I'm here again!

Every time I go to make a new post and see it's been a while since the last one I think that I really need to make an effort to do this more often and be more consistent.
But I'm giving up on that. This is supposed to be fun, so I'm not going to allow it to be another "chore" to do. I figure I'll post when I can, as I know you all understand.
And really, my life isn't that interesting, so there aren't always new and fun things to share.

My staph infection has taken me out of the game for a while, but I'm on day 6 and feeling a little better. It's still sore, and gets worse as the day goes on since I'm back and work, but much better than what I was.
A co-worker of mine told me she saw a news story about a recent MRSA "outbreak". I believe it!

We're getting ready for Halloween, and I can't wait to post pictures. I just love both of the kid's costumes.
And, as a big kid myself, what's not to love about going door-to-door for candy?
Only problem is, this year Myles is big enough to be aware of how much candy he has and question why so much is missing. And I don't just mean because Derrick and I eat it after they go to bed, although that is also true.
As a sidenote, I have to laugh when I sneak something I don't want the kids to have when they are sleeping and I'll hear Myles get up after a while and walk down the hall. Don't you know I hide it in the couch and chew real quick? It's like when you were a kid and tried to hide it from your parents, only now I'm hiding it from my kids.
Anyway, I digress. I have decided this year that I have to get rid of the Halloween candy as quickly as possible as I don't even want to hear the constant whining and begging for candy. I intended to bring it into work (and maybe even share it....just kidding)...but I know he'll be on to it. I just don't know if I care yet or not.
I'm thinking of letting him trade his candy for a toy or book or something. But he is my kid. That may not be a good switch. lol
We're keeping TOT short this year though, which could be a good thing. Our church is having a harvest party that starts at 7, and we're looking forward to that.
Everything else is going good. Derrick is still really enjoying Bruegger's and continues to work about 70-75 hours a week, with the longest days on Tuesday and Wednesday, but at least for right now it works.

Oh...a couple of funny's to share before I go. Myles is trying to spread his love of "blue pants" with Gina. He now begs for her to be able to wear them too. I let him pick out her outfit today, and when she was dressed he said "Gina, you look fabulous".
I was laughing too hard to be scared of the fact my boy said "fabulous".

I've shared with you all multiple times about Gina's love for a good baby wipe. Cindy has to hide them at her house as she tries to be sneaky and take them if she's not looking.
So anyway, we were discussing Christmas with each other (I know, I know) and deciding if we were going to do a gift exchange with the kids. I told her Gina is at a hard age to buy for because how many dolls does one girl really need, ya know?
Cindy said, "I already decided I'm just getting her a 5 pack of wipes".

Too funny.
She was kidding of course, but she'd actually probably like it better than anything else we'll get.

Those kids. They are nothing if not entertaining.

Our newest "investment"

*****Update*****
Derrick got home from work and went to let Max out and he was NOT BARKING!! Yay! This is such a big deal! The kids and I took him for a walk since Derrick had to go back to work and he did great. And they all got some energy out.
Mom, this was our neighbor to the left, actually it was the brother of one of those guys. However, the main guy next door came over to apologize to Derrick and they talked for a while, and then as I was getting ready to start the walk the yeller man pulled up and got out of his car. I was a little nervous, but he actually apologized for the way he handled it too and admited essentially that he has temper problems. Ya think? But anyway, he was very nice to all of us (and Max), so at least there isn't that weirdness anymore.
And if Max can keep this up it's going to be so awesome! I really think he was smart enough to learn from just those two times!



I was just thinking that this post deserves pictures, so I'm going to try to take one tonight to post at a later time so you get the full effect.

But here's the story behind our latest purchase.
We had an unfortunate "run -in" with our neighbors early Sunday morning over Max's barking.
Now, as a sidenote, let me just say this.
I DO totally get being angry over a dog barking. Really. And we try to be very aware of it and sensitive to it, as Max does have a crazy loud bark. So I get that it could wake up a neighbor or be disturbing. And I completely understand wanting to let the dog owner know it's not acceptable.
But what I don't think is necessary is literally getting in Derrick's face and screaming the "f word" over and over while Myles is standing RIGHT there. Fortunately, as intuitive as he is, this hasn't raised any questions or use of the word...yet.
On this particular morning we had JUST let Max out, so he had to have come over on the first bark he heard.

Regardless, the situation obviously needs to be handled. We talked seriously again about giving him to a new family, especially with our impending move on the horizon. I just can't bare to see him put down if he ended up in a shelter, so I'd want to know he was going to a good home.

As a last resort we did a little research and decided to get a bark collar. That was a memorable trip to Petsmart, let me tell ya.
So, we got home and I (perhaps a little too excitedly) put Max in a room and shut the door. He barked. And barked. Nothing.

Ugh.

So I took it off, re-read the manual, repositioned it and tried again. I put him back in the room.
He barked.
Then he yelped. (yay it works. is that the wrong reaction? LOL)
He barked again.
Then he yelped again.


AND HE HASN'T BARKED SINCE!!!!!

I think it's really working!!! The hardest part of it is the little metal probes have to stay in the exact right spot to work and it shifts easily, but it does work if it stays in place.
This morning I let him out and then put him in his room and NO BARKING!
Last night the doorbell on the tv rang and he did bark twice. There was no yelping, but he did also stop barking.

So we'll see. But I already dislike him a little less. (I've never been the biggest fan of this dog).

So cross your fingers for us. I hope this is the answer. Because there is no way we can take him to an apartment with this bark. I think the next couple of days will be the true test to see if he learns to "out smart it" if it keeps slipping.

But if it works, it's the best investment we've made in a while.

Just updates....

The kids and I have all been suffering from allergies for the past week or so, and I'm happy to say that today I'm finally feeling a little better. It's been awful and making me miserable.

Myles has been doing great with his reward chart and things seem much calmer and less stressful in the Lawary household.
We had bought a package of balloons for Gina's birthday and he has since learned how to blow up a balloon all on his own. It's like his favorite toy now! (I guess I shoudln't mention that he also figured out that if you blow it up and let it go it will fly around the room, huh?)

Gina is still learning new words and new meanings for her existing words. I'm proud to say that today she pointed at Derrick's shoes on the floor and said "UP!!" and pointed to the closet. Uh, huh, that's my girl!!
She also knows "uh-oh" which is really cute, and is learning the word for balloon (since they often go flying past her). She is starting to call the dogs by names, in her own way. Max and Myles are "Ma" and My", she doesn't say much about Sophie.
She has also begun to love coloring. She's so funny laying on the floor on her belly with her feet up like a big kid.

Derrick is still in the training portion of his new job, but absolutely loving everything about it. It's been such a positive change for us.

And I never feel like I have exciting updates about myself. I do have a Beth Moore bible study meeting tonight, but I think I'll be missing it so the kids and I can catch up on our sleep. It's just been the normal routine for me!

80's in October?

Who would have thought? The weather this weekend has been beautiful!! Of course, as happens every year at this time, all of our allergies are going crazy. Cincinnati is known to be a bad place for allergy suffers, and it's holding true this year, but that didn't stop us from having fun.
The kids and I went to the pumpkin farm with mom and dad on Saturday, we had a quick visit on Sunday, and we saw Mom again today for a quick trip to the mall before Myles' appt with our favorite Dr. Joe.
Dr. Joe was so impressed with Myles and told me to make sure I give him a sticker when we get home. Myles was so nice and polite and answered all of his questions. Myles also got the flu mist, so now both kids are protected. And after getting the flu this march, I'll be sure to get my flu shot as well! (Do they do the mist for adults?????) lol
We got home just as a listing appt on the house was ending, and Gina took a short nap. We then went shopping, on an unsucessful mission for some new shirts for me, and then stopped to get pizza and came home to watch Toy Story. Myles has just discovered Buzz Lightyear and is all about him.
Myles has picture day at school tomorrow, and a field trip coming up, so I have all of his school forms filled out (pre-school is just homework for the parents!) and I am ready to sit down with my tissues and a snack and RELAX.

A disciple goes out

That was the theme of the message in church today. It's been a 4 part series about what discipleship means, and it's been interesting.
Today's lesson was a disciple goes out...to serve and be a part of the community. The Vineyard Church as a whole is very into giving back and doing things for the community...just as a way to share God's love.
So yesterday he was commenting on how many people go to church on Sunday's and play their role well, yet don't live it out during the week. Some even go on mission trips, yet come home and lead a life unchanged from that before they left. A disciple should go out into the community to serve, to help, and to share God's love.
So, when he said we were all "going out" today you could hear and feel that "whaattt???" vibe in the air.
But it was the neatest thing. They had already pre-arranged several "outings" in the community, and they cut the message short and asked each of us to join one.
The youth did a free car wash, there was a group handing out bags of candy at a local business, another passing out bottles of water, one pumping gas for people, and the group Derrick and I decided to join visited a local nursing home.
It was slightly outside my comfort zone, but I had to admit...this church practices what they preach. We just did a quick 30-45 minute visit and talked with people and handed out flowers. I can't say I have any especially fitting or touching stories to share about how we changed someone's life....but isn't that the point?
The people you meet are not by accident. God orchestrates all of that. He leads you down certain paths. It's about what YOU choose to do that makes the difference.
And you just never know when something you've done, or said, has a positive impact on someone else. That's why being a disciple is about talking the talk and walking the walk...every day.

Happy Birthday, Baby Girl!

Happy 2nd Birthday to my sweet baby girl. Hard to believe a full 2 years has passed. In some ways it seems like I just had you, and in other ways it's hard to imagine there was a time you weren't in my life.
When you were born October 9, 2006 at 8:11 am my life was forever enriched. You completed our family and filled that space in my heart that had always desired to have a daughter.
You are more than I could have ever dreamed you to be. You are sweet, funny, sassy, and smart. Your cheesy smile makes my day and your hugs and kisses melt my heart. I love the little game you play to "give kisses" when you just move you're mouth like you're chewing.
It makes me sad that you aren't my tiny little infant anymore, but I also look forward to continuing to watch you change and grow into the person God made you to be.
You are such a blessing to everyone that knows you and I know you are going to do great things.
I love you sweet girl.

Friday Friday!!

Yay!!
I'm just glad this week is over. It's been a long one it seems.

Myles has a reward chart started and for every 10 stickers he gets he earns one-on-one time with one of us to do something special. We started last week and he's up to 9 stickers, so I bet this weekend we'll be having some special time.

For some reason my computer at home is not recognizing the mouse anymore and I've tried a new one with no luck, so I may not be online all weekend if I can't get that figured out.

So if you don't hear from me, that's why.

On Monday I plan on taking the kids to the mall and getting Gina's 2 year pictures taken, so wish me luck with that. It seems like that's always a fiasco.

We had another showing on the house today and I did call and chat with the real estate agent to get an update from her, and everything seems to be proceeding fairly well, considering the process. It is depressing to consider what the house could sell for, but I know that's also just a sign of the times. It's amazing when we drive home how many houses are for sale just on our street, let alone the neighborhood.

Derrick's job is still going really well though, and for us personally, things are really beginning to fall into place and come together.

Hope you all have a good weekend. I'll chat with you Tuesday if I can't get the home computer figured out!

See ya!

Saying hello

I can't believe it's been so long since I've updated. It doesn't feel like it's been that long.
Guess time flies when you're having fun. Let's see. What's new with all of us:

Me-not much new. Working on getting things "organized". I put a rewards chart together for Myles that is going great, we are doing all of the details in terms of getting our new finances and budget together (opening savings accounts, filling out paperwork to start his insurance and cancel mine, etc), and I haven't done even one days worth of homework for the bible study that meets again tomorrow. Still trying to recruit new Avon customers. lol

Derrick-has completed one week at his new job and loves it. The people are great-very nice, very helpful, just a much better environment. Staying busy with both jobs and enjoying a lot more quality family time together.

Myles-enjoying school. He's been doing great and really seems to like it. Tomorrow is show and tell and they are bringing something that starts with the letter L. Thanks to g-ma, we thought of the idea of bringing Lincoln Logs, although he heard her say Lego's and is set on that and he doesn't have any.
He's really responding to his rewards chart and it's making a difference. We just have to work on getting him a little more consistent with eating and sleeping. His doctor would like to see him return to occupational therapy for the sensory issues, but to a different treatment facility (which unfortunately isn't covered by our insurance). So we'll see about that.
He loves to paint and is working on writing his name.

Gina-getting big. Seriously. I looked at her today as I was dressing her and had one of those "when did you get so big" moments. She has really been enjoying baby dolls, barbies and "pretend mommy" toys...strollers, etc. But her favorite toy of all is still wipes.
She's learning new words...on, in, buckle, bad (heard me say it to Max ..I promise), bath, out..that's all I can think of. She is just super sweet and I can't believe it's only a week until her 2nd birthday!!
Oh...and she's not a fan of this colder weather we've been having in the mornings...she shakes like a leaf when we're getting in the car!

I think that's about it. Things are going remarkably well and surprisingly calm over all. It's such a nice change of pace.