happy birthday, baby cakes!

ode to the birthday boy!!! (isn't this picture fantastic??)

So, Michelle tagged me a while back and I was waiting to post this for a good reason. I figured since most of the responses I'll have are about Aaron, we'd turn it into a tribute of sorts... you know, because it's the man's birthday! For he is a MAN of 26 years TODAY!

In honor of the occasion, please feel free to stroll down memory lane and get a glimpse into Aaron's checkered past. There are many pictures to wow and amaze you... or merely to make you laugh. Ahhh, the many faces of Aaron Wood. Lots of love to the birthday boy!

(pre dental school pix... such a doll face!)

What is his name? Aaron

How long have you two been together? Wow, let's see... married for 3 years, but dated for almost 2 before that... has it been that long?!

(who can forget the classic JENGA! face? em hutch, this one's for you!)

How old is he? 26 years old today!!! HaPpY bIrThDaY!!!

(alaskan adventure with the boys... he LoVeS alaska & I'm sure his love started here first with their infamous trip.)

Who eats more? It depends on what we're eating. If it is anything sour, skittle-y, or sugary or something like a huge slab of red meat? Aaron. Hands down. Now if we're talking about chocolate, that's a different story...

(speaking of eating habits...)

Who said 'I love you' first? That would be Aaron. Let's just say, when it came to our relationship, he was always more "ready" than I was. If you want the full story, we can talk later.

Who is taller? Aaron towers above me at 6' 3" on "good day" as he says. On a regular day, he is like 6' 2.5". Luckily, even wearing my highest heels, he still remains inches taller!

Who can sing better? He would say me, only because he chickens out during things like choir practice and doesn't like people to know that he can hold his own. Sometimes he can be a weasel in that regard.

Who is smarter? Street smarts? yeah, me. All the way. Book smarts? that would be Aaron. Well, let's be honest... Aaron knows more RANDOM knowledge than ANYONE I know. (well, his dad is a competitor, that's for sure). He reads more on wikipedia (his true love of life) and a billion online newsreels and retains all that knowledge like you'd never believe.

(i just love this picture... i mean, what a looker!)

Who does the laundry? Pretty much me... although I never can get to the whole "putting it away" stage. I am really good and blitzing all of it and getting it folded... but unfortunately, the job of putting it away sometimes lies on Aaron's head (i.e. when he is sick of trying to find his clothes in the nice neat piles in random baskets) Sorry, dude. I am what I am. :)

Who pays the bills? It was me for about 5 minutes (okay months) until Aaron decided to go "digital" and do everything online. Remember how I said wikipedia is his true love? Quicken might be it's tough competitor. He LOVES figuring out our net worth (which is awesome right now, as you can imagine) and plotting out where all of our money is going. Me? I love it when he shows me the pretty graphs.

(what a cute face!)

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? So, if we are looking at the bed, the right side would be me. This way I am closer to the restroom (something that I never cared about until as of late) AND that way he is closer to the window. My theory is, in case anyone tries to break in, Aaron can karate chop his face before they get to me. No joke.  I'm serious.

Who mows the lawn? Why don't you ask the man who is in LOVE with his mower? Seriously, I don't know why I don't have a picture of him mowing (aka his favorite past-time). Ever since we became home-owners and got a front lawn (don't ask about the backyard), he decide to invest on the environment friendly no engine, no battery, and no gas operated mower. You know, like the old fashioned kind that clips the grass? Well, that is the one we have, and believe you me, he is the CHAMP in the neighborhood. Many a neighbor has asked to use his beloved green monster, and they all share the LOVE. He thinks its great. And because of that, I think it is great.

Who cooks dinner? That would be Aaron and then sometimes me. You see, lots of times he is home before me, so... by default, he wins. BUT, you see, Aaron really does enjoy cooking and makes these gourmet meals all the time. For example, I say, "let's have some egg sandwiches for dinner" (very common meal at our house). I ask if he wants me to make his, or if he'd like to do it. He wants to make his own. So, I get out the mayo, bread and call it good. Aaron, on the other hand, gets out things I've never heard of -- like paprika, or garlic powder and salsa or bbq sauce and cheese, and goes crazy. He ends up with this major situation... and I sit with my sad little mayo and bread. Yeah, he's crazy like that. So, he gets to cook a lot.

Who drives? With such "sweet moves" (as pictured above) I allow him to be at the wheel. Oh, and how could I deny the one who's life dream is to become a truck driver and drive forever? Not I, friends, not I. (and I'm not kidding about his life dream, ask him about it one day).

Who is more stubborn? Me. Sorry. For once, the answer is me.

Who kissed who first? Aaron kissed me. obviously. :) let's just say, he was my first kiss. When new things happen to me, my stomach takes a hit. I was throwing up in the bathroom all that night. Love you, hon. :)

Who asked who out first? Technically, it was me who asked him out. My friends and I had been planning a magical date in Rach's grandma's secret garden for YEARS (seriously, since jr. high) and we finally decided to do it. So, I called him. When I called, he said "How did you know that I was going to call you? I was planning to ask you out this week too!" (or something along those lines). So, technically it was me. It was a BEAUTIFUL evening!

Who proposed? Aaron. That was a good story too. He is a sneaky little trickster and enlisted my sister in the madness. Good times. I'll share that little tidbit one day. Get excited for it.

Who has more friends? With goggles like those? Who wouldn't want to be his friend?? :) What a guy! We're pretty even. I love that we both like each other's friends so much. And it is fun that we have met so many people that our BOTH our friends. Good times.

Who is more sensitive? ok, that would be me. (i love that the only two questions that have been mine are the "stubborn" and "sensitive"-- nice.)

Who has more siblings? Aaron is one of six kids and I am one of five.

Who wears the pants? Lately? Aaron, because I wear dresses (don't like tightness on my waist right now... you know the whole pregnancy thing). Ha! Okay, I guess this one is me for lots of little decisions (that's what happens when you marry a really laid-back-go-with-the-flow kind of guy). But for big ones, we both share them.

What a strange question to end off with. hmmm... I don't know if I really want to end this post with that. Ahh! Got it!

Who is more excited about the baby? (good question, i know). TIE! We are both thrilled. And for someone who doesn't really "get super excited" that often (aaron), he has been a treat! Just in the middle of no where he says things like, "I can't wait for her to come and play!" or "She is going to be so cute! I can't wait!"--this is huge, my friends. Not to say that Aaron is never happy or is a bump on a log --not at all! But, he just doesn't "exclaim" things very often. He is SOO excited about our baby and I am too! Good times, good times.

ok. It's over. No more. Thanks for reading. Oh, and hApPy BiRthDaY to you, Aaron! You are truly the bomb.com and I love you forever.

I tag ANYONE who wants to do this same thing. Have at it, my friends! Can't wait to find out more about ya'll.

So glad I'm here.

has it really been THAT long? (sigh.)  Yes, it has.  Excuse? Hmmm... Busy life? nope.   Lack of things to "blog" about? (like that has EVER been an issue). 

Why did I decide to post today? It just feels like it's time. 

Lucky you.

So, what's the happs? (I can hear you asking me that right now). Well, I don't know if you know this, but I started working for my dad's company. Boy, it is a sweet deal. I got a RAD computer (love life), get to do it at home (in the comfort of my pajamas), and it is just a really great thing in my life. The plan is to become a pro right now and then when the baby comes, Ill stop completely at the store and do this (and melimba)... oh, and raise a baby. 

So, this is me, on the new computer.  Bloggin' away.  I could get used to this for a while.  

Aaron is at school.  I just finished bringing Sweet Baby Wood's stuff into her room (for she truly is a sweet gal).  oh! Didn't you know?  I just went up to Utah for a week.  It just so happened that my darling friends threw a BEAUTIFUL BABY SHOWER for me!  It was so great!  And then some other darling friends had a get together in honor of Groundhog's Day/Baby Shower/Birthday Bashes/Sewing Goodness.  That was so great too! 

SO MuCh LoVe!!!  Can you feel it?  I can.  Totally feelin' it.  A Billion Thanks to all involved.  

I don't have pictures here to post, those will come soon.  (If we can all twist Becca or Lizzy's arm to email them to me).  Get excited, because I am.

So, the only picture I will post for the time being is this one.  

Most of you, being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, recognize this man.  But, some of you, my other gal pals, may not.  This is President Hinckley, the former prophet of our church.  He recently passed away.  Since I was in Utah and my sister has "special" privileges, we were able to attend the funeral service at the huge Conference Center in Salt Lake City.  

I have had many emotions this past week.  It is an ending of an era in the church and this man did so much good, not only for the church, but for the world.  I'm not going to say a lot, other than I loved this man.  He was a living and breathing example of what I picture Jesus Christ to be.  His attitude, his humor, his character and just the life he lived.  

I am so grateful for the chance I had to attend his funeral and hear the beautiful music and pay tribute to such a wonderful man.  It was a memory I hope to never forget.  You know when you leave somewhere having such a resolve to be better?  That is what happened.  Love that.  I love having those reminders.  

My little sister was talking about President Hinckley and she said what she appreciated most about him, was that he was constantly reminding us of our Heavenly Father's love for us.  Of all the good things he could tell us, he always was reminding us how much we are loved.  How great is that?  

Well, I don't know how to really end this post.  :)  Just know how glad I am to be here.  I'm so glad I'm here.  Glad you are my friends.  Glad for lots of things.

funny picture

. i thought this was funny and wanted to share it. yeup. that's all.

my version... i know you've been waiting for it.

Yes, team.  We really did celebrate our 3rd anniversary at the Monster Truck Rally.  Who's decision was that?  I'll give you ONE guess.  How romantic was that?  :)  Suuuuuper romantic. Okay, Okay, it is easy to make fun, but truly, it was great.  I mean, where else can you see millions of people standing up and applauding a truck on fire?  Or people going crazy when the huge truck flips on it's side and loses a wheel??  Seriously, it was awesome.  The sheer size of these machines was... well, hmm... what's the word... neato!!  It was fun.

Now granted, we ended up being there for over 3 hours before I said, "ok, hon. we gotta go." It wasn't that I wasn't thoroughly enjoying myself, but more of the fact that we were in the absolute middle of row, hard plastic seats, didn't have time for a "real" dinner, and being extremely pregnant, and it was 10:30 p.m. --- I was ready.  Too bad that they still had about 8 more trucks?!  Yeah, nuts.  

How did we decide on such an event to ring in our 3rd year?  Well, let me explain.  For the first time in a while, we both had a Saturday free.  I've been eyeing some things at Ikea in Austin and been begging to go the flea market there too.  So, the day time was dedicated to things that I wanted to do and the night was up to him.  He chose Monster Trucks... I chose to shop till we dropped. 

Austin Flea Market?  Yeah, skip it.  Wait!  Unless you want used electronics or crazy Mexican music... or disgusting old clothes.  Yep, that's the only reason why you should venture there. Ok, to be fair, they did have some cool cowboy boots (none that I was SuPer thrilled about though) and Aaron did get this UT hat...  Go Texas!

Afterwards, we went to Macaroni Grill (Aaron had never been) and it was delicious.  Then to Ikea to buy this lovely for the baby's room.  It is TOO cute.  I am in love.  I want the whole line. We both HEART ikea.  We decided we always want to live near one. Then to the San Marcos Outlets.  We decided that is our kind of Flea Market.  You know, the kind that don't actually have fleas?  ha.  good times.  

So, there is the explanation.  Take it or leave it.

p.s. do you want to hear a great song? check out Rihanna "Hate that I love you".  I'm loving it. You should too.

American Gladiator

Melissa made a really nice post for me so I wanted to dedicate another really good one to me. The new American Gladiator is on TV, and I'm really enjoying it. Here's a clip from an old episode... my favorite part is the interview with the guy after he does real good.



PS - Melissa and I had a great anniversary. We went to a flea market which was pretty much a bust, then to Macaroni Grill, then to Wal-Mart so we could package our left-overs in a cooler, then to IKEA, then to the Alamodome for the "Monster-Jam"

The show was great, but we were stuck in kinda bad seats between some big stinky guys.

this is a post to the one I love most!

well, it's officially been three years that we've been married.  I was able to find a bunch of pictures from our life together and put a few of them on here in dedication of the grand event.  Don't you just love that picture of Aaron above?  Me too.

I was talking to my mom a while back talking about how sometimes I feel like life is so crazy and was wondering if I'm really ready to take on this whole experience of "motherhood" and she told me, "Melissa, take a look at how much you have been able to do!  Both you in your own life, and then all that you've done with Aaron.  You have been able to travel and experience so many things... things that most people aren't able to do in a lifetime."  True that, mom, true that.  

As I was looking back on these pictures I remembered how lucky we have been.  I remembered how lucky I am.  Aaron is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me.  It is so wonderful that we STILL have sooo much fun together.  

Some of these pictures are from when we taught english in china, others are from our random trips--camping, san fran to portland, jamaica, and all the other dorky/crazy things in between.

Everything is better with Aaron.  Everything is funner (yes, I will make that a word) with Aaron.  Basically, Aaron is the bomb.com.  So, this post is dedicated to the one I love most. 

Here's to many more grand adventures!

Eventually I will add some of our wedding pictures.  Now would have been the opportune time, but alas, I have to scan in lots of those.  So, until I figure out the scanner with my new computer, you can enjoy these.  ok?  ok.  don't be mad.  thanks.

has it been that long?

so, let's not take notice of the last time we posted. ok? ok, thanks.

new year. new post. new beginnings. new pictures to post. get excited.

please take note that most of the Christmas pictures will be posted at a later date...seeing that I didn't bring the camera to Utah, and my sister Lizzy (age 11) got a digital camera for Christmas---well, let's just say there are lots of pictures taken and it might be a while before they are actually downloaded to the computer. So, until then, you will have to see what we have been up to since we arrived back in Tejas.

Christmas, by the way, was completely wonderful. We LOVED being in Utah with our families and dear friends. It was a good "escape" from what we call "REAL life." However, we are also glad to be back into the swing of things here...oh, and did I mention the high is supposed to be 74 degrees today? Yeah. Thanks, Texas.

Here is a picture from what is the most EXCITING purchase thus far in my life. I did my research and was going to spring for a fancy pants crib that was beautiful (dark AND white wood)...but alas, decided to go for something totally classic in the same style that has been around for years and years. It is SO fun to actually have started a "BABY" category in our Quicken program. I have a feeling that the category "arts & crafts" isn't going to have the highest expenditures for long! :)

Now, you may be wondering, "What is that darling thing draping off the corner of the new beautiful crib?" Well, I'll tell you what, it's a little quilt my mom made the day she found out we were having a girl! She is such a hoot. Let's see s'more detail, ok? ok.

I know, I know. You are all jealous. But, sorry. Don't be such haters. Just be lovers of the goodness. So, one day I will be able to whip things out like this...but until that day happens, I'll keep buying beautiful fabrics like these found at Broadbents in Lehi.

Aaron was thrilled to find out that I had bought even more fabric this trip. As the lady was cutting it, she asked me what I was making. I had to think about it for a bit and then answered, "Something completely wonderful. I'm not sure what exactly it will be, but it will be wonderful." Yeah, Aaron loves answers like that. See, this would be one of those things that go into the "arts & crafts" categories on Quicken. Good times.

I'll just post these little do-dahs I made pretty much the night I got back from Utah. I forgot that I had to do the bulletin board for the primary room and the new theme is "I am a Child of God." So, I went back to my poster making days and pulled out the chalks and markers to create these kiddos. (This is mostly for my mom, she always wants to know how things like this ended up looking like...because she is the one I am frantically calling for ideas).

And last but not least, it seems it is the season for babies. I love it! Three of my friends are having babies here in about two minutes and I went to Costco to find some little outfits for them. These 3 happen to all be having boys too. So, I was at the checkout stand with 3 of the exact same outfits in the same size and the lady said, "don't tell me you're having triplets!" CAN YOU IMAGINE?! Yeah, now I am visibly pregnant to everyone...am I that big?? :) Innocent question. Anyway, I also made these little notecards for the fun.

Anyway, lots of baby love going on over here. We are sOoOOo eXcItEd for this little dolly to make her first appearance! Aaron gave me a hug the other day and she totally kicked him in the gut. It was awesome. You so should have been there. :) My sweet little ninja. Bye for now!

this is what we've been up to...

Wow, guess who hasn't posted for a long long time? Well, that would be me... and Aaron for that matter. Remember how it is now December 17th and Christmas will be here in 2 minutes? Yeah, I remember too.

So, why have we not posted for so long? Well, Aaron took a leave of absence because that thing called dental school was calling his name...and now he is proud to announce that finals are over with. What has he spent his days doing since this past Thursday? We'll never know...but he sure is enjoying it. Oh wait, I know what he's done ONE of the days. Friday was spent preparing a turkey for our ward party. What a beaut! (I have to say, I didn't have a lot of confidence in his turkey skills...but alas, he proved me wrong).

Oh, Aaron has also been touring with the Babcock duet... look how pleasant his face is here.

Me? Oh, well, you know... stuff. Like this:

you know, things like these holiday cards and tags for all my many customers (ok, only a handful this year...but it was by choice). I haven't taken pictures of the "finally finished" stockings (three years in the making) or the wreath I created OR the printed Christmas cards. You'll totally be impressed, I know it. ha! totally. CRAZY month, my friends. Crazy month. BUT I LOVE IT! one of these days I'll take pictures so you'll believe me that I haven't been sitting on my rump the entire month (and no, I didn't mean to rhyme).

We leave this week to UTAH! Who's excited? me. real excited. Hopefully we'll post again soon. No promises though, especially to my sister Becca AKA the "wah wah whiner" that we hadn't posted for a long time. Happy now, becc? good. oh, and Merry Christmas.

we weren't joking...

So, I kid you not. This baby thing is for reals!
Being that today is my second to last day off BEFORE we go home for Christmas, I plan to accomplish a lot. And since I don't really sleep in anymore, I thought I'd get right to it this morn.

Okay! I know you have ALL been waiting for ACTUAL proof that we indeed are having a bundle of pink...so today is your lucky day. I tried to scan the ultrasound pictures when I came home, then tried to take screen shots of our little DVD, and then we finally took pictures of it...and that is when the magic appeared. Before then, it was just empty blackness.

Introducing Sweet Baby-Face Wood. She is such a dolly!
I know you'll agree!

yep, she was ready for her close up. I swear she's got our profile!

who's number one?

that's right! she already knew she was #1!!! she is so smart at such an early age! (she totally takes after me--well, maybe aaron too. I guess he was the one who got in trouble for reading the Encyclopedias too late at night. Maybe that means he was smarter...hmm...).

Really, though. It was such a fun/wonderful experience to be there with Aaron. She was moving around so much and we were amazed at all we could see! It was crazy. We came home and watched the DVD two or three more times!

It is amazing, because we already love her so much. We can't wait for her to make her debut! I love that Aaron says every night how excited he is for her. Good times, good times. Oh, and here's another visual treat...er...not. But this is what I look like now. P.S. Aaron kept saying, "Ok, hon, straighten your back a little bit..." but I couldn't! This is as straight as I go. Weird, I know.

and doesn't everyone do a side shot at 20-something weeks? okay, so we joined the club. It is so weird to see myself in a mirror and think..."is that really my stomach?" yeah, crazy, but true.

SO! There you have it...we weren't telling a joke or making up a story to be funny...it is the actual truth. (I was going to write "a belly never lies" but decided not to, b/c that sounds lame). :) Hey, get excited...only 21 days till Christmas!??!

some good deals

Melissa says she doesn't want this blog to become a coupon site, but i just think there are some great deals out there and wanted to let the world know. If you have an american express card they have this thing called "my wish list". I really wanted to get the TV they were selling the other day (42", $700), but didn't get picked. you have to be ready to click at certain times of the day. The wish list sale goes to december 13th and they are giving away 3 cars that day. Other prizes/purchases left to win include a camcorder, trip to china, BMW motorcycle, las vegas trip, xbox, diamonds, and other stuff. Good luck!


ps - we just got some great wrapping paper at Hobby Lobby (50% off) and melissa has been loving looking at it all day. She's like a busy elf getting ready for Christmas lately with different cards and tags and wreaths and things. It's nice to have her around because Christmas feels like Christmas when she does so much good stuff.

And we have been loving buying hot french bread lately anytime we go to H.E.B. or walmart and can't even make it home without eating it.