USA Fail.

As you know, I am an avid Olympics watcher/devotee. Team USA all the way baby!

However, I have a bone to pick. 

Dear USA Olympic Association, 

Why, oh why, did we okay the drab Nike podium suits for this year's Olympics? They are hardly stylish, but worst of all, they are hardly patriotic! Last I checked cement grey wasn't a color on our flag. Thank goodness you thought to add the small "USA flag patch" to the shoulder, otherwise, how would we recognize which country was standing atop the podium? Nike hardly disappoints, but this was one major miss that needs to be avoided in the future.

Sincerely,

A disgruntled American Olympic fan.

Case in point-our Gold medal winning Women's Gymnastics Team today right after they received their medals...

At least it looks good against the bright pink gymnastics stadium that London chose for their venue, haha. I'm just sayin' ;)

Go team USA!

Aim

Dapper Day

Did you know that Friday was "Wear-a-bowtie-in-honor-of-the-Olympics" day?

Yea, me either. Maybe it was just something B's work did :)

Have a dapper Monday everybody!

Aim

Faces of Camp

Thanks to all who sent these photojournalistic shots ;)

Praying for a God-moving, people-shaking kind of last night!

Aim

Let the Games Begin!

Opening Ceremony tonight at 7:30pm!

SO excited :D

Go Team USA!

Aim

Baby Millionaire

If you've got an extra bazillion bucks just lying around, there are some pretty cool things that you can buy for your baby. 

Here's one of the coolest that I've seen as of late-

This is the Taga Bike & Stroller. It's a bicycle with baby seat that transforms into a stroller with what they say is just a "20-second configuration." So you can bike on down to the local grocery store, do the 20-second configuration thing and have a stroller to shop with then configure again to ride back home. 

If that's not enough coolness for you, then you can buy this attachment piece that will seat two kids facing eachother AND protect them from wind, etc. while you continue to bike.

Get yours at the Magic Beans website for a cool fifteen hundred dollars. Don't worry though-it comes with free shipping :D Haha

Taga me away!

Aim

Scenes from Camp

As I've mentioned before, our church is away at our annual Family Camp this week up in the Santa Cruz Mountains. I miss it so!

Here are some scenes from the week so far that my kiddos and staff have sent me. Oh the power of technology these days :)

Join me in praying God's covering and releasing of His power over this camp this week!

Aim

God's People

I don't know about you, but whenever I encounter a homeless person I most often hesitate. Do I give them money? Do I ignore them? Do I try and say hi? I struggle because I've read time and time again in the Bible how Jesus always sought out the beggars, desolate and lowly ones yet I don't know always how to emulate that myself.

Yesterday I was entering TJMaxx and a homeless lady was sitting on the curb leading up to the store. She asked if I had anything to give her and when I said "no" she said, "God Bless you." I went inside the store and did my thing. On the way out I was pushing a cart with an ottoman in it when suddenly the wheels locked and I couldn't push it anymore. That same homeless lady observed what was going on and before I knew it, she had come over with another cart that wasn't locked and she handed it to me so that I could transfer my stuff into it and get to my car. It was a sweet gesture from anyone, much less a homeless lady who looked like she hadn't had a shower in weeks. I was touched by her kindness. I ended up giving her a Panera gift card that I had in my purse (there was one next to TJMaxx) so that she could have lunch there and then I told her back, "God Bless You."

This lady was a touch from heaven for me today. After she handed me that cart, I looked at her and saw a person whom God had created and whom He greatly loved. So often it's hard for me to connect what I know (God loves them) vs. what I feel (skeptical over how they might spend the money I give them, disgust at the filth, etc.)

I know I'm not perfect, but I'm working on being more Christ-like in every interaction that God gives me. "What you do for the least of these, you do for Me."

God Bless You today!

Aim

Weekend.

This past weekend was bittersweet for me. Our church left for our annual family camp and for only the third time in my entire life, I was not inside of a vehicle joining them! :( Major sad face. With our due date fast approaching, Blane and I thought it wise to skip out this year.

Our church at last year's family camp

My heart goes with them though, and I am praying for each one daily...that God would meet them, touch them, change them and just all around blow their minds :D. Because everyone was gone, this past weekend was a quiet one for B and I. It was nice though-gave us time together...as probably one of our last few weekends sans kiddo. We organized and cleaned up the baby room, did massive amounts of laundry, took a nap or two, cleaned out our kitchen pantry, B washed all the floors and cleaned both bathrooms and we finally got our A/C fixed, praise the Lord! I'm now happily sitting in my 69 degree house, typing away!

Last night we had dinner for the first time with two of our neighbors at the house next door. We have been wanting to get to know our neighbors better, and it was the perfect opportunity to do so. Our neighbor Laurie is a great cook and she made the perfect summer meal-cheese and crackers to start followed by perfectly grilled chicken and a salad to die for: arugula, baby tomatoes, edamame, olives, grated parmesan and freshly grilled corn doused in a homemade apple cider vinaigrette that she homemade. We finished off the meal with some juicy watermelon and cream puffs! Haha. Later, B and I were able to hang out with one of his old co-workers at our house and it was nice to catch up with him too. 

Hey, so even though I feel like I'm missing out on being with everyone at camp this week, God has already brought some people into our lives back here at home to spend some time with. He always provides!

Hope you all have a wonderful week. God goes with you!

Aim

Two Hearts

Late last night a gunman opened fire in a movie theatre in Colorado, killing 12 and injuring upwards of 50 people. Such a senseless act that took precious lives.

Last night at VBS, 18 kids accepted Jesus into their hearts. Amazing. 

I'm certain that God's heart was both breaking and rejoicing at the same time.

"For the Lamb that is in the midst of the throne shall be their shepherd, and shall guide them unto fountains of waters of life: and God shall wipe every tear from their eyes."

Revelation 7:17

In God we trust,

Aim

Neighbor Love

The other day I received a phone call from someone who goes to our church. I wondered why she called because she's not someone we talk to on a normal basis. Turns out that she made B and I one of her infamous homemade apple tarts and she wanted to drop it by. Oh my! I was so touched by her thoughtful gesture. She explained that she knew we were nearing the end of our pregnancy and she just wanted to make us this tart to encourage us. Awww <3 

These pics don't do the tart justice-it was quite large and wrapped so beautifully. I ended up cutting it up and giving some to both our parents because there was no way that we would be able to eat it all ourselves. 

So blessed to be in a community of Christ as we are. I don't know how people live without one!

Special thanks to Chris M. for the delicious tart! :)

Aim

Summer Sky

Weird summer evening tonight-currently it's raining outside, but it's not cold and just awhile ago there was a massive peal of thunder. Just as it got dark at VBS tonight, the sky turned this incredible shade of reds, oranges and yellows. It was magnificent and beautiful and just totally rad :).

God certainly went overboard tonight!

*Thanks Syd, for the awesome pic!

Aim

A Family Affair

This past weekend I was blessed to be able to spend some time with my Dad's side of the family at a little gathering thrown in our soon-to-be-born baby's honor.

The littlest guest, Regan, was born two days after our wedding last fall and she's now crawling and pulling herself up to stand. She is so precious.

Mom, as usual, had the place decked out so cute. She went with a Dr. Seuss theme and she even had little favor boxes with Dr. Suess stickers on them too. She's so amazing at making things look pretty!

The shower-givers, my Auntie Ruth and cousins-in-law Paige and Risa made quite a spread of appetizers, fruits and desserts. It was all done so beautifully and it was delicious to boot!

Risa made the roasted tomato and hummus appetizer (yum!) and a pretty fruit salad while Paige made fruit and yogurt parfaits and mini cheesecake bites. Auntie brought drinks and the pound cake squares you see on the right. Everything was so good!

Mom set up a little blue themed candy and favor bar in honor of "Boo Boy" (her pet name for the baby) And Risa made those little white boxes that were filled with macaroons. My fave!

Auntie was in charge of games and she did an awesome job! We played four or five and each one was printed on half sheets of blue paper and came complete with prizes. Much laughter and learning ensued from all the games. Great job Auntie!

Mom, Cousin Haru and Cousin Risa on Mom's back deck enjoying the shower.

It was a lovely afternoon spent with all the lovely ladies on Dad's side. I am so blessed <3
Baby boy received lots of super cute clothes, a wonderful art book for children, a cd of hymn lullabies,  and some practical things like diapers and wipes too. We're getting closer and closer to being ready for his arrival thanks to people like our wonderful family.

Thank you ladies! Now off to study my nursery rhymes... ;)
Aim

Piece of Cake

This past weekend B and I attended a marathon day of baby classes at our local hospital. It was eight hours of baby 411 and birthing videos and the like. The most fun part was when we got to "play" with the fake babies...

 On the left is our instructor showing us the proper way to swaddle. On the right is fake baby #1 just chilling in his hospital bassinet.

 Meet our fake baby. Hello stiff heavy little guy.

My dear husband who jumped right in and swaddled that little thing like a pro. His first comment afterwards was, "I don't see what all the fuss is about. It's a piece of cake!";D 

On the right he's practicing his "football hold." Even though the "babies" were plastic, it was still surreal to see B handling a baby. He's going to be a great dad :)

6 weeks and counting,

Aim

Creme de la Creme

Bonjour, Sophie.

Sophie hails from Paris and is the creme de la creme of baby teething toys on the market today. Apparently, any baby who's anybaby has one. Who knew that social status stuff started so young? Anywho, the self proclaimed #1 babysitter extraordinaire Court gifted the babe with Miss Sophie yesterday. Thanks to people like her our kid won't look like the nerd on the playground teething on something as plain jane as...the side of his stroller? :D Ahahaha

Thanks Court. I'm certain that he will love you, Sophie giraffe or not! 

P.S. And welcome home girl! ;)

Aim

So Exciting

Coming to a store near you December 1st. It's a Target collaboration of epic proportions! 24 top notch designers with 50 pieces for the Target Fashionista in all of us. AND it's not limited to clothes either. There are baby things and home goods as well. I cannot wait to see the pieces in this collection! Read more about it here.

From one Target devotee to another,

Aim

Pregnancy Schmegnancy

*Disclaimer: mini pregnancy rant that may include some tmi to follow. If you are sensitive to things like this, please refrain from reading. Normal Aimee post to follow shortly.

There is a mom at our church who never fails to say, "Don't you just LOVE being pregnant?!?" every time I see her. Usually I laugh a little, or offer a smile but I don't respond with what I'm really feeling~

No, actually, I do not enjoy being pregnant.

Let me say before you gasp and go crazy on me, that I am looking forward to having this baby, to expanding our family and to all that this will bring. This has nothing to do with my feelings toward pregnancy. Let's get that straight right out the box people.

I could do without my rapidly expanding waistline, the sore feet, the cramps in my hamstrings, being hot all the time, randomly breaking out in sweat multiple times a day, the hugeness of the boobage area (sorry if this is tmi for you), my clogged nose and harder breathing (due to the baby being smushed against my lungs), the pressure in my lower abdomen every time I move, having to pee all the time, tossing and turning at night because a comfortable position alludes me, the difficult time bending down or doing something as simple as tying my own darn shoes, the intense acid reflex in my throat, the Bell's Palsy that refuses to go away, being tired all day every day, having to deal with cord bank people on the phone, constantly going to the doctor and having to find a parking space, not drinking an ice cold ice tea in this heat and missing out on camp, to name a few.

I am looking forward to meeting this little guy and to moving into this next phase with Blane. We have a beautiful nursery that is just about ready, but would suffice if he came before it was completely finished. The support and love we have from both sides of the family is overwhelming, in a good way. I don't think there could be a better situation for this baby to be born into. We are definitely blessed. As far as the whole pregnancy thing goes...maybe next time I'll just hire one of those gestational carriers to do the leg work for me. Just a thought ;)

7 weeks and counting,

Aim

The Fourth of July

Stars and Stripes and Freedom and Independence and...a day off from work! :)

Happy 4th Everyone! Today, Blane and I are headed to his parent's house to feast with the family and then afterwards we are, in true American fashion, going to a Dodger game where we will see fireworks and hang out with good friends. Whoo-hoo! 

Oh, and if you're feeling ambitious and would like to try and make this beautiful pie, the recipe is here.

Happy Independence Day!

Aim

I Am Woman...

Remember the propaganda ads from World War II? This one in particular struck me today. Why? Well, to sum it up: I needed new windshield wipers.

This may seem like a menial thing for the average joe schmo. However, I am not that person. Things like this tend to overwhelm me, mainly because #1-I've never had to get/install new windshield wipers and #2-There's so much else going on right now that it was just another thing on my "to do" list that needed to get done. 

I realize that it's summer and the prospect of rain is not in the near future. However, if I don't do it when I have the "We can do it!" mentality, then it's never gonna get done people. And I refuse to be stuck in another rain with my one windshield wiper that has a flappy piece of rubber waving around because it had become undone from the wiper blade.

Enter these guys...

Meliss told me that you could pick up wipers at any Pep Boys. So I Google'd the nearest one and headed over there after staff meeting today. It was a little intimidating walking into this huge auto parts store (totally outside of my comfort zone) but everyone inside was really nice to the pregnant lady, haha, and I was in and out of there in under 10 minutes. 

They even installed my new wipers for me for free to boot! It literally took the guy maybe 2.7 seconds to all of remove the old ones and replace with the new ones...but it would definitely have taken me at least half an hour more to figure it out so I was grateful. :) All I had to do was drive around their building into their service area and as I sat in the car with the engine running, one of the service guys just came over and pretty much did what this picture looks like. Easy peasy.

I highly recommend Pep Boys for not only having what I needed in stock, but for making the entire experience fast and efficient, just like I like it! Kudos for great customer service too!

Bring on the rain,

Aim

Busy Busy

Summer has been busy for me. Between finishing up youth events for the school year+starting summer youth events, I've been busy planning for the fall youth calendar when I will be away on Maternity leave. It's been kind of crazy, but I'm thankful for the many people God has given me to help with youth stuff, vision for its future, as well as encourage and uplift me in the process.

Sunday afternoons are one of my most favorite times of the week. Its usually the time during the weekend where Blane and I have some quiet time together. Yesterday Duncan, our neighbor cat and Blane's BFF, came by for the zillionth time this week and the two of them were hanging out. Duncan has been lonely this past week because his owner is out of town so he's been coming by constantly for some love and attention. Mornings around 8:30, at least once in the afternoon, again when Blane gets home from work and finally at 10:30-11pm at night he's been meowing at our door. I'm not a cat person, but I can't help but feel bad for him!

Anywho, so back to Sunday afternoon. I was putting dinner together and Duncan was there, meowing away, so we decided to spend some more time with him and eat our dinner in the back on the deck so he could just "hang out" with us. Call us crazy, but that's what we did-have dinner with Duncan! 

It was a really nice early evening and we enjoyed taking advantage of the longer summer days and the cooler afternoon temperatures to dine on the deck. I can't wait to get a rectangular outdoor table+chairs to put out there so we can have dinner parties under the stars!

Happy Monday all,

Aim