Aragon Adventures

Ava's 1st Birthday Party!!

2010-11-08T10:49:00.005-07:00

Happy 1st Birthday party!!!

She got these fabulous shoes from her Aunti Tisha and they light up! They are great!

She wasn't very happy to take pictures by her cupcakes. But we got a few photos before the party started.

CANDY, CUPCAKES,

PRESENTS

A $100 DOLLAR BILL

WHAT MORE DOES A 1 YEAR OLD NEED?

Stripped and ready for some cake!!

"Oh what is outside in my cute tights and shoes?"

A cute stuffed animal to cuddle with!

Brother is helping blow out the candles. She wasn't real sure about it. I thought for sure she would stick her hand in it but she didn't.
I was told that the cupcake wasn't messy enough because she didn't get it all over. She sure did like it though. She is my sweet girl, loving anything with sugar.
We had a great time and thanks to everyone who has been a part of Ava's life the last year. She is truly blessed to have so many wonderful people loving her and SPOILING her.

Ava is 1!!!

2010-11-08T10:19:00.003-07:00

Ava turned 1 on September 29th! And thanks to my wonderful sister-in-law, Becky who is the best photographer, we got some great pictures of the little Boogs and her brother and sister.

Becky and I also made the Tutu's the girls are wearing because EVERY little girl needs a TUTU!!

She loves to play with anything that really isn't a toy. And sunglasses are one of her favorites! She is truly already a Diva!!
My little Ava I love you so much and you bring so much joy to all of us. I am so happy to have you with us and you make us laugh everyday!!!
Happy 1st Birhday!

News

2010-10-15T15:03:00.002-06:00

Hello everyone out there! I have not forgotten how to blog and I have missed it BUT I have had a lot going on. I am sad I have not been able to post Ava's one year pictures or her first birthday pictures. Hopefully soon I can get to that. You see we are in a bit of a transition in our household and it has not been a smooth one. We sold our house about 6 weeks ago and were suppose to close on Oct. 7th. However all of that did not happen. So we are currently homeless and living with friends and family. But we are praying very hard that things will be resolved in the next week or so and we will have a home again. We really believe with all our heart that the house we are planning on moving into is where God wants us and that we are in God's will. I am also very convinced that someday I will be able to tell you all what we have learned in this process. :) Besides patience. But anyway....I will try to post some pictures has soon as I can get back online on my computer and as soon as life slows down a bit or I have an extra minute. I will leave you with this: God is so good all the time!!!

11 Months Old!

2010-09-07T09:33:00.004-06:00

Look who is 11 Months! We will be celebrating with a BIG party very soon!

Ava loves to watch Arlee sing and clap, and she tries to join in on the fun too.

"Mom I don't want you to take my picture I want to hold the camera. And put it in my mouth."

Oh but I am a sweety when I want to be.

"Here I come to get the camera" She is a crack up!!

She loves this dog. I think it was Arlee's and one day she found it in her room and just loves to squeeze it. She loves this and her blanket. I think I have another girl who LOVES her blankie. They take after their mommy.

Baptism

2010-08-16T07:40:00.003-06:00

On Sun., Aug. 15th marked a very big spiritual step for my kids. Caden and Arlee were both baptized. It was an amazing experience, not only for them but for me as their mom. We had been talking about it for awhile and they had asked when they could do it. Paul and I really felt like they need to be a bit older so they could understand what it all meant and why we do it. We just told them in a couple years. Well those couple of years came. The church was getting ready to do some and they both expressed that they wanted to do it. We really feel like God has His hand on our kids and we look forward to all the amazing things that God has in store for them as they open their lives fully to Him. Praise God for the big things and little things in our lives. He has promised so much to me and my family and we are clinging to Him in everything. I think this just shows even more that God has put us in the right place, at the right time, with the right people. We already LOVE Restoration Church and feel like we have been there for years. I really think that my kids are learning so much about God and really growing in Him. I praise God for that. This was a great day to celebrate new live and new beginnings for the Aragon Family.

SAD!

2010-08-14T12:12:00.002-06:00

As you all know we are trying to get our house ready to sale so we can find a house in Fountain and move there. Well today it kinda hit me that I am having to get rid of my BEAUTIFUL dream home. Okay as close to a dream home that we will have. BUT...I love my house. You see I had always dreamed of having a craft room all to myself. One that when I want to craft, scrapbook, read in or throw misc. things in and close the door for no one to see, I could. Well it was a work in progress but I still loved my little craft room/office/junk room. (oh my little Arlee loved it too) And today we took all apart and put all my "crafting" items in the storage, brought in a desk and put the book shelves in the right spot. It now looks like an official office. "It has a purpose" - quote from Paul with all of his HGTV knowledge. However, I am SAD! I had a hard time doing it and I cried. In fact as I blog here right now I am about in tears. You see this is really meaning that we are moving. I knew it was coming and I know without a doubt that this is what God had called us to do, but I am SAD!!

It just really hit me today that I will no longer live here. Funny how time flies by and your perspective changes so much. If you would have asked me 8 years ago about moving to Pueblo, I would have been soooooo against it and thinking the worst about it. My kids have grown up here the last 7-8 years and that holds a lot of memories. This house is the only house that Arlee will remember. Ava won't remember it all!! It is just a house, but it has been HOME for so many years. I know this will be a hard move in the sense of emotions for me. However, I am very thankful that God did not move us to another state or across the country or even across the state. That makes things a little bit easier.

So I had to write today of my sadness. I don't want to end on sadness and so I am going to write what I want to PRAISE the Lord for today:
Praise the Lord for waking me up to a spunky little girl opening cabinets and trying to drink her dad's mouthwash.
Praise the Lord for the shelter, food, clothes and family and friends I have today!!!
Have a blessed day everyone!!

My Daybook!

2010-08-11T07:25:00.003-06:00

FOR TODAY
Outside my window...The sun is shining bright and it is going to be a HOT one today!

I am thinking...About nothing really! It's too early!

I am thankful for...for my family, my house and all the provisions God gives even when we are a little discouraged.

From the kitchen...Not much coming out of the kitchen this month, I'm trying to lose some weight and I would love a piece of Chocolate Cake!

I am wearing...My cute purple pajamas

I am creating...NOTHING!! Although I need to get my act together and start scrapbooking before I am so far behind it is too overwhelming.

I am going...to Springs today to play with some friends from church at the America the Beautiful park. It should be a great day for a picnic and getting wet.

I am reading..."The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls (it is a very sad but insightful memoir) and I am trying to read through the Bible. I'm on Deuteronomy.

I am hoping...to lose 25 pounds!

I am hearing...the pitter patter of little feet across my hardwood floors. Ava is everywhere.

Around the house...the kids are just getting up. My niece Katey spent the night and she was up EARLY, dressed, teeth brushed and ready to go. She finally got to wake up Arlee and so she is happy now.

One of my favorite things...sitting in bed at the end of the day with a book!!

A few plans for the rest of the week: The kids get to go to a water park with their Nana tomorrow and then we are just hanging out at home getting ready for the first day of school next week. A pretty mellow weekend, and that is great.

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Ava's 10 Months

2010-08-06T08:01:00.002-06:00

My little Blue eyed baby is 10 months old! Can you believe it? I can't. She is so much fun and so much work all in the same breath. But I am truly enjoying her. She is walking all around. The only problem with that is that she can't get herself up to do it. So she will fall and then fuss until someone comes and helps her up. And of course she has a lot of "helpers". But we are working on all of that. I just love to watch her discover things and laugh at Caden and Arlee and pick on Titus. It is too funny and I know I laugh when I should be telling her no. Something I will have to work on. :)

9 Months Old

2010-07-13T07:52:00.004-06:00

I'm a little behind in posting these pictures, BUT here she is at 9 months!! She wants to walk so bad but still a little scared at times. She will take steps all by herself but not all the time. She is a really starting to get a personality. This is always my favorite because she is becoming her own little person. We love her soooo much and have enjoyed everything about her (ok maybe not everything, like the fussing!) :)

My Daybook!

2010-06-22T13:10:00.004-06:00

Dad and Ava! I thought this was way cute! My picture for thought I wanted to share!!

Daybook--June 22, 2010
Outside my window...the sun is shining bright, and it is HOT!!

I am thinking...about a lot of things. Like...I wish I could blog more, my boys guitar needs to be tuned, I have a lot to do for the weekend of camping......

I am thankful for...chocolate. I have been craving chocolate a lot lately. And a good brownie and yummy double chocolate chip cookie has hit the spot. I am also thankful that God is merciful and knows my failures.

From the kitchen...Last night I made one of my favorite salads, thanks to my buddy Melissa. A Chicken Taco Salad. I'm pretty sure I could eat multiple bowls of this at one sitting. The other thing that has been in my kitchen this week is a pepper (green, red, and yellow), cucumber, onion, tomatoe, balsamic dressing, and feta cheese salad. Love that one!! Strange coming from a girl who use to hate veggies.

I am wearing...some comfy gray capris, and a t-shirt. I love comfy clothes.

I am creating...I have been working on my digital scrapbooking program the last few nights and building my selection of items to use on the pages. It is exciting, I just hope I actually create a page soon.

I am going...to hopefully sit down and read my book today.

I am reading...The Twilight Book :Eclipse. I have already read this but am reading it again because my book club wants to go see it on opening night. Which I am not going to go b/c they are going at midnight and it is best for all those around me if I don't do that to myself. :)

I am hoping...to go to Target and Hobby Lobby today. I know that is a crazy hope but I sure would like a new pair of shorts. :)

I am hearing...Caden mess around on his guitar and Arlee read books to her sister in between playing the piano.

Around the house...I need to start going through EVERYTHING!!! In order to put our house up for sale I need to get busy, but of course the motivation is a problem for me.

One of my favorite things...Is when my kids make me giggle. Sometimes they say or do the funniest things. I also LOVE to hear Ava giggle.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Going to go to a park with some great ladies from church and get to know them more. I can't wait for that. I am also going to meet up with my Bible Study ladies whom I have missed a lot. Get a hair cut and go Camping!!!

This idea was taken from http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

8 Months Old

2010-06-14T20:02:00.002-06:00

My little Ava Grace is 8 Months old. I am pretty sure time just is gone in a blink. I can't believe all she is doing. She wants to walk so bad, she is standing at the couch and the tables. She is sitting all by herself and eating some table food all by herself. She is also very vocal. She likes to hear herself talk a lot. Her and Arlee will be a great team when she gets bigger. I am sure they will sing together one day. Mom give me that camera!!

New Things coming our way!

2010-05-27T13:41:00.003-06:00

So....after months of prayer, trusting, patience, and believing the best is coming, it came!!!! Paul got hired on as the Senior Pastor at Restoration Church in Fountain, CO. We are sooooo excited and really feel like this is where God wants us. It has been a journey and not an easy one. About 2 years ago, Paul really felt like it was time to go back into full time ministry. Where? We had no idea. We began to pray and seek God and see what would happen. A couple different opportunities came along but after really praying about those it just wasn't the right fit. Then back in Aug. we heard that the pastor of Restoration had resigned and moved. At the very first news of this we knew we should apply. I say we b/c it is kind of a partner thing, although he will do most of the work. :) So Paul applied in Nov. and 7 months later he made it through to the top of 250 applicants. Can you believe it? 250 people applied for this position and God saw from the beginning that we would be that one!!!! Amazing how our God works, and that is just the beginning of my amazement. Our God is awesome and the last 7 months he has worked on me and pulled at me in all directions.

God has taught me patience when I had none. Trust when I wanted to run. Love when I felt alone. Believing when I felt no hope. Laughter when I wanted to cry. And an abundance amount of Faith he has instilled in me. I wouldn't even know where to begin to explain to you all He has done for my family the past couple of years. Through our hardships and disappoinments He has shown up, holding my hand, and loving on me. Rocking me in His arms and telling me it will all be ok. And today I wanted to reflect on that and share on my blog all the amazing things He has done for me and Paul. I love the Lord My God with all My heart, soul, and mind. All praise to Him. I am looking forward to so much more that He will do in my heart, my mind and my family as I rely fully on Him.

Accomplishments

2010-05-26T09:32:00.001-06:00

This week has been a week of Accomplishments. In many ways, but let me start with the kids!!
Arlee graduated from Kindergarten! It was a very special day and she was so excited to be moving onto 1st grade!!

Arlee with her Kindergarten Diploma!!

We also had awards this week and Arlee got the award for "Personal Best". This award was only given to one child out of her class and she got it. She is an awesome student!!

Caden looks a little crazy here but he also got an award. He got the "Presidental Fitness Award". Only 5 student out of the whole school got this award and he was ONE of them. Way to go!!! I am so proud of my kids and all their accomplishments. They are such good students, even when they fight me and tell me they don't want to go to school, they are bright, smart, creative, athletic, and I love them to pieces.

Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T19:23:00.002-06:00

Today is Mother's Day! When it comes around to this day I often think of my mom, my mother-in-law, my grandma's and a whole bunch of special mom's in my life. And that would be a super long list. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I am a mom and that it is my day too. Not to be selfish at all, but in the midst of it all I feel like I need to make sure everyone else is covered. Well, today was a great one. I was celebrated by kiddos in their own special way. Each one of them made a card at school and they both touched me in a way I can't even explain, they also made me laugh a lot. Here is a part of what Arlee put on hers:

(she had to answer questions about me and her teacher wrote them down)

My mom is special because She helps me clean my room.
I know my mom is mad when her face crinkles up.
I know she is happy when she smiles.

I have to say those are pretty darn cute and hilarious. I didn't know I crinkle up my face when I am mad, but good to know.
Now here is Cadens Oh and his was filled with flower coupons.

My mom is as sweet as All the candy we ate at the movies.
My mom is as beautiful as a beautiful butterfly.
I love my mom because she helps me, loves me, and takes care of me.

My sweet boy!!!

So another highlight of my day was waking up. I was just waking up and Paul was changing Ava and he brought her to me and just said "Happy Mother's Day, Ava tell mommy Happy Mother's day" And she gave me a HUGE SMILE!!!! Couldn't be any sweeter than my brand new baby waking me up and wanting to be with me on Mother's day. I truly love being a mom and truly love my kids. Even if there are days where I am frustrated and upset, or just had a baby poop on me, the good days out weigh all the bad ones. I LOVE BEING A MOM and know with all my heart that this is what God has called me to do at this time.

7 Months Old!!

2010-05-06T12:37:00.002-06:00

OOOOO I would really like to take that off my shirt!

Smile, Fuss, Smile, Fuss, Smile, Fuss!!!

Growing and doing all kinds of fun things. I can sit all by myself, and the other day I pulled myself up to the table in the living room. I am going to be walking soon and following my sister and brother around. Mommy says I need to slow down! But no way I have to keep up with everybody!

6 months and Busy!

2010-04-05T10:24:00.002-06:00

Ava turned 6 Months on March 29th and in her first week of being 6 months she was a busy girl. All kinds of first in her life this week.Sitting up all by herself. She is a big girl. She can sit for a few seconds to a few minutes.

My pretty girl with her pretty blue eyes.

She went to her first concert--MICHAEL BUBLE!!!! It was a great concert and she enjoyed it, she slept through it all. :) At least it is somewhat soothing music.

We went with Kara, Kristen, Kelsey, Aunt Nancy, and Grandma LaLa! It was a blast!

Ava had her FIRST EASTER!!! What cute kids they are!

Ava and Arlee had matching dresses. I never thought I would match my girls if I had two of them, but let me tell you how much fun it is. And Children's Place is the place to go. I know I only have a couple more years to be able to match them and then Arlee will say no way. I better enjoy it while it lasts. Arlee did however get to pick out the dresses so she was very excited about that.

We are in the Land of the Firsts for sure. And these are just a few, many more to come.

My Blue-Eyed Beauty!

2010-03-22T20:37:00.002-06:00

My fabulous sister-in-law, Becky, once again proves she is an awesome photographer. She came and took these pictures of Ava this month and totally captured who she is. She is ALWAYS sticking her tongue out and playing with it (she gets that from her dad and brother). She is a happy little thing. She makes me smile, even when she is fussy she will turn and give me a smile and it will melt my heart.

My Favorite!

2010-03-18T13:21:00.002-06:00

Paul and I went to Caden and Arlee's conference this week and they are both doing super great in school. I am very proud of them both. They were student-led conferences and so I was sittting with Caden and we were filling out a questioneer about him. I had to answer the questions about him and he had to answer the questions also about him. Well one of them was "who is your favorite person" Remember I am answering the question the way I think he would answer it. So of course I thought it was a no brainer, his g-ma. He is pretty tight with G-ma Lala and so I thought for sure it was her. Well he gets done and we are comparing the two to see how well I know him and guess who he put for his favorite person? ME!!!!!! Yes he wrote MOM next to it. I almost cried. I always feel like I am not giving enough to him or there enough for him but he obviously still thinks I am pretty cool. He has always been my little buddy and we have been very tight, but I was afraid it was going away a little bit but after this it showed me that it isn't and I need to continue to give him all i can to help him. A hug, a kiss (even though he would not like it) an encouraging word, a little cuddle time, anything I think he would love it. My sweet boy!!

Ava Grace is 5 Months Old

2010-03-11T15:23:00.002-07:00

Look at ME!!! I am 5 months old and I am writing my first blog. I am doing all kinds of fun things. Fussing is my speciality, but I am also trying to sit up on my own, eating some yucky cereal mom keeps pushing in my mouth (pictures to come of that), talking a lot, drooling, sucking on my hand (my all time favorite), laughing at my sissy and brother, especially when they jump around and move there heads all around, they think I am cracking up at them doing that but I actually am laughing because I know they will get a headache when they are done. :) My mommy always puts me in this onsie with a sticker on it to show you all how old I am, oh and she says it is for the scrapbook too.

Looking at my silly mommy making noises.

That noise was really funny!!

Oh Look at my cute shirt. Next month will be a new color and maybe a different onsie.

Well for now I must go. I am getting sleepy and fussy, and just want to EAT!!!!

Barbies

2010-02-05T15:49:00.003-07:00

BARBIES!!!! I Love my Barbies!! If you know me at all you know this. I collect them and still, at the age of 33 (not yet 34) I still get a Holiday Barbie EVERY year from my mom. And so of course this means that my girls will love them too. Well at least so far Arlee does and I will try my best to get Ava to love them just as much. Arlee asked me to come play with her and so Ava and I made out way downstairs to play Barbies. Ava held her little Kelly doll, trying to put her in her mouth. Not really knowing what to do with her. She will soon learn.
Arlee loves to dress her Barbie and do her hair. What a true girl!!

Oh sweet Barbie holding her baby. What a gerat mother, oh but wait she is in a lounge chair. Where is my lounge chair. And hot pink non the less!!!

This is what I walked downstairs to. A Barbie explosion.

Later on I started to think about playing Barbies and when Arlee asks me to play I sometimes dread it. (yes that sounds horrible but don't tell me you haven't thought it too) I think why it is hard for me to play anymore is

1. I am no longer a little girl with a pretend world. Sad but true.

2. Everything we (me and my friends) use to pretend with our Barbies, we are now living. We wanted a husband and a kid and a dog and a house and beautiful clothes and so on and so on.

And I think I have that now. Maybe not the beautiful clothes but everything else. :) (oh you can't forget that cool bright pink car, I definetly don't have that, unless you call a cool red mini van one.)

3. I don't want to share with my 6 year old some of the stories we would make up.

4. All I do when I play is dress them. That will always remain a favorite.

5. It's hard to have a "Barbie Conversation" with a 6 year old.

But I still love my Barbies. Even if I don't "play" them very well, I will always love them and persuade my girls to love them too.

What we did this weekend!

2010-02-01T20:23:00.002-07:00

This weekend was Arlee's big dancing debut. The week before Arlee's little friend Emily's Mom called me and asked me if Arlee wanted to do this dance/cheer clinic with Emily. They would practice 2 days with the way cool high school girls and then on Friday during Half time at the Pueblo West Cyclones Girls game they would do their dance. Of course my first thought was "YES, she would love to". But I knew my daughter and I knew I better ask her. You see she chickens out on things. Well maybe that is not the right word, she doesn't ever seem to finish the activities we put her in. So..I told Emily's mom that I would talk to her and let her know. WELL GUESS WHO WANTED TO DO IT? YEP she was sooooooo very excited about it. The first night we went to practice she was so giddy and so afraid all in the same breath. I just chuckled because I remember trying something new and feeling nervous but soooo darn excited I didn't know what to do with myself. I was asked about a million times "What time is it? Is it time to go to cheer yet?" They practiced away and if it couldn't get better they did a dance to a song from High School Musical. So every little girl not only knew the dance they could sing along with it too. She did a fabulous job and lots of friends came out to cheer her on. I am very proud of my little girl and maybe she will actually finish an acitivity after all. All lined up and ready to dance.
"Getcha head in the game"

They all got these cute t-shirts to wear. On the front it has the Cyclones logo. She LOVES her shirt.

Ava is 4 Months!!

2010-02-01T17:08:00.003-07:00

Happy 4 Months to Ava!!!

She is such a happy baby. And of course Caden and Arlee can make her smile and giggle like no one else.

I must really like this photo. I put it in twice. And I can't figure out how to take it away. Oh well look how cute she is.

I love it when she giggles. It is one of my favorite things. I have soooo enjoyed my baby girl and I thank the Lord everyday that He gave her to me. I know with all my heart that she is suppose to be in my life and fill this family with so much love.

3 Months Old and already have BLING!!!

2009-12-31T12:32:00.002-07:00

Happy 3 Months to Ava!!! She is growing so much and is starting to have such a sweet personality. On her 3 Month old birthday I took her to get her ears pierced. I couldn't resist. Arlee got hers done at 3 months also and so of course my next girl had to too. :) She was not happy about it but she will never remember. :)

She has no idea what is coming her way!!

The first one is done

Second one almost done!

Not happy but SUPER CUTE!!!

I am pretty sure my Aunt Nancy and cousin Kristen were more traumatized then her. I looked up to see that Kristen was almost crying. Big tears in her eyes, just like AVA!!! But we all made it through and all agree that she is soooooo cute with them. The fun of having girls.

Ava's 1st Christmas!!

2009-12-27T14:45:00.003-07:00

Chistmas Eve at Church! My cute little girls in their matching outfits. What's more fun then having girls!!
My loves! They are so cute and bratty all at the same time!!

Very alert Christmas morning. She laid in her boppy and let us lay stuff on her and around her. Then she had enough and fell asleep.

Ava and Santa! She looks so tiny in his arms. HO HO HO!!!

2 Months

2009-12-09T13:44:00.003-07:00

Ava is 2 months old. She is smiling a lot and making all kinds of noises. She is real sweet and we are really enjoying her. My little Gracee, is what I call her sometimes, but she is learning her name too.

Snow Day!

2009-12-09T13:29:00.005-07:00

This is how Ava spent the snow day, in the van wher it was nice and warm!!

Arlee, Evan and Caden

We finally had a snow day and I had some happy kids. Caden was so excited but let me tell you it has been a week of ups and downs for him.

Mon--2 hours delay= a very MAD little boy

Tues.--SNOW DAY=a very HAPPY little boy

Wed.--2 hour delay=a very MAD little boy.

But at least he got to enjoy it for a day!!!!

Arlee sledding down the hill like a maniac!

Caden tried to jump on a ramp that was there but he didn't make it, his sled stopped on it.

My little gems!!

The kids made an igloo and this is Caden in the door of it.

Not good at this

2009-11-27T10:17:00.002-07:00

Ok so I pretty much stink at blogging. I was going to "be Thankful" for 30 days and I wrote one blog. WOW!!!! How time flies when you have an infant. I have decided I sure don't get a whole lot done. But I guess they do require a lot of time. I will try harder. :)

Yesterday was Thanksgiving and we had a great day! We went to our friends The Platts and had a wonderful time. We ate and ate and ate and ate. Just like everyone else in this country did yesterday. I am very thankful for my friends. They are all so wonderful.

We then made a little trip to mom's house and saw the fam. I am thankful for all of them too. Especially my mom she helps me out a lot and I know she loves to see the kids and have her time with each one of them. It is great to watch how excited they get too when they know they are going to Grandmas. Caden is actually the one who really enjoys Grandma. While we were eating Thanksgiving dinner, he looked a little sad and so after we were done I asked him what was wrong. And at first he couldn't tell me but has I pushed a little bit more he told me "It is just weird that we aren't at Grandma's house." And he almost started crying. So I had to reassure him that we were going over there and he would see his grandma today. They are pretty tight. Always have been. It is really sweet.

Overall it was fabulous day and I am soooooo thankful for family, friends, freedom, love, and the Lord. He is with us and directing us in everything we do. Praise GOD!!!

30 Days of Thanks

2009-11-05T21:16:00.002-07:00

This is something I saw on a blog from a girl that use to be in our church in Ft. Collins. She was great and is soooo creative. I started following her blog and thought this was great. She got it from someone else but it good to pass these things on. So....here I start, although I have started a few days late, I guess I will have to go into Dec.

I am Thankful for:
1. All the great ladies at my Thurs morning Bible Study. They are such a fresh breath of air.
2. The crying 5 week old downstairs. Although she is a fussy mess a lot lately I love her and am Thankful for her. She is a blessing and God gave her to me for a reason. She is sweet and precious.
3. Waffles for dinner. Breakfast items anytime are great.
4. My lovely bed. I seem to spend a whole lot of time there lately nursing my dear sweet baby. I spent a lot of time in it the 9 months before too so why not continue, although I am not sleeping as much as before.
5. Pictures. Arlee pulled out an old album and it reminded me of all the great times in Ft. Collins and when Caden was little. Time flies by.
6. my hubby. He works hard for us and does all he can to help out with the kids and house. I love him.
7. God loving me. Even when I doubt.
8. a relationship with God. He may make me walk through the wilderness but I know he won't ever leave me alone in the wilderness. he is guiding my every step.
9. the warm weather in Nov. ALthough I could use some more fall weather and not winter.
10. that I am going to reflect on being thankful. This doesn't happen enough.

ONE MONTH OLD!!

2009-10-30T08:25:00.003-06:00

Ava turned 1 Month old yesterday, October 29th. I can't believe it has been a month already. My friend Kris found these cool stickers for every month. All you do is stick to a onsie and take a picture every month. It will go great with the little gifts that my Aunt Nancy got Ava. Every month for the first year Ava gets to open a gift. Fun!!
Look she is sooooo smart already! "How old are you Ava?" Already holding up her first finger to show us. :) What a smart girl!!!!

Picture Time!

2009-10-30T08:21:00.002-06:00

I am pretty sure that no matter what Ava will not be able to long without fresh pictures being taken of her. Whether that be by her sister, her mom (me), or her Aunt Becky. Becky came down one day to try and do a little "photo shoot". Ava didn't cooperate very much but I think she got a few good ones. These are the ones I took while she was taking hers, and I am sure hers are better. I can't wait to see them. But she is a little princess in her pink dress.

Inspiration!

2009-10-18T19:31:00.002-06:00

Here is my sweet little girl Ava! She is sleeping so soundly and who knows what she is dreaming about. Sometimes she giggles in her sleep, sometimes she smiles, sometimes she frowns, sometimes she fusses, all this in her sleep. She has so many expressions, you aren't sure what you will get. I see this photo and know I am blessed. She is perfect. Nothing wrong with her. She has a family that loves her, a warm bed, food at her mouth, and a changed diaper.

This makes me think of all those that don't. As some of you know my brother Mark and his wife Becky are in the process of adopting a baby boy from Africa. They are a few months away from actually going but the process is moving along.

I am very excited for this new change in our family. I really want to help them and have been thinking about how to do that for awhile. I want to hand over a thousand dollars and help financially, however, if you know our situation you will know that is not possible at the moment. (maybe someday) I want to do something. So....I have thought of a few different things by using my oh so many talents (just kidding, I dont' know if I have a ton)

1. make cards and sell them, all money goes to Mark and Becky

2. make cookies and sell them. Everyone seems to love my cookies, but who will buy them.

3. those are the only two ideas I have. :) Sad but true.

So what will I do? How will I help?

I am going to conitnue to pray about it.

But I do know that I am praying for them and the whole process and that is also helpful. I am so proud of them and I am so excited to get a cute new little nephew.

You can help too by praying or donating to them. Thanks!!!

NO Rest!

2009-10-13T08:41:00.002-06:00

Okay so my sweet little Ava is darling, but I have to admit I had a break down last night. I felt like I am an all-you-can-eat buffet and she NEVER gets full. Then I went to change her and she peed ALL over me, all over her clothes (her 3rd pair for the day), and all over the changing table. Can I just say that I am beyond happy I have a husband who loves me and who is willing to help. I called him and she took her and fed her a bottle and I went to bed. After of course crying and praying to God to help me. What a night!!!! But at least I have woke up feeling better this morning. But I am still not sure if Ava is getting enough to eat. She is a big fuss if she is not fat and full. You would think by the 3rd child you would have a clue, but when 6 years has passed, you don't still don't have a clue. :)

So, enough about that. I am off to Ava's 2 weeks checkup. Her stats will be posted later. Has she climbed back up to her birth weight? We will see!!!

Introducing AVA GRACE!!

2009-10-01T14:05:00.002-06:00

WELCOME AVA GRACE!
She has finally arrived. After 9 months our little surprise bundle has arrived.
Ava Grace Aragon
September 29, 2009
7 lbs. 0 oz.
19 3/4 inches
11:47 am

The announcement of our baby girl was Big, no a HUGE, surprise to everyone last February. And then the arrival was of her was a fast one. What does God have in store for this precious bundle?
I started having labor pains for weeks but Monday night they started pretty regular. By Tues. morning they were closer and I thought for sure it would take some time to have her, so we all went about out day. The kids off to school, Paul to work and me to run an errand and to volunteer at the school. By 9am I was in the parking lot of the school and contraactions were about 5 min. apart and I thought I better get home and to the hospital. I had to call my mother-in-law to take me because Paul was in Florence working. I called him and told him I was going in and he said he would be on his way. Bernice, my mother-in-law showed up and we headed to the hospital. We were there by 10:30 am and I was hurting really badly by the time they got me into a room. Contractions were coming faster and stronger. I kept asking for an epidural but things were going quickly. They were trying and they were trying to get a hold of my dr. too. I started at 4 cm dialated and by the time my dr. came in I was at a 6 and she was breaking my water. I got a 7 and then 8 and there was no stopping things.
WHERE WAS PAUL? Poor guy was on his way and hurrying as fast as he could. Tisha showed up and grabbed my hand and my mom was next to me too, trying to get Paul up here as fast as possible and Bernice was racing down the hall trying to get Paul too.
I screamed and yelled and pushed and had NO EPIDURAL. What is up with that? Of course this little one will test me for life. :) Tisha was a great coach and I couldn't have done it without her. By 11:47 am Ava was out and 5 minutes later Paul came in not knowing what to do, come to me or go to Ava. Very sweet, which girl does he attend to first?

We are very thankful for her and I love her to pieces. She is very sweet and so far a very good baby. I am so thankful for family and friends who were there and helped through it all. It was an amazing fast adventure, at least the birth was. :)
Caden and Arlee are soooooo in love with her. More on them will come because there has been some funny things said and I need to share them. But for now there is the beginning story of Ava's life and I know she is here to bless so many around her. God has given her to us for a special reason and I believe she is a true gift from God. Just like my other two. :)

50 Years!

2009-09-19T21:54:00.003-06:00

Tonight Paul and I went to celebrate 50 years of marriage with a dear couple from our church. They had a very nice dinner for them and then a few pictures and speeches. It was so nice and also very encouraging. I don't think marriages last that long these days and for those that have lasted that long or on their way, WOW! I am praying that Paul and I will one day celebrate 50 years or be in heaven rejoicing because the Lord came back. When we hit 50 years of marriage:

Paul will be 77 years old

I will be 72 years old

Caden will be 48 years old

Arlee will be 45 years old

Baby will be 39 years old

Who knows where we will live. Who knows how many grandchildren I will have or great-grandchildren. Who knows what life may have brought us by this time. But I am praying that we are all serving the Lord and that my kids are close to eachother and share life with us.

Lamentations 3:22,23

Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning, GREAT is your faithfulness.

Arlee!

2009-09-14T21:12:00.003-06:00

Last night as Arlee went to bed she asked me if she could sleep with one of the baby's new blankets and I told her yes. Well she picked the best one. It is a furry brown and pink one with satin sides. It is like heaven. So she goes to sleep and I go check on her and this is what she looked like.

She then came home from school and she wanted to watch a movie and she grabbed the blanket again. Funny! I asked her if she was going to keep it or give it back and she told me she will give it back when the baby comes but right now she is going to use it. I laughed, we will see about that.

Baby's Room

2009-09-14T20:55:00.008-06:00

My fun toes!
The yummy cake at the shower!

My Baby's Beautiful room decorated and done my best friends!!

All the pictures on the wall were taken by my sister-in-law Becky Kyle and she printed them in Sepia with pink tones to them. They absolutley made the room.

This a the camping high chair. I think this is the coolest and will be uses a lot.

Once again my artistic Becky made this. She had it already made before I changed my mind to pink and brown, but I don't care it is GREAT!!!

The window valance! So cute and girly!!
I love the room and can't wait to bring baby home to it.

A GREAT DAY!!!

2009-09-12T23:07:00.002-06:00

Can I just say that I have the best friends in the whole wide world? And the best family too. Today was a great day. I went to Caden's soccer game that almost put me into labor because it was so intense. Then I left and my wonderful sister-in-law picked me up and took me to get a pedicure. Something I have wanted ALL summer long but haven't had one. It was great and now I have blue toes. (I'll have to post a picture later) They are perfect for delivery and I like looking at them now. Before my toes and feet were pretty nasty.
Then we went to Applebee's and had some yummy lunch and a Blondie Brownie Sundae. YUM!!!!
I then got driven to Maurice's to only turn around and head home. A little trick to waste time. I had a "surprise" shower waiting for me. I knew this but not really, at least I didn't have a clue where. Well it was at MY HOUSE! What a fun idea. I showed up and there were a ton of cars at my house. My friends threw the best shower ever. Thank you Kris, Tisha, Melissa, Dawna, and Becky. One of the big surprises of the day was the baby's room. They took me to it and oh my gosh it was beautiful. We had already painted it Pink and Brown and it just needed everything else. Well it got it and much, much more. The bedding was in the crib and there were pictures on the walls, and even roses on the dresser. It looked like a Parade of Homes Nursery. Ya know one that you would see only in the Parade of Homes. Once again I will post pictures soon. It is beautiful.
I then had some food, and cake and of course mine and Arlee's favorite part of any party---PRESENTS!!!!! Paul and I are very blessed by so many people and honestly don't know how we could through life without some the great blessings God has given us. Today being one of them. Friend and Family from everywhere have blessed us very much. My baby won't be lacking anything, and I know she definitely won't be lacking any love. She is a blessing and I know that God has given her to us for a very special reason and time as this. I pray that she blesses so many around us too.

Okay so moving on......I have babbled and babbled not even sure if anything above makes sense, so I am off to bed, because that is really where I should be but I kept thinking about how I wanted to get up and blog. :) So off to bed and praying the baby will come soon, we are ready for her now.

How Sweet!!

2009-09-10T12:07:00.002-06:00

Arlee and I were getting ready to go to "Back To School" night and I look in the baby's room and see Paul sitting in the rocker. I giggle, and he says "just getting ready and taking the position." I thought it was sweet that he would be thinking that way and ready for our new little one. He said "it is almost baby time." And yes it is. I think he is excited to have another little one around. Arlee has stopped giving loves to either one of us, on a rare occasion she will but when asked she gives us the blow off. I think that can break a daddy's heart a little bit. He has always been pretty tight with her, and not that he isn't anymore, but she is just getting bigger and doesn't always want a "daddy squeeze". Hopefully it comes back in the future because I know I still like to get "daddy squeezes."

Apple Picking

2009-09-07T17:44:00.007-06:00

On Saturday we went Apple Picking. It was so much fun and a nice little family outing. We went with my good friend Kris and her kids. They all had a blast.

When I get my apples every year it means to me that Fall has arrived. We had never picked apples, I usually just buy them at the Farmer's Market or I go to Penrose and buy them from a little place off the side of the road. But I thought this would be more fun this year, and I was right. We got HUGE apples and they have made great pies. The kids had fun and wanted to pick more but I didn't want to buy all the ones they wanted to pick. Our Little Family!

Paul and Caden walking our apples to the store to pay!

"Is this a good one Mom?" That was a common question the whole time.

My cute boy!!

Look at all of them I picked!

Yummy apples!

I enjoy this time of year soooooo much and love the smell of cinnamon and apples in my house. Today I have peeled and cored 36 pounds of apples. I am drying some of them and then I made 8 apple pies to freeze for a treat throughout the year. It was a lot of work but boy will we enjoy a fresh apple pie in January or even next summer.

Running

2009-08-29T18:41:00.002-06:00

Guess what my boy can do? He can run a mile and half in about 13 minutes. I was pretty darn impressed with him. Soccer started and coach is making them run ALOT because they will be playing older boys. Good for them, but gee they are out of shape. I also think he is doing it because there is one boy on the team who beats everyone when they run, and even laps some. So knowing my competitive son, (where he gets that I don't know), he probably wants to try and beat him. :) hee hee. Silly boy! At least he is doing it and all on his own initiative.

2009-08-27T20:47:00.002-06:00

First Day of school!

How Far Along Are You?

2009-08-27T20:39:00.002-06:00

This seems to be a VERY popular question these days. So.....I am 33 weeks and counting............
Today I was at the grocery store and this lady asks me "When is your baby due?" I say "Oct." She says "And your carrying a girl?" I looked at her and said "Yes I am how did you know." She said "I'm a retired nurse." Amazing to me that she could tell by looking at me what I was having. But I have had a couple other nurses tell me the same thing. So how do they know? Do they just see a million pregnant women and figure it out by the way we carry? Or do they just get a lucky guess? Either way I think it is very interesting.

I go to the Dr. tomorrow for my two week check-up that had to be rescheduled because the Dr. had an emergency. I was all ready to ask some questions and now I can't remember any of them. Hopefully over night I will come up with some new ones. I do know one of them will be "How early will you induce me if she doesn't come?" Hee hee. I doubt if she will but I am ready to have this baby. I really think she is coming early anyway, but just incase.

Well off to be a mean mom and make my kids go to bed, although they don't have school tomorrow, I still think they should be in bed SOON!!!!!!!

Time Flies

2009-08-23T20:21:00.002-06:00

Time Flies by. This week I have watched my baby girl go to Kindergarten and my baby boy go to 4th grade. It seems like yesterday that they were born. I really thought that I would be a mess with Arlee going off to school, but I handled it pretty well. I watched her get on the bus, I met her at the school to take her to her class, Paul and I dropped her off in her class, AND then the teacher hands us an orange cardstock with a poem. Oh yeah, a sappy "I am going to Kindergarten, I will take care of your baby" Poem. I cried!!!! But just a little! Needless to say Arlee loves it and it is fun to watch her come out of school with a smile on her face. On Friday she was bouncing off the walls because "We got to have 2 pupcakes today and I am hyper." Oh Boy, good thing she went with Nana rest of the day.

I am sure time will continue to fly by as it always does. Right now I am hoping so because I REALLY want this baby to come out, then it can slow down, if that is possible.

17 weeks and counting!

2009-05-05T20:56:00.000-06:00

It is Tuesday and I am ready for bed. The kids are down and I am not far behind.
I have felt the baby move a lot the last week. I first felt it last Wednesday on the way to work in the car. It was a little flutter and I am sure it was not gas. :) And then I have felt it a lot since. Just little flutters here and there or little kicks. I think it may have had the hickups tonight, if that is possible at 17 weeks. Only 3 more weeks and I will know what is in there, a boy or a girl! I will try and take some pictures this week and post them on here, I don't really want them posted all over Facebook. No one really needs to see the fat belly but I know some of you would LOVE to see it.

Paul is gone this week, so pray for me. He is working in Denver painting a house. It is good for him but hard on us. We aren't use to him being gone. But at least it is only a week and not months, I am not sure I would be a good military wife. I truly admire those in the military and all the wives that "do it alone" with kids. They are amazing.

2009-04-26T19:22:00.000-06:00

Wow this whole blogging thing is so new to me. But I really thought I should start one since I am expecting my third child and everyone could see him/her. More will come I just set it all up.