memory

I am amazed at the memory Aiden has. He constantly is telling me where things are at or how to get somewhere. Yesterday, Aiden and Chad were getting a sub from Subway. They had been there once three months ago. The last time they were there, there was a picture of a lost dog on the drive thru window. Last night Aiden said to Chad, "Daddy, where did the picture of the doggy go?" I can hardly remember what I wore yesterday, and certainly not something that happened 3 months ago! Aiden also told me as we were driving yesterday, "mommy, chinchillas can't swim." I said, "what?" and he repeated himself. I asked him where he got that information and he replied, "Diego" (which is a kids show on Nick). I really don't even know what a chinchilla is, much less if it can swim! He is so funny!

Kian is now saying "mommy" and saying "yes". However, he only says mommy right now basically when he says "no". So everything is now, "no mommy" hmmm. Not quite what I had intended! Kian only says "yes" when I make him, such as "kian, say yes mam". Kian will say, "ess, mum". It is so stinking cute! His favorite word to say is still, "basketball" which Chad really enjoys.

bargain shopping

There are few things in this world I like doing more than bargain shopping. Yesterday I spent several hours doing this. I had so much fun! The boys and I went to Fort Wayne and started at Kohls and then ended at the mall. I had a couple of merchandise credits for Kohls and then also had an additional 30% off coupon. I saved a total of $330 and spent only $124! How cool is that! I bought Aiden a new winter coat, snow boots, pants, shirt, and pjs for next year. I bought Chad a new shirt and tie and warmup pants. Kian got a pair of pants for next year, and I got a new pair of sneakers, some towels, and some jewelry. It was a blast! I went to the mall and also was able to find a couple of great deals there. So much fun! I am so thankful! The boys were fantastic especially since they missed their naps. Kian fell asleep on the way home and I finally woke him up at 5:30. Needless to say, he didn't go to bed at his normal time!

Last night I went to church. This month I signed up for an exercise class with other ladies at the church. It's been a lot of fun. Last night was a little high, low aerobics, step aerobics, and weights. Good times! I am really enjoying exercising again. It makes me feel so much better about myself. I have enjoyed going to Fitzone for Women. It has been a nice getaway and just focus on getting fit. Hopefully it will produce results!

Birthday Pics

Yesterday was a mix of emotions. It started with us going to church which was good. After lunch, my mom, friend Beccah, and I went to a funeral for my friend Shelly's 3 month old little boy. It was very hard to go to. It was a beautiful ceremony, but heart-wrenching at the same time. It has been hard to sleep the last couple of nights. My heart just breaks for her and I continue to pray that God would bring a peace that passes all understanding to her and her husband. Immediately after, we had Aiden's birthday party at my parent's. We had a great time celebrating with Aiden, although I admit it a little difficult to get into it at first.

I also included a few of the pictures when Aiden received his bike. A couple of days ago we took the boys and their bikes to the gym. They had a BLAST! Aiden finally was able to ride his new bike for awhile! Super fun!

Aiden when he is opening his new Playdoh.

Here's the new bike!
He was stoked!

At my parent's, Chad and Aiden blowing out the candles together!

Kian enjoyed his cupcake very much!

I LOVE this picture! They are growing up soooo fast! I can't believe my aunt got them both smile at the same time!

heavy heart

Today I write this blog with a heavy heart. It seems as though so many people are hurting right now. Some good friends of the family have been struggling for several days with health. Steve, the dad, went to the hospital with a torn aorta and things have just snowballed from there. He is battling for his life right now in northwestern hospital in Chicago. It was so sudden and fast.

I also just found out about a good friend from high school who just lost her 3 month old son last night. My heart literally breaks for her. I am crying as I write this. She put Graham down for a nap and he never woke up. I don't understand God. Why? Why does God allow things like this to happen? I feel overwhelmed with sadness for these families but I KNOW God is in control and knows what He is doing. Please keep the Alberts and the Bogue-Carpenter families in your prayers! They really need it right now!

It makes me want to hug my kids a little tighter right now and realize life is precious and short.

Happy Birthday Aiden!

a couple of days old
6 months

7-8 months

about a year and a half

Todays birthday picture!

Four years ago today, Chad and I were headed to the Overlook hospital in Summit, NJ for an induction. We were so nervous and excited to finally meet this little baby. We were sorta hoping for a boy but just really wanted a healthy baby. I remember the doctor coming in and telling me that she wanted to do a c-section because she thought the baby was too big for me to have. I asked her to let me try and at 9:50 pm Aiden Michael Hibbard was born! He was 9 lbs 7 oz. and extremely alert. Aiden was a fantastic baby and we very rarely heard him cry! We were soooo happy to finally have him here!

Fast forward 4 years! Hard to believe that he is already 4! Aiden is such a delight. Truely. We have been so blessed by this little guy! He brings us so much joy and laughter into our lives! He is still a very obedient boy and rarely needs to be disciplined. He is extremely polite and sweet. Aiden LOVES being a big brother and all around just enjoys life. He is usually not lacking for words to say and talks your ear off if you let him. We are so thankful God entrusted this life into our hands. Happy Birthday Aiders!

sickness

We are finally all on the mend after each of us was hit with the stomach bug. I was the most recent. It was awful. Thankfully it only seems to last for 24 hours and we are all feeling better now!

School starts tomorrow and it is also Aiden's birthday! Not quite sure what we are going to do yet to make it special. If you have any ideas let me know!

Christmas and New Years!

Happy New Year! We rang in the new year not quite the way I expected. When we were in New York, Kian got sick which then passed to Chad a couple of days ago which then passed to Aiden yesterday. He vomitted and had a fever. Today he seems much better. No fever and is drinking at least. By the time the ball dropped last night, I had fallen asleep and woke up just after it was done. Good riddance I am becoming my parents. I slept on the couch to make sure that I would hear Aiden if he needed me. Pretty exciting huh.

However, I am glad that it's 2010 and am excited to see what God has in store for us this year. 2009 was definitely a year of change for us. Finding a new job, buying a home, moving to a new town, Chad starting his Masters....all in all quite a busy year!

Christmas was great. We were basically saw everyone from Chad's family over vacation. I have a lack of pictures because my camera went dead when we arrived, not the greatest timing! The boys had a blast and both sets of grandparents were so generous to them (and us!) They were able to swim in the local YMCA, go to Chuck E Cheese, and spend lots of time with their grandparents. Now that we are home, yesterday consisted of cleaning out everything and putting all our stuff away. Today's project...putting away Christmas decorations! Here are a couple of pictures from over the break.

The boys loved playing basketball at Grandpa's house!
Kian leaning over Grandma (Chad's stepmom), as she opens the calendar we made for them on shutterfly.com.

Aiden opening up his helicopter.

My parent's tree right before opening gifts.

The boys about to open their stockings.

Aiden Michael Hibbard. I can't believe he will be 4 in 3 days!

Kian Noah: almost 20 months.

Christmas "morning".

My parents. They spent Christmas at my sister's house in Spokane Washington. The older they get, the more I want to around them. They are wonderful people!