quite insightful especially coming from a 7 year old. Take what you will....:)

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Watch Your Mouth

We were all five sitting at the table having dinner the other night when something, I can't remember what, caused the word "crap" to come out of Alex's mouth. Micah looked at him with a confused look on his face and said, "crap, Daddy?" Alex apologized to the kids for using the word and then got softly scolded by Josiah who said, "Daddy, you really need to watch what you say in front of the little one" (referring to Micah). After all, Josiah DID start 1st grade today.

Alex's little blunder isn't quite as bad as the word that flies out of my mouth sometimes. After hearing Micah (who is only 2) searching all over his room the other day for his "freakin pillow," I have decided to put forth much more effort in taming my tongue.