1.27.2008

out to lunch

Yesterday, Noah & I went out to lunch with Diana (Steve's mom), Steve, and our friend Jason. It was lots of fun! We went to Friday's Front Row at Chase Field because Steve thought it would be fun for Noah to look out into the baseball field, even though there wouldn't be a baseball game going on. It turned out to be the day of the monster truck races so it was a perfect lunch spot! Noah sat right by the window and loved looking out at all the big trucks. He also loved throwing things and acting way too wild at the restaraunt, but I didn't have to sit next to him so I got to enjoy my lunch, unlike Steve & Jason!
This picture is dark but it shows what a perfect table we got to sit at!

After lunch, Noah watched the balls in this big maze outside of the stadium. He was in heaven!
No, he's not sleeping in this picture, just loving the time he got to spend with Daddy!
Daddy & Noah
Jason & Noah - (Jason is our new friend that is doing the same program as Steve right now. He's hung out with us a few times and Noah just loves him! He's fun to have around and such a nice guy.) Noah was exhausted afterward. This was a lunch date that we both looked forward to all week, and we're thankful to Diana (Grandma Hunt) for planning it!!
Since my blog isn't private, I won't go into much detail - but for anyone that knows our family and is confused about the time we spend together after the history of the last 6 months, all I have to say is that I don't regret any decisions I've made or that I am continuing to make every single day. I pray so hard to know the right things to do in my life, and I try my best to act on the answers I receive from prayers. Right now, spending time together is what feels right and it makes us happy to be together. Steve & I get along good together now like we did in the past (for the most part) - just like most couples that have a few struggles, but lots of happy times too. 6 months ago, I made a decision that I knew was right, and I know there was a purpose for it. I don't know the purpose, but I know that Heavenly Father has a plan for our family - for me, for Steve, and for Noah too. Although my decision was a tough one to make, I have seen some positive changes because of it, and I hope that things will continue to change for the better.

I don't know why I feel like I have to explain myself on my blog, but I know that lots of our family & friends care about us and want to know how things are going. It might be hard to understand why we do some of the things that we do, but like I said, I am doing my best to act on the feelings I have about what to do in my life right now. I am so thankful to know that I can pray and receive comfort and answers to my prayers, because without that knowledge, I would be a wreck! I don't know if any of these last 2 paragraphs have made sense, but thanks to everyone who cares about us and prays for our family.

15 comments:

Sue said...

Shalae - this is Sue Aflague, your story brought back tons of memories of some of the struggles my own adult children have had to endure....my oldest daughter, separated from her husband, and was just a week away from her divorce being finalized....and she made the decision to go back to her husband....a long story short -- I am sure it was the hardest decision in her life, much harder than leaving with the children to come live with us in the beginning of this ordeal.... Now, looking back over it....It really was the best decision she could make...her husband dealt with many issues that plagued him through childhood...he began an anger management program that although I didn't think would help him -- it changed him, into the man he is today...so loving, peaceful, and the ideal father, and husband. We doubted that he could change, but we have seen it first hand! When I look at them as a family today, I am in awe....and am so thankful, that changes are made every day!! You never know what the outcome of this situation you are going through will turn out, but you do know you always have Heavenly Fathers guidance to rely on and of course your family!! My husband always says that my daughter and her husband could not be where they are today, if she never left and started the divorce proceedings...and although it was a long haul (2 years), if she never left -- they would not be where they are today....I hope this gives you a few words of encouragement.....I never thought my daughter would return to her husband, but she saw something in him (the change), that none of us could even imagine....and now...almost two years after she went back to him...they have the most ideal family life. So hang in there, and even if you and Steve do not get back together...being friends, and getting along is the best medicine for Noah....One of the best quotes I have ever heard on raising children...(whether the parents are together or not)is... "The best gift you can give your child is to love their mother/father." Good luck during this difficult time, only time will heal all wounds...but, you have what it takes, and you have a very strong family support system!!! I wish you the best!!!

MichelleY said...

It must be so good for Noah to be able to spend time with Steve - and you too. I wish you all the best Shalae, whatever that ends up to be :)

Missy said...

I love you Shalae! I had a big smile on my face reading this whole post. You are so awesome, I admire you so much.

Suzy Cummard said...

Can I copy Sue's, & pretend I wrote it?
SUE- that was really nice of you to take the time & write that.

I know that some of us don't always know why someone is making a choice...BUT, only that person can recieve the answers from prayers & then act on them.
It is always easy to say "I would never do that"... ALWAYS easier said than done. It is always different when it's yourself in the situation. AND every situation is different.

Stay strong!

You know how much I believe "TIMING IS EVERYTHING!!!"
I know I will get pregnant when the time is right for us. It is so hard to wait on time to change things or whatever... (I think I am rambling, now.)

I know that YOU KNEW you made the right choice at the end of the summer. It was so hard. Still is.
BUT, I know that you will know what are the right choices to make now, too.

I am hear to listen.. ALWAYS. No matter what.
I know that sometimes I don't understand things... I just don't know what to say back to help you.

And like I always say..
It is how someone comes out of a struggle, (or situation) that makes ALL the difference.
I believe in change.

AND I know that you will always be a friend to Steve. NO MATTER WHAT.

I am so sorry that you have had to go thru all of this. It kills me. I hate to see you sad, down, confused or hurt.
Sorry to be cheesy, but I needed to say that.



NOW.....


Get the car(ts)... Get the car(ts)... WOOOOOO!!!!

Unknown said...

Since I don't know how else to get ahold of Sue, I hope that by leaving a comment back to her on my post - she will see it. Sue, thank you so much!! I know that it must have been a hard thing for you as a parent to watch your daughter go through a hard trial like she did, but I appreciate you sharing it with me. I know that a lot of people don't believe that Steve can change, but your comment gave me hope, that people can change, AND that other people can be forgiving. Thank you so much for commenting and I know I will probably reread your comment from time to time. Thanks again!

The Tyler's said...

Yes, those 2 paragraphs made complete sense, and I look up to you so much. It must be hard on all you guys right now, but I know you all will be blessed so much! You are doing a great job!!

angiedunn said...

Shalae...

You are an amazing person. Even before I read this post, it has been VERY evident to me through the years of knowing you...that you are a prayerful, faithful, and forgiving person. I totally believe that living by the spirit is the best thing that we all can do...because no circumstance is the same...our lives are all different, and so are our trials. If we act on the feelings that we know to be good & true...everything will be okay. You rock and I just admire the heck out of you. I wish you the BEST of the best.

♥, Ang

Suzy Cummard said...

NWS- just scoped out the NEW project ideas. LOVE IT.
Maybe I'll add my other ones for an other similar project idea.
AND I'll try to take a pic of the "LUCKY" one I made for Cheryl.

AND- TUTU's... cross them off my list. Completely updated! Meta Tags & all.

Alisse Baldwin said...

Why does Jason look SO familiar to me? Weird... Did Noah think this was "the Diamondbacks game my Dad is taking me to" that he's been talking about for months??

chris+amber said...

I'm so happy you're happy! It's really all that matters! You're such a good example. Noah is so lucky to have a mom like you!

Jade said...

Shalae - your post was so heartfelt and honest...that takes courage. I applaud you. It is amazing to me that we never "hung out" or whatever, yet because of certain events we have a connection. (at least I feel like we do :) I am truly grateful that I listened to the promptings that I had so many years ago. I am glad that you are in tune with what you need to do and that it is working out for you. Good luck and I pray that all works out for you and your family. I grew up very close to Steve's family, so I am happy to see both of you doing well. I have to say, I think that the strength it takes to work together for your son is amazing and I am so glad that the two of you each found that strength. You are AWESOME! Don't forget it. And give yourself a pat on the back every day!

Britttany said...

i have been so bad at blogging since i don't have an office job, but i will try to be better. i'm so glad i checked your blog and it is great to hear that steve is making progress and you guys can spend some positive time together, i'm sure that is important for everyone especially noah! i'm glad to hear things are going good for you and your family, i often wonder about you! thanks for the post... and just so you know i find out what i'm having in 2 1/2 weeks, but i will for sure post about it... i can't wait.

Annie Randall said...

First, let me wipe a tear because you know this hits home for me:) I think the world of you and no matter what happens, every step you take brings you closer to who you want to be, even if you don't know who that is right now. Its hard not knowing the future but you are doing everything right! Don't be so hard on yourself and take a little credit for what a trooper you have been these last few months. Whoever Sue is that was really nice of her to write that becuase it is true, people can change and its really not for anybody else to judge. So keep on keepin on because you are amazing and headed in the right direction. Hang in there!

My website is still under construction but thanks, hopefully it'll be done in the next week or two.

Jenny Grover said...

Shalae.....Amen to that! I have been there! Everyone thought I was out of my mind for even talking to Brad. They didn't want me to get hurt again. But I prayed and decided on my own "what I wanted for me" No one can choose for me who I love or what decisions I make. Through my divorce and heartaches I learned a lot. I wouldn't have done anything different. I learned the most about ME! I became more spiritual, independent, confident, and gained tons of knowledge. I don't care about what everyone is thinking. I was always worried about what people would say in the past. And another thing is I don't judge others for the decisions they make. All I worry about now is if I am happy. I have no regrets. Who knows what the future holds for me and Brad. We just take it one day at a time.

You are a strong person. You know what you want and need. Your testimony will grow tons. (sounds like it has) Let me tell you the second time around is fun! You are in the dating mode. They try to impress you again. But it isn't always easy. The trust has been broken and it take awhile to get it back. If you guys can get over this you can get over anything. I wish the best for you Shalae. I want true happiness for you. You are a great girl and awesome mother. Just take each day at a time! Time will tell!

I hope you don't think I am lecturey! It helps to hear about others who have been there!

Amy said...

Shalae,
I loved reading your feelings in your blog. You write so eloquently, and clearly it really is a talent of yours. I always cry when I think of the heart ache you have been through. I only have all of our fun childhood memories of us growing up and wonder why you have had to go through all that you have gone through. Sometimes I wish we could just be 10 yrs old again going on bus trip after bus trip and swimming every day and going to the cabin every summer. Wasn't life easy back then? Then I think we would not be the amazing, rockin' women and mothers we are today!
Love you!
Amy