July 7, 2010 - So much has changed

yet everything is the same.  A year ago today, our lives changed forever.  You see a year ago today, we were told our sweet little Aiden (who was 18 weeks gestation) might have Trisomy 18.  We were so excited to go to the doctors and find out if we were having a boy or girl and never dreamed of what we would learn.
So many things have changed, we are now a family of 5 (4 in our house and 1 in our heart), we are missing one in our arms everyday.  We are the same because when people see us we are a family of 4 (a very special person they will never meet physically but I pray they meet through us).  Every night when Mason says his prayers he includes "Baby Aiden", that is how he will always be remembered and every night Hunter gives himself a little hug and says that is for "Baby Aiden".  They love him and miss him very much.

This past weekend, I played with a dear friend's baby that was born the day before Aiden.  I love seeing how much he has grown and changed, and knowing that is my little baby in heaven - laughing, smiling, happy, and healthy. 

I started writing Thank You notes last night, I realize it has been 7 months tomorrow since my sweet Aiden went to Heaven but I could not bring myself to do it.  But I wanted to, I needed to, I want everyone to know that everything they did, everything they gave, and everything they said meant very much to me and we have not forgotten.  We had and have so many amazing friends that gave selflessly of themselves and want them to know we LOVE them for that. 

Lately I have had memories of those special days that I had not remembered before and the emotions become so fresh again.  It's hard to believe that it has been 7 months since I last held him but other days it has been a lifetime. 

I cannot say our lives are better, they are better having known, held, and loved him but they are worse for not having in our arms daily, our lives are just different.  A very dear friend wrote on her blog today about the loss of her son and not feeling Angry - I agree.  I don't feel agry, what's the point, I feel hurt, sadness, I continue to ask Why? but not anger.  God gave me a precious gift and I will never be angry with Him. 

HELP - DESPERATELY SEEKING ADVICE

Ok you will rarely hear me ask for advice on kitchen stuff because I just don't use the gadgets that much.  Don't get me wrong I love the way they look in a kitchen and make everyone think I am an AWESOME cook, but I'm not.   I can cook just don't take the time.

But I am desperately seeking advice - my blender (MY FAVORITE APPLIANCE) broke, burnt the motor, in the trash, gone to me forever, so now I'm looking for a new one.  I started thinking about everything that I use a blender for and it has nothing to do with cooking - IT'S ALL ABOUT THE DRINKS!!!  Not just the great and fabulous adult beverages (Frozen Daiquiris, Margaritas, Pina Colados, Bellini Cocktails, Bananas Foster, Mudslide, Bailey's Shake, Rum Runner, oh I could go on) but we make the kiddie versions too (boys love Colados, Daiquiris, and Smoothies - NO ALCOHOL, of course!). 

These all look really cool and sleek and would do the job. 

BUT . . .

Since I realized I don't use them for much except crushing ice and making drinks, I REALLY WANT ONE OF THESE - MARGARITAVILLE CONCOCTION MAKER.  Birthday and anniversary are coming up if hubby and/or dear, sweet, loving friends are reading - PLEASE I WILL BE GOOD AND MAKE PLENTY FOR EVERYONE!

So I'm asking - What do you like/dislike about your blenders?  What brand do you use?

My Little All Star

I have never been more proud of my little boy.  Hunter was selected as an Alternate for the All Stars team, he knew from the beginning that meant he would only play if someone was not there.  All Stars is for 7 & 8 year olds and since he was 6 he was just happy that he was picked.  In his eyes, he was part of the team no matter what, he was happy to sit in the bleachers with his uniform on and cheer for his team.  He would yell "Go All Stars", he would cheer each player on at bat - it really amazed me.  He went to all practices, participated in scrimmages, waited each night to see if he would play, but was never disappointed when he didn't, and after each game he would tell his teammates they did a great job!!!

Yesterday, Shane was called and told Hunter would be playing last night, one player could not play.  Hunter was in and he was so excited, he and hubby practiced batting and catching before we left for the big game.  He had his uniform, Dixie Youth Baseball patch sewed on, and he was ready to play.  During the game he was in Outfield, and he stopped/chase/threw 4 balls and I was beaming from ear to ear - "That's my baby!"

BROTHERLY LOVE - nothing better!

We didn't win that game but it was a great night anyway!!

He hath made His wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.

Psalm 111:4

Wordless Wednesday

Can you tell what I'm thinking about . . .

Ok, if you didn't guess it - ICE CREAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One of Bobby Flay's Favorites - Ted Drewes Concrete (Frozen Custard)

Glorious Soft Serve

Chocolate (Oh how I love you!)

Ice Cream Sandwiches (my boys love them)

Vanilla Ice Cream with Sprinkles

(hubby's fave - mainly for the sprinkles of any kind)

Raspberry Sorbet

It's official Summer (per the calendar) but in Louisiana it went from Winter to Summer without hesitation and all day today I have been thinking, wanting, dreaming about ice cream. I'm a chocoholic so I love anything with chocolate.  No matter the type - ice cream, soft serve, frozen custard, sherbert, sorbet, or gelato - it's the greatest and best thing for the hot days of summer.  What is your favorite?