Thursday, November 02, 2006

A trip through the Haunted Woods....





Last Saturday Aaron and I went on an outing with his Tiger Cub troop. We took a hike in "the Haunted Woods", with about 6 other parents (mostly dads) and about 6 boys, all first graders. "The Haunted Woods" was really a nice walk through Tunnel Mill Boy Scout Camp, with several of the cabins set up as haunted huts, and older boy scouts in costume along the way. It was a perfect day for a walk in the woods, and Aaron had a great time. From the top, Aaron and his friends looking at the creek, which was roaring due to a lot of rain; Aaron wearing his scary vampire teeth, that he got at one of the stops; Aaron and I by the dam; and lastly, obviously, Aaron giving a big grin for the camera.

Aaron is significantly younger than his siblings. He is almost exactly 10 years younger than Joseph, 8 years younger than Rachael, and 6 years younger than Daniel. He was, as they say, "a little surprise from heaven". I was 35 when I found out he was on the way. I was surprised, to say the least. My then-husband and I had been through a rough patch in the year before, and had just experienced a revival in our sex life. I found out later that he wanted me to get pregnant. He thought a baby would "help". (Guess what? it didn't!) I thought, at the time, it was just an "oops". But I love kids, and although I wasn't really planning on having another baby, once I got over the shock, I was okay with it.

Aaron is a joy and a challenge. Our lives have been very different since he was born. He was only 1 1/2 when his dad decided to leave the family. He doesn't remember living with him here at this house. He was growing up through my second marriage fiasco, but is still close to my 2nd ex-husband. For a long time, he was closer to Larry than he was to his own father. Luckily, he only has fond memories of that part of his childhood. He still remembers to pray for Larry (my 2nd ex) and Matthew (his ex-stepbrother). Aaron is the only one of my children to be overweight, something we continue to work on. He is the only child to get in trouble at school, mostly last year in kindergarten. He is both an angel and a rascal. There have been times, in the last 6 years, when I have thought about how much easier my life would be without a young child in my life....but honestly I am so glad I have him. He is funny. He keeps me guessing. And hopefully, he will keep me in a good nursing home when I am old! (har, har) And he gives the BEST hugs!

6 comments:

Distant Timbers Echo said...

What a great lookin' kid! Haha! The one with the teeth is fabulous! This was a great bit of history I learned about you. Very interesting!

Melissa said...

He looks like an adventurous kid!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great time, and I can tell you are quite proud of Aaron.

Kara said...

My mom had five kids, i was the last, following my sis by ten years. I imagine she felt like you alot of the time. She would always say that each of us had our joys and sorrows to bring to the family but that every one of us was the love of her life. I can see that in your face too. He's a lucky boy to have you.

Elmwood said...

looks like a fun time!
and your son sounds like a great kid!!! and you definitely are a great mom!!!

sunShine said...

What great pics. He is adorable. Looks like you two had a good time.