This Is Us…

We met through a dating app. We both matched when we swiped right😉 literally and figuratively🤣😘 However, our friendship grew and blossomed in January… #J24

Dating apps are the devil… or so we thought. We had tried several to no avail. From PLENTY OF FISH (aka…POF) to BLACKPEOPLEMEET….Why would this dating app be any different…. Swipe left… swipe right… send a pic …SAME OL SAME OL… UNTIL IT WASN’T…. For us IT STARTED WITH…. Endless hours on the phone discussing our single parent WOEs, sharing our dreams of personal goals and future endeavors, talks about disappointments and failures that shaped US; TODAY IT IS OUR SHARED DESIRE to leave a legacy and a mark in this world that spans beyond anything we could imagine… IT IS OUR LOVE for our children, our commitment to family, our belief in GOD and HIS DIVINE PLAN FOR US… as individuals and as a unit…. Our friendship IS the foundation needed to manifest a love that is undying and unconditional. WE CHOOSE EACH OTHER EVERY DAY! After several DUNKIN coffee dates, several FACETIME calls….There was a realization and acknowledgement that we shared something special,something endearing, and essentially something very real….❤️🙏🏾and life long… #CLIFFTOMYCLAIRE #GINATOHISMARTIN

Merging families happened quickly…. It hasn’t been easy but it has been worth it. We are ALL still learning each other… learning each others personalities, learning our likes/dislikes, facial/body expressions, pet peeves, habits… lol. We are learning how to love each other. Most Important, We pray with each other and for each other🙌🏾 Our inner family circle is made up of Aaron, Sr (“Babe”/Mr.Aaron/Daddy), Jaela (“Babe/Ms.Jae/Mommy), Yvonne “Vonnie”-12, Aaron, Jr. (AJ)- 9, Jayah (jayahbean/bean/jay)-8, and Jade Raisin (CAT)- 2🤣❤️ One thing for sure - we love each other TO LIFE TWO things for certain- We rock for each other no matter what; we love OUR FAMILY TIME❤️

In the course of our first year, we have had some great family firsts…. First Easter: egg hunt in the yard, baskets, dinner with family, SPRING BREAK meets OUR FAMILY OF FIVE❤️ First Mother’s Day: Dinner with our parents and the kids; gift exchange; This was especially special because it was the first time I met Aaron’s dad❤️ GPOP First Birthdays: 2/5/21: Celebrating Jayah in true "LOL" Fashion… with family, LIBBYBOO and ….INTRODUCING…Mr. Aaron❤️😍 5/16/21: My birthday was extremely memorable… after much trickery courtesy of Aaron and my gfs (Tahira and Chassidy in particular) it was one of THEE BEST DAYS OF MY LIFE… surrounded by family and friends and so much delicious food I was given a proposal which I could never have even dreamed …. IT WAS PERFECT❤️❤️❤️ IT WAS THOUGHTFUL❤️❤️❤️it was heartfelt and genuine❤️❤️❤️❤️ 6/25/21: An “A-ARON” weekend of love and celebrating Aaron’s milestone 40th solar return… From a Philly Skylight Dinner Cruise, to a Top Golf ALL-INCLUSIVE Guys Day Out, to Dinner with Family @the cheesecake factory❤️ 9/30/21: THEE MAIN EVENT WAS AJ. Family gathered to celebrate 9 years of AJ being AWESOME❤️ #BOWLEDOVERBYLOVE 10/17/21: Celebrating Vonnie was bittersweet as she embarks on her teenage years. Daddys Little Girl isn't so little anymore. A mini shopping spree@ a favorite store, a room makeover, dinner with family, and a day of pampering with her aunts… what more can a TWEEN girl ask for❤️ First SUMMER Vacation: We hit the beach for a weekend in June… #OCMDBOUND ….We enjoyed sand, sun, and a lot of family fun. #SANDCASTLESANDSEASHELLS #ANTONIOSPIZZA #BOARDWALKLIFE First Thanksgiving: Time was spent with the Hall- Boyer immediate and extended family in Chester where we shared wonderful memories and laughter over food and FOOTBALL🤪 First Christmas: The season started off with shopping as a family for OUR FIRST ARTIFICIAL TREE (LOL) and decorating to festive music while cookies baked and Christmas movies played…. Friday night lights was spent traveling as a family every Friday to see whose electric bill was highest with their elaborate HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW displays….All month long ELF ON THE SHELF SHENANIGANS started our mornings with a giggle♥️… Christmas Day was THEE BEST …complete with matching #TISTHESEASON family tshirts, gift exchange, breakfast, mid morning nap, “Seasons Greetings” drive-bys to family, and most importantly filled with 💕 love 1/1/22: Our clan ushered in the NEW YEAR early with some popcorn and cider and watching the ball drop from our living room♥️💕 1/24/22: Aaron and I reminisce at THE MELTING POT on our FIRST ANNIVERSARY... and begin planning for OUR BIG DAY 💕♥️ after which we will add WEDDING ANNIVERSARY to the list🥰 2/18-2/20: We spent QUALITY TIME and made memories together in the Pocono Mountains with Mom & Dad Russell💕♥️