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.

Random Thoughts

Random thoughts for a random day. Derrick's first day went really well. Great actually. He worked 5-2 and then 3-9. Better him than me is all I can say! I don't know if I could do it!
Today we have another long day. He works until 3 and then I'm leaving early to take Myles to an appt. at 4:30. So we'll swing by and pick up Gina and bring her to daddy while we do that.
Then I have my second night of bible study tonight at 6. Hopefully I don't miss much, if any of that. It was cancelled last week due to the power outages and I missed a big part of it the week before that.
I'm looking forward to that. To the fellowship time it brings and to a time dedicated to getting closer to God.
It's funny, these last couple of days we've had some really postive changes, yet I just feel, well, blah. I've had some struggles lately with Myles and some things going on with work have just left me feeling sort of low and defensive. Misunderstood. I think we all have times like that.
The good part is I know God is with me, and I know I can turn this all over to him. I know that through him I can be restored, re-energized, and lifted up. It's just a matter of taking the time to lower the wall I've built around myself and spend some much needed time with him.
I am having some revelations about myself through this expereince though. I've realized the past few months have made me skeptical. I'm cautious to fully accept good news for fear that there is a "catch". I've become doubtful of people and less trusting.
This is such a crazy time in our world with everything happening in the economy, the potential bailout plan, etc it feels like everything is just a little haywire.
What I've realized though is I kept thinking things would be smoother "when". When Derrick found a job. When we settled on an apartment. When we got moved. When the house is settled. Now that one of those "whens" has happened I think I'm realizing that there will always be more.
Always something else left undone or uncertain. That's why it's even more important to enjoy every season in life and not let anyone steal our joy, right?
Somehow today just feels like it should be a cloudy, cold, grey day so that I could have stayed home and in bed all day just curled up and licking my wounds, but it's a beautiful sunny day today.
So, I think I'll spend some time at lunch talking to God and getting my thoughts together.....

Wednesday is the day!!!

Wednesday is Derrick's first day on the job.




Let's just all be silent for a moment and reflect on the awesomeness of that statement.


Huge exhale.


Enough said.

What a day and TMJ

We had a hectic day yesterday. Myles and I had dentist appointments together. Loads of fun there, huh?
He actually did really well. Got right in the chair and was an AWESOME patient. I was a proud mom. Unfortunately, he does have two cavities. How embarassing. She did tell me though that we could not have prevented them, it is just his anatomy and the way his teeth are. That made me feel slightly better.
Me on the other hand? I'm sure I set o record of some sort, but not the kind you want to set. I have a mouth FULL of cavities. None can be sen or felt yet, they are all in between my teeth. And it's from not flossing. I'm sorry, but I HATE flossing. BUT, the fact I now have an 1800 dollar dental bill heading my way when I get this work done may be just what I need to change my mind about that. Thank GOD Derrick's job offers dental insurance. That will help. But when you need to make three appointments to go back and get fillings done, it is NOT a good sign.
ANd, my TMJ has ben bothering me a lot lately. I didn't even know I hsad it until a few years ago, but I've bee having a lot of jaw pain and getting a lot of headaches lately. Not cool. And "opening wide" for 45 minutes while my teeth were being cleaned did not help. She did give me a couple of suggestions, but basically said I'd just need to see someone that specializes in that area as it can be very complicated.
I don't know why it hasn't bothered me until recently, but maybe it';s like everything in life. Once you start getting older everything hurts worse. lol
Mom... Dad....which one of you can I blame bad teeth and TMJ on?? Just kidding!!!
After that Derrick and I had a few erronds to run. It was torture. I wonder if I left one of my kids out in public one day if they'd know how to find their way home. Oh wait. Did I just say that??
Goodness gracious they can drive me crazy though. I love them dearly, but they are like oil and water. They do not mix. Separately they are the best kids you could hope to meet. Together?? Together they get left with their daddy a lot while I go to a different part of the store and act like I don't know any of them! lol
If I could just get Gina to stop shouting mommy every time she sees me I might be able to pull it off. The little rascal.
AS soon as we got home Derrick had to go to work. By the time I got dinner and laundry done I had HAD it. That was the kind of day you need to go look at them while they are sleeping and seem so cute and peaceful.

So, Outback is OUT!

I know I'm not the only one that has noticed that this restaurant is ALWAYS crowded. No matter when you go. So it has to be good, right?
I received a gift certificate at work a few months back to go. Derrick and I decided that we would hold on to it until he got a job, and then we would go together and celebrate. Without the kids.
BUT, you all know me too well for that, right?
We did wait until he had a job, but...I pushed him into going last Friday...the day we found out. And, it was awful. Really. We waited forever, got a terrible server, and then waited forever again for our food. When it did come it was all hard, overcooked and just gross. Even Gina pushed it away and said yuck. You know it's bad when she won't even eat it. She's like Mikey. She'll eat anything.
The manager ended up comping our entire meal (well, minus my Wallabe Darned...but that was so good it was okay). So, we still had the gift certificate to use. So, tonight I pushed Derrick into going again and just choosing a different location. So we went to the one in Northagte instead.
It started out good. No wait, great server. But then Gina's diaper leaked. Why does this ONLY happen in public and never at home? I mean really?? So I sent Derrick out to the car for the diaper bag (at least we had it) and took Gna to the bathroom , with Myles tagging along. Of course.
So we get in the bathroom and everything goes pitch black. No one seems to notice but me, and Myles and I'm wondering why no one else seems to notice. Isn't that a pretty big thing??
So we finish up our business in the dark (good time) and go out to the restaurant. They have lost power. Seriously folks.
At this point we only have our drinks and the bloomin Onion. (And I didn't even get my Wallabe Darned this time!!!) All of the other servers are just telling their tables that they can leave...even the ones sthat have clearly eated and were ready to pay. But not our server. She was no where to be found. When we do find her she tells me she'll manually add up the bill and be back to us. ???? Seriously? for a Coke Myles spilled on the way to the bathroom, and a glass of water and an appetizer we didn't get to eat)SO I told her we had a gift card, could she even ring it up? She said if they couldn't she could manually take down the information and then ring it in when the power did come up.
Honestly.
So the rest of the story is between me, Derrick and God, and I will just leave the ended up to your imagination so it's not in writing. lol
Anyone want a 44 dollar gift card to Outback??? (yes, my drink cost 6 dollars, and I'd do it again!!!) (And yes, I do still have it for the full amount minus the drink I got the first time).
Guess that kind of gives away the ending, huh? lol

Happy Friday!

We're looking forward to the weekend! Derrick is home with the kids today for what could be their last day of "boy time" (with only cute little girls welcome to join them) as he starts his job this Wednesday. After that he'll most likely be off on Sunday's and Monday's, so the kids will start going to the sitters all 4 days (Tues-Fri).
He was going to take them to the zoo, but I think I made him nervous with all my questions regarding his preparedness to do that. I think instead he has decided to take them to Cincinnati Mills where they get to play in the playland, and then they go to the movie theater and Myles plays a few of the games inside. Myles loves it and looks forward to it all week. He collects quarters all week and keeps them in a wallet, and this morning he made sure he asked me where his wallet is...he knows what the day has in store for him!
Plus, I got a fully cooked breakfast before I left! While I do frozen french toast or pancakes for breakfast (if even that) when I have the kids, Derrick always cooks. Eggs, bacon and toast! But usually it's long after I'm gone and I miss out.
But, since Myles found my phone this morning at 5 am and figured out how to use the speed dial function, he called Derrick and my mom to see if they were up. (Sorry mom)! So, Derrick got up early and started cooking, and I got to join them! And I left just in time....just as the kids were starting to fuss at each other!
I think little boys come preprogrammed to know how to irritate the heck out of their sisters. It's amazing.
The other day I got all over Myles for pestering Gina, and Derrick asked why I was being so harsh with him. I told him I was determined to protect her from the big brother harassment! lol He does things just to annoy her, and he does a good job at it.
That being said, maybe Derrick is getting off lucky by not watching them one day a week. !!! :)
So now I'm at work and it is S L O W!!!! No one is here. There's just a few of us, and I already know it's going to be a long day!!!
Tomorrow we have a showing on our house (yay!), and then I'm not sure what we'll do. But we're trying to squeeze in as much family time as we can as once Derrick starts his new job he'll be working 70 hours a week!
Hope you are all having a good friday!!!

Still doing our happy dance!

We're still so excited that
DERRICK GOT A JOB!!!!

YAY!!


Things have been a little hectic here with lots going on. I was too nervous to update or even say anything all week last week. We knew it was getting close and I think I wanted it even more than Derrick, if that's possible.

We had our second meeting for our Bible Study last week, and I also had a great talk with our pastor. It was totally unplanned, but very helpful and very cool the way it came about. I think God set it up for us. I ended up missing a big portion of the meeting, but I think it was worth it.
We have our third meeting tomorrow.
Myles finally goes back to school tomorrow after the strong wind storm we had here knocked out everyone's power for so long.

We feel a huge sense of relief, and I am slowly starting to see the plan God has layed out for us. This was the first big piece of the puzzle, and now we can start putting the rest of it together. Slowly but surely we're changing our entire lives for the better.

It's been a long day and night though, and I am ready for bed. Hope you all had a good day!

And on a lighter note....

(maybe this should be under my last post)....
Here are some more fun things happening:
Myles is asleep for the night. At 6 pm. I think the start of school has worn him out.
Gina has been saying "night night" for a while, so I'm gonna go play with her alone (rare circumstance) and then put her to bed.
Derrick is working til 1 am.
Do you know what that will mean? It will be quiet! No noise!! I have never been so sensitive and aware of noise as I have been since I had two kids. Quiet used to go unnoticed to me, or maybe even seem eery. Now I love it. The sound of nothing!!!
Myles has started eating for Cindy again. Finally. It's been a couple months since he's had lunch. But the last two days he ate without gagging.
He's learning the letter O in school and the numbers 0 and 1. He made an octopus yesterday and is looking forward to going back.
Tomorrow is my second night of the Beth Moore bible study and I have all of my "homework" done.
Okay...I'm off to play, do night night and sit alone in a dark room listening to nothing. lol Just kidding. Sort of.

Here is my prayer for tonight.

Or maybe it's just more of a question for you all. Just something I'm struggling with in my heart and thought I'd throw out to you.
When the bible tells us that we need to have complete faith and trust in God, and we really want to do that, yet we still find ourselves asking questions and feeling anxious, how do we rectify that?
How do we get ourselves to the point that we trust in God's plan, his timing, and realize that he has control over everything and stop questioning "what if's" and "whys" and whens"?
Is that something that even people much further down the spiritual journey path continue to work on, or at some point does it just "click"?
It's so easy to do when things are going well, right? Although maybe that's not even the case. How often do we really stop to praise God and thank him for all of the things that do go well in our lives? Or do we just accept it, not even realizing we've just been blessed and go one with our daily routine?
When things feel uncertain or rocky though, it's so easy to question what the plan is and how things will work out. It's true in so many circumstances. Obviously it fits in our case with Derrick looking for a job, and our house being for sale, but that's just one small example.
Why is it so easy to just accept the good things in life with little realization or acknowledgment that it even happened, yet the uncertain or seemingly negative things seem like such a "crisis"?
If we truly believe that our maker holds us in the palm of his hand, that he is the shelter right by our side, and that he guides every step we take along our journey, why do we forsake that in hard times, and fall back on old ways of doubt and fear?
It seems to me as though it would be like holding on to a life preserver while walking on dry, safe land, but panicking and throwing it aside when you get in deep water? Isn't that when we need to hold on the tightest?
For God *is* our life preserver, isn't he? So why do we cast him aside and start feeling negative about the path we're on just because it isn't all smooth sailing?

God, I ask you to hold on to me even during the times I unconciously am trying to cast you aside. Please know that I want to grow with you and learn to trust you during good times and bad. Help me learn to recognize and praise you for the good things in life, and to look at anything I may view as negative through different eyes.
I know that through you anything is possible. Even something that may seem impossible to us.

On this 7th anniversary of the eve of 9/11 please be with all of those that were affected by that tragic day, and with everyone that has since been affected by the after effects.
God, I know you can take the bad things this world throws at us and use them for good. Help us all to see that good a little more often, God.

What will you be able to say?

That is a question I've been thinking about since we left church. It was another upbeat and inspirational service with another singer who nearly had me in tears with her voice and her message.
And the pastor was discussing that he wants this church, our church, to be about changing lives. To get involved with each other to "do life" and make it better...and inspire real changes.
But considering the bible says we were not put here to be served, but to serve, it's not just about those of us inside the church. It's about reaching out to others and helping to change their lives.
So, one day when you're hanging out with Jesus and he asks you "what did you do with your time on earth", what will you be able to say??
If you're anything like me, it made me realize that much like the song that was sung today said "I've wasted so much time, but I want to turn it all around".
I want to set a vision for my life...who I'd like to be as a wife and a mother, what I believe success is, and launch a plan to get there. I want to not be afraid to try something "in case it doesn't work". I don't want to believe the lies the enemy tells me. My eyes are slowly opening to what happiness means to me, and I want to learn to enjoy every minute. I'm going to stop saying I'll "try" to do something and say I *will* do something. You either do or you do not. There is no try. Even if you fail, you still did it.
As I was sitting there listening, I realized I don't want to limit myself to doing something a specific way or being a certain way because that's how someone else did it. It doesn't matter how our friends, our neighbors, our siblings, our parents, or anyone else does something. We don't need to parent the same way, be a spouse the same way, or reach for the same level of success. We are all different...we don't get involved in the same things, we don't value the same things, we don't have the same desires. God made each of us unique, and success is going to look differently for each of us. Success as a parent, success as an employee, success as a spouse, and success as an individual. Once we let go of the way "it should be" and "the way it was" and embrace the individuality God gifted all of us with, we can begin to be truly happy.
Is it me, or is that such a relief? A huge weight off my shoulders I didn't even realize I was carrying. I know I can't be the only one that tries to do something in some way just because someone else is doing it or because that's they only way I've seen it done.
The girl that came to church today travels all over singing. She was sharing her story, about how she was raised the daughter of a minister and they lived pretty meagerly. However, she happened to marry someone very successful financially. He owned his own car dealership. But one day they felt a calling to do something different. And because of that calling, he sold his car dealership, they sold their big house, and they now run a group for underprivillages kids age 9-12. She gives them voice lessons and her husband spends time with the boys teaching them about character. In fact, he went from owning his own car dealership to detailing cars to survive. He recently turned down a 150K dollar job offer because they wouldn't be able to continue their mission.
Yet, other people probably viewed them as successful before. I'm sure a lot of people thought they were crazy when they sold everything and again when he turned down that job. But, contrary to what we hear on earth think, money isn't what makes you successful.
Think about it...when they get to meet Jesus and he asks them what they did with their time...think about what a story they will have. God has blessed them for what they have done and the sacrifices they have made, and they are happier now than ever.
The pastor today was talking about his father who is also a pastor and he was talking about how different their "styles" are. He could have tried to go out and preach the way his father did, but God didn't give him the same personality and abilities. He gave him his own unique spiritual gifts. Dorrien's (our pastor's) goal is to get everyone involved because like anything, you get out of it what you put into it. He is all about inspiring change in every body's life.
I was doing looking at the church website this weekend and realized he got the calling to plant his own church in October 2006. Exactly when Gina was born. Interesting.
So...what are your gifts? Are you using them? Or are you just doing things they way you think they "should be done"? How will you answer Jesus' question???

A fun day!

So we decided to go downtown today and just hang out. It was perfect weather for it...not too hot or humid. Both of the kids really enjoyed it, and so did we. We then went to Sonic for dinner. Myles got such a kick out of them wearing roller skates.
It's so fun to share things you enjoy with your kids and to see them through their eyes.
Tomorrow we have church, grocery shopping and cleaning to do, but we're making the most of our family time while we still have our weekends free.
I have a few cute pictures, but will have to wait to share those until I can get them downloaded.
Hope you're all having a fun weekend too!!

A call from Myles' teacher

Myles' teacher called me tonight to discuss his first day and his sensory integration issues. Her youngest son (now grown) has the same thing, so it was very interesting to talk to her, and nice to know his teacher really "gets it".
Myles told her he was hungry today, and she was concerned about just how hungry he acted. Unfortunately he's still having issues eating, but it gave me the chance to discuss that with her and get her experienced point of view.
I think she's going to be really good for him, and I also feel very confident that he is yearning for the routine and structure school brings to his life. It brings a whole new set of things for him to worry about, but at the same time, I'm hoping it gets him back on track.
He and I talked tonight about making him a calendar, and we really need to do that. It helps him to know the plan.
This teacher doesn't seem as "sweet and tender" as Mrs. Stewart was (and who knows, maybe we'll just always have a soft spot for her as his first teacher), but I think she is his teacher for a reason. She isn't who he was initially assigned to, but due to a few events (that I know happened for a reason) he was changed to her class.
I know she's very interested in communicating with me and working as a team to discuss any issues that may arise at school. Although she'll probably rarely see any, it's nice to know she understands first hand what SID is all about.

First night of bible study

I joined a Beth Moore bible study through church, and tonight was the first night. It went well, and I think I'll like it and get a lot out of it. It's about 18 or 19 people, so bigger than I thought.
I ended up having to leave early though because Gina drank too much before we left and totally flooded her diaper and I didn't have one with me. Poor planner, I know. I didn't miss too much though.
I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone better, learning more, and growing closer to God.
It's my first small group experience, so I'm just proud of myself for stepping outside of my comfort zone.

I have to say that God has been really good to us. I've already learned and grown so much as a person, as a christian, and as a wife and mother. We're not even totally "out of" our situation yet, but I already know that we were meant to go trough it and I'm so happy we have. I already know things will be so much better for us and it will forever have a positive impact on my life. We received a huge blessing yesterday, and it just proved what I alreay know. That the things that are meant to happen will and that they happen when they are supposed to. I am a better, more confident, more wise, more peaceful, more faithful person, and that is worth everything we've gone through and more.

I'm not sure who the stupid one is here...

I took the kids to McDonald's to play tonight because it's 95 outside and feels hotter in the house.
So, I decided to get the kids icecream. They don't like the cones, they'd rather have it in a dish. Now granted, in hindsight, the way I ordered it may be confusing, but I've never had issues before.
I walked away in shock.

I ordered two kiddie cones in a dish (an oxymoron, I know, but it made sense to me)
The dude took two ice cream cones, filled them up, and then placed both cones in a sundae dish.

Yes, I guess that is technically, two kiddie cones in a dish. lol

I didn't have the heart to say anything, besides ask for a spoon

Gina's new words....

I'm posting this more for a memory for later than anything, but thought I'd share some of her new words.
The most appropriate...bite. That girl is always hungry.
Hot. She's been saying that a lot lately.
Side...for outside.
Walk. She says this when I get her out of the car and start to carry her. She squirms and says "walk".
Not sure if I had this on the list or not yet, but another big one...MINE. (We knew it was coming).
Up (when she wants on furniture, not to be carried...she always wants to walk).
Wipe. She is in love with wipes.

She's also getting very into her hair. She doesn't like me to brush it (I swear her hair tangles so bad), but she thinks she is the STUFF when I put a barette in it and walks around showing it to all of us.

She knows eyes, nose, mouth, ears, hair, feet, hands. When you ask her where her eyes are, she bats them at you. It gets me everytime.

She's still a cleaner. She picks our shoes up when we take them off and puts them in the closet. Yesterday when we were getting ready to go she knocked a picture of the table. She had to go back to pick it up and put it back before we left. (She's just like her name sake).

Can't believe my sweet baby is almost 2.

Meet the Teacher

We had Myles' Meet the Teacher last night for preschool. His teacher is Mrs. Stromenger, and the aide is Mrs. Hubbard. He seemed to do well, maybe just a bit shy and akward. I had to bring Gina with me though and she loved it. She is the opposite of Myles socially.
It's a bit overwhelming with all the paperwork we received and feeling like there is so much to do, but I think it'll be good for him to get back on track. He goes for one hour on Thursday, and then from 12:30-3 every Tuesday and Thursday.
I can't believe it's the last year before Kindergarten!! And really, if it wasn't for his late birthday, he'd already be there. Time goes so fast.

Cheyenne, Cindy's daughter, lost her first tooth over the weekend and starts Kindergarten this Friday. It was a big (and sort of sad) week for Cindy. And the fact she's only 6 months older than Myles is a reality check to me. When they were babies 6 months seemed like so much, but not now.

The teachers did have a little "gift bag" for each of the kids with a pencil and note pad and his favorite...bubbles...so that was a big hit. He's already been for a year, so I don't know why it's making me nervous...I feel like it's my first day of school all over again. New school years always did make me nervous...I guess it's no different now that I'm the parent.

A silly story about last night...mom had asked Myles to call him when he got home. So he knows how to do that by himself now because her number is programmed as a speed dial in my cell phone. Well, Mom was away from her phone, so dad answered.

Myles got the most disappointed look on his face and said "I didn't call you" and hung up. Not nice, I know....but sort of funny the way it happened. No one can replace his G-ma. Not even Grandpa.

And he strikes again....

Myles: Do you like how it's so sunny and pretty and warm out today?
Me: Yes, I do.
Myles: I thought you would.
Me: Yup, it makes me happy when the weather is like this.
Myles: Then why have you been yelling at me all day?

To smack him or hug him???

A conversation with Myles

Myles: (totally out of the blue) How long was I in heaven with God before I was born?
Me: I don't know, Myles.
Him: Why don't you ever know anything?
M: Because you ask complicated questions for a four year old. Maybe we'll just have to ask God when we get to see him again some day.
H: I need to go talk to God now.
M: Why is that?
H: I need to tell him to quit making it rain on me.
M: Well, it's not just about you, sweetie. That's his way of watering things and making sure they grass and trees and flowers have enough water.
H: Why, so they can grow?
M: yes, exactly.
H: Well, why do you want it to grow? Everytime the grass grows daddy just has to cut it.

And that, my friends, is the simple logic of a four-year old!

A must share

This girl goes to our church and is part of our worship band. Today we were blessed with a solo she performed of Give it to Jesus, and I had to share. It is so amazing.
I'm trying to get the lyrics copied here, but in the meantime, take a listen.

http://www.arethachapman.com/


EDIT:--- I have done a lot of searching and have not been able to find the lyrics. However, I have found out that she does have her own CD out, and the song I mentioned is even on Itunes. I highly recommend checking her out!

Flat tire

That's what the Malibu has. Derrick worked until 1am last night, had a 9 am interview in Mason that lasted a full two hours, and then they sent him to go visit a store in Clilfton. He was there for a while and came home to change and come into work for the night. As he went to leave he saw the Malibu had a flat.
Please pray and keep your fingers crossed it can be repaired and doesn't need to be replaced.
It's been quite a busy day (week) and will only continue...tomorrow is the weekly boy time (which Gina is allowed to take part in), so he's home with the kids and will be up just a few short hours after he finally falls asleep to take care of the dynamic duo all day. Fortunately for him, he can run on much less sleep than I can.
Reality TV has nothing on our lives. :)

Duct Tape

Yes, that is what the sitter had to resort to at nap time. She had to put a piece of duct tape over the tabs of Gina's diaper so she couldn't get it off.
Gina wasn't happy, but she did stay fully clothed.
Let's just hope she outgrows this love of being naked.

The latest "episodes" with the kids

Gina. Oh, Gina.
Let me just say that my kids are so much like me. I don't know if that's good or not, but they both inherited different parts of my personality (and not necessarily the best parts).

Gina...the sweet, smart, loving, funny girl. She hates to upset you, but I think she does enjoy teasing you. She will cry if she thinks you're angry, but she sure does find new ways to test us.
The "napping issues" continued today as the kids returned to Cindy's. No playing with the contents of her diaper, no lipstick, no falling in a hamper. Just a totally naked Gina giggling and laughing, and laying on a soaked blanket.
Yes...totally naked. She took off all of her clothes...shirt, shorts and diaper...with no help. How does she do this? And why? I guess we'll be investing in some onesies with snaps and see if little Houdini gets out of that.

She is also learning all of her body parts...eyes, ears, nose, mouth, feet, etc. She's picked it up so quickly and loves that she has found another way to be center of attention and make us laugh. I want her to stay my baby forever, but seeing what this girl becomes will make it worth letting her grow up.

Myles. Sweet, silly, smart, Myles. He has inherited my food issues. When he's having a lot of issues with his SI or anxiety, he'll only eat certain textures...smooth. That means applesauce, yogurt, pancakes, bologna. He gags on food (always has) and his food issues have gotten increasingly worse at the sitters (this happens in phases, but this is the longest yet) to the point where he just cries through lunch and refuses to eat anything. For weeks. Which wouldn't be such a big deal if he wasn't also like me in that when he gets tired or hungry he is CRANKY. There is a point in which you basically have to force him to eat to switch his mood around. He cries at night worried about what he'll have to eat the next day. He is a little kid with a lot of anxiety, and food is one of his main sensory issues. And about the only thing he's able to control at this point in his life.

This morning I caught him in the bathroom, sitting on the vanity, and "doing" his hair. He wanted it spikey. He told me when it dries it will fall and he won't like it like that so he'll have to re-wet it. Oh my. Do they really get concerned about their looks at 4?
And where does he get this memory??? Yesterday Derrick and I had to go to the mall to run and errand. On the way there he asked where we were going and I told him. He says...oh yes. I remember the mall. They have shiny floors, but that's okay. I used to be scared of the shiny floor...I thought I would fall, but I'm much braver now, so it's okay". Uh...alrighty then. Kid hasn't been to the mall in a LONG time. But he did always hate the floors.

It's so funny how Myles and Gina are so similar yet so different, even at a young age. I love watching them grow and develop and learn. I love seeing them change each day. They are such a blessing.

A sign I saw and loved...

When Derrick and I were headed to the grocery store over the weekend, I saw a church sign that read...
God will always do his part.
But you have to do yours first.

I loved that. It put into words what I already knew, but in simple, down-to-earth terms that summarize it so well.
It was really comforting to me, because it gave me the opportunity to realize that Derrick and I ARE doing our part to make significant changes in our life, and that the rest is up to God and will happen when it's meant to happen.
We can't just sit back and think God is going to work miracles in ourlife if we do nothing for ourselves.
Derrick has several things "in the works" in terms of the job hunt, and that contines to give us hope. He's been staying so busy and working so hard that we know it's just a matter of timing. Already, as he's continued the interviewing process, we've realized that we are glad certain job offers didn't come through. I know he won't get an offer until it's the right one, and then I know everything will make sense.
Same thing applies to the house. I sometimes wonder if it will sell, how things will work out, etc. BUT I am so comforted by the fact that I can RELAX. I know that we have done our part by finding a real estate agent, getting it cleaned up and decluttered, etc, and that now it's up to God. We have done the work that will allow the right outcome to occur. There's not much more we can do. It's up to God and if it's meant to happen it will. We did have an investor put in a (ridiculously low) offer on the house, and have another showing scheduled. I know what happens is what is meant to happen, and that gives me great peace.
I begin to realize more each day that these short term trials are teaching us life long lessons and we are only going to be better off for having gone through them.

I will wait

This song was sung at church today and it really touched me. I thought I'd share the lyrics with you all. It's never the same to read them as it is to hear them beautifully sung, but hopefully you get the gist.

I will wait for you, Jesus
You're the sun in my horizon
All my hopes in you, Jesus
I can see you now arising
(repeat)
There's a wall that stands in front of me
That I know I just can't climb
And like an eagle you will carry me
Its just a matter of the time
I will wait for you, Jesus
You're the son in my horizon
All my hopes in you, Jesus
I can see you now arising
Evil armies all around me
I believe in the word that promises me
So I will wait another day
I will wait for you, Jesus
You're the son in my horizon
All my hopes in you, Jesus
I can see you now arising
(repeat)
I will wait for you
Oh I will wait for you
Oh the doubt may try to come in
The disillusions may try to come in
I believe oh Lord (x3)
In the word that you promised (x3)
I believe it will not end
I believe it will not go
I will wait for you, Jesus
You're the son in my horizon
All my hopes in you, Jesus
I can see you now arising

A trip to the zoo

We went to the zoo yesterday and really enjoyed it. We haven't been able to go like we would like to.
It was the first time that Myles was able to walk the whole thing, so being a mommy, I realized how big he's getting.
It was so much fun as he was actually interested in the animals, really wanted to see them and know about them.
Everything was good until the end when we exited the front of the zoo and walked down to the parking lot before we remembered we actually parked in the back of the zoo. Ugh.
So we walked all the way around. Myles ended up in the stroller and Gina on our shoulders. That's a long walk. Especially when you're hot and tired and the kid's cups have long since been empty. Whew. We really need to plan these things better.
But we had such a fun family weekend between Parky's Farm, the zoo, and Harbin Park. We're trying to spend as much time together as we can as Derrick is getting a second job that will have him working all weekend, so we won't see much of him since he already works nights. But we all had a good time and made a lot of memories.

A week of new adventures for the kids

Cindy, our regular sitter, is having shoulder surgery this week. So my friend Cassie is watching the kids.
Myles knew all about it, and was happy to go this morning. He started talking to her, telling her everything she wanted to know and then some, so I left feeling good.
She decided to take the kids over to her parents house, which is closer to my work, so I could pick them up there.
When I got there all 4 kids (her 2 included) were hanging outside eating flav-r-ice and loving it.
Myles then started showing me her parents inground pool. He told me they had a board and he jumped off it.
What???
So I looked at Cassie, and yup, sure enough while Gina was sleeping she took the kids swimming. Abbey, her sister, came over as well. They put a floaty bathing suit on Myles and he JUMPED OFF THE DIVING BOARD. 4 TIMES!!!!!!!!!!!!
Holy cow.
She said he doggy paddled from one end of the pool to the next.
My boy. Really? Really!!! Wow!
He came home grabbed one of my beloved circus peanuts (see below) (and yes, my kids now love them too) and walked back to his room.
After a few minutes we wondered what was up.
We found him, sound asleep with one and a half circus peanuts next to him.
He's down for the night. Poor guy had a big day.
I just hope he doesn't remember he had circus peanuts with him when he wakes up. Because they aren't there anymore.

So I have an addiction

I guess the first step is admitting it, right?

It started a couple of months ago when I saw something I hadn't seen in years. I was curious. I decided to purchase some and see if they tasted the same.
They did.
Then I started wanting them more often.
Now I'm making sneaky purchases and hiding it from the kids.
But they caught me. And now they want some.
And I don't want to share.
Most people think it's so gross, and it is, but I can't help it.

I love these things and need to have them on a regular basis.
When I couldn't find them at my regular "spot" this week and I got a little panicky, I knew I had a problem.

Think there's any type of support group for weaning yourself off these??

An awesome day at Parky's Farm

We all went to Parky's Farm tody, for the first time this summer. It was so much fun.
Myles got to ride a pony, which he loved and had no problems with. Not scared at all and didn't want us walking with him. What a change from previous summers!
We then went to the playbarn and he was diving in the ball pit, going down the slides, climing on everything, etc. Again, what a change from when he was TERRIFIED of the ball pit!
There is a wooden ramp in part of the playbarn that held Gina's attention the whole time. She just kept walking down it and then back up, and was so proud. She likes doing silly things like that...stepping from the curb to the ground, up and down steps, etc. She even got in the ball pit. She wasn't real sure at first, but she stayed in until it got too rambunctious in there for her.
We also went to the petting zoo area. Myles got to feed a goat and brush several of them. He also pet a sheep and a bunny rabbit. So did Gina. It was funny to see how she reacted to the different feeling of their coats. Myles really liked it and had such a good time. He even wanted to go back to the playbarn to go through this "carrot maze" they had, which is something he wouldn't have even considered not long ago.
And what cracked me up is, the last time we were there was for Halloween, when they have a big event. Well, as part of that, they did a magic show. AS we were pulling up to Parky's Farm Myles asked if he could go see the magic show again. I couldn't believe he recognized the place and remembered that...shoot, I had almost forgotten about it!
Myles really wanted to ride the wagon, but we told him a little white lie, and told him that today it was just for adults but we'd come back on a kid day and do that. He's already asking to go back tomorrow!
It was a fun day! Once I'm able to upload pictures at work I'll share some of them with you.

The latest Gina napping "incident"

When we put Gina down for a nap this afternoon, I decided to take one myself. It didn't seem like long later I awake to Derrick telling me to get up quick, it's an emergency. You guys know I don't wake up easily or happily when sleep is cut short. So I groggily get up to see what's going on.
I walk into Gina's room and see her bed, babies, toys, and wall covered in what Derrick thought for sure was blood. It was all over her shirt, face, neck, etc. I think he was panicking.
I had a mommy instinct telling me it wasn't blood, but I wasn't sure what it was until I spotted an empty lipstick container on the floor.
How she got it or found a way to smuggle it into her crib, I don't know. Derrick sure was relived though. He thought she had hit her head on the side of the crib.
So needless to see we now have even more laundry and they got an extra bath today.

She is becoming quite the little trouble maker. Cindy told me when I picked her up on Thursday that when she went in to get Gina up from her nap that day she found Gina, with her shorts still on, but her diaper off, and playing in a huge mess. The girl undid the tabs on her diaper and slid it off through the leg hole of her shorts. Cindy had that problem with both of her girls when they were little, but I have to say this is unchartered territory for us.

TGIF

It's the end of a long, but productive week, and I'm looking forward to the weekend.
Derrick got a lot accomplished on the job search front and we're just feeling more confident everyday that our time is coming.
He's been super busy all week and has had very long days between interviews, appointments, and working, but he's home with the kids today, and I'm sure they'll have a good time.
Last week they went to the mall to hang out and play. We'll see if today holds any adventures for them.
He is trying to suffer through the pain he's having right now associated with two roots in his mouth being exposed. He goes on Monday to get them pulled. I feel bad for him because I know it's painful, and there's not a lot he can do about it.
Myles' swim lessons wrapped up this week. He did really well and seemed to really enjoy them. We'll probably try to get him signed up for something else at the Y soon.
Gina is still just Gina. She has mastered the work MINE. She also has the role of annoying little sister down pat. She has to do everything Myles does, play with everything he wants to play with, eat everything he eats, etc. Of course she wouldn't want anything to do with it if he didn't have it, but that's the annoying part.
She is obsessed with baby wipes and everytime we change her she reaches for one and says "my wipe". Of course she just wants to drop it on the floor and then ask for another one.
This morning I caught her with her shampoo bottle. I took it from her and said "yuck". She actually had the nerve to swipe at me and say "mine"! She then saw her cup, which she calls a "bubby" (don't ask) sitting there and said very sassily, "MY bubby". She's a little girl with a big attitude.
I'm looking forward to hopefully a relaxing weekend with the family. If it ever starts...this day is dragging by so far!

What am I going to do with her?

Gina that is. She is such a dare devil. She loves to do anything that will give me grey hair and possibly break a bone. Her latest thing is to stand up in the recliner and just fall straight forward into you. Problem is, she doesn't always give notice. She doesn't seem to be scared of anything.
Today I put her down for a nap and she just sat in her crib and babbled for almost an hour. I was getting ready to just get her up (but heck even if she wasn't sleeping, it was quiet and she was content) lol, when thank God I was standing in the hallway because I heard a loud, but muffled shreak and cry. I ran in there and could instantly see she wasn't in her crib, so I figured she must have fallen out. Nope, not on the floor (what a horrible thought...it's funny how just a coupe of seconds can go so slowly when things like this happen). I hear the crying still and realize she is .....in her hamper.
Yes, she fell out of her crib and into her hamper head first. She was laying on her back with her feet up over her head. I tried to lift her out, but she was wedged in there too tight.
I ended up having to pull her out by her legs. Poor thing. She was so scared and was just holding on to me so tightly. I felt so badly for her.
I don't even think she was trying to climb out, I think she was leaning for something on her dresser (probably her wipes because she is OBSESSED with them) and just fell.
I guess the hamper is better than the floor though. Although she still has a mark on her head! Poor baby.

I think we found our church home!

We've gone a couple of times to Compass Community Church and really like it, and have both said that we have connected more here than anywhere else.
Last week they discussed an opportunity to mentor students at Winton Woods with their math and science skills. Derrick and I were both interested, but coudln't make the hours work.
So we were pleased today when we heard of another opportunity to help. They have purchased back packs and have included a list inside of school supplies that are needed. So we took one home with us and purchased all the supplies. It cost me less than 20 dollars, and it felt so good. I'm glad we were able to help someone less fortunate.
I even got to thinking that I wish I could find a way to donate even more. Most of what they needed was so simple and cost so little. (There were about 3 items that cost the majority of the money, everything else was less than a dollar!) If any of you have any suggestions on how to collect more school donations, let me know.
But Derrick and I have really enjoyed the church, and I think the kids do as well. It's small (probably less than 200 people), but everyone seems so close and just so "real". I'm so glad to have found a place where we all feel so comfortable.

Meet the latest Avon representative!

I did it! I took a step outside of my comfort zone and signed up to be an Avon rep!! I think it'll be a fun and exciting adventure (and hopefully a profitable one too). I must say, I'm proud of myself. I had thought about it before but always talked myself out of it, and this time I just did it. What the heck, right? What do I have to lose?

So anyway, let me know if you have any marketing ideas or suggestions. I'd appreciate all the help I can get!!

Movin' on u-uppp

Why can't I remember more of that song??
Anyway, this front yard is bearings something it hasn't seen in a VERY long time....
A For Sale Sign!!!

We met with a different realtor last night and I just love him. Actually, dad, I kept thinking he reminded me of you with his demeanor. He was very nice and professional and knowledgeable, yet reassuring and a little more, uh...gentle, about the process than the other agent. I believe this is who we were meant to list with.

So he took all the pictures last night (I wish I had known that was going to happen)!!! and they plan on getting it listed today and get the process started.
I'm actually excited about it.

Now we just have more for the Salvation Army to come pick up to get some things out of the bedrooms so they look "roomier", get some more cleaning done upstairs, and some more purging downstairs. But to have a plan and be proceeding with it is liberating.

Derrick is in the process of looking for a second, part-time job, and I'm looking into getting a second job I can do from home. Data Entry, Customer Service, etc...so if anyone has any leads.....

I'm so blessed and grateful to have a strong support network that is there to listen to me complain when I'm feeling down and then lift me back up so I can get my head around everything again.

I have a good feeling about everything. We are on the road to getting the house sold, Derrick has been in overdrive trying to get a first and second job, and I know things can only start to come together for us now.

Okay, I'm going to be late if I don't go dry my hair and get off to work. Have a good day!!!

It's in the valley's I grow.

Thank you, Stacey for this little blessing you sent me. I love it. (Although sometimes I wonder how much I will have to "grow") lol

IT'S IN THE VALLEYS I GROW
Sometimes life seems hard to bear,
Full of sorrow, trouble and woe
It's then I have to remember
That it's in the valleys I grow.
If I always stayed on the mountain top
And never experienced pain,
I would never appreciate God's love
And would be living in vain.
I have so much to learn
And my growth is very slow,
Sometimes I need the mountain tops,
But it's in the valleys I grow.
I do not always understand
Why things happen as they do,
But I am very sure of one thing.
My Lord will see me through.
My little valleys are nothing
When I picture Christ on the cross
He went through the valley of death;
His victory was Satan's loss.
Forgive me Lord, for complaining
When I'm feeling so very low.
Just give me a gentle reminder
That it's in the valleys I grow.
Continue to strengthen me, Lord
And use my life each day
To share your love with others
And help them find their way.
Thank you for valleys, Lord
For this one thing I know
The mountain tops are glorious
But it's in the valleys I grow!
by Jane Eggleston

A long day

Today was a long day. I tend to use the blog as a chance to journal and get some stuff out, and since only those I really care about can see it, it's a good opportunity to do just that.
I went to work this morning while Derrick watched the kids, then the real estate agent came over, and once he left Derrick had to go to work. I must admit one of the things I've enjoyed about my job in the past was that it is relatively low pressure. As a working mom, it's great because I stay busy, but it's not so hectic I end up stressed and frazzled when I come home to be with the kids. Until lately anyway. Lately it's been crazy and busy and making it difficult to just enjoy work and put it behind me when I leave.
So anyway, after Derrick went to work, the kids and I went to the grocery store. Usually we grocery shop as a family so we can tag team everything, but today it just wasn't going to work. So I used the opportunity to go to a different store for a few specific items I can only get there, and wouldn't you know they were out of all of them? So frustrating.
But once we got back, the kids were both tired and fell asleep. I must admit, I do love when they take a nap at the same time! And a blessing of the day? Myles is relaxed by listening to KLove on the radio in his room. He was overly tired when we got home and acting it. But a few minutes in his room wiht KLove on, and he was fast asleep.
So, as the kids were sleeping, I got to thinking. I've been thinking a lot lately about why life is so complicated. Or at least seems to be so complicated for some, yet (at least from the outside) so relatively simple for others. Is it complicated because that's just the way life is, or do we just make it complicated? Over think things that really aren't as difficult as they seem?
I have a tendancy to stay so goal oriented and focused on my "to-do list" that I miss out on the fun in life. I treat life as one big to-do list and just check things off. I tend to "take life on" full force to a point that I inevitabley end up feeling exhausted for a day or two until I can regroup and get my focus back where it should be.
So that made me think-if we really want to be faith belivers and not just SAY we have faith when it's easy, than maybe we need to do less of the driving in life and more of the riding along in the passenger seat. Give up a little control to the only person that IS in control of it all. I guess life is all about finding that balance. The balance between listening to God and following his guidance vs. allowing him to work on things for a while.
If happiness really is a choice, then I guess we have to make that choice even when you aren't feeling it naturally. Even on a down day we can still choose to be happy and not let the events of life bring us down for long.
Have you noticed how infectious a smile is? Or laughter? I think it was designed that way. God uses us to lift each other up.
I am so blessed to have two young, funny kids that can make me see the simpler side of life and always provide an opportunity to laugh.
I think the new church we've been going to (twice now) is going to be great at pushing us outside of our comfort zone and leading us to do things in the community we wouldn't normally do. It's big enough to have those opportunities, but not so big that you can easily sit back and think "someone else will do that". And I just have a feeling that taking advantage of some volunteer opportunities in the community is exactly what I need to do. To help other people, especially children in need, and receive the blessings that come from helping others. The blessing of touching someone's life when they need it most, to take the focus off of ourselves and be truly aware of others and their circumstances (maybe to see it's not as simple as it appeared), and for the opportunity to be the person God uses to spread a smile.

Smile on. Good night.

A busy weekend

We've accomplished quite a bit this weekend. Derrick and I spent several hours yesterday making changes (hopefully improvements) to his resume and applying to millions more places online. For those of you that know Derrick, you know he isn't that computer savvy, and our ancient computer isn't the best to learn on, so he's been doing really well. I've heard that with today's job market, unemployment rate and economy the average time to find a job is 6 months. Please God, let us be better than average. If only he were going for an entry level position, things would be so much easier. Companies just don't want to/can't afford to pay people anymore, so they end up looking for people with no experience. We are so ready to accept a position (pretty much any position), we just need to be patient. I know the right thing is out there, and I really think it'll be soon, but it's just unnerving to go through the process.
We've also been doing more cleaning/purging of stuff in preparation for a real estate agent that's coming over tomorrow. We found two people that specialize in an area that I think can really help us, so we're interested to hear what the first has to say tomorrow.
Right after Myles had a long conversation with my mom and dad tonight, he was running down the hallway to show me how fast he could go. His stopping point was the linen closet at the end of our hallway, and as he ran into it as a finish line, he got his pinky pinched in the crack where it opens. I felt so bad becasue I've done that and know how bad it hurts. It immediately bruised up and started bleeding, so he's been sporting a band aid tonight. It's amazing how fascinated kids are with bandaids.
But that incident led to a funny moment. Myles had no idea your small finger was called a "pinky". He got so frustrated with me, saying "It's not my pinky, it's my FINGER". So I explained to him what a pinky was and that everyone had one. And in true Myles fashion, he thinks for a minute and said "well, horses don't have pinky's".
Yes, Myles, you're right. They don't. Wow. To just be inside that little head for a while to see how it operates. lol

So after we got him bandanged up, we were able to use a much appreciated gift I received at work to go out to dinner, which we really enjoyed. We went to Max and Erma's and I was so proud of the kids and how well behaved they were. They both ate well (well, there's not been an occassion yet that Gina *doesn't* eat well), so Myles got the build your own sundae for dessert. I was laughing to myself as I helped him make it thinking that sometimes he's lucky to have me for a mom. :)
Turns out the weirdo just wanted a handful of chewy sweattarts, so mommy got free dessert. Yum.
Now Derrick is out working in the yard and then has his work cut out for him in the basement, and I'm going to go RELAX. It's been a long day, and I'm getting up early to go into work tomorrow for a half day.

I'm so proud of my boy

We all went to the Y today so Myles could show daddy how well he's been "swimming". He'll put his whole head under water, try to float on his back, jump off the side, etc. And to think he'd barely step foot in a pool when we went to FL in March.
He actually sort of swam a little bit. It wasn't pretty and it's not like he's doing laps, but he actually floated on his belly while kicking his feet and moving his arms and made it a few feet. He did that several times. He was so proud of himself and I was so proud of him!! Derrick was amazed as he hasn't seem him in the water much lately.
He's been taking swim lessons and I think they've really helped his confidence. And Gina...that girl is a dare devil. I think she'd just keep waling until the water went over her head if I wasn't there with her. She went down the steps, jumped to me, and back up over and over and over again. She's so much more relaxed and free spirited about trying new things.
And the best part? Swimming makes them tired. lol

So now that it's been almost a month...

I guess it's time for an update. :)
Problem is, so much time has passesd I don't even know what to say. I feel like nothing much has changed.
Let's see...we had a busy "medical month" in July with the kids and I all getting random things. Gina had croup, Myles had what I thought was an eye infection but turned out to just be a stye, and I had an infection as well. I've visited the Walgreens Take Care Clinics a little too often at this point!!
Derrick is still job searching. He's getting close with one particular company, but I'm staying cautiously optimistic and just putting my faith in God. I know the right thing will happen at the right time...and if this isn't it, I truly feel like it'll happen soon. Just continue to pray for us on that front.
We visited another new church this past week...that makes number 4 so far. Does that mean we are really picky? I liked this one though. It was much more racially diverse, which made us both more comfortable, and it was just a very laid back, down to earth environment that we both connected with. It still has a few "downsides", but I think I've been looking for the "perfect fit". If I could just take bits and pieces of each of the churches we've visited and combine them, it'd be great. :)

Myles is in swim lessons and having a great time. He's so much more relaxed than last year. And it works out perfectly because Cindy takes him and Cheyenne at the same time on Tuesday mornings, so I don't even have to go. (That sounds bad, doesn't it??) But he will finally put his whole head under, and they are working on floating. When I take him to the pool he mainly just likes to play, but he's not so scared anymore. He loves having fun in the waterpark and standing under the buckets as they fill with water just to overturn on his head. Something he'd have NEVER done before.

Cindy is having surgery Aug. 8th on her shoulder, so we're currently trying to find someome to watch the kids for that day and the following week. It's times like this I really hate being a working mom. Especially since I don't have any vacation time left.

Well, I think that's about it for now. I will try to get back in the habit of updating this several times a week. I've missed it, and missed staying in touch with everyone.

Have a good night!

I guess every kid has their "thing"...

when they get sick....
for some it's colds, others get a lot of ear infections, ours get croup.
Gina is the victim this time, poor thing.
As scary as it is, we've been through it so many times now it's almost routine. As soon as we hear that cough...and any parent that has heard it knows what I mean...you know they have it. You don't need any doctor to tell you.
So, she's had her steroids and also got a good cough medicine for now or any other time she has a cough, and she's on the mend.
Unfortunately, it's been really humid this weekend and it's very hot in the house, and that probably isn't helping anything. (I know it sure isn't helping my demeanor).
I hate seeing either one of them sick, but Gilna is a cuddler by nature, so when she gets sick it's really pitiful. She just wanted to be held and rest her head on my shoulder and hold my hand. That's such a rare treat these days, I treasure it.

Pictures

A little late, but as promised....

Fun Fourth of July

We had a great day with the kids. I have lots of pictures, but can't upload them on this camera, so those will have to wait.
But, we went to the Springdale Family Fun Fourth of July.
They had food and a petting zoo and pony rides (which I didn't figure out until they were closing) and tons of booths with face painting, tatoos, baloon animals, cariactures, etc and a huge inflatable slide and a bounce house.

Myles first asked to get his face painted. I figured he'd get up there and bail out, as he's never let anyone do it before. But he didn't...he sat through the whole thing and got a huge star around his eye and some smaller stars on his cheek. He loved it. Gina got some little stars too, she was so cute.

He attempted the huge slide, but as he went to climb up the middle part to get to the top, he heard and felt the fan that keeps it inflated blowing, and he bailed. But that was okay. He then asked to do the bounce house, which shocked me. He'd never go in before. But he did. I have pictures of that too.

He was even willing to take a pony ride, but they closed it for the night right as it was to be his turn. I was just glad he was willing.

We then went to get ready for the fireworks, but they started about 20 minutes late. We had decided to head back to the car as we could see them from there, and we were all getting antsy, and it was late. It turned out to be a good decision. We sat on the hood of the car and had a perfect view. And Myles loved it. Loud noises and all. He's still talking about it. And Gina was hysterical. She just kept pointing and saying "woah" "wow". On the way home, Myles was asleep before we pulled out of the parking lot, but Gina stayed up the whole time, just looking around. That girl is gonna be a party animal.

Oh...and we also decided to go to Goodwill that day just to look around. I found Myles a new pair of "blue pants" (yes, he's still wearing them, even in the middle of the summer) with an adjustable waist that are perfect. And I also found a pair of size 11 (a huge feat anywhere...pun intended) Tommy Hilfiger black loafers for myself. They look brand new and were only three dollars! Yay! Gotta love a bargain.

My favorite quotes from this weekend:

1) As we went through a McDonald's drive thru this weekend, I asked for two kiddie cones (in a dish).
Later, as we're driving away, Myles says, "Can I have some of that kiddie cat ice cream you got"?


2) Today as we were heading to church he says out of the blue "Do you think Mrs Stewart misses me?" I assured him she did. He says "I thought so. I thinks she misses me so much. It's been so many days since I've seen her".

3) And finally, as we're picking up Gina from the nursery, a care taker has the following conversation with Myles:
Her: Who are you here to pick up?
Myles: GINA!!!!!!!1
Her: Oh, is Gina you're baby?
M: No (laughing)
Her: Oh...then who's baby is it??
M: (Giving her a dumb look) Points to me.
Her: But she's your baby sister, right?
M: No. She just spits at me.
Her: (lauging) How old are you??
M: 4
Her: Well, how hold is Gina?
M: 25. (I have no idea where that came from).
Her: (Still laughing) What's your name, sweetie?
M: I've already told you, lady!! Were you not listening??

Where does he get this stuff??

Just saying hi

As it's been a long time since I posted. It's probably a good thing that it doesn't feel like there's been much going on to post about.
I can't believe it's July 1st already! We really need to figure out our fourth of july plans!!
It'll be interesting to see what Myles thinks of the fireworks...we may have to get him some ear plugs.
He rode a bike for the first time yesterday. One of the neighbor boys that is 5 had one with training wheels and let Myles try. He was a natural. He also played on his scooter and did so well. I love that he takes to all of that so fast. Clearly that comes from Derrick's genes and not mine.
We also saw Horton Hears a Who this weekend. He had a great time and really enjoyed it. It's one of the first movies he actually stayed still for and watched the entire thing.
The job hunt is still going slow, but we're both staying positive. It's a tough market right now, and there are a lot of people out of work. It's taking longer on average for people to find a new job than it ever has.
We've been blessed with relatively cool weather, thank goodness. It hasn't been bad in the house at all.
Anyway, I'm off to bed. I've been exhausted lately and need to get some sleep.
Hope you're all having a good night!

So hard to make, so easy to spend

Money that is.
Today we needed to get four new tires on the Acura, along with a headlight, tail light, alignment and oil change. We had put it off as long as possible, and it just wasn't safe anymore. Goodness gracious. It's amazing how you can spend so much in just a few minutes!!!
And I'm becoming real farmiliar with what a condensor is. Something I didn't know about just a few weeks ago. It's what is wrong with our home A/C and what they think is wrong with the Acura's A/C. They (Sears) tried to charge it twice and it just wouldn't work. But they can't do that fix there, so we need to bring it somewhere else. I am definitely learning patience though...something that I was not blessed with having much of. Patience and an adaptation for dealing wtih the heat. lol

Tomorrow we really need to go to church. We didn't go the past three weeks because of different conflicts and I'm missing it.

Gina learned a new word tonight. I told her it was time to go night night and she said it back to me. "night night". It was really sweet. She melts my heart.

Today is one of those days that I feel like I was busy all day, but didn't really accomplish anything. I have yet to get a shower even. It's just been a long day.
I am off to get cleaned up and relax!!!!

Hope you are all having a good night!!

Ally

10 years and our wildlife adventures.

Wow. 10 years. It's hard to believe that ten years ago today Derrick and I were married. It doesn't seem possible. 10 years and 2 beautiful children later, here we are.
We haven't done anything "official" to celebrate yet, but plan on going out next weekend for a nice dinner alone, and when mom comes in town in mid-July, we plan on doing a combo anniversary/birthday celebration and spending the night away while G-ma watches the kids. It'll be our first ever night away!

On a completely different note, we had quite the "incident" tonight. We recently confirmed the fact that some racoons have decided to make our home their home. I was going to go out to the car last night to get something out of it and saw a furry little critter by our gutter. I swear he waved to me. I'm so glad I was inside and saw him through the door. I stood there staring at him in a state of scared shock.

Today, about 6:00, I opened the front door to go out with the kids and there, right on our porch, right by the front door was another one. Myles now has a funny story to tell about his mommy literally screaming and then yelling at him to shut the door and get in the house. He got quite a kick out of that and has re-enacted it several times. I now know where Gina got her "squeal" from. And aren't these stupid things NOCTURNAL animals?? Last time I checked 6 pm during daylight savings time does NOT qualify. I'm telling you, it's messing with me.
Meanwhile, I about fainted in the folyer. Everyone says they are more scared of me than I am of it, but I believe that would be impossible. And I don't care what anyone says, that thing was NOT scared of us. It just stood there, probably saying "whatcha gonna do about it"? That's when a hunting dog comes in handy. I will no longer go anywhere without Max. Raccoons may not be scared of me, but they ARE scared of him. If anyone ever finds me passed out somewhere around the house, you can be pretty sure I saw a raccoon. I'm not so sure that thing wouldn't chase me down the block even if I took off running. More scared of me than I am of it. I don't think so.

I swear I can't get out of this house fast enough. I have not yet figured out how to have Max help me INTO the house when I'm coming home from somewhere. I'll have to give that one some thought. For now, I'm just grateful that I haven't carried out my plans of downsizing the number of pets we have as I've often threatened. But I will say, that if one of those things ever comes out and fights with him (and they might...they're probably just lifting weights during the day to build up their strength) the dog is on his own. I'll do what I can do from the safety and secruity the INSIDE of the house provides. However, if one ever finds it's way into the house I will surely die of fear, and it'll make for quite the interesting obituary.

I now feel like I need to go wash my hands or take a shower or something. Does anyone else feel like they are being watched??? *shudder*

A beautiful day!!!

We had a great day here today weather wise! It was just perfect!
The day was a little frustrating overall--their was some kind of mix up with the A/C man and he left before Derrick could get the dogs put away and answer the door. The real estate agent didn't show up for his 6:00 appt., and I just got the answering machine when I called. Graeater's is now asking Derrick to "wait 30 days" as they were "premature in interviewing for the position" (since it doesn't exist yet...ya think??!!), but still say "he's the one". It just felt soo close.
BUT....I'm trying to put the princpal's I'm reading about in our book club books to good use.
1. Being happy is a DECISION. You have to choose to be happy and know that things will work out for the greater good even when things seem to be going poorly.
2. Things will work out, but it'll be in GOD'S TIME, not mine. Until then, I need to be willing to turn it over to him and let it go.

So, today it really hit me that our 10th!!!! Anniversary is this Friday. We have no plans. We are such slackers and procrastinators. We would like to get away for a night when mom comes in town in July, but we'd still like to do something now. We really need to get serious and figure out what we're gonna do. We should at least see if Cindy can watch the kids that night and plan something to do that evening.

And mom, I have a surprise for your birthday, and it's killing me not to tell you about it. I'm no good with surprises. Although I found out today I'm not going to have it by the 28th, but I think it'll be worth the wait!!

Well, it's cool and very comfortable in the house, both kids are sleeping, and I'm ready to take full advantage of it.

Hope you all have a good night!

Counting our blessings!

Derrick did go to St. Louis this weekend. His mom was released from the hospital yesterday, thank God. I have no doubt all the prayers she was receiving helped!
Although it was not a good reason for the get together, it was a great for him to be able to get together with his family and friends.
He checked in with me this morning and told me he'd probably be staying one more night and coming home tomorrow. I tried to be very understanding and supportive, but was disappointed (and tired...HOW do single moms do it??). So imagine my surprise when he walked in around noon! He left very early this morning to come back home. Sorry Greg...he told me you all were still sleeping when he left...he had a great time with you!
His brothers challenged him to a game of basketball, but Derrick wasn't prepared..didn't have gym shoes. So, in true boy ultra competitive form, Greg bought him a pair of shoes. Now Myles is dying for a pair that look just like them. I was down stairs doing laundry when I heard Myles scream DAAAAAAAADDDDDYYYYYYYY!!!! It was really cute.

The kids and I went to the pool this afternoon and had a great time. Myles is so much more brave than he was last year and even hung out in the big pool! Gina also brought out the dare devil side of her and started jumping off the side to me.
Now we're back home and are making a red velvet cake for Father's Day. Although we had to warn him that this one will be VERY light icing. Woops. lol

The guy that was working on our air conditioner called me today and said he could come out tomorrow to put that used unit in for us. Yay!!! And, on top of that, after tomorrow the rest of the week is supposed to be in the 70's!!

There's just something about swimming that makes us all tired. Gina is taking a nap and we're just all relaxing having cooled off and waiting for the cake to finish!! Yum.

Derrick's mom

For those of you that don't know, please keep her in your prayers tonight. She suffered a heart attack today.

For those of you that do know, your prayers are already working!!! God hears us!

Derrick was getting ready to get in the car and start driving, but as we've gotten more news from the family that's with her in St. Louis, he has decided to wait until morning. She had a 99% blockage in one of her arteries, but it sounds as though they have been able to open that and she is being transferred to a different hospital. His brother Will tells us they are even saying she may be released early next week!!! Praise God!

So at this point, he's considering waiting a week to go be with her when he can actually spend some quality time with her AT HOME when she may really be desiring company vs rushing to be with her tomorrow in the hospital. We'll see. He'll call Will in the morning to get an update on her at that point and then decide for sure what he needs to do.

So prayers for Annette for healing, and for her entire family for strength and peace.

Give your loved ones an extra squeeze tonight and make sure you know how much you love them. Times like this instantly make you think about all the things you should have done or said when you realize you may have missed your opportunity.

To all of those reading this, I LOVE YOU!!

Derrick and Ally

Sprinkler Fun

Tonight we came home and I turned on the sprinkler and let the kids run through it. Well, Myles ran through it, but Gina didn't seem to excited about the opportunity to run through ice cold water. What can I say? The girl may be young, but she isn't crazy. :) I'll post some pictures in the next few days.
But it has cooled off quite a bit here (down to the mid 80's) so it was nice to spend some time outside and just enjoy letting the kids be kids.
I stayed up too late last night as I just couldn't relax enough to go to sleep, and now I'm really tired. Gina is in her crib, and I think I'm going to do my best to get Myles down to sleep early tonight so I can have some time alone.
I'm craving some peace and quiet!!!
Hope you are all having a good night!

Just a quick update...

As it's late and I'm tired...but hot.
Still no A/C. It's totally broken, and with the current state of things just not worth wfixing. Sooo....we're making due. Using fans, chilling in the basement, using the Y pool, etc. But it's definitely something that won't be taken for granted in the future.
We had the real estate agent come out today. So far it doesn't look like selling the house is going to be a feasible option. So....we're exploring other options. We just need to gather all the information we can from reliable sources and pray so that we make the best decisions we can.
Derrick had another interview with Graeter's today. It went really well, but also kind of odd. He's interivewing for a Regional Manager position and they love him....say he's The One. Only problem? The position doesn't actually exist yet. They are hiring a consulting firm to do a financial analysis and recommend how how the company should be restructured since it's been set up the same way since it first opened...and managers are reporting directly to the owners.
So, we'll see. Hopefully things will fall into place if it's meant to be. I'm not so sure why they have an internal recruiter looking to fill a position that doesn't exist, but who am I? At least they were really impressed with him. In the mean time he's still just following up on other leads and staying in touch with all of his contacts.
We looked at one townhouse community this weekend (Mallard Lakes) and really liked it, but are not ready to make a decision yet until some other things are resolved. In the mean time we'll just keep looking so we can get into the best place for us as soon as we're ready. Regardless I'm excited about the fresh start.
We went to the pool at the Y today and the kids had a blast. I wish I had my camera.
We came home and made dinner and then played outside. You know it's bad when it's probably about 15 degrees cooler outside than it is in your own house. lol I would have gone out earlier had I known that!!
When we came in Myles wanted to get a shower...and Gina joined him. It was hysterical. She's always standing up in the bathtub though, so it actually worked. She loved it. That was truly a Kodak moment.
Gina is now saying "woof woof" when you ask her what a dog says. It cracks me up, so I ask her constantly. It's just so funny the way she says it. She also calls Cindy "inny" and is putting two words together (mommy here, daddy up, etc). So it's fun to see her growing and learning.
Well, I'm in a room with no fan and I'm starting to drip onto the keyboard...that's a sign I need to go.
Hope you're all having a good night.
Talk to you soon.

Another test??

I thought I was out of school! Yet...somehow it seems like we keep getting the tests that are just a part of life thrown at us.
We had two people come out today to take a look at our air conditioner. Both think the unit needs to be replaced. Really?! Now?! When we're trying to get out of here? I really wish it had just waited a few more months!
We have one more person coming on Friday to take another look, and from talking to him on the phone, I have confidence in him and he feels like he'll be able to fix it.
I don't like to think of myself as being a "prissy" girl, but I sure am spoiled when it comes to A/C. It's funny how a convenience quickly becomes an expectation.
The good part is that some of the topics in WWG have been popping in my mind and helping to keep things in perspective. I know that we have just been working too hard to not have things fall into place. I just can't let this set back distract me. I know it will all work out the way it's supposed to.
Kim, it's a good thing you're in HH...had you been home today would have been a day I would have been calling for a "Kim talk". You have such a knack of putting things in perspective for me.
I finally got Myles to fall asleep early tonight. Boy did he need it. Do you know where he fell asleep? On top of the coffee table, complete with a blanket and pillow. Hey...whatever works.
We had our first donation pick up today and are scheduled for another one tomorrow. I just finished bringing up some more stuff from downstairs, and then got a shower to freshen up. I never realized how big the basement is. :) Every bit we do motivates me to do even more as it keeps coming together.
Now we just need a collective prayer and the whole group to cross their fingers that the house can sell quickly and without major issues. I have to admit, I'm proud of myself for facing my fears head on. I've always had SO much anxiety about selling the house...not really related to leaving it, just all the work it would take to get it ready, have open houses and showings, etc. But I'm doing it! I know it will all pay off. I just have to stay positive.

Hey everyone!

It's funny how it sometimes seems like there is nothing going on, yet so much at the same time. Do you know what I mean? Maybe it's because what's "going on" isn't particulary fun or exciting, but it just keeps us busy.
We have 2 donation picks ups scheduled for the next two days. I'm looking forward to getting our garage back.
We have a real estate agent coming by this Monday. Kim, we called Larry Bebe and mentioned I got his name from you all. He was really nice and remembered you well. (I guess a bazillion moves will do that to a person) lol So, I'm looking forward to meeting with him and hearing what he has to say and getting this process started.
Greg, if it doesn't sell soon, we may be out for an extended visit in Arizona. :)
It's funny how the house looks so different with a few minor changes, and how clean it is now. It's a little sad to be leaving...heck, this is the only HOUSE I've ever lived in...but I know it's time. The biggest decisions in life aren't always the easiest to make, but having faith in God and knowing he'll lead us down the right path if we just listen for him helps.
Things seem to be slowing down a little for Derrick on the job hunt. He's still had sesveral interviews, but it just doens't seem like he's getting as many calls these days as he was at one point. So, we're trying to regroup and refocus.
Kim-I'm not perfect about my quiet time, but I have been doing a pretty darn good job. The weekends is when I tend to slack. During the week it's much easier for me to focus. Although I really need to get serious about WWG if I'm going to finish it. I really like it, and the story about his dog passing literally had me crying...are you to that point yet? I had to put it down and come back. The part when God said "He won't give me the ball". Please. Sob City.
Myles is having a really rough night tonight. He hasn't been this way in quite a while. I think it's because he went to bed last night. Ocassionally he just has nights where he just can't get to sleep...and we all pay for it the next day. So today he has no patience and everything is making him angry. But, I have little Gina in bed, so I'm going to go spend a little one-on-one time with him before I force his little self to fall asleep.
Hope you all have a good night.
Oh..and mom...the A/C people are coming tomorrow as well, so we'll finally cool down. :)

Whew, what a week

Well, we've got a lot done this week. We have two donation pick up's scheduled for later in the week to start picking up the baby clothes, toys, old furniture, etc. We've gotten rid of lots of trash, and we're really making progress. I've gone through all of our closets and the kitchen cabinets. This is definitely some serious spring cleaning!!!
I spent most of my evenings last week carrying things up from the basement and out to the garage, hence my absence. I'm glad that phase of it is over.
Derrick and I tried to carry up an old desk from the basement last night and about killed ourselves in the process. In hind sight, it was probably good material for America's Funniest Home videos, but at the time, I thought for sure one of us was gonna be laying on the ground being crushed by a heavy desk!! And the sad part is, we didn't even accomplish our mission. There was no way I was gonna be able to lift that thing all the way up.
Today we're both sore and bruised up from that little fiasco along with all the other work we've been doing.
Today was our meeting downtown with the IRS. I've definitely had more fun, less stressful afternoons, but all in all it went okay. At least the girl was nice and now we have it mainly behind us.
Although, true to form in "if we didn't have bad luck we'd have no luck at all" category, now our air conditioner isn't working at the house or in Derrick's car and Derrick has a flat tire. It really does shock me how much stuff gets thrown at us sometimes. Maybe I'm just feeling sorry for myself. I mean, I know everyone has "their stuff", but it really does seem like we get more than our fair share sometimes...or at least in too short of a time frame.
One of our neighbors brought down a couple of his grandson's old toys for Myles today and he is SO HAPPY. He is in love with his Little Tykes Couzy Coupe that looks like a police car. He's convinced he's a police man now! It was really cute until he refused to go to bed because he didn't want to stop playing with it.
Gina is doing well too. She's saying a few more words. Tonight she even put two words together: "Mommy, here". Although yesterday she was playing with Myles' toy computer and said "heya" (here) as she proceeded to bust my lip with it. I literally started crying. Man, that hurts. The inside of my lip is cut and it's swollen. Had she got my nose I know she would have broken it. Tonight she climbed up into my recliner, looked at me with that little coniving grin and said "mine". It's a good thing she's cute. Little rascal. She's so similar yet so different from Myles. She is a blanket cuddling, doll snuggling ,hand holding, loves to kiss girl that could make a grown man cry with her pouty lip "look through the eyelashes" look she gives you when she's upset. She is small but mighty and either doesn't know or doesn't care that she is the smallest and youngest child the sitter watches. If you were to ask her I'm sure she thinks she's in charge. Today when I went to pick her up she wanted to get down outside. Apparently she wanted to sit on the step and relax for a few minutes. She very slowly, and very cautiously started walking backwards with her butt sticking out, ready to sit. Instead of just turning around and looking, she'd try to sit, realize she was too far away and take a couple more slow steps backwards until her little booty hit the porch step. Then she sat down, clapped her hands and smiled. All was right in her world, and she gave Cindy and I quite a laugh. It must be in the genes to do everything the hard way. :)