Playing in the snow....

A minor set back with Gina's hair

When I picked the kids up today Cindy asked if I was putting anything new in Gina's hair. Some sort of oil perhaps?

I said YES! Doesn't it look good? Look...it's still curly!! (turning her around like she hasn't been with her all day).

To which she replied: yeah, I thought so. I've been sneezing all day and I couldn't figure out why until Gina was sitting on my lap and it got really bad. I'm actually allergic to oils.

Seriously?! I wanted to reply "who the heck is allergic to oils?", but that was really out of sheer disbelief that we'd have such a set back after finding such a god send.

So apparently she's going to have crazy hair Tuesday-Friday until we can fix her up on the weekends.

Hmph. And we had come so far!

Apparently he's easy...

Mom, in light of you asking about Myles' birthday today I asked him what he would like. Apparently he wants everything he already has, but a new one.
He first said he wanted a cake. A blue one. Yeah, I don't know.
Then he said presents.
When I said what kind of presents he said a new watch. And a new sword. And a new Santa straw. Oh...and another dragon like this one.
When I said, well is there anything you would like G-ma to get you he said yes....a present. I asked what kind of present and he said one that is wrapped. That he can open and we all yell surprise.

Oh...and balloons. Lots of balloons.

So hopefully that gives you some ideas. :)

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas tree, where will I put you???

As I was taking down the tree and decorations today I was a little sad, realizing this will be the last Christmas I'll ever spend in this house. What makes it even sadder is that I have literally spent every Christmas of my life in this house, besides my college years. It's a little odd.
As a child we'd go to a Christmas tree farm every year to cut down our own tree. Later on we may have just gone to a lot, but the tree was always real. Derrick and I also had a real tree, up until the December before Myles was born. A friend of a friend sold us the artificial tree we have now for a great deal, and although I was a little sad at not having a real one, the realization I was 9 months pregnant with my first child made all that sadness worth it. I didn't want the hassle or up keep of a real tree not knowing when Myles would be born.
We've since come to really like our tree, and even though we don't have the original box it was no big deal as we had the garage. But I think we've (read I...Derrick knew this a long time ago) realized I'm going to have to get rid of it. We don't know for sure where we'll be next year, but chances are storage space is going to be very limited and there isn't going to be room for our big space-taking artificial tree to be kept the other 11 months of the year. (I think I've already filled up all of our closets and under-bed space in my head and we haven't even packed yet).
So, today I ran to Target and got two 6' artificial trees that are in a super skinny box for 6 dollars each. I'm sure the trees will also be skinny and plasticy, but maybe the fact we'll have two we'll make up for it. You know me...the more Christmas stuff the better. And hey...my new saying for all of these little things I'm thinking of that I may not like when it comes to moving, or any difficult season in life for that matter is..."It's not permanent". Soon I'll be able to go get another (bigger and better!!!) tree.
So, if anyone needs a nice artificial tree, let me know. We have one we need to part with.

How's this for a "blast from the past"?

Can you believe that?? For those of you that have come to know me more recently, that's me on the right. I'm sure the way cool bangs (and the fact I'm actually skinny) may make it hard to recognize me. lol That's my friend Michelle and me at her 15th birthday party. In all of our New Kids on the Block loving glory!!

Wow.

I hung out with some friends last night that I've known since high school. It's hard to believe how long we've all known each other. Our kids will be this age before we know it!!!

I love having connections like that. And just wish I had the scrapbooks these girls do to remember it. They have everything documented so well. I bribed Michelle into letting me take just this one.

We hung out playing cards and talking until it was way too late, but man, what a good time we had.

Our day

We are trying to stay busy to keep the boredom from sitting in on this long break. Derrick had to work yestesrday and then watched the UC game with some friends, so the kids and I needed to entertain ourselves for the majority of the day.
We ran some erronds early in the day, which didn't go so well. However, after coming home to a long talk, some lunch, and a nap, we decided to venture out again.
We headed to the mall and had a great time. The kids were able to play in the play area they have and they both rode the train that's still there (although Gina wasn't thrilled with that). They made good enough choices to earn a treat....and we got two new additions to the family.
Rosie and Rudie (short for Rudolph), two matching bears they made. They each picked out a little outfit for their bear to be able to tell them apart. Myles loves his, Gina isn't too sure. She's asked me to bring it back several times. But, once she discovered that Rosie's dress comes off, she's had a ball dressing and undressing her and carrying her around in her doll carrier.
And, Gina gave us an extended little gift this morning when she slept until 8:00. Although, now that she's up, I know why...she has a cold and is complaining her ear hurts. You win some, you lose some, right?
Derrick is off today so we are planning on spending some family time together, and then I'm getting together with some friends this evening.
This has been a much better almost week off than I was fearing it may be. I was about ready to commit myself after Christmas break, but I think we're finally finding our groove now.
Just in time to head back to work, right?

Update on Gina's hair...

Based on the comments I think I may have misled on you on Gina's hair. While this is a huge victory to us as we have to deal with de-tangling it every morning and for her since she always cried when we had to comb it, it probably isn't anything anyone else would notice.
As a matter of fact, Marilyn when you saw her that was the "after". She didn't get it cut or anything (well, just a little trim from mommy), it's really just a product we found and love because it keeps it from getting frizzy through out the day, and it makes it look a little shinier and keeps it from tangling as much.

Apparently, despite all the intense conditioning treatments we do, the main problem is her hair being so dry. This product adds a little of the natural oils she's missing without weighing it down. It's supposed to be really good for biracial hair, but I think anyone with naturally dry or curly hair would benefit.

Unfortnately, you couldn't really tell a difference from pictures...you'll just have to feel for yourself next time you see her.

New Years Eve!!!

I can't believe it's already the end of 2008!! Where has the time gone?
Here's wishing you all a Happy New Years!!

Hair Victory!

Well, I'm happy to announce we finally have a victory when it comes to Gina's hair. The girl has more weapons in her hair arsenol than most grown women do, yet her hair is still a little...shall we say....crazy.

The day after Christmas I took her into Sally's with bed head and everything so they could see her hair in all it's glory, and when the nice sales lady said "May I help you"? I turned Gina around so she could see the back of her head and said "yes...please tell me how to fix this". She laughed and told me that she thought her hair was beautiful (do they work on tips??) and led me to a product specifically designed for bi-racial hair.
I was a little scared this was just going to be one more product to add to the collection of things that don't work, but when she assured me I could exchange it for something else if I didn't like it, I was sold!!
And I love it!! It gives her her curl back and keeps it from being, as the nice sales lady called it, "fuzzy".
Now we just have to hope it grows a little longer at some point before she's off to school. Unfortunately for her, as much as it grows it just curls right up and doesn't look any longer.
I am already dreading those teenage days with her. I think she's gonna be giving us a little heck for the amount of work it takes. Can you hear it now???

More Christmas

Christmas 2008

Birthday Party for Jesus

At our Church December 21st...
The kids each brought 2 pairs of gloves. One to exchange and one to donate. Gina's were a little large, but that's okay.
They had a great time listening to the Christmas Story and eating birthday cake.

Happy Birthday, Derrick and Merry Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve can be a tough day to celebrate a birthday and really make it special, but we're going to try hard to do just that.
We plan on going to a church service at 6:30 tonight, and then we have a couple of gifts to assemble on Santa's behalf.
I think we'll rent some movies and carry in dinner and have a nice family celebration. As fun as it can be without cake that is. Who doesn't want cake on their birthday?

The kids are at Cassie's today and Myles is SO excited. He loves Cassie. He and Cody (her dog) were playing ball the whole time I was there and I suspect it'll continue all day. Cody is a big dog, so his face is right at eye level with Gina. Gina got a couple of unwanted kissies today before she said "oop...out"!! Any animal is an "oop" in Gina speak.

Myles is really looking forward to Christmas morning. We are going to put reindeer food outside tonight so the reindeer can find our house, and then we're making Jesus a Happy Birthday cake in the morning. Myles thought he'd like a white cake with chocolate icing and sprinkles. He said today he is looking forward to a robot that walks by itself that is big enough for him to ride on. Good luck with that one, sweetie.

He's also looking forward to his birthday. We are trying to teach him that it's January 18th. His school just sent a newsletter home with January's schedule, and one of the things it mentioned she'd be testing them on is knowing their birthday, address and phone number. Whoops. I've never even tried to teach him those things. And our phone number is a tricky one to learn.

Merry Christmas Eve to all!!!!!!

Holiday in Lights

We had a great evening last night going through Sharon Woods Holiday in Lights. Derrick wasn't able to go into work since it's slow, so we took advantage of his off time and had some family time.
Gina is SO in love with the Christmas lights. And I love seeing her so happy. So I figured the girl was going to have a heart attack driving through this display.
The conversation went like this:
Mommy. Mommy. Mommy!! Mommy?? LIGHTS!!!!
Daddy. Daddy. Daddy!! Daddy?? LIGHTS!!!

Than Myles would say...hey Gina...do you see those lights. And she'd say "yahhhh" (not yeah. Yaw). I love that. Yaw.

We drove through and then went inside to Santa Land. We saw Santa (from a distance), the train disply which Myles LOVED, and by chance as we were leaving all these people started pouring into this room.
I had no idea what was going on in there, but Gina went with the flow and joined the crowd. I stopped Derrick and Myles to let them know we needed to get Gina and we just watched her. She found a mom that had like four kids and just followed behind all of them as they found their seats. The mom looks up and sees Gina and laughingly says "I have an extra". We just wanted to see what Gina was gonna do...she was more than content. lol
Well, it turns out there was a magic show happening. So we stayed for that and Myles loved it. And little Gina just sat on her chair and watched. It was so funny.

It was a good night and another fun memory.

It's getting closer!!

Seems like Christmas day is getting close very quickly! That is a good thing in some ways and a reality check in others.
Our tree has been up since Thanksgiving, our Christmas shopping is now complete, and in fact we already celebrated Christmas with my parents this past weekend and had a great time.
Yet, it still seems like there's so much I want to do. And the bad part about that is, I'm not even totally sure what it is exactly that I want to do.
I just love Christmas and this whole season and really wanted to make the most of it this year....enjoying the whole season and not just awaiting that one day.
We have done some fun stuff, and I know we'll do more, yet it somehow doesn't seem complete.
I almost wish there were more Christmas parties to attend, or lots of family gatherings to look forward to, just to enjoy the fun and spirit of the time. Yet, our routine is largely the same with just work and the normal day-to-day stuff. Maybe that's it. I'm searching for ways to make this time different....more special than all the others.
We have a few fun Christmas traditions, and I think we'll start some others this year. I think those traditions are what everyone really remembers, and what makes this time of year so special.
Everyone I talk to lately either mentions how lucky I am to have kids at the age they are for Christmas or they wish their own kids were young again. There's a certain "magic" to Christmas when young kids are involved. Yet, as a parent, I'm struggling to capture that feeling. It somehow seems unattainable amongst all the other daily needs and routines.
I find myself a little jealous of my friends that are teachers since they get this time off every year...seems like it'd be so much easier to do fun stuff when you're not stuck in the same routine of going to work/the sitters.
Maybe I'm just putting too much pressure on myself though...after all, I do really, really like Christmas. Always have. I just want my children to experience that same joy this time of year can bring.
I wish my parents could stay the whole month, and we could get together with the Kopp's and Smith's so much more often and just hang out, bake, play games and enjoy each other's company.
Looking forward to seeing you all soon!!!

I forgot to mention

the other part to the "cookie story".

(Read the post below before reading this one).

Gina now has a new word and can use it in a phrase.

The word? "cookie".

The phrase? "Mom? Cookie!!"

Maybe there are two apples hanging around this house. lol

If there was ever any doubt....

that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, let me reassure you with this story.

Here's the scary part of this story. We have 2 3-lb tubs of cookie dough in our refrigerator. Can you just feel the weight packing on?? This is so not good.
Dad, we have snickerdoodle cookie dough ready for Sunday!!

So yesterday after the kids and I got home I decided to make some M8M cookies. I scooped the dough onto the pan and went about my business as the oven pre-heated.
At one point I walked out into the family room and Myles went running out of the kitchen. You know...that guilty "here she comes" run.
I looked around and didn't see anything broken or bloody so I didn't give it much thought.
I proceeded to bake the cookies and didn't realize the problem until I removed them from the oven.
We had a pan full of M&M cookies with no M&M's.
Hmmm...wonder how that happened.
I couldn't even get upset though....I was tempted to do it myself. lol
So yes, I am the tree. Myles is the apple.
Cookies anyone?????

And just a few more....

If the first one isn't priceless I don't know what is. You can so see the difference in their personalities through these pics.
I'll be able to post a lot more now that I have figured out how to get my pictures uploaded onto my home computer....finally.
And Kim...if you haven't started using Picasa yet, you have to check it out. It's photo storing software that allows you to post pics right to your blog.

More pics....

Some pictures from our weekend

What's up in our world

We had a great Thanksgiving, even though we weren't able to make it to St. Louis. We had a quiet family day with lots of good food. We even got our tree put up, which was a lot of fun this year. Myles was very into it and hung almost all of the ornaments himself.
Friday I took the kids over to a friends house and a group of us had pizza, drinks, brownies and played games. I think I must be getting old. lol It was a lot of fun and we all had a great time.
Saturday we all headed downtown to enjoy the Christmas season. We watched people ice skate on Fountain Square, saw the train display, went to the mall and just walked around. It was a lot of fun and not super cold, which made it even more enjoyable.
Unfortunately I had to take Gina to the doctor this morning. She has a (bad) double ear infection and possible strep throat. Poor thing is just miserable and keeps saying "owie". She has the infamous amoxicilin, so hopefully she'll be feeling better in the morning.
Derrick finishes up his training in Madeira tomorrow, and he meets with his boss today to find out which store he goes to next. They are all very spread out, so it may not be any closer, but he likes the change of pace. Hopefully his schedule remains the same, as him being off on Sunday's and Monday's work so well for our family.
I head back to work tomorrow after a long 5 day weekend myself. I guess it'll be good to get in a routine, although I always enjoy my extended breaks.
I think that's all that's happening on our end! Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and a good start to the week!

Our weekend....

Friday night started off fun for me because it was haircut day! I love getting my hair done, especially because I wait too long and end up getting to a point I can't stand it anymore.
Yesterday we went to church, which was a great service to celebrate Thanksgiving Day coming up this week. It was filled with lots of singing, sharing and fun.
After church we had the opportunity to deliver one of the turkey's and boxes of food the church raised to one of the families. We got lost due to bad directions, but it was still fun to do.
We then went grocery shopping at the Wal-Mart by our house as it re-opened, but they re-did the entire inside and we couldn't find anything we needed or they were out of it. Grocery shopping is a yucky enough chore without that being the case.
Today I had to go to the dentist for my turn to have my "cavity bugs" (as Myles calls them) fixed. They were going to fix two of them, but the one was very deep and I couldn't get numb enough, so they just did the one. Still two more appts. to go. Ugh.
Derrick doesn't have to go to Kopco today as they don't need him, so we are enjoying the extra time with him home. I've thought about even putting up the Christmas tree, but I think we'll wait until Thanksgiving.
Hope you are all having a great Monday!

I'm taking over Ally's blog...

For just a second. This is Stacey, and Ally gave me access to her blog to help her fix something. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to say how blessed I am by her, and Ally, your friendship means the world to me. I miss you more than you could know.

A blessed Friday

I'm so filled with Joy today. Through the help of donations at work and a generous company match, we raised a total of 270 dollars for Turkey Donations for our church. I'm so excited. I had no idea it'd turn out so big, and am just tickled pink.
It's amazing how doing something like this and reaching out makes you feel. I just love it.

I'm planning on going to get my hair done today, which only makes it even better. I love hair day.

Plus, I found a pair of jeans for Myles at a consignment store today and they look skinny enough to fit him. Yay!

It's the little things in life, ya know?

Croup

I'm so over croup. Myles has it again, and this time Gina does too. I just hate this little bug. They sound awful and there's just really nothing you can do. They are both at the sitters today as I've been told that the cold that caused the croup is contagious, but not the croup itself.
Tis the season I guess.
It's so cold here now and I just haven't been able to get warm all day. I'm looking forward to going home, cranking the heat up, and just having a calm, snuggly evening.
Hopefully they get to feeling better soon!

Myles at the dentist

I am so proud of my big boy! He had to go today to get two cavities filled. I was so nervous and didn't know how he'd respond, especially cause they were giving him laughing gas.
We just didn't say anything about it as we didn't want to worry him.
They gave him the laughing gas and novacaine and he did so well. He didn't move or even flinch. I've never had laughing gas before, but after seeing his reaction, I may ask for it next time. lol He just watched tv the whole time (wonder pets) and I thought he was going to fall asleep at one point.
He did get a little scared and start crying as we were leaving because his mouth was so numb and it freaked him out a little, but we ran by Dollar General on the way home, and that made everything all better.
I was afraid he was going to bite his lips/cheek because he kept playing with it, but he did well.
They even let him keep his little pink "nose" they administered the gas through, and he's so proud of it. He's such a big boy now, but he looked so little in that dentist chair. I know I was so much more nervous than he was. My stomach was a wreck.

Unfortunately next week it's my turn...well, turn 1 of 3 that is. It'll take 3 visits to get all of mine filled. :(
But hey, maybe a little laughing gas and some Wonder Pets will make me that happy too. lol

Anyway, it's cold here and we even had snow flurries today. I'm off to bed for an early night so I can warm up under the covers, and Derrick is already there. He has to be in Madeira at 4:30 in the morning. Yuck.

Have a good night!

An inspirational evening

The bible study I was doing ended a couple of weeks ago, but the group decided to get together tonight as a celebration. We all went to Riley's restaurant in Greenhills. It was a great opportunity to get to know some of them better and just have a good time. Janice, the pastor's wife, was there and I just really like her. They have two boys, ages 2 and 4, so we have a lot in common. She had her boys with her and it was nice to be able to see them since they are normally in Sunday school and have a chance to talk with her.
I had to tell her that I was not laughing *at* her as she struggled with the boys, it was simply that I knew I would have been going through the same exact thing if my dynamic duo was there. Moms, especially those with kids the same age, always just have an immediate connection.
While there, I ended up having a conversation with the woman sitting next to me that was almost identical to a conversation with Kim yesterday...a conversation about reading the bible.
When things like that happen I don't think it's coincidence, I think it's a message. So I became inspired to start reading my bible to learn and get answers to some of the questions I've had. I was given some good advice and tips on where to start, and I think it's going to be good, and much needed.
If any of you have any other tips...a good book to start on, ways to make it more meaningful, etc, please feel free to share. I know there a million ways to go about it, but I was thinking that given the season I'd start with the first book in the new testament and see where that leads me.
I think I need some sort of Bible 101 class...a Bible for Beginners so to speak to lay out all of the basic, simple things so I don't feel so lost and so far behind. But, since the bible I have has an introduction to each chapter as well as study notes, I think I just need to dive in.
And what a great time to start!

Aren't these the cutest thing ever?

I found the neatest website yesterday, I could spend hours looking at it. I love these and think it's something I can actually pull off!!

You just take a fudge stripe cookie, turn it fudge side up and then place a large marshmallow dipped in melted chocolate chips on top. Yellow frosting for the buckle.

More blue pants funnies

So Myles is very into "helping" Gina. As most of you can understand is help isn't always wanted or even helpful, but he loves being the "big brother".
So last night he wanted to help her change her clothes. It didn't matter that it was almost bed time and I was encouraging jammies, he really wanted to put blue pants on her. And new socks. And the shoes he loves.
And bless her heart she just laid on the floor and let him do it all.

When I asked him why he wanted her to wear blue pants so badly he replied:

"She's beautiful when she wears blue pants. If she's beautiful I'll be nice to her and not mean".

Ah, the magic of 4 year old logic.

Halloween 2008 pics

We had a great time. We went trick or treating around our block and then went to a Harvest Party at the church where they had games and snacks and movies, etc. It was a great time.

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.