Rock N Ribs 09'

Rock N Ribs was a success this year despite the weather. Ayden and I had a great time sampling the BBQ, goofing off and getting soaked. The picture above was taken by a guy at the Springfield News-Leader. He had asked for Ayden's information and that if it would be OK if it was in the paper. I was pretty excited thinking it would make the Sunday paper. Well it did make the website ( http://tinyurl.com/d3o7vf ) but not the paper. Oh well, the day was a lot of fun and by the end of it Ayden and I were soaked to the bone! I am proud to say that he did make it over this HUGE puddle above. It's funny because from the looks of it, he's a little short. I guess that's why they say never believe what you hear and only half of what you see. Ayden managed to also splash the guy taking the photo so maybe that played a role in getting snubbed for the paper. A little rebel.

I found out Ayden has a real love for BBQ. The kid ate twice his weight consisting of pulled pork and beef brisque. He said he was still hungry once we started getting drenched and had to leave. It's exciting to know his love of BBQ since I also love it! It means he's ready for Chief games and helping the old man out fixing BBQ in the future. Just another thing I look forward to sharing with him.

Happy Easter 2009

Happy Easter!
This year I don't get Ayden for Easter and I already look forward to next year! It's strange how holidays without Ayden is just a dreaded event. They used to be so important to me and some of the happiest times in my life was spending the holidays with my son. I do have next year to look forward to but sometimes 'next year' seems so far away.
I was blessed with a phone call this morning from Ayden. He wanted to know if the Easter Bunny had payed a visit to me. I laughed and said "well....not really but Im sure he was busy." Ayden then proceeded in telling me that the Easter Bunny had visited him and left him a few items. After hanging up I couldnt help but think about how if the 'Easter Bunny' did pay a visit to me he would most likely resemble the bunny in the picture above.
(I found this picture with a general search...thanks Google Images, and thanks to the creative artist for his/her creation.)
Mr. Bunny would most likely remind me that I need to quit feeling sorry for myself, and enjoy the holiday for what it is. It's hard sometimes to look past my own feelings. I need to be happy that Ayden has a home and a Mother and Father that love him dearly. No I dont get to see Ayden today but he is on my mind and I am thankful that he is happy and loved. I know that next year Mr. Bunny will visit us in my home and hopefully not be so serious....

Painting

Ayden has shown a real interest in painting. Being his father I am proud to say that he has also shown talent in his art. Being artistic and showing a appreciation for the arts is something that I can share with Ayden. I was always wanting to take more time being artistic whether it be drawing, painting, photography, website design, or my true love of music. I have a feeling that a few hours will be shared with Ayden painting and enjoying what seems to be a shared love of the arts.

First Ride of Spring

The first bike ride of spring was a success. We both enjoyed a rather adventurous bike ride today. I had forgotten how much fun it was to take a carefree ride. I used to ride on a pretty regular basis, but after the last two years of events I had gotten away from it. I was so excited to get Ayden a bike so we could share in the fun that I remember riding to be. Although Ayden can ride his new bike that I got him for his Birthday, it still makes me a little nervous to go on a ride of much length. It's still just a bit big for him. His Mother was kind enough to let us borrow the bike he has at her house.

The ride started off with us going full speed down a trail that is close to my house. This full speed was quickly replaced with sort of a mid tempo after Ayden decided that he was getting tired. All I could think was how out of shape I have gotten and how a slower pace would be a much welcomed event. We ended up breaking beside a creek that runs through the trail. We spent awhile sitting, tossing rocks in the water and talking. Ayden begged for me to show him how to skip a rock across the water. The rest of the time spent "resting" I taught Ayden how to skip and by the time it was time to get back on the trail he was skipping rocks pretty well. Much success!

Overall we had a blast. After our break, Dad caught his second wind and was ready to go. Ayden started pooping out after a period of time so we headed home. It was a great ride and another great memory living in Aydensworld!

Birthday Success No. 6

Aydens 6th Birthday Party

Ayden enjoyed many gifts and everyones favorite gift CASH!

The image above is my favorite of the night.

Mr. Center Of Attention!

Ayden went with the Star Wars cake this year. I cant help but think it was due in large part to the many hours of Lego Star Wars time we have put in lately.

Overall it was a great evening. Ayden had six of his school mates and a few family members in attendance. Once again Ayden decided to have his party at Chuck-E-Cheese which kind of came as a surprise this year. We had attended a earlier birthday party of one of his pals at a local rock climbing business. He loved it! At the time he mentioned that he would love to have his birthday party at the same place, but as with all 5 year olds he had a change of heart come birthday time.

Ayden's New Ride
I almost purchased his bike for Christmas this past year and decided that he would enjoy it more come spring. He had out grown his "Harley" bike and it was time to move up. I had mixed emotions with going with a 20" bike so soon but within minutes of giving Ayden his new bike he was off and loving it. I feel I made the right decision knowing that he will have it for some time to come with plenty of room to grow. My little man is riding a big boy bike now!

Happy Birthday Ayden!

Happy Sixth Birthday Son!

Posted with LifeCast

How time flies....

My youngest memory that clearly can be recalled is getting on the school bus my kindergarten year. I remember being both excited and very scared. A new adventure that meant getting out of the house, but also something I had no idea what to expect. I attended pre-school so I remember thinking that it couldn't be much different, but on the same hand everyone kept telling me how I was going to be a "big boy" now.

Looking back at old photos I would run across a picture that Mom had taken that day. It would take me right back to the big day! As I grow older I often wonder if I remember this day so clearly because of that photo? I often think about how lucky Ayden and his generation are to always have a camera on them, footage of a video camera, the wonderful great internet! So many things to capture their thoughts and feelings. An endless treasure chest to go to recall the memories.

I cant believe that Ayden will be six years old tomorrow. Time is flying by and every chance I get I try to take in just how fast he is growing on me. We have been thru a lot in his first 6 years. So many changes have taken place in our lives since he has been born that it makes me wonder what's ahead. A few things are certain. There will never be a shortage of pictures or video of him if I can help it, he will always be the one that will be able to strike a smile across my face regardless of the circumstances, and last but not least, he will always have a Father that loves him more than anything!

I Love You Son!

Click...click...CLICK!

ringgggggg.......

ringggggg........

"Hello"

"Dad....Guess what?"

Smiling always happy hear the little mans voice.

"Hey Dude...What are you doing?"

"You want to hear something? Listen to this"

A few moments of silence are pierced by a light
"click...click"

Straining not really sure what Im hearing I ask,

"Ayden?"

"Yeah...Did you hear it? Isn't that cool?"

"Son...What are you doing?"
"Uhh listen Dad!!" Showing a bit of frustration in his voice.
Suddenly hearing two little fingers snapping together,
I believe I have an understanding of what he's doing.
"I can CLICK!" Ayden exclaims.
After containing myself from a fit of laughter, the father "Mr. Buzzkill" comes out.
"Ayden, you can snap! That's snapping!"

I asked Ayden where he had learned such a skill. He proceeded to tell me
"well I've seen you and mommy do it and I just started doing it at school today."

"And Dad I done it all day today, I couldn't stop!"

It's just another day living in Ayden's world and there's no other place I would rather be!

Thank You God!

Spring Forward!

Moving the clock up can only mean one thing....

Spring is just around the corner!

Thank God!

This winter season has worn it's welcome and thankfully has taken the hint and will be leaving soon. So with the exit of winter and the enter of spring I am filled with a desire to get out and enjoy the sunshine. It's time to start planning out what Ayden and I are going to be doing to enjoy said sunshine. 

Swimming, bike riding, camping, fishing and many many hours of park time! 

I look forward to another eventful summer with the little man.

Fun In The Sun.....

Spring could not get here soon enough!! I am so tired of the cold and dreary. Ayden and I have almost wore out Star Wars and Madden on the Wii. He keeps begging for me to buy Indiana Jones and I am holding out on him...So the warm weather better hurry up and get here. We have some fun in the sun to take care of and lay the wii down for awhile. I hear it's supposed to be warm this weekend and we are taking up all of Saturday with his Basketball game, Rock Climbing B-day party and a MSU game.....Sheesh great planning on my part, they are all indoors!

Duh!

Well I have a feeling it's going to be "Park Sunday"!

Spring...... hurry please!

Lessons taught, lessons learned

It's amazing how much Ayden teaches me something I either have forgotten along this twisting road of life, or simply have never learned.
Being the father I yearn to be, doesn't always mean I am in the drivers seat on teaching life's great lessons. Ayden teaches me daily the fullfillment of love, forgiveness, honesty and unfiltered excitement!
Ayden is very emotional driven. This is a double edged sword at times but what it brings in hurt feelings, it doubles in the way he is able to express his love. The hugs, kisses, and pats on the back telling me " It's OK " come regularly.
Not remembering to pack his snack for his lunch when I only have to remember one day a week drives me insane. I always feel horrible, but to Ayden it's another chance to tell his Dad "that's alright, you'll remember next time!"
He's only five shouldn't he be throwing a fit?

Mr. Innocent

Time keeps on slippin..slippin...into the

It's been so long since I have had the piece of mind to sit down and post. I have missed posting so many stories and events in our lives and once again am short on excuses. Thanksgiving, Christmas, the New Year celebrations all have been missed on the blog but will have to be revisited at some point. I have pictures galore just waiting to be posted. So as I stare at the calendar and get that dreaded ache in my stomach from getting away from the things I love I realize that time keeps on slippin and I need to get back to it.

My Little Rock Star

A Hidden Talent?

This is art work created by Ayden.

WARNING:

.....cliche time.

I know I'm somewhat biased, but I was blown away from this picture. The kid is in kindergarten! I was working my way to a stick man at kindergarten! The use of color, the abstract thing going on, the coloring within the lines....OK so the face is a little distorted but if you look at it with an objective eye....well it's pretty artistic for a kindergartner.

I know....I know...."Proud Father" alert and what father doesn't think his kids art is fantastic....but man I am kind of thinking Ayden has a hidden talent. This is just one in a few that he has brought home. I hope to get the others up to share soon. They are all showing signs of an art talent.

Who knows he could be the first Lawyer/Pro Football Player/Artist in our history!

If Dad has a say that is.........

Defensive Battle!

Ayden sporting a swollen black eye shortly after his defensive battle basketball game.
Sharks pulled out another victory! Currently they stand at 4-1.

Parent / Teacher Round 1

We had our first Parent / Teacher Conference yesterday. It went without a hitch. The teacher said Ayden was a fast learner willing and anxious to learn. It was mentioned that Ayden's only hang up was his "rambunctious" behavior at times. His teacher did mention that he has improved as the year as progressed but says he can still work on this behavior at times.

I would say that I was most proud to hear that Ayden is a natual leader. The kids seem to gravitate toward him and he is not easily lead. I have always tried to fortify Ayden being a leader and able to make decisions always being aware of his age and maturity. I feel this is one of the most important triats a person can have just behind honesty and being unselfish. I look forward to continuing to nourish his leadership as well as his willingness to learn.

I'm a very proud, lucky Father.
Your the best son!

No Excuse!

It's been so long since I updated...and I really have no excuse. I have so much to share...pictures, school stories...Ayden starting basketball....just so much yet I have failed myself once more. Well things are going to change (like you've not heard that before) I am going to stay on top of this thing and share the amazing and not so amazing things going on in Aydensworld!