Dress-Up Fun

This past week has been fairly uneventful. Julie had one snow day on Wednesday & a two hour delay on Thursday. We got a lot of snow, then rain, which turned to ice, then snow again. I attended my first PTF (Parent/Teacher/Friends) meeting at school on Thursday night. It's basically a PTA, except if you call yourself a PTA you have to pay dues. The meeting was semi-interesting, but sitting on the bench seats, at the cafeteria tables, for an hour and a half, reminded me why I hate cafeteria tables. Although, as long as I was sitting there, I was hoping to be served a chicken patty and french fries with chocolate milk. No such luck!

Dave was away overnight last night. He should be home around supper time tonight. He went to Word of Life Bible Institute, in the Adirondacks, with our youth group for Snow Camp. The youth and other leaders will come back Sunday, but he's coming back today so he can preach tomorrow. I offered to fill the pulpit for him tomorrow. He declined. I was shocked. Maybe next time. I'll wear him down eventually.

I don't usually love being alone at night, but it wasn't too bad. The kids went to bed well, but they did wake me at 6:05 this morning. I'll try and forgive them. Someday.

Last night the girls had a great time playing dress-up. I took a couple pictures to share with you. I think the crazy plastic "fancy" shoes are my favorite. I had to take Alayna's off after several slips on the wood floor in my bedroom. I didn't need her breaking a limb when my "first responder" was out of town.

Just For Fun

This just made me laugh...maybe because I can relate to this sometimes?? oops

The Kiddos

Joel, my little houdini, is always trying to escape things now. Sunday, I had to put him in the bouncy seat, so I could get ready for church. I have done this many times, and he usually sits contentedly and plays with his feet. This past Sunday it was not the case. I went and checked on him and found him trying to escape. He was almost successful, but immediately after I took his picture (of course I had to take a picture first), I removed him from the bouncy seat, and put him in the jolly jumper. If he can escape that, I have even more problems.



Here are some new pictures of the kids together.


The kids with our cat, Reggie. Reggie is a great "kid" cat. They can lay on him, pull his fur, etc., and he is not bothered. Yesterday, Dave went in to get Alayna up from her nap, only to discover that Reggie had been sleeping in her crib with her. I had no idea Reggie was in her room when I tucked her in for her nap. He has never jumped in her crib, and I'm amazed it didn't wake her when he did. She was very pleased to wake up and find him at her feet. I thought it was funny, but I am sure to double check the room now before I close the door.




The kids had had enough of getting their picture taken.

Wildlife Sightings

Seeing wildlife is a daily occurance around our home. It has, at many times, been a frustration, as the deer so eagerly eat anything and everything I try to grow. In the spring/summer they graze through my hosta, daylily's, and whatever annual I plant. In the fall/winter they go for my rhododendrons. Mostly because rhododendron's stay green all year long, and when food is scarce in the winter they eat all the buds that are waiting to bloom the following spring. I have not had blooms for two years on my rhododendrons, and I have been less than thrilled about this. This past fall my husband graciously built a 7 foot fence around all my landscaping. It is temporary fencing that we can remove each spring. He did a great job, and to prove this I took a picture the other day of some deer that were looking to "graze" right next to our house. The fence was doing it's job and they were prevented from eating anything "green." I took the pictures through our front window, so I apologize for the clarity.

Oh, we also had turkeys visit us that day, within a few minutes of the deer arriving. Alayna was having a great time running to different windows looking at the animals. Whenever she sees a deer in the yard she points her finger at them and makes a shooting noise. Her father taught her this. I'm sure the animal-worshipping people in our community (and there are many) would love to see her do that. :)

Who Lives In The White House?

At lunch today Julie asked Dave, "what is the White House?" Before Dave could answer she said, "Oh nevermind, I remember now."
Dave then asked her what the White House was. Julie replied, "That's the place where the Presidents animals live."

New Rules When I'm Tired

Why is it that I tend to make up all "house rules" when I'm tired??? All rules that are conjured up in the evening hours probably shouldn't apply, since I'm only making the rule out of pure exhaustion and slight annoyance.

This past week I have noticed myself coming up with new rules for the kids quite often. Now, these new rules do not replace already exhisting rules, and do not allow for inconsistency where discipline is concerned. It's just that I get so tired sometimes that it seems like a good time to make up a new rule. For instance, tattling seems to have reached an all time high around here. Alayna doesn't usually tattle...at least not yet...but she is an instigator. Often when Julie is upset, and yelling, it's because Alayna has quietly snuck in and taken something away from her, sat on something she wanted, or just hit her for no reason. I realize that Alayna needs the discipline, and I do my best to keep an eye out for her instigating moments, but often I am more frustrated over the tattling, than the crime that was committed. Tattling is not stated in a matter-of-fact tone. It is a whine that mimics that of nails on a chalk board. Last weekend we had a lot of tattling going on and I had had it. I have tried telling Julie that she needs to tell all tattles to the cat, because I just don't care. She looked at me as if I had three heads and continued to tattle. So anyways, last weekend, after a morning of tattling, and pure exhaustion before we even hit the noon hour, I made it very clear that there was a "NEW RULE!" IF I HEAR ONE MORE TATTLE YOU WILL BE THE ONE TO GO TO YOUR ROOM, NOT ALAYNA! "okay mom" The look on Julie's face clearly showed that she understood that I was on the verge of losing my mind, and she better comply.

At school, Julie told me that they have a "tattle turtle" in the classroom. All tattles have to be told to the tattle turtle. I mentioned this to Dave, and he thought that we could have a "tattle paddle." Seems like a good idea to me. :)

Fast forward to tonight. Dave has had to be away several evenings this week. He is home for dinner and must leave shortly after. I try really hard to have dinner a little earlier than normal so that we're not rushing around right after, and I can get dishes done before he leaves, and he helps the kids with toy clean up. This is a good system. Tonight, however, Dave was doing dishes, I was assisting Julie with her bath, Joel was whining, Alayna was pouring water on the bathroom floor, and the toys were still not picked up. I was feeling a bit frazzled, and when I walked into the kitchen where Dave was, I found him singing loudly & happily while cleaning up. Bless him for being in such a good mood, but I actually caught myself "shushing" him. NEW RULE: NO SINGING WHEN I'M FRAZZLED!!! He looked at me and asked, "Did you just shush me?" Sheepishly I had to admit that I had, and then we both laughed...thankfully.

Okay, now Dave is off to youth group tonight, and the toys are finally picked up, and the kids are ready for bed. Joel is fed and in bed. I've read the girls their story, we've sang a couple songs, prayed, and they are tucked into their beds. For the past week I have been putting the girls to bed, saying my usual good-nights, I love you's, and I end with "no tattling." As soon as I left the room tonight Julie got up to come tell me "you won't even hear one tattle from me tonight, mom." "Okay, great! Now go back to bed." I was headed to my room to get my pj's on, and get comfy, when I hear Julie call, "I need a drink." Followed by Alayna's "I want a dink (aka., drink). Suddenly I had a NEW RULE! NEW RULE: TONIGHT IS THE LAST NIGHT I WILL GET YOU A DRINK AFTER YOU ARE IN BED. IF YOU WANT ANY DRINKS AT BEDTIME THEY MUST BE ASKED FOR BEFORE YOU ARE TUCKED IN. GOT IT? "okay mom"

I know the kids must think I'm losing it sometimes, and yes I'm fairly convinced I'm losing it sometimes, too...but really, these rules are for their own good. Someday they'll be well-adjusted kids that can make rules for their children any time they want. For now, it is MY privelege...and Dave's, as long as he's not singing while doing the dishes. :)

Joel, Joel, Joel...

In my last post I showed how Joel is pulling himself to his knees and reaching for things. Well, about two days after he started doing that he began pulling himself up to his feet!!! If I have the dishwasher open, he pulls himself up to his feet and leans over the door of the dishwasher. He is also now crawling on all fours. He still "army" crawls if he wants to get somewhere quickly, but he's mastered real crawling now.

Here are a couple pictures I took of him pulling himself to his feet on my treadmill in our bedroom. Please don't ask me about the treadmill, at this point. Someday I may do a post on exercise, healthy eating, and being so frustrated I can hardly stand it...but at this time, I will not discuss the treadmill. I will say however that it is being used. Now don't ask any more questions!!! :)

Keeping Up With Joel & Other Stuff...

Today, being MLK day, Julie did not have school. She spent most of the afternoon outside with Dave, cleaning up after yesterday's snow fall, which gave us 7 more inches of snow. They spent quite a bit of time playing in the snow, too. I have the excuse that Joel is too little to play in the snow, so I HAVE to stay inside. Actually, I don't mind it, in short increments. I LOVED sled riding as a kid, and we had the best place to sled ride, at our hunting camp. I miss those days when a bunch of us piled into the back of my dad's truck with our sleds, being driven to the top of the hill, and riding "Lightning Guider" 8/10 of a mile down the road. Oh, it was so fast! Occasionally, as a kid, I would trust my dad to stear, and I would lay on his back going down the hill. We would race whoever wanted to take on "Lightning Guider." I found this website regarding Lightning Guider sleds, and the history of their making in Pennsylvania.
http://host52.newportsd.org/webpages/PECO/Lightning%20Guider%20Sleds.htm

Yesterday, we had to cancel church, due to the unexpected snow fall we received. The weather stations kept reporting that we were to receive 1-2 inches...they were WRONG! Most churches, in urban areas, do not have to cancel due to snow. That is not the case for us. Our roads were very bad, and the guy that plows out our driveway, and the church parking lot, could not come til 4 in the afternoon.

Joel is now very mobile. He does this "Army Crawl" that is unlike anything the girls ever did. He goes from one end of the house to the other in no time. We have to keep all doors closed, because he is in to everything! One of his favorite hide outs is under the dining room table. He is also pulling himself up to his knees and reaching for things in child-size chairs. Keep in mind, he is only 7 1/2 months old. I don't think Alayna even crawled until she was 10 months...she just had no desire. I know Joel is going to keep me SO SO busy. Things I didn't have to baby-proof with the girls, will now have to be baby-proofed. The poor cat is already the subject of his taunting. If Reggie is on the floor, and Joel can reach him, look out! I've pulled many clumps of fur out of his fingers already. Sorry Reg!

Enjoy the pictures!

Joel, under the table...not sure if he was squealing, or screaming at me.


Joel, kneeling by the bouncy seat.


The girls enjoying breakfast yesterday morning. They love to eat at "their" table.

Fun Seeing Friends

Today, Julie, Joel & I traveled up to Schenectady (about an hour and twenty minutes from us) to a baby shower. The shower was for Christine McDonald, whom we first met as a 13 year old, in the youth group Dave was a youth pastor for, at Trinity Baptist. I taught Christine in Sunday School, and Christine and her two sisters, Sarah & Lynn, became very special to our family. It was fun to be a part of this day for her, as she's now married, and expecting their first baby (girl) in March. Christine has officially made me feel old! :)

I stole these pictures off a friend's Facebook account. Thanks Kim!

Lynn, Christine & Sarah


Joel...probably not thrilled that he's at a "girly" event.

Just An Update

It's been about a week since I last blogged, and I thought I'd bring you up to date on what's been happening with us. Nothing! Now you're up to date. Aren't you thrilled?

Actually, I have wonderful news regarding my mom. She has been off chemo-therapy for three weeks, due to Christmas, then having a terrible cold, which prevented her from getting her treatment last week. She had the blood work done for her CA-125 (cancer count), but we fully expected the numbers to be skewed, due to her body having a virus. Well, last week, she received a call from Pittsburgh and her CA-125 count is now 265. It is down 700 points!!!! Praise God! We are all so grateful for this wonderful news, and so thankful to know this chemo regimen is working for her.


I love this picture of Julie & Joel. I had to post it.

An "Ice" Day to Stay Inside

Today was a wonderful day to stay home. School was cancelled, and other than seeing snow plows, there wasn't much activity on our road (not that there ever really is...except for some deer, and the occasional flock of turkeys). Julie & Joel have been battling colds since we returned from PA. I had Julie to the doctor on Monday. Her throat was sore, but thankfully she does not have strep. The doctor did change her medication for the cough-variant asthma, and her cough does seem to be improving. Joel has a runny nose, and cough, but he has not run a fever, and still seems to be sleeping fine. So far, Dave & I remain fairly healthy.

Here's a view from our back porch. The branches are all ice covered, and it's really pretty.


When they weren't irritating each other, the girls enjoyed playing together. This morning they covered the living room with blankets, pillows & baby dolls. They have a nice bedroom to play in, but they prefer the living room. I have many moments where I cringe at the mess, then I remind myself that someday I will have a house in perfect order, & I'll hate it. I'll miss the toys. I might not miss tripping over them, or stubbing my toes on them, but I'll miss the activity in my home.

Julie & I hung out on the couch this afternoon, while the two little ones napped, and we watched the movie "Kit Kittredge: An American Girl." It was really cute, and a great movie to watch with your family. It was fun to just hang out with Julie, and snuggle on the couch together.

My living room this morning.


Joel, today, with his new outfit on from Chuck, Em & Olivia! Thanks again. It's really cute, and so cozy.


I took these pictures this past Sunday. Alayna was given this Christmas-y dress, and I thought it looked adorable. She loves to be dressed up, although she kept insisting that she wear her shoes on the wrong feet. I'd fix them for her, and turn around two minutes later, and she'd have them switched back.

Christmas Fun

I am playing a lot of catch-up tonight. I tried to post things in the order in which they took place, while we were in Erie. We had so much activity, and so much fun. Alayna recovered quickly from her ear infection, after getting on an antibiotic. Unfortunately, my mom became very sick, with a terrible cold, the same day Alayna started with an ear infection. Mom is still very sick, and is now without a voice. We're praying she gets better quickly, and won't have to miss chemo next Thursday. She's on an antibiotic now, too.

Here are pictures from our Christmas morning at mom & dads. It was so great to be home, and the kids had a blast.

Dave & the girls at the table for Christmas morning breakfast.


Papa opening his gift from Julie (slippers).


Dave was very excited to receive this new scope for his gun.


The new baby doll cradle my dad built for Alayna. It is beautiful, and such a special gift to have something he made. Alayna is playing with it lots and lots. She loves her baby dolls.


Joel was excited about his gift...and so were we. :)

The Bierer Christmas

It has been five years, or more, since I have been home on Christmas Day. My dads side of the family always celebrates together Christmas day, in the afternoon, and I have missed being a part of that. My Aunt & Uncle hosted Christmas in their home, and it was a lot of fun to see everyone, and to all be together for one day. My Grandpa has a tradition of giving "gag" gifts, as we affectionately call them. You will notice that my kids are unwrapping their gifts out of paper grocery bags...that is part of the tradition, and we wouldn't change a thing.

The girls opening their gifts from Grandma & Grandpa (anything that's nice in the bag is from Grandma, and anything silly is from Grandpa).


I put this picture in because my dad is very proud of his Barney Fife tie.


I am the oldest of ten grandkids. Since we were all together, we captured the moment with a picture, with our grandparents.


Tired after a long day of "Bierer parties."


This is my Grandpa...I don't think he knew that he was wearing a cowboy hat on his head and foot. :)

The Birthday Girl

My precious little niece, Danika, turned two while we were in Erie. I'm so glad we could be home to help celebrate. Doug & Andrea hosted a birthday party for her, at their house, on the 26th. They also surprised us by sharing with everyone that they are expecting baby #2 on August 4th. We are all thrilled, and can't wait to meet this new little "Bierer," that will join our family. Andrea, I hope you start feeling better soon.

Happy Birthday Danika Kay. We love you sooooo much!

An Andrews Christmas

This year was extra special. Because, for the first time in many years, all of the extended family was in Erie, for Christmas, at the same time. My Grandma Andrews (my moms mom) was thrilled to have her three children, their spouses, their kids & their spouses, with their kids, all around her (did you catch all that???). There are now 7 great-grandkids, four of which, are all around the age of two. It made for an eventful afternoon, when we all gathered together at Grandma's, this past Sunday.

Grandma's tree before the kids made their way to the gifts.


Grandma and her great-grandkids.


The entire clan.

Chuck E Cheese

This past Monday was my niece, Danika's, 2nd birthday. We had a family party for her on the 26th, but decided to also celebrate on the actual day, by going to every parents nightmare...I mean, every child's favorite place, Chuck E. Cheese. We had a fun time, and it was an opportunity to spend a little more time together. My two cousins, from Florida, tagged along with us, too. They were in Erie, with their parents, for all the family festivities. I'm sure at 15 & 17, they're not overly amused by Chuck E. Cheese, but they didn't seem to mind. It was fun getting to hang out with them. We miss them so much. At most, we get to see them once a year.

My sister-in-law, Andrea, holding Joel. My cousins, Brent & Drew.





Alayna & Danika, enjoying a ride...I think.

Random Fun

Dad & the girls, the morning we left to go home to NY.



There is a small step up into the entryway in my parents home, from the family room. Joel is very mobil now, and he figured out how to get up over that little step and on to the wood floor.


"Hi, I'm Joel, and I'll be posing for your picture today."


Dad could not get away with only giving one girl a "horsey ride." Both Danika & Alayna want Papa's attention at the same time, so they rode double on Papa's lap for horsey rides. Notice my dad's black eye. He was chopping up some kindling and it flew up and hit him in the eye.