Mr. Magnanimous

Dearest Squeedle Bettle,

As I went to write this post I was thinking of the many interactions I should share of you. Since this gets to act as your baby book, our time capsule of memories, it is important to me that you get a glimpse of your childhood in different ways. So as I started to reflect on all the posts I've done, of all the experiences you and I keep, today one thing in particular stood out to me that I think you should know - you child, are magnanimous.

I know I have shared your many antics. The ways in which you interpret and work with this world. But I have to note that the ability you have to captivate people is so very interesting to watch, and believe me, I get a lot of opportunities. I cannot go places without you drawing attention to your awesome self. Movie theatres filled with people laugh at your genuine commentary. Kids at playgrounds, restaurants, the zoo - can't not play with you. And taking you places like the store... don't get me started on the number of conversations you have gotten me caught up in with others because of your wit. The world is ever your audience and I have the best seat in the house.

Perhaps what is best about this trait is how well you use it. You are kind in your interactions with others. You give compliments in the most genuine of ways, and watching the joy it brings as you catch others off guard with it, is lovely. You are engaging with people in conversation. And the excitement that you bring when you truly love something is infectious.

This trait of yours makes me so excited for you. What will your world be like as you navigate your way through it with this quality? How will you use it? We get a glimpse sometimes at possibilities. At seven you dream of a life that includes animal activism for a job. You are not okay with seeing a homeless person on the street, and are quick to ask how we can help. You give your own earned money without question to charity boxes. And watching you take things in and ask questions that draw attention - we see big things for you. But better yet, you see big things for you. I can't wait to see where it all takes you. =0)

- Mommy

A Summer of Sunshine

Sweet boy of mine,
As another adventurous summer has come to an end, and you are now very much a (gulp!) second grader, there are so many snippets I pray you remember. Night drives and sitting on the dam to look at city lights and sunsets with me, bike rides and Lego building with your dad, grandpa the giggle monster, those rare moments of just grandma time you both love, and asking everyone you know to be a platypus in your entertaining and imaginative games. J.M Barrie, author of Peter Pan, once wrote “People who bring sunshine into the lives of others, cannot keep it from themselves.”  And never has a quote rang more true for anyone, than this of you.

SEVEN!

It might be a couple days early, but as time is moving ever so quickly, my fit of nostalgia is ready to celebrate as I write post 101 (wowza!) about how amazing you are. So here we go... get  ready for a sappy, mushy, can't wrap my head around the fact that you are turning seven, mommy rant. =0)

These, my sweet boy, are captured moments in time. I know I have often told you of what kind of baby you were - happy, joyous, hilarious, and way too much fun. The best part is that while you seem so much older, and are so much wiser, you are such the same.  That tender heart that cares for all, that Peter Griffin laugh when you're trying to be sneaky, and your uncanny ability to make me laugh - you are you, and I am grateful.

 

So here are some things that I want captured of you, Aiden, at seven:

• You are confident in your abilities to do and master things. Swimming? You got it. Diving into the deep end? Didn't phase you a bit. Riding a bike? You're golden. Keep that determination and confidence kid - it will take you far.
• You are crazy! I don't think we have a bed time where you don't try to sneak out of your room at least once for a "surprise hug!" - it's heart melting. You push the limits often. While I know that you are all boy, I do pray that your guardian angel is as fast on his wings as you are on your feet.
• You are loving. I hear how you adore babies constantly. There are days you can't have enough snuggles. And there are moments that you are overwhelmed with the urge to help those in need - you couldn't make me more proud of you.
• You are coming into your own. Argumentative? You betcha. Stubborn? Lord help the fact that you got both your dads and my temper. Reasonable? Yes. Thank goodness, yes. Even at your most upset, you can talk about how you feel and listen to how others feel.
• You have the best imagination ever. The best part about this? Watching you create things and exploring your own limits. Every day you create new games, draw new invented dinosaurs, and beg to read just a few more chapters of your books.
• You have conviction that rivals most. You explore your faith, ask for stories of Jesus, and believe without hesitation or fear.
• Oh man are you a riot! Our conversations are the most hilarious moments of my day. Where you come up with stuff I do not know. But your one liner responses crack me up. Your ability to keep everyone smiling is truly a gift.

 

I am blessed beyond measure to get to share this world with you kid. Happy birthday Squeedle Beetle! 



This summer...

 Aiden has mastered two wheels...

 

Is attempting to master a new set of wheels...

Has enjoyed MANY trips to our Natural History museum (have I mentioned enough times that it's our second home?)...

 

 

Enjoyed our annual trek with Scott, Sam, and Justin -this time in Taos. Hours of pool swimming (another thing he has mastered), water fights, river swimming, tadpole catching, fireworks watching, and smores eating.  How lucky can a gal be to not only get these guys in my world, but that he does too? :)

I'd say so far we've had a pretty successful go at this summer break.

Oh my Squeedle Bettle, I do love you so.

Why Aiden might just be the coolest kid ever...

I'm biased. But just to prove my point,  here is my current top ten reasons/examples why Aiden might just be the coolest kid ever...

1. You beg to put on a costume just about every single day. It is often we end up at the grocery store with you as a superhero. And guess what? Your public loves you... well at least the little, old ladies that think it's the cutest thing ever. And since your so modest, you make sure to kindly tell them it's just a costume. ;)

2. In the peak of my frustration at the grocery store last week I uttered the words "I literally told you one minute ago to stop running around like a crazy person." You asked me to define "literally."

3. Oh to be uninhibited! Seriously kid... just because we walked in the front door doesn't mean it's time to take off your pants. But it is quite hilarious that this is always the first debate we have to have when we come home.

4. You have the kindest heart I've ever seen. You make sure to mention at least once a week how you  "adore babies."

5. I'm pretty sure you're going to become the next Indiana Jones.

6. Your goals for yourself are higher than most adults. Last week you told me you were going to become a Paleontologist who designs computer systems to help find more bones.

7. You love your momma. When you came up with the aforementioned job, you told me you'd of course fly me around the world with you to see the dinosaur bones.

8. You have the sweetest, most faithful, Jesus loving heart. It makes me proud.

9. You feel deeper than most. I can't tell you how many times you have talked to someone who looked down, helped a kid up off the ground who fell, or prayed for kids and adults who are down and out.

10. You love my silly car games. Every day we mix animals to come up with new names. Your current favorite is mixing a snake with an elephant to make a snelefant. You laughed so hard you couldn't breathe.

Lately...

though we find ourselves rushing from baseball game to baseball game...

and are working hard to finish up the school year, whilst practicing some very important skills (yes with some Ironman and Bumblebee pizazz!)...

 

 

 

 

we are managing to de-stress by having epic battles of all sorts (Nerf gun, Lightsaber, "The Force," etc.) in our limited, free time.

We're also making sure to soak up precious baby cousin time, while she's still a baby.

And are certainly reveling in the few moments of free-time we have, while anxiously awaiting our coveted summer vacation.

 

Oh summer break - we are ever so ready for ya!

From the mouths of babes...

In case you needed a reminder of how absolutely hysterical our day to day is.

Conversation 1:
Aiden: Guess what? I made a new friend today!
Me: That's awesome!
Aiden: Yea! And do you remember how last year there was that girl Ayden in my class?
Me: Yes...
Aiden: Well that was my new friends girlfriend. But guess what? She got scratched and people blamed it on my friend - even though it wasn't! So now shes not his girlfriend anymore. He explained it all to me.

Conversation 2:
Aiden: When I grow up I'm going to create a sock measure.
Me: What will it do?
Aiden: It will measure people in socks. All the way up to the moon even!
Me: Can you explain to me why people will want to use this instead of tape measures?
Aiden: Well mommy, do you know how many socks high you are?

- You can't argue with this logic.

Conversation 3: Took place as he was snuggling into bed and still playing...
Aiden: Hurry hide!
Me: Oh no - from what?
Aiden: The evil spirits!
Me: Where did they come from?
Aiden: Baby Dave belongs to the evil spirits. He is theirs.
Me: Ummmmm......

Conversation 4:
Aiden: You know one day my nipples are going to get bigger. And purpler!


And if that wasn't enough fun - here is Aiden meditating at dinner...

 

 

Still at it...

Oh Aiden-dude... you truly are quite wonderful. Love you kiddo!

The Lessons We Learn

Aiden: Mommy what did Charlie and the Chocolate Factory teach me?
Me: What?
Aiden: What lesson did I learn?
Nate: What lesson do you think it was suppose to teach  you?
Aiden: I don't know.
Me: Well what happend with all the other children in the chocolate factory?
Aiden: They were bad.
Me: And what happend to Charlie?
Aiden: He was good, so he gets the chocolate factory.
Me: So what does that teach you?
Aiden: When you are good, you earn things.

(By the way, he is currently editing this post. True story.)

Snip-its of a six year old

Just a snipit of days with Aiden that need to be remembered. =0)

__________________________________________________________
SNIP-IT # 1
Me: Alright bud we need to get home so I can get ready for a wedding.
Aiden: Who's getting married?
Me: One of mommy's friends from work is going to marry a really nice lady.
Aiden: Oh. Hey mommy?
Me: Yes?
Aiden: Did you know that if your friend had a birthday every day he'd be dead by now. |
Me: Ummm yea I suppose that's true.
Aiden: Yea. It is.
__________________________________________________________
SNIP-IT # 2
Aiden (from the back seat of my car): Staring contest mommy- GO!
Me: Ummm no.

__________________________________________________________
SNIP-IT # 3
Aiden (upon receiving a Valentine's day card with five whole dollars in it): I am gonna give this money to our loose change box at the school for the school that got destroyed by a tornado.

(Yeup... all on his own, without a moments hesitation as to what he wanted to do with it. Can you say proud mama?)

__________________________________________________________
SNIP-IT # 4A few weeks before Christmas, at a restaurant, when a song with jingling bells comes on.

Aiden: OH NO! Is that Santa? My list isn't even ready yet!

_________________________________________________________
SNIP-IT # 5

This year we took the kiddos to the Polar Express in Durango. It was a really exciting experience , except for the fact that there was absolutely NO snow.

Aiden: Mommy? Did we really go to the North Pole?
Me: What do you think little man?
Aiden: Well I think we were supposed to go there in our imaginations...

Today

Today I am loved beyond measure, and have loved beyond limits. Today I have the joy of a toothless mouth (yeup 7 have disappeared). Today I have taught lessons to a child who is anxious to learn more. Today I have a kid who asked for just "one more book" before bedtime. Today I have a kid anxiously awaiting another Friday night Nerf battle. Today I have a kid whose hugs get tighter and tighter because he is growing. Today I have a child whose teacher is frustrated because she thinks he's a higher reader than he is testing and he needs to slow down. Today I have a kiddo whose faith is inspiring. Today, and every other day, I am ever so blessed.

A boy and his peacock

Dear Six Year Old Aiden,
I think you should know that there are times when I find the lessons you have to learn to be unfair. That growing up is sometimes much to hard, and big a task, for such a little guy. Times that I wish instead of us meeting head to head, that we could just always enjoy those moments of silly stories and laughter. But alas, that is not always the case. And as you get older, and stronger, and smarter, and even better than you already were (which is no small feat as you are already amazing), the lessons you learn will naturally get harder. The realist in me knows this is true. And I know that life lessons, as hard as they may be, are ones that are vital in you growing up to be a man. And mind you, not just any man, a good man. These lessons are things that will make you grow in ways you never knew you could, or even wanted to sometimes.

And so tonight, as I sit here writing, ever so glad that Christmas music and just "one more snuggle" has lulled you off to sleep, I am going to write about just a boy and his peacock...

You entertain me. I don't know if I convey that enough to you sometimes, but you should know it is constantly on my mind. The things you choose to love and want are nothing short of baffling sometimes. And not in a bad way. Your Christmas list this year included a frog. Yes, a real one. For the first time ever you sat on Santa's lap, just so you could tell him this. Before this moment you refused to "sit on a strangers lap." My goodness how you make me laugh. That awesome, crazy head of yours is truly something special kid.

So in our typical Christmas tradition we both made ornaments this year, and bought ornaments. Our shopping adventure took us all over, but we landed at a store that held an item of fascination to you - a  peacock to display on a tree. Oh how you were overjoyed at this idea, even though I continued to make you look.  And you were happy with the thought of this gold bird that would serve as your ornament for the year, that is until the red peacock was discovered...

To say this thing was large would be a vast understatement. To say is was sparkly, wouldn't do it justice. Oh this thing is extravagant in a really special way.

Eventually we discussed our ornaments for the year and you did not decide on either of these, but rather on a very cute snow owl - whom you promptly named "Snowy Legend Power." However as the weeks passed, you realized your love for the peacock was so great. So great in fact, you dreamed of it, and literally shed tears in your dreams for this bird.

 

Oh how my heart softened, and finally I caved. I purchased the yellow bird, as that is what you had told me you wanted when I asked. And when you finally got your long awaited bird your disappointment that this bird was not the fantastic bird you remembered, but that you had actually meant to ask for the red one, was disheartening. As was the aftermath of the fit you threw, and the hard lesson you had to learn about what it means to be grateful, as I made you return the bird, not to receive another.

 

There are very few times I feel I have had to teach such a hard lesson. Frankly, you seem to know more about life then most adults I know do. So this lesson in humility and gratefulness was hard, even for me, to swallow. My fears that this will forever remain in your brain as an awful memory hurt. That this silly bird would somehow outweigh all the good things we constantly have worried me. However, my fear that you are a person who feels entitled and ungrateful over-ruled all else. That is not the kind of person you are, nor is it the kind I am willing to let you be. You are far to excellent to be anything but the best you. Aiden Matthew, I am so honored to get to be your mother. So while I know tonight you have lamented the loss of your peacock, I hope the lesson stays. That you know I love you so much, that even now, at six, I am looking out for who you will become, as much as I am looking out for you right now. And that I will ensure you will always understand how to treat others, as I want you treated that greatly.  I think you know this. And I love you ever so much.

 

                                                            -Mommy

Never a dull moment...

In case you needed a little laugh...

*Today Aiden had to get some blood drawn (to re-test for his egg white allergy). Though the experience wasn't his favorite, afterwards he decided to let me in on what he thought was going to happen next to his blood. Apparently what happens when they test a possible egg allergy is they place the blood (under the microscope) next to egg. If the blood runs away from the egg than he is allergic. If he is not allergic, then his blood will eat it. Epic.

*"When I'm a check I'll charge $1 for these little pizzas and $8 for a glass of milk!"

*Our dinner conversation one night:
Aiden: Imagine if we were red-billed tropicbirds eating dinner - these noodles would be fish and squids that you gathered form the surface waters for me.
Me: =O

In case you needed a reason to be reassured in the power of love...

*Driving in the car a few months ago Aiden was asking about his Auntie B. He wanted me to remind him if she was married, when I told him she had a boyfriend his reply was such:
Aiden: Hey maybe they will get married soon!
Me: Yes, that would be so neat!
Aiden: But how will they do that?
Me: What do you mean?
Aiden: How do you get married?
Me: Well first the man has to ask the woman and she has to decide if it is what she wants to do.
Aiden: *Sigh. Oh my heart will be so nervous when I ask Lexi to marry me, even though I know she will say yes...

And some late, though unforgettable, conversations from our three getaways in the month of July...

*Vacation one: Portales - on the way home Aiden asked when we'd get back to America. After we told him we've been in America, and actually Portales was still part of New Mexico, he declared "I just know we were in South America!"

*Vacation two: Bottomless Lakes camping trip - while packing for our trip I was making sure I packed bug spray, because mosquitoes LOVE me. Aiden declared "Yeah well mosquitoes hate me because my blood tastes like hero."

*Vacation three: California adventure - on the way to Legoland and our amazing resort hotel (thanks mom and dad!) Aiden asked us: "Is this hotel, like the hotel in my dreams?" Oh how we laughed. When we asked what the one in his dreams was like he gave a very interesting and oddly detailed description of the pool...

Oh my dear Aiden, there is just something about you.

Aiden talking to Delia

Voting day!



He voted! ;)

He has built Perry the Platypus

Learning how the world really works

These last few weeks have held a few revelations for little dude, that I just had to share. Enjoy!

Me: Aiden Matthew you need to watch how you say things to people, because that sounded rude.
Aiden: MOM - You KNOW that I can't control what I say, because God controls everything we all say.
Me: Ummmm no. Let's have a chat about something called "Free Will"...
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Aiden: I love chicken nuggets!
Me: I know, but let's have chicken tenders, because they are at least made of real chicken.
Aiden: What are chicken nuggets made of?
Me: Various chicken parts. It's yucky, trust me.
Aiden: But chicken strips have real chicken?
Me: Yes.
Aiden: So do other things have real things if they are, like, strips?
Me: Ummm, like what?
Aiden: So that means buffalo tenders are real buffalo!!!

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While watching the Broadway musical The Lion King

**Mufasa has just died
Me: You ok bubs?
Aiden: Yeah, don't worry, I know that man isn't really dead.

**Simba and Nara rediscover each other
Aiden: AWE - I know they're in love because they're dancing.


Thanks Aiden, for making all of your life learning experiences so entertaining and sweet. :)

Why Jesus so loved children...

Last nights dinner conversation was spent around whether or not Aiden wanted to start catechism classes. When I told him that they were a place where kids his age would learn about God, the Bible, and Jesus' life, his excitement was beyond comparison. And then I got a little glimpse into why Jesus so loved children...

Aiden: "Jesus is a hero. Not like a policeman or fireman, like a real superhero. He's like the best superhero ever! Yeah because Jesus saved EVERYONE from their sins. That is so awesome!  He saved all of us!"

That strong faith. That enthusiasm and truth. That not needing anything more than what you already know.

So loved is he.
So loved are we.

I thank God for moments like these...

It's the end of the day and although I put Aiden to bed over an hour ago - HE'S STILL UP. Not just awake, but coming back and forth into the living room to ask me another question, request another hug (awe), tell me another antic, suggest an alternative to bed time, ask for a toy he knows he can't have, etc., etc., ETC!

The music on his CD player has cycled twice. I have missed my work out. I have grading to do, emails to return, tests to write, dishes to do, laundry to put away, and as I feel I am reaching a point of frustration I needed to be able to work out on my elliptical after my long day, I hear a different tune. To be specific it's a melody:

Who's to say
What's impossible
Well they forgot
This world keeps spinning
And with each new day
I can feel a change in everything
And as the surface breaks reflections fade
But in some ways they remain the same
And as my mind begins to spread its wings
There's no stopping curiosity

                                   -Jack Johnson, Upside Down

Aiden has changed the CD he is listening to and it's not just that Jack Johnson's Curious George soundtrack is actually awesome (and it really is), it's that those songs send me back to a moment:

 I'm sitting with rain patting on a window (a typical Seattle fall evening) with the sweetest little baby in my arms. I'm on a rocking chair my parents wanted me to have as a mother. I'm gently caressing the top of Aiden's head and ever-so-softly singing along. I know the words, they are the same words I hold and rock him to every night. And as these words fall into the sounds of my now six year olds room I am not frustrated. I am no longer concerned about the things I HAVE to do. I sit beside him on his bed and gently caress the top of his head. I listen to him sing along with me so softly until the yawns become more frequent, until it is only ol' Jack and me once again holding that lullaby for Aiden. It is here that I thank God for moments like these. For moments that take me back, for moments that make me realize what matters, and for moments like these that I know have become less frequent as he gets older. I am thankful.

And then he chose red...

And so the young grasshopper becomes the Uno Master...

 

(That's the last time I let him have Ruffy Puppy on his team.)

How lucky am I?

*Bed time rolls around and as Aiden and I read The Fantastic Mr. Fox once again he snuggles up and puts his cheek next to mine as I read for just a tiny, snuggly moment.
*Saturday mornings roll around and instead of taking the chance to sleep in, I wake up to a kid (not so secretly, or quietly, but ever so sweetly) climbing into my bed to kiss me on the cheek, because he believes that's how you wake up a mama (before you beg for your Saturday morning pancakes).
* The who loves who more debate.
*The kid who asks for broccoli with every meal.
*Hearing how a little heart loves you differently, because you're his mama.
*Those precious giggles at bedtime in that last attempt to not have to go to sleep after he has begged for one more chapter.
*Listening to him talk about his made up game of Super Hero Quest and all the awesome things that go along with it.
*Watching him learn sympathy for those less fortunate than him.
*Watching him finally get across the monkey bars by himself - reaching his first ever real, I'm not going to stop trying till I get it, goal.
*Having him be okay after the first fall off of the play ground equipment he has mastered.
*Hearing how many people he means so much to, and yet getting to be the hand he grabs a hold of when he's nervous for a first day of first grade.
So many little snippets of how lucky I am.

Just another reason Aiden rules...

This was Aiden on his sixth birthday: smiley, happy, and generally in a good mood, oh yeah and sick with strep throat.

As is generally the case with my awesome little man, he acted like his normal self. He did not once complain about feeling yucky. I, in fact, hadn't even taken him to the doctor because he was filling ill. We luckily (and somewhat ironically) had a well child visit scheduled for him the day before his birthday.  So despite the fact that he was confined to the house on his birthday, he was happy, he was playful, and most of all, he was super excited to be six.

And once today came around, well I'd say he was really back to his normal self...

which is just totally awesome (and yes that's him with a bumblebee transformers mask, and a pirate sword).