Would you like some lint with that?

Sometimes I can't get over how much older Aidan's hair makes her look. She looks like a little girl, she's still my baby!

This is how Aidan's getting by while I'm studying for comps. Some puffs scattered on the floor, maybe a stale goldfish if she's lucky.

Hang in there kid, only 19 days left. Then its fresh goldfish and puffs in a bowl!

Happy First Day of Fall

In honor of my dear friend Jayna on the first day of her (and my) favorite season. This picture is from last Halloween before Aidan had mastered the whole sitting up on her own thing. I can't wait to take her to a pumpkin patch this year and watch her run around like crazy.

Wahhhh

I've had a really hard week. The stress of studying for comps has really gotten to me. Yesterday while having a mini meltdown at the Edmond Public Library I realized that I have to accept that the worse thing that can happen is that I won't pass the first time. And if the worst thing happens I will still be OK. It won't be the end of the world. I'm still exhausted and not looking forward to the next three weeks but at least now I feel calm enough to study to the best of my ability and then move on. The hardest part of all of this studying is that it unavoidably cuts down on my time with Aidan, which of course makes me feel like a big jerk.

You can see that she's really depressed and having a hard time dealing with it all...dancing along with Will Forte on SNL.

PS Just so you know that's dirt on Aidan's rear not poop. That's better right?

One month left....

I take comps in exactly a month. For those of you who don't know, even though my last class won't be over until December, comps are what determines whether or not I finish grad school. And have a job, and have enough money to put food on the table, and keep my self esteem, and not cry a lot and be humiliated. I need to go find a paper bag....

Anyways, if you don't see me very much for the next month you'll understand why. Everyone always says to me, I'm sure that you will pass don't worry, but the thing is about half of the people who took the test last time failed on the first attempt. So it isn't as easy as you might think. I would personally like to thank our government for creating the Patriot Act and making my test about a million times harder. Way to go guys.

PS Lailah I'll need a 10 pg brief on the Patriot Act within the week. Thanks.

Morons

Oh hello there parents, might I have a minute of your time?

Perhaps the next time I awaken for no apparent reason screaming every night for a week and stop eating very much and generally act miserable you MIGHT want to consider the option that I have a double ear infection. I am afraid I'm going to have to make you pay for it this weekend.

Sincerely,

Aidan

The happiest day of Aidan's life...so far.

I let Aidan have some macaroni and cheese the other day and I don't think she has ever been happier. I handed her the bowl and she said Ooooooooo! Then she laughed once she took a bite because it was so awesome.

Speaking of food, I feel like I'm in a rut with what I feed her. I try to give her only healthy foods (besides the mac and cheese) but sometimes I have no clue what to give her especially when she goes to Sonshine School. I feel like she's eating the same thing every day. What do you feed a 15 month old?

Back in the Day

I've been wanting to do a post like this for awhile now.

Today I discovered a folder on my computer that I thought I had lost and there was much rejoicing. I found a lot of these pictures from my college years when I was working in Student Life. Don't sue me OC. Actually I think Mandy probbaly took some of them too. Don't sue me Mandy.

This is the only picture on my computer from my 1st year of Summer Singers. I think this was in the yearbook. I love that Burch is just drinking a coke.

2nd year of SS right before I left for Vienna. Looks like a rockin show huh? This was the day we got wireless on campus. I still get sick tummy when I see a picture of an awkward show.

My fabulous Vienna Studies Group 2001

Most of the group in the Austrian alps. I don't know who took this. I think only 3 or 4 people on our trip had digital cameras back then and we all thought their cameras were so weird. I think I took 32 rolls of film to Vienna.

Christmas Market at Schonbrunn Place in Vienna. See back in the day kids you had to scan in your pictures to get them on your computer.

This was my last and favorite year of Summer Singers. Andrew was our brand new little puppy.

This was right before Ben and I started dating. We're also the only two looking at the camera.

Gamma Banquet Fall 2002 at the Corn Maize

This was the day Ben came home from Vienna, we'd only been dating for a few months when he left. This is also when he had George Harrison/Jesus hair.

This was when the Chorale performed for Gaylord palooza. I'm sure I am laughing at something. Doesn't Morgandi's hair look gorgeous?

Spring Sing 2003. Those were the most expensive jeans I've ever owned. Thanks OC!

Singing a little Led Zeppelin. I think this was Marilyn Dobson's coat in the 70's. It was awesome. I wish Mandy could do my makeup everyday.

I also loved OC cafeteria picnics in the forum.

Gamma Banquet Spring 2003. Aubrie did my hair after a 911 hair emergency.

After our final Summer Singers show. Which was also the day Ben and I got engaged.

Last day of chapel when they brought the seniors onstage.

Graduation 2003. This was when Ben and I were going through our uncomfortable looking like brother and sister phase.

Summer Singer graduation

Pretty much my favorite picture ever.

Chorale tour in San Diego, right after graduation. This was such a fun day!Summer after graduation.

Aidan's first day of Sonshine School

Aidan had a great first day at Sonshine School. I'm sure that there will be many pictures to come as the year goes on. Aidan loves playing with other kids, she gets sooooo excited. Maybe she's mostly excited about the new toys and stealing their pacifiers but I'm sure she likes the kids too.

The Pink Knight

We had a great time in Ft. Worth this weekend at Ben's Tinius family reunion. Aidan survived several head injuries and spent a lot of time running around squealing and clapping. She had fun running around in a hooded towel that Ben's mom had at her house and she resembled a miniature, pastel, superhero. She is growing up so fast and it's amazing how quickly she gets around now. On Saturday a lot of the family went intertubing on the lake while I enjoyed my excuse of taking care of Aidan that let me stay in the air conditioning. On Sunday we had church as a family at Ben's grandparents and Ben shared a great message like he always does. I did not cry, that was someone else.

Playing with Chris and Aunta

Hanging out with cousin Elliott