Meet Miyazaki

Thank you to all who offered advice for the new member of our family. We ended up getting a dog from Craigslist instead of the shelter. We were 2nd in line for both dogs I told you about... and figured they would be taken home before we got a chance.

We ended up getting Miyazaki (named after the boys' favorite Japanese director). He is part Shih Tzu and part Papillion. He's 1.5 years old and a very sweet dog so far. He's not a barker and has only sprayed one time (we are getting him neutered very soon). He's very nervous, only eating and drinking when he is alone at night in the laundry room after we've all gone to bed. He likes to be with us and follows us all around the house. He hasn't been very playful yet, but we're hoping once he warms up to us, that'll change.

He likes to sit on laps and will eat popcorn but not treats. He had potty training issues, so that will be a challenge we'll face with him. We think he might have been abused because he's really nervous... but hopefully once he sees we aren't going to hurt him, he'll feel more at ease.

He's a little scruffy looking but seems to feel better after getting a bath last night. He doesn't like to go up and down stairs so he's pretty much just staying in the living room, but we're there most of the time, so he doesn't have to be alone.

Hopefully he'll be a good match for our family... I'm a little unsure at this point, but I'm trying to be optimistic.

Happy New Year! :)

Dog Lovers?

So today we thought we'd get out of the house for a lil bit... after being cooped up due to snow and the Holidays. We ended up at the animal shelter and found two dogs that we liked. We're torn between the two but leaning towards one and since this is our first dog (other than the Yorkie I had as a lil girl), we want to make a good, educated, decision. So here's what I'm asking of you, dear readers ~ leave me a comment with the dog you'd choose and why, if you were us. Keep in mind we have two cats and two lil boys.... who are bored with the cats and looking for a playmate.

Dog #1 is a Chihuahua. I think he is older, but not sure. He is neutered and will require little care as far as grooming goes. He seemed to be very sweet and calm ~ not skittish or snappy like some of the other Chihuahuas there. I have heard in the little research we've done so far today, that this breed can tend to bite. While I think my kids are well behaved and would know better than to torment to the point of biting, this does worry me a bit. This puppy seems to be not that type but you can't tell very much on the other side of the cage.

Dog #2 is a Shih Tzu. He's 10~12 months old, not neutered, and also seems to be very sweet and calm. He would require more care (and money) as far as grooming... but I'm told this breed is playful and sweet and does well with small children. I think the issue here might be separation anxiety and potty training. However... I think I could relatively easily bring our new puppy to work with me to alleviate the separation anxiety as long as it's Ok with my boss and co~worker.

I won't tell you what we're leaning towards, and would like to hear your words of wisdom.

I know that the cats will likely fight with the dog but hope it'll be temporary. We're looking for a smaller dog because the idea of cleaning up poop bigger than mine does not sound appealing. And I really believe, knowing my boys the way I do, that they will be gentle and kind... as they are to our kitties. I'd love to have a play mate for them.

Oh, and no, these pictures are not the real dogs in question...

So what do you think?

Just a few Christmas photos...

Not a great shot of the presents under the tree:

Santa ate his cookie and fudge:

The stockings were hung... (but we opened them Christmas Eve so they are empty here). Note to self: next year, get bigger stockings. We can only fit long, skinny things in these and that makes for quite the interesting stocking stuffers!

Here are some of our favorite presents... Tyler loved his new Legos ~ he worked out putting them together all day:

Gavin loved his new cowboy costume:

Shawn got an air compressor thingie (it does all kinds of things ~ it's like the Swiss Army knife of air compressors):

I got a tattoo for our wall:

The boys got a multi~function table, 15 different games in one. Here they are playing ping pong:

These were the scary presents ~ they are interactive and make gorilla noises. The boys are terrified of them:

Here are the obligatory Christmas tree photos:

Hope you all had a lovely Christmas, also!

It's not a scarf!!

In the past couple months since I learned how to knit, I have made only scarves. Well and a hat for Gavin that was a complete disaster (I am too embarrassed to even show you). It worked out alright, though, as I made scarves for holiday gifts this year... everyone from teachers to cousins received one.

A friend down the street that I knit with gave me a copy of a hat pattern to try, promising it was very easy. And lo and behold, I knitted something other than a scarf!

Gavin has decided he no longer wants a hat made by me (can't say that I blame him, and neither would you if you saw the disaster!) but Tyler was psyched about having a Mom creation of his very own...

Here he is, modeling for me:

Here is a close up...

And yes, I meant for that star to be not quite perfect... I have a cute lil star button to go in the middle, but my needles seem to be missing ... so that will have to wait.

It's not perfect, but I'm pretty proud of it.

Ok and for the last time... have a very Merry Christmas tomorrow. :)

Baking with the boys

With Christmas looming right around the corner and not a single cookie made by our hands in sight, we decided to do something about it. We're having a small gathering for Christmas this year ~ Shawn's folks have decided to come over for a little while for lunch and presents ~ we thought two treats would be plenty. First was Shawn's Grandma Fogelsong's fudge, followed by a tradition in my family ~ sugar cookies.

Tyler helped me with the fudge:

Then, of course, we had to try some .... you know, just to make sure it didn't turn out to be poisonous or something:

They also helped me clean up my mess a little bit:

And did you know that sprinkles bottles can be used as maracas?

Here are Gavin's little hands, hard at work:

And Tyler showing off his finished product:

They turned out pretty good, despite the fact that we used whole wheat flour. Of course, any benefit that had was erased by the frosting with hydrogenated oil as the second ingredient. But... I suppose we make up for it by avoiding stuff like that the rest of the year?

Anyway, this'll be it for a few days. Enjoy your holiday!

Whew!

First of all, thank you to all who expressed condolences for Uncle Hub's passing. His funeral was today... I haven't talked to my mom since she was on her way there, so I'm not sure how it went... but I'm sure it went how funerals go. This is one of the worst things about living so far away ~ not being a part of weddings, birthday parties, funerals and just life in general. But it is what it is and not being there has become our normal. I most hate not being home for the holidays... but am very hopeful that next year we will be there with our family.

Secondly... sorry I've been quiet lately (not that you don't have better things to do than read my blog). As probably every reader out there, we're swamped! I do feel like things are finally under control though. I finished up my shopping this morning and with the exception of wrapping the boys' presents, we are done with that part! Of course the wrapping is no small feat, but we only purchased 5 gifts per child, so it shouldn't be a big deal.

Today we went swimming with my friend Tiffany and her kiddos. We went to a Pirate Pool and they had a really great time... and hopefully expended tons of energy so they might sleep in tomorrow! We haven't baked cookies yet, but plan on doing that tomorrow. Not that we need them... but it's the Holiday season and it doesn't seem right with out gaining a few extra pounds.

In other news... Shawn is being considered for a management position within his company. It's a big deal, in more ways that one, and a bittersweet one at that. He's been told that they have narrowed down the field from five candidates to two ~ one of which is him. It's a great opportunity but we're not sure if it's the right thing for our family... I'll share more as things unfold.

Along the surrogacy front... We are finally legal!! Or at least Shawn and I are. :) I'm not sure if Baby Mommy and Baby Daddy have signed the contract, but we have. One month from today, Shawn and I will be in Hawaii getting ready to do the transfer (and hopefully taking on a Lost tour and a Luau as well!). I'm so excited to finally meet Baby Parents and to start this journey. Or at least start the fun stuff.

I'm not sure if I'll check in again before Christmas but if I don't, Happy Holidays to those of you who celebrate!

Uncle Hub

A couple months ago, my grandpa's brother Jim died. He and their other brother, Hub(ert) had both been sick for quite some time and we didn't know who would go first.

Today I got an email from Grandpa saying that Uncle Hub had finally passed on. I didn't know him well and I don't grieve for myself but for my Grandpa, who loved his brother. I saw him just a few times in my life and while my memories of him are pleasant, they are very few. In his email this morning, Grandpa remembered his brother and I asked him if I could share his words because they were so sweet. Their relationship is what I hope my own boys will experience one day ~ a closeness and understanding that only comes when you grow up together.

In Grandpa's words:

The last time that I talked to him was a few weeks ago. I went down to visit him, walked into his house, saw him sitting in his favorite chair reading. On second look, I saw that he was reading his Bible and nonchalantly, I asked him what he was doing.
His reply was, "Just sitting here studying for my final test!" Enough said....
Hub would have been 81 this coming March 3rd and has had a pretty good life, seen a lot of things, been to a lot of places, met a lot of people, and he knew his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. They have walked together many, many times over these last few years, getting him ready for his "Big Journey" which he is now traveling.
He was a great brother, a wonderful adviser, and a guy who never asked for anything in return. He would do anything for any body at any time without question. He was a person that would qualify as being anybody's "roll-model", and was a person of the highest integrity.
Last, but certainly not least.... he was the world's greatest guitarist. I can't remember when he didn't play some type of musical instrument. The violin, drums, piano, trumpet, lead and/or rhythm guitar.... they all came to him naturally and he knew many of the so called "greats" in Nashville as well as people in places where the "hot" music was played. He loved the big band sounds, the country style, jazz arrangements, and the bluegrass music. He accompanied many of the big name people upon many occasions over the years, yet never made much notoriety out of it.
Hub will be sorely missed by his wife, family, friends, relatives, and anyone whose "path of life" crossed his. He has now crossed over the RIVER and into that place where all of us strive to be. He will now abide his time and effort to play in that Heavenly Band where only the musicians saved by the Grace of God will be allowed to enter.
Good bye, dear brother....

I just didn't think I could say it any better... Good bye, Uncle Hub. And if you happen to run into Great Grandma Margaret... please give her a hug from me.

Heaven in a box

We hardly ever eat at McDonald's. In fact ~ I can count on one hand the number of time we have been this past year. We rarely order pizza. If the package has hydrogenated oil, TBHQ or high fructose corn syrup on it, it does not ever find its way into my shopping cart. I buy natural and organic as much as I can. At restaurants, my kids don't have french fries with their kids meals, they eat steamed broccoli. We eat meat, but only buy it from Whole Foods. We stress the importance of eating healthy foods, taking care of our bodies so they will take care of us for a long long time and exercise.

Yesterday Tyler and I had a conversation about donuts. He asked me if they are healthy and I told him that no, not in any circumstance are they healthy. They are filled with chemicals and oils that our bodies don't know what to do with. He thought it could be one of those once a year treats that we enjoyed on our birthdays.

Some of you know that I completed a 60 pound weight loss last January (it's almost my anniversary!). I have not eaten a Krispy Kreme donut in probably 4 years. I have tried not to even think about a Krispy Kreme. But Tyler's conversation with me sparked a conversation with Shawn about the difference between healthy kids and deprived kids. Deprived kids that might some day go off the deep end and once given the ability to control what food goes into their bodies, make choices that are not healthy...

So today we decided to get donuts for breakfast.

All I can say is... Wow. It was almost an orgasmic experience, folks. And I have never seen such excited kids... Gavin might have never had one before and Tyler hasn't had one since he was a toddler and doesn't really remember. And that deprivation made for some really excited kids...

(note the banana on the plate ~ which offsets all the yucky stuff that makes these things taste so good, right?)

Watch Tyler suck up the glaze crumbs (it's a little long ~ about 2 minutes):

So this is the excitement of our Sunday morning. Now we need to go work out :)

Snow Pics

Things have been a little hectic around here as late... I'm working Fridays now to make up for the time Shawn & I will be in Hawaii for the surrogacy so my free time is a little bit diminished! I took these pictures last Sunday when we were out shoveling (for the second time that weekend). Better late than never, right?

Here's Tyler eating a snowball:
Gavin showing me the snow flakes he caught:

Our snow stars:


I wish I could have captured this one a lil better, but it was snowing while we were outside, these huge icy snowflakes. It was so so pretty to see them falling through the air... but this picture doesn't even begin to give it justice:
In other news... The Best Buy repairman is sitting on my living room floor (that we just vacuumed) :) fixing our TV after almost 3 weeks of having none!!! Shawn and the boys are staying in tonight to catch up on Kid Nation but I have a date with my girlfriend Tiffany for dinner and drinks. I'm running out of time for ladies nights outs where wine is involved, so despite my need to catch up on Oprah & Survivor, I am heading out. :)

Happy Saturday, Folks! Have a great weekend!

Conversation with Tyler

I used to pick Gavin up on my way to meet Tyler at the bus stop but since my hours have gotten longer with my shorter drive, I don't have time and so now I have about 10 minutes to debrief on Tyler's day.   

Me: What did you do today at school that was fun?
Tyler: I got to wear my snow boots in P.E. and didn't get in trouble for not wearing tennis shoes!
Me: Sweet!  What did you do in P.E.
Tyler: Well first we played Mousetrap...
Me: Again?  What else did you do?
Tyler: We learned a new dance!
Me: What was it called?
Tyler: (thinking for a minute... trying to remember) The "Chicken Pox Dance"
Me: I have never heard of that one!  How did it go?
Tyler then proceeded to demonstrate the "Chicken Dance" ~ that people do at weddings and various other get togethers...

He was so excited when I finally figured out what the he!! he was talking about so I could dance along with him. :)

We got elfed!

Thought you might like to see what our family would look like if we moved to the North Pole... click here!

That's all for now ~ Happy Monday!

OCD?

These are Tyler's house slippers. We got them for $1.00 at Savers. This is where they live ~ right next to his bed. In this exact position:

Sometimes we like to tease him a lil bit. If we switch them, he has to fix them. If we put one in front of the other, rather than side by side, he has to fix them. If we put one across the room, away from its mate, he has to fix them. They must remain in this same position every night or he seems to be unable to sleep.

He doesn't wash his hands an unusual amount of times... His buttons on his shirt can be on either side... He doesn't mind zippers or have to wear a certain kind of skivvies. He doesn't like his food to touch, but it's Ok if it does. He doesn't line up his cars in a row like he used to, either.

But this just makes me wonder if he might be a touch OCD! What say you, blog friends?

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In other news... it's snowing outside. It's really beautiful but the roads are very slick so we have decided to have a snow day (without our TV!!) and stay safe and warm inside our home. I did sneak out for a work out this morning, but that will hopefully be the extent of our driving today.

We're planning on watching Ria's girls this evening though, so they can go celebrate her hubby's birthday, which will be great entertainment for the boys and break up some of the monotony!

I thought I'd show you guys the ENORMOUS amount of Allstate stuff I have acquired in my two weeks away from my office ~ one week in Chicago and another week in training at the Regional Offices. All those binders are filled with information and so are the folders. And look at all the business cards! I will never have time to read all the books either, but I'm sure there is lots of good information here!

Well I'm off to help Shawn write our annual Holiday Letter. We have decided that since my Grammy is the only person we know who does not have a computer and internet access, we will be e~mailing it to our friends and family this year to help be a little greener. And yes, it does also help save a little money too which is good because Santa Mom & Santa Dad will be doing some holiday shopping online today, since we have a few minutes that aren't accounted for yet.

Have a lovely Saturday!

Two weeks! Are you kidding me?!

So the repair person I had scheduled for today to fix our motherboard (?) on our TV did not get the message to call Shawn's cell phone and make arrangements to come while I was home... which was not until 3pm.  The next appointment available was not until next Saturday.  As in one week from tomorrow.  As in a total of TWO WEEKS without my DVR.  Or movies.  Or anything other than the 19" 20 year old TV in our bedroom that was a hand~me~down.  

We've been playing lots of games around here.  The boys have some traditional card games ~ Memory & Go Fish to name two.  Shawn and I have re~kindled our love of Yahtzee, Scrabble and Backgammon.  

When Shawn and I first started dating, we didn't have the cash for cable and didn't have a lot of mutual friends so we spent our time making love and playing Scrabble.  Seems those days have returned.  The cool thing is, somehow in my old age, I've acquired some Scrabble playin' skillz that I simply did not possess before.   The pre~baby days games that we played were never won by me.  Shawn often doubled my score.  All this has changed, however (though I'm sure I'm about to jinx myself!) and I have become quite the Scrabble guru!  Yes, I have won the last four games!  And am about to win my 5th. :)

Oh, and speaking of Shawn, he has decided to dust off the ol' blog and start again.  So be sure to stop by and say "hello".  You'll hear all politics most of the time ~ as that is what he loves to talk about most.   But he is a fart smeller and can usually back up what he has to say pretty well.  I have learned a thing or two I might not have... you might too.

Happy Friday!

**edited to add (hanging head in shame): I lost.  Two times.  Badly.  It's safe to say my a$$ was handed to me ~ I think I jinxed myself!  Sigh. **

Quick Update

Tyler is feeling better already and hasn't had a lot of ear pain since I picked him up on Monday.  Whew!  The doctor said that ear infections at his age are pretty bad so we are counting our lucky stars that it seemed to have been easy to beat.  Thanks for the well wishes ~ seems they worked!

Gavin had an exciting day at school today ~ he had his first fire drill.  He said he was scared when the alarm went off but they quickly got in line and "ran" outside (what a sight that must have been!).   It was very dramatic and he couldn't wait until Tyler got off the bus so he could tell him all about it.

On the surrogacy front... I got to talk to Baby Mama yesterday ~ to protect her privacy, I'm going to nick name the intended parents but I promise not to shorten hers to B.M. because that just doesn't sound good!  We're getting close to getting the contract signed and I believe we have all the kinks worked out... which means the transfer is just around the corner!  Our tentative date is January 25th and I have a 10 day window that I will be in Hawaii.  Shawn is coming for the majority of that, which is so exciting because his support is much needed and appreciated!  Baby Mama is asking for requests on things we might want to do while we are in Hawaii... so any experienced travelers with advice would be fantastic!  She has some ideas and Shawn is hoping we can do a Lost tour as we are big fans of the show.  We're getting really excited to get started and also looking forward to meeting Baby Mama & Baby Daddy!

My training at the Region is half way done.  I am getting really pumped up and am ready to get back to work!  We've been open for over a month now but I will have been gone for two weeks by the time I get back to the office on Monday.  I've learned a lot, which has been good, but I'm ready to have my life get back to normal for a bit.  Or as normal as life can be during the crazy Holiday season.  

Well so much for "quick" eh?  I guess I had a lot to update you guys on.

Hope you are all having a great week!

Weekend with Grandma & Grandpa in the mountains

We had a very lovely weekend in Breckenridge with my folks. They got here Friday afternoon ~ just after I finished unpacking from my Chicago trip, doing a half~a$$ clean of the house, folding the laundry Shawn had graciously washed and cleaning the cat puke off the carpet. I got to spend a couple hours alone with them before the boys got home from school, which doesn't happen too often... so that was pretty nice!

Friday night we headed up the mountain. We got there just in time for bed for the boys. Saturday Shawn took the boys out to play in the snow while Mom & I ran to the grocery store. That afternoon, there were activities planned in town that we thought would be fun for the boys.

First, we made a craft:

Then we got to go to a Firehouse and see firetrucks:

And they even had a pole! But they don't use it very often... doesn't save much time and too many broken ankles: Gavin's turn: We also got to see a small parade and watch them light the tree down town ~ which I did not get any photos of. But here is the view from our condo:

And the boys spent most of Sunday in ski school while Mom & I shopped. Here they are all ready to go hit the slopes:

They had a great time learning how to ski! Afterwards, Gavin showed off his gold star:

And Tyler took a nap with Grandpa!

We arrived home Sunday night exhausted and happy. I haven't had such a good nights' sleep in awhile!

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Friday afternoon I found out that rather than going back to work today, I was scheduled for more training in our Regional office. So this week I'm in more classes, learning how to successfully run our new office.

Today, however, I got a call from Tyler's school. He has an ear infection ~ a pretty nasty one ~ and is now on antibiotics and feeling much better as long as he has some ibuprofen in his system.

I'm ready for life to get back to normal but I think that'll have to wait a few more days! For now, though, I think I'll go try to work off the 4 pounds I gained between Chicago and Breckenridge. All this eating out is not good for my waist! ;)