Merry Christmas 2013

Each year my company hosts a Santa Party for the kids of our employees. Santa comes in bringing gifts for the kids. One of the many reasons I love working for this company. Its very family oriented and welcoming. Malia was not to sure about Santa when she first met him but before long she wanted to take his hand and have him sit by her. Forget about all the other kids she was determined to have his full attention at all times. Needless to say, this was a bit of a struggle trying to focus her energies on something other than Santa.

Look Whoo turns two

Malia's Owl Themed Birthday Party

Malia is two!

Dear Malia,
Another year has passed blessing us with more time and memories with you. I watch you grow everyday with amazement, sometimes frustration but always love. Your personality has blossomed with verbal words and imagination. You continue to push your independence and display curiosity with the world around you. Every stage of you life is a gift to us. Your father and I are your biggest fans.  We take pride in all your accomplishments whether it be learning a new word, counting a number higher or developing a new motor skill. Everything you do is a big deal to us and we are so fortunate to share these things with you.
My favorite part of the day is walking through the door hearing your little voice yell with excitement "mommy" as you run to me with open arms. My favorite times with you are watching you dance to songs you hear or even trying to sing along. I enjoy every kiss and hug you so willing share. I enjoy the quiet times with our late night cuddles in bed. Hearing the words I love you each morning and night. How different life is with you in it. I had no idea what I was missing out on till you came into my life. Even the times you show your frustration and get in to trouble I cant help but love you even more. You're a wonderful daughter and I'm so very blessed to be your mother.
I look forward to this year with you. I know it will be a year of great transition with a new sibling but I also know you are going to make a wonderful big sister with your caring nature and sweet spirit. I love you Malia nothing will ever change that. Happy Birthday baby girl.

Love,
Mommy

Halloween 2013

Malia was an owl for Halloween and she looked utterly adorable in her costume. Her excitement grew this year as she watched silly cartoons about Trick or Treating and mommy and daddy explained she would receive candy! Candy... oh boy. That stuff is almost non existent in our home. By Halloween morning sickness was in full affect but I couldn't miss this chance to see my little owl experience Halloween. At first, Malia seemed skittish with the idea of walking up to strangers homes especially strangers dressed in witch hats and capes. It took a few houses before she realized these strangers were passing out candy to all the kids. Its ironic... we teach our kids not to take candy from strangers but then encourage it on this one day a year.
By 8:30 the streets had died down to a few middle school stragglers and with that we headed in for the night with a sugar high and chocolate covered face.  Below is a picture of Malia at the pumpkin patch with her cousin Brenden. Allison took her on an aunty and cousin date.

We're expecting baby #2

Mommy found out she was expecting baby # 2 on the 28th of September 2013. We started trying for a baby after Puerto Vallarta so I had and indication that I might be pregnant but wasn't sure. I had taken five early pregnancy tests over the coarse of the week and all had came up negative until I tested on the actual day of my missed period. I finally saw that faint line and was delighted to tell Brad the news. Brad was out surfing so I wrote on a chalk board and left it in the bathroom for him to see. It took him a couple a moments to realize what he read.

Honeymoon in Puerto Vallarta

 The Morning after our first day in Puerto Vallarta. Finally some rest and relaxation.

View of the small fishing village to the left of our hotel. Nothing but peace and quiet.

 The mouth of the river running from the jungle to the ocean.

A cute shake in the small fishing village set up for tourist massages.

Brad and I on a walk outside the hotel grounds.

I loved finding these small houses hidden in the jungle. Make me feel so far away from the hustle of the city.

The clear ocean water. Small black crabs would peek out from the rocks to catch a look of us walking by.

Brad enjoying himself in the warm water as I lay on the sand drinking my mojito.

Rack of lamb from one of our many dinners at the resort. We indulged in every part of this trip.

Night out to watch the nightly entertainment.

After swimming with the dolphins. We were able to check out the local habitat.

View from our balcony at the Barcelo' resort. everything was amazing.

 Brad and I spent hours in this pool making friends, sun bathing and enjoying the mini bar and pool trivia games.

Sunsets in Puerto Vallarta.  We were lucky enough to enjoy the beautiful sunny weather during the raining season. We had one day of rain the whole vacation and even then it was warm and enjoyable.  

Something about hammocks just says vacation.

Our last night in Puerto Vallarta. We enjoyed every minute of it but were excited to see Malia again.

Our Wedding Day

Wedding Hair. I had no idea how I was going to even do it until the day of. I figured, if I had something in mind and it didn't look as I first imagined it, then I may get upset. The actual day of my wedding wasn't as stressful as everyone makes it seem.

Picture was captured by my wonderful adopted brother Bobby (lando). He is such a wonderful addition to our family.

A self portrait before the wedding. I ordered the flowers from a wholesaler in Costa Mesa and picked them up the day before the wedding. I did the crown the night before sitting on the kitchen floor while I enjoyed the company of my sister and friends.

On the way to  the ceremony in Laguna Beach. Mark was my driver and photographer that day and Rose was both the assistant and support of the bride. I don't know how I became so lucky to have these friends. At a time when I lost many of my friends is when Rose came into my life. They say its not the quantity of people in your life, its the quality of people that matter. I'm glad that let go of those friendships because I was able to gain her as a friend and that's priceless.

Not only did my dad have the chance to walk me down the Isle but he also preformed our ceremony. What a wonderful experience. In this picture above I am overcome with emotion waiting to marry the man of my dreams and listening to my father sing quietly as we walk down the Isle.

My daddy. I am so grateful for my mom finding this wonderful man. He is the strong silent type that has deep compassion and commitment to his family. He is my father on earth and I love him dearly.  

Yay.... we did it!

A sigh of relief as the groom walks down the Isle with his new bride. I have to admit, I think he was more stressed about this day than I was. All the hard stuff was out of the way, now it was time to enjoy this day with our friends and family.

Wedding Vows

August 25, 2013

 

When I was a young girl, I was asked to write down the top 5 things I wanted in a future husband.

Of course my initial response was;

1.    He needed to be tall & handsome.

2.    Someone with a sense of humor.

3.    Had to be a surfer.

4.    A total hunk with a name like Brad (True Story).

Then, as time passed, my previous wants shifted from superficial to the following:

1.    I wanted him to be a good father.

2.    Someone who could provide for his family.

3.    Someone with morals and conviction.

4.    A man of compassion.

5.    And most importantly, I wanted to marry my best friend.

The hopeless romantic in me yearned to find a love that would grow deeper through the years.

As I stand here in front of you, it’s as though all my dreams had come true.

Today, we take the next step together as husband and wife. A new journey waiting to be explored with me by your side.

 

Bradley, I will love you till my dying days and if the fates permit, I will love you for eternity. I promise to hold you close in times of strife and to have the patience and understanding of your needs.

I promise to be there through sickness and in health, through sorrow and celebrations. I will be your confidant, your teacher, student, lover and friend. The mother of your children and companion till the very end. For you, my love is unconditional, forgiving and true. I will love you with every ounce of my being. My heart has and always will belong to you. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Written by: Aubrey Mebust (The Bride)