The Mouths of Children

This is a rough depiction of the conversation that occurred around my kitchen table this afternoon @ lunchtime:

Reagan: "Dee Dee shut up, I am trying to eat!"

Dee Dee: "No, you shut up!"

Reagan: "I said shut up first!"

Dee Dee: "Uhn uh, I did. Shut up!"

Reagan: "You shut up!"

Dee Dee: "NO, YOU SHUT UP!"

Reagan: "MOM, Dee Dee won't shut up!"

Dee Dee: " Reagan, I'm not talking to you anymore!"

Mom: "Girls, please we don't say shut up. Now shut up and eat your macaroni."

Jeff and Christy's Indiana Reception

Last night we went to Chris' cousin Jeff's wedding. We all had a blast, including the kids! It is so much fun to watch them play with all of their little cousin's and with the kids of old friends. It is amazing to me that in the last five years or so it seems as if everyone has gotten married and started having babies! Life sure is changing, but I wouldn't want to miss it for the world. I think the highlight of the night was the auctioning off of the garter. Apparently where Christy is from this an old tradition, but I had never seen it done before. Given that a lot of our family is in the auctioneering business, it seemed appropriate. Even more amazing is that all of the proceeds went to Riley Children's hospital. The garter brought $1,500.00 and they managed to get another $900.00 from other people to donate. I thought that was pretty cool! Anyway, congratulations to Jeff and Christy now you can finally start your lives together, I wish you nothing but the best!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

For the past three days the girls had gymnastics camp. This was their first experience with it outside of watching the Olympic trials with me on TV. They had a blast! Although it took Dee Dee a while to get comfortable she ended up doing great. Today they put them in different groups and she didn't even seem to notice. As for me, I got to take Jack to they babysitting service and just enjoy watching them. I also had a good time talking with other moms. It is always good to get to know people who have kids the same age as mine! So, I included a few pics and some video from today, hope everyone enjoys it! Summer Olympics 2020 here we come! :)

Feeling Nostalgic

I found an old group photo today on facebook, and it made me want to go back and look at some of my own favorite pics. So here are some photos from when I was younger and some of the people I've been thinking about lately!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Computer Addiction!

Okay so I am officially addicted to my computer. Let's face it... the computer is the only contact I have with the outside world. No, but seriously, I think I am going through a new phase. I seem to have this obsession with reconnecting with all of the people I lost touch with after high school or college. There are a lot of them let me tell you! Three babies in four years kinda limits the time you get spend on "keeping in touch".

It all started when I got a text message from an old friend a couple of weeks ago who said he wanted to start keeping in touch again. I was excited, I texted him back and nothing. Not one response. So, that got me to thinking about all kinds of people I used to know. Now I can't get all of these people out of my head. So, just for fun I googled another old friend I had been thinking about and her facebook page popped up. This was bad, this was very very bad.

So, now I have joined facebook. I have sent messages to all of these different people asking them to verify that they are my friend. Which just sounds pathetic to me. It is like asking people to admit that they once knew you. When really if they passed you on the street in real life they would probably just keep walking.

So, after spending a few hours tonight probably wasting my time on facebook, I came back to my blog. Ah, home sweet blog, I have missed you. At least I know you all love me, or you wouldn't be here. that is if there is anyone reading this at all.

Callen Tate

If you read my blogroll, some of you may have noticed that my friend Leah (who takes all the kids pictures) entered her son Callen in Parents magazine cover photo contest. He is adorable and if anyone is interested in helping them win, follow this link and vote for him http://www.parents.com/app/sharemy/photoDetails.jsp?photoId=213902385 You can help them in two ways. First by rating him on a five star scale, and second by recommending him. You can do this once a day up until July 1st. I know they would appreciate it, and it would be really cool if actually won!

Happy Anniversary

Seven years ago today I married my best friend. In those years he has grown into a wonderful husband and father. I cherish every year we spend together and hope there are many more to come! Love ya babe!

Rainy Days and Grilled Cheese Make Me Sleepy

Aguilar Family Get-Together

Yesterday I left the girls with Nini and took Jack with me to my cousin Zach's high school graduation open house. Chris spent the day playing in a golf tournament . So, since it was just me and Jack we made the hour long drive with my mom and dad. It was really nice to see some of my family again, most of them hadn't seen Jack since the Christmas after he was born. I think he was about ten days old. The whole day felt a little like a flashback. When I was younger the whole Aguilar side of the family got together a lot. My dad has five brothers and one sister, and since their parents were gone, I think they always made a point of everyone being at family events especially holidays. One of the things I remember most about those events is that my cousin Tommy (who is Zach's dad) would always pull out his guitar and spend a few hours playing and singing. Of course, yesterday was no different. Though I only recorded one of the many songs he did yesterday, I hope you all enjoy listening to it as much as I do. I'll just end with this... I don't know if anyone on the Aguilar side of my family actually reads this or not, but if you do, what do you say we start getting together more often? I don't want another year or four years in some cases, to go by before we see each other again.

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Happy Birthday Shawn!

Happy 29th Birthday to the best big brother any girl could ask for! This has got to be one of my favorite pictures from my childhood! A few years ago Shawn framed it and gave it to me for my birthday, so it holds a special place in my heart. I must admit that as kids, we didn't always have the best relationship. We fought a lot, as most kids do. But, as adults he one of my best friends, and someone I know I can always count on! I love and cherish my brother more than he could ever know! So, today I wish you the very best of birthdays! Enjoy it and be proud of the man you have become. I know that at times the road that got you where you are today was difficult, but you traveled it with integrity and strength! I am privileged to call you my brother, and my children are blessed to call you their "Uncle Shawn!"

A Few Days in Chi-Town

So, Chris and I just got back from Chicago! It was sort of a business trip that we re-purposed to also include celebrating our anniversary (which is next week!)
We left yesterday around noon w/ my mom and dad and trusted the handy navigation system, which my dad calls Thelma, to get us to Chicago. Well, needless to say Thelma let us down. What should have been a 2 1/2 hour trip turned into a little over 4 hours w/ Thelma leading us straight through Gary and Hammond. Why I ask? As we were sitting @ stop lights, wishing the windows on my parent's Armada were tinted, my dad kept reassuring us that Thelma knew what she was doing. But, at least I can say it was an experience to remember!
When we got to Chicago we checked into the hotel and went to the bar for a drink after which we took a cab downtown to shop for a little bit. Lord knows I can't resist a GAP and had to go in and buy a baby gift for Spencer (see previous post)and of course a little bit for my own babies! We then went to this fabulous restaurant called Lawry's that my dad had been raving about. There we stuffed ourselves with wine, prime rib, and dessert!
After dinner my mom and dad went to bed and we got together w/ one of Chris' buddies who just moved back to Chi-town. Thanks Jeff and Jenny for providing us w/ a reason to continue drinking on into the night.
Then this morning we got up and went to the Arby's town hall meeting that was after all our original reason for going to Chicago! It was informative and not nearly as boring as I expected it to be.
Thanks to mom and dad for the trip, it went too fast! I wish we could have stayed longer, even though our kids were so excited to see us when we got home. If you ask Chris he will definitely tell you that I want to go back to Chicago again very soon!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Happy Birthday Uncle Kevin!

Even though I am gone I wanted to wish a very Happy Birthday to Kevin! Though @ this moment I am frustrated by the fact that I don't exactly know "what" to call him. I would say that he is my "brother-in-law, but legally he isn't. I would say that he is my brother's "partner", but Shawn hates that word. So, "uncle" Kevin it is. That is what the kids call him, so that is what I will call him. I don't know how or why or exactly when they started calling him "uncle," but I know I didn't tell them he was their uncle. I guess that just goes to show you how observant and intuitive kids are. Anyway we love you Kevin, and we are glad that you are a part of our family! Have a wonderful birthday!

I don't know why this didn't post when I had it scheduled to, but I am going to go ahead and post it now, even though it is a little belated! We didn't forget you Kev!

Welcome Spencer David Shively!

Yesterday morning Chris' best friend Cale and his wife Cindy had a baby! A boy to be exact, and his name is Spencer. He weighs 8 lbs. 6oz. and is apparently doing wonderfully. It is their first baby and I am sooo excited for them. Your lives are about to change you guys! So congratulations, we hope to see you all soon!

My Blogroll

So, for those of you bloggers out there who may not have noticed, Blogger has this new thing where you can add your own blogroll to your page. For those of you who don't know what that means, it is simple. I now have a list, along with the links of the blogs that I check on a daily basis. What I think is awesome about this is that it is organized by most recent posts. So, for those of you who don't post everyday, I will no longer be adding three points a day to your hit counter because I'll know when you update! I am also glad to say that Chris' cousin Krista started blogging and I added her to the list! Welcome to our blogging family Krista! Check her out if you get a chance! talk to everyone again soon!

A Good Day for Watermelon

Today was a good day. The kids had a blast playing @ Nini's house and they also spent some time over @ the neighbor's in the hot tub. Don't worry it isn't kept very hot, more like a warm bath. So, they got some good play time in before the rain started. We did a big Father's Day dinner and afterwards while we were cleaning the kitchen I snapped this shot of the boys. They are Austin, Diego, and Jack. They were all born within a eight month time span so it has been fun to watch them grow up and play together. Today they were playing in the pantry and it was just too cute! I hope everyone had a great Father's Day! And, if anyone is interested Jen posted a montage of Jeff and Christy's wedding over on her blog, you should go check it out @ http://jen andcameron .blogspot.com Have a great week!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all the daddies out there! Hope you enjoy a relaxing day spent w/ your kids and those who love you!

Congratulations Jeff and Christy!

Today Chris' cousin Jeff and his fiancee' Christy are getting married in South Dakota. I wanted to take a minute to congratulate them. Wish we could be there with you guys today but we can't wait till you come back for your Indiana reception in a few weeks! Congratulations, and may you have many years of happiness!

Happy Birthday Miah!

Today is Chris' brother Jeremiah's birthday, and even though he probably won't see this, I wanted to wish him a happy one! Sorry I couldn't find a more recent picture, but this was the best one I had.

A Exciting Day!

Yesterday was a busy one, but boy did we have fun! We spent most of the day @ my friend Staci's mom's house. She has a pool and they had a great time. For me it brought back many great memories of my high school years, summers spent chilln' by the pool. Then last night the girls and I went to go see the Wizard of Oz @ the Wagon Wheel Theatre. Many of you may know that I love the theater, heck I majored in it in college. So, for me to be able to share this love and pass it on to my girls was really special for me. They both stayed wide eyed through the whole thing! I thought Dee Dee would get bored and fall asleep, but she had such a wonderful time! As I watched Reagan watching the play, I could see that twinkle in her eye. I am convinced now more than ever that I want to give her every opportunity to pursue her dreams that I possibly can. I don't want to push her in an artistic direction, but I have a feeling that is where she is going. I had dreams of my own once, but I didn't have the music or dance background I needed to pursue them and I don't want lack of experience to be the thing that stops my kids from doing whatever it is that they love!

A Night on the Town

Last night was a treat! One of my best friends from high school was in town and I got to go out! Staci and I met in seventh grade @ cheerleading tryouts and have been best friends ever since. Now she lives about three hours away, but comes home every once in a while to visit her mom and sister. So, yesterday when she called and said she was coming to town and wanted to go out I was psyched! So, Staci her sister and I had dinner, a few drinks and then went to go see Sex and the City! It was nice to get out of the house and even nicer that Chris stayed home w/ the kids and I didn't have to get a babysitter. Sometimes I complain about the fact that I no longer have very many friends in town. But, I love that when I do see my old friends we get to pick up right were we left off. There is a history there, that nobody knows but us. Don't get me wrong I love my new friends too, it just isn't the same. Thanks Staci and Kayla for a fun night, I needed it!

Matt and Gina's Wedding!

Here are the pictures from the Wedding this weekend! Yes, I finally got my pictures transfered! I had to borrow my sister's usb cord but it worked! Dee Dee did a wonderful job! She walked all the way down that long cathedral aisle and at the end she yelled, "I did it!' she was precious. She smiled for all of the photographer's pictures, and let's face it, those are the ones that count! Her behavior the rest of the day was questionable, but let's just leave it at that. I had an exhausting weekend, and so did she. We got home last night around 5:30, she fell asleep around 6 and slept until 9:30 this morning, and boy did she need it! Enjoy the pictures, it was a beautiful wedding!

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Congratulations Matt and Gina!

Today is Matt and Gina's wedding! I just got home from the rehearsal dinner with Kennedy and I took pictures but I am still have an issue with my Kodak software. So for now, I scanned this picture from Matt and Gina's save the date card. Congratulations you too! I hope today is as wonderful as the rest of your lives will be!

Camera down

I just wanted to let everybody know I have pictures and video to post but for some reason my camera isn't registering w/ my kodak software and I can't download my pictures. I hope I can get it fixed soon cuz I was really looking forward to sharing this weekend's wedding w/ all of you! Wish me luck!

Happy Birthday Dad!

A Big Happy Birthday to my dad who turns 57 today! He and Chris were supposed to go golfing today but unfortunately it is raining. So, now the big boys can't go out and play. Hope you have a great one anyway dad!

Congratulations Jarrett Family!

Chris' cousin Angie had a beautiful baby girl on Friday night. Welcome to Ella Grace, they are all home now and everyone is doing great!

Gina's Wedding Shower

On Saturday my mom and I hosted a wedding shower for Gina. I don't like to do last names on the blog, so if you don't know who Gina is I'll explain. About eight years ago my mom lost the nanny that she had had since Ally was born. Being that the kids were still really little then, she still needed some help. Since I was engaged and away @ college she decided to hire someone new. This was how Gina came into our lives. We met her through my mother-in-law, which just goes to show you how intertwined and connected my two families are. To say that Gina was the nanny isn't enough, to say that she is a good friend of the family doesn't do our relationship justice. Gina is like a sister to me. I know I have two sisters, but they are a lot younger than I am and we don't really relate on the same level. When Kennedy was born I asked Gina to be her Godmother. So, having her in my life has not only been a blessing to me and my siblings, but to my kids too. She is a part of our family and I hope that it stays that way after she gets married next weekend. Here is a pictue Ally took of my girls on Saturday @ the shower, it was so cute I had to share it!

An Angelina Ballerina Party!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Here are some pictures from Dee Dee's Birthday party this weekend! It was a crazy weekend but a fun one! This week is going to be just as nuts! I have more to talk about but for now just enjoy the pictures!