Meet Joey

I have lost all credibility...and sanity! Believe it or not, we have gotten a dog. Now, I tend to be a little peculiar about inside animals. I hate the way they smell and have always disliked how they are treated as though they are members of the family. So what would cause me to go from having no animals to having 4 (would've been 5 if our fish hadn't died) animals in one week?!

My mom has a shih-tzu dog, which the boys LOVE!!! Every time we visit my mom I get a little more and more tempted to get my boys their own dog, but there was a huge barrier for me - I don't do inside animals and Ohio gets way too cold for an outdoor dog. The one thing that I did like about that having a dog around (besides the obvious the boys loved playing with him) was that there was an extra outlet for love and affection. For example, I was dealing with William when Mikey had come up to me crying. He saw that I had William then immediately saw my mom's dog laying on the floor nearby. He dropped to the floor and hugged the dog then after a few moments, was on his way with no problem. This is Mikey and my brother's dog. He loves dogs!
Because of this reason Todd & I had talked and talked about getting a dog, knowing that with a baby coming to our home soon, that a dog may allow the kids to continue feel loved and show love any time they want or need. Also, we thought that having a dog would allow the kids to cause some wear and tear on something besides the baby. Our concerns were: 1-Neither of us have had good experience with inside dogs, could we handle it and 2-Would the dog prove too much work and not enough reward?

One day I was talking to my mom about how I hesitate to let the boys play with paint and play dough because it can be messy, but sometimes I just need to suck it up and realize that it is okay to make a mess, and the clean up work is worth the experience. My mom pointed out that the same could be true about a dog.

Todd and I decided that if we were to get a dog, we didn't want a puppy (even though they are so cute) because we have enough to "train" that we really didn't need anyone else to train. We also wanted a dog that was already housebroken because I already have enough people to potty train and enough people peeing on my floor. We also needed a non-shedding dog for Todd has allergies. We decided to look for a shih-tzu, that wasn't a puppy and was housebroken.

After looking at some ads in the paper, and even visiting one woman's house to see the dog, I wasn't sure if this is really what we wanted to do. I then thought I had found the perfect dog for us on craigslist (but most likely because we have 3 young boys, the owner chose to allow someone else to adopt the dog). Before he had made his choice I was praying that he would choose us and we could get that dog. The thought then came to me, "What if this isn't the best dog for your family". So, I started to pray that if we were to get a dog, that we would find one that would be perfect for our situation and for our boys.

The night before we found out if we would get that particular dog or not, an ad showed up on craigslist about a shih-tzu named Joey. I told Todd to call them, just in case this dog wouldn't work out. The woman who owned him was getting rid of him because she had 5 shih-tzus living in her house - two parents and three kids. (Now I have to wait until the boys go on their mission before I can get rid of any of them, but it is a fun thought). She agreed to bring the dog over last Friday. Joey didn't seem as perfect for us as the other dog, but we set up the appointment anyhow.
Must say that the boys adore him

On Friday we met Joey. He's a one year-old, gray-blond-white-brown shih-tzu, and my boys love him. He responded well to the boys, and I think the lady thought that we were definite with our plans on keeping him, so she left him with some food. So, we kept him.


That first day I couldn't decide if this was a bad move on our part. He did realize that I am the "alpha-male" and obeyed me very well, but I wasn't sure how "housebroken" he was for he had marked his territory twice on my carpet!!! That evening we went and bought a dog cage and other supplies. When we had gone to the store, we put up a little dog gate that the previous owner had installed in our home. When we came back, Joey had gotten through the gate. That night, we put him in the cage to sleep. He hadn't slept in a cage before so of course he whined, and actually escaped out of the cage.

If you can imagine I awoke the next morning thinking that there was no way that we would keep the dog. But, the next day Joey proved himself. He showed that he actually is house trained, he's incredibly obedient, he hasn't gone up the stairs with only a few times of telling him no, and he has stayed out of my "nice room" since the first time he went in there and got a very stern "No". He's very patient with the boys, who each take their turn petting and hugging and holding him. He hardly ever barks, and has proven that he can sleep on the main floor without a cage.
He's now one of the boys

I really do feel (for the moment anyhow, I'll let you know if it changes) that he was the perfect dog for us. He is low maintenance and very lovable. Now, my only complaint - and it may be just my prego nose - but I think there is a faint stink about him. Todd hasn't smelled it, but we are both very concerned about having a dog stink up our house - so for those that have more experience than we do, if you have any suggestions, let us know!!

Goodbye William

About a week ago we got a fish tank. It's a small 1.5 gallon tank that we have put in the kitchen. In it we have a beta fish and 3 gold fish; until last night.

While I was preparing dinner, Todd was looking at our fish. He quickly discovered that one of the goldfish (the one that we had nick-named William because of the similarity of a black mark on his head that matched a bump William is currently sporting) had died. Todd was just going to dispose of it without saying anything about it to the kids, but I suggested that he use it as a teaching lesson. During Easter I tried teaching the boys about Jesus and His resurrection. Each time I taught the boys would listen and commented on the story, but I thought that this would be a real life experience.

We got out our pictures of Christ and of his death and Resurrection and proceeded with the lesson. The boys thought the dead fish was VERY interesting. After the lesson - not quite sure how much they really took in - Todd took the fish and flushed it down the toilet with the boys watching behind him. Well, obviously that part of the lesson was totally absorbed.

All through dinner the boys discussed little but the fact that the fishy had died and "Where did the fishy go?...Daddy put it down the potty". Later that night I overheard Mikey playing with a toy fish saying to Roger, "Uh-oh, he's dead. We got a go flush him down the potty".

But this morning Mikey said to me, "Mom, where's the fishy"

Me: "I dunno, where is the fishy?"

Mikey: "Fishy with Jesus, he come back 'amorrow (tomorrow)".

Well, we're trying and I guess it is a start.

Oh So Grown Up

As I was folding my laundry, I came across one of William's shirts. I stopped and admired how cute and small it was. Sometimes I am struck with how small my boys are. This shirt reminded me of another memory.

Before Mikey was born I was preparing for his arrival by washing all the baby clothes I had (ya, actually wash them, and it was probably 3 months before my due date). I was imagining my child in these tiny clothes. Some people had given me a few 12 month-old outfits and I looked at them in unbelief. I could not imagine having a child that old. I imagined a year-old child that would understand a lot, speak almost perfect English - pretty much an adult compared to the newborn infant I was expecting. I knew that my tiny baby would one day grow up to be a one year-old, but I still could not imagine myself with one.

Back to the present, the smallest size in the O'Neil household (for the next 2 months anyhow) is 12 month-old, and these clothes belong to my baby!! Yes, that age that I perceived as so old, and so "grown up" is actually throwing food off his tray, pooing in diapers, taking naps, and any other trait that is characteristic of a baby.

How funny it is that we perceive children older than our own as so "grown up". Just like I now think a 6 or 7 year-old is so old and life with my boys being those ages will be incredibly different. Thank goodness that isn't the case, for even though I love to see the progression of my boys, I would hate for it to happen too fast. It already goes too quickly, and it really makes you appreciate the time that we have with them.

That's It, I'm Leaving!!

The other night a friend and I were discussing something that we both do not like. We find it quite annoying that some people of our faith will move out "here" and their entire focus is getting "back" to Utah. I just feel that when people do this, they miss out on some amazing experiences, and don't allow an open-mindedness of life in other places. They miss out in making some really great friendships, 'cause let's face it, who wants to get tight with someone that their only focus is leaving. I do understand the desire to be closer to family, but at the same time what a wonderful opportunity to rely on people in your community, and even more so on your spouse!

Saying that much, I do have to say, I believe that in just a day or two I have changed my mind.

I'm moving back to Utah!!!

I thought that we were done with winter, yea maybe a cold day here or there, but essentially done. Yesterday I was actually feeling happy because even though it was chilly, it was raining like a good spring day. Imagine my grief when later it turned into SNOW!! and a lot of it!!! Then Todd has informed me that according to the weather station, we're supposed to get snow pretty much every day until Thursday!! Do they not understand that I am a fair-weather person & that I have already endured enough winter!!!

This picture is actually from a week ago, last nights was a lot worse
With that being said, you can understand why I am feeling the desire for warmer weather. Even though I'm not really moving, it does give me something to complain about - since my kids are always angels it is difficult to find anything to complain about, but I do manage. I won't complain about the disgusting bathroom cleaning today.

Best Friend

My boys were a little "difficult" getting them to bathe this morning. Needless to say, it was a trial and no one came out happy.

After I bathe my kids (time and attitudes permitting) I will take them out of the tub one at a time and give them a full body rub down - which is a massage with baby lotion. I like to do this because 1- it leaves them smelling good, and when someone smells good it's difficult to beat them too badly and 2- it allows me to have some 1-on-1 bonding time.

Roger especially loves this time, he loves any kind of physical affection or touching. He loves having his back rubbed, or his arms scratched. This morning while getting him ready for his rub down I thought twice about doing it, he was not working very well with me. But I figured he needed the good smell protection today more than anyone. While rubbing his belly he told me that there was a baby in his belly. I tried to explain that there wasn't one in his belly, but there was one in Mommy's. He kept on insisting that there was, so I decided to ask him what his baby's name was - "Rant" (Grant) was his answer. I guess it's a little better than what Mikey says. He refers to my baby as "Uncle Grant" - don't know where he picked up that one.

One of the last things that I do while rubbing my kids is rub their faces. Roger loves this and refers to it as "you shut mine eyes". His eyes will get droopy as I rub around his cheekbones and face. During the entire rub down, I will try to carry conversations with my kids (if it's at all possible), but during this part I will tell them how much I love and care for them. This morning I was rubbing Roger's face and he looked at me and said, "Mom, you best friend". My heart melted, it was so sincere and sweet.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY

For me, the best part of this holiday, is that it is my mother's birthday - so here is a shout out to my mom!!

My mom was born on March 17, supposed to be named Vera Ellen, but because of the date, her parents found it appropriate to name her Patricia. She is an awesome person and a wonderful mother. I always felt like her little "buddy", and she would take me with her on errands and such (little did I realize it was because I was the only kid not yet in school - but hey, I felt special). My mom gave me a lot of freedom and independence to become who I wanted to be. Whenever I claimed to not be able to do anything, she would insist that I could and that I needed to keep trying. She taught me morals, and has always been an example to me of someone who strives to live as they believe. She is always helping people from her church, especially those that others rarely noticed.

She always expected a lot of me, which was annoying at the time, but I am thankful now. In middle school I came home with a "C" on my report card. When I explained to her that "C" was average, she said to me, "Yes, but you are not an average kid". Mediocre was not something she would accept. But because of her faith in me, I've come to expect a lot out of myself.

Picture of me & my mom running a MARATHON - don't worry, she's done 3 or 4 since

She is an amazing grandma. She plays with my boys, and never gets angry or upset when they mess up her house or break something of hers. She actually encourages them to have fun at her house. Plus, whenever I visit, she will have the kids eat breakfast and sometimes even take a bath before I get up - which I really appreciate. My boys are very fond of her, always talking about her, or wanting to call her. For the past several weeks, a couple times a day Mikey tells me, "Mom, we got to go get grandma!" She loves my kids unconditionally, and even though they cause havoc to her house and life, she always hates to see them go. Between visits, she'll send them packages in the mail, which we all love to recieve.
My mom is really awesome. I have a great relationship with her, and would love to see her everyday if I could. She is so much fun, very insightful, has incredible strength & faith, and I love her so dearly!! Happy Birthday Mom!!!!

Happy Birthday Todd

Today is Todd's birthday. I sure am glad that he was born - but then would I really know the difference if he wasn't ever born? Anyhow, in tribute to him and his 28th birthday, I am listing 28 things that I love about him (in no particular order).

1-His sense of humor

2-His willingness to be uncomfortable in order for someone else to be comfortable

3-His hard working attitude

4-His love of Christ

5-The way his eyes light up when he's teasing me

6-The great example he is to his boys

7-His will to read the scriptures

8-The fact that he loves anything I cook (which he actually isn't too hard to please ;)

9-His never-ending energy

10-His sensitivity to me and others

11-His desire to give the kids a memorable childhood

12-His soft, tender voice

13-His unshaken faith in God and His word

14-His willingness to clean the kitchen

15-The way he gets excited about everything - he is a lot of fun to surprise

16-He loves and is very involved with his children

17-His always cheerful attitude and disposition

18-He's so much fun to flirt with

19-His never ending selflessness

20-He cleans up after himself

21-He makes me feel safe and secure

22-The way that he makes me feel sexy (even pregnant & 3 kids later)

23-His humility

24-His understanding attitude when I mess up (it's only happened twice)

25-How he finds so much joy in playing with the boys

26-He treats everyone like family

27-He allows me to read in bed while he's trying to fall asleep

28-His belief that everyone is good

I sure am glad that I am lucky enough to be with this great man. He really is so amazing, and I'm going to do my best to see that he not only has a great birthday, but that he has a great life also.

I LOVE YOU TODDY!!

Loniology

MOUTHOLOGY

Q. What is your favorite fast food restaurant?
A. Wendy's
Q. What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of?
A: Strawberries or Peaches and cream (cream, whipped cream, or ice cream)
Q.What are your pizza toppings of choice?
A. Not huge into pizza


TECHNOLOGY
Q. What is currently on your computer wallpaper?
A: Picture of my boys
Q. How many televisions are in your house?
A: 2


BIOLOGY
Q. Are you right-handed or left-handed?
A. Right-handed
Q. When was the last time you had a cavity?
A. Before I was married, Todd's not too much into sweets
Q. Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
A. Yep, when I was in 4th grade there was an earthquake where I lived. On the shelf over my bed, I had a huge rock (I use to collect rocks). Well, during the earthquake it fell down and hit me on my head. I always was a genius child.

OTHEROLOGY
Q. What color do you think looks best on you?
A. Brown and other earthy tones - but I still try to pull off bright colors (unsuccessfully I would have to admit)
Q. Have you ever saved someone's life?
A. I save William's life everyday, but with two older brothers, it's inevitable
Q. Has someone ever saved yours?
A. When I was three I was kicked by a horse. When I was brought into the house, I wasn't breathing. My mom flipped me over, allowing all of the blood to come out of my mouth and throat -so I guess she saved my life.

DUMBOLOGY
Q: What is in your left pocket?
A: These Pregnancy pants don't have front pockets, but in my left back pocket I have a receipt and 64 cents in change.
Q: Is Napoleon Dynamite actually a good movie?
A. I was really bored and confused with all the fuss the first time I saw it. After seeing it again, I do think it's hilarious.
Q: Last time you had a run-in with the cops?
A: I had taken my boys to the park. William was just a few months old, so I was carrying him in his car seat (which we all know is HEAVY). Roger was refusing to get out of the car and go to the park (what's the matter with kids?). So, while carrying William in one hand, and attempting to carry Roger in the other, I started walking to the park. When I was what I felt a safe distance from the road, and close enough to the park, I let go of Roger's arm. (I know I look like superwoman, but it was getting really heavy carrying both) I carried William to the nearest bench, set him down and went back and got Roger. There was one other lady with a kid about 10 years old. She immediately left. Fifteen minutes later a cop approached me and told me that someone reported that they did not like the way I was treating my child!?!! After getting all my information (which really frustrated me, I was considered guilty before I even had a say) the cop explained that he knows there are usually two sides to every story, so he asked me to explain mine. I just told him what had happened, and he looked at Roger playing on the playground (at a distance, thank goodness for just a couple of days earlier he had fallen and got a big welt on his forehead). Luckily this cop had common sense and told me that he didn't see a problem and felt that the person who reported it was a little hyper-sensitive. Luckily I never saw that lady again, for I would have given her some lip. She was so quick to run off to the cops, yet so unwilling to see that I was struggling with a stubborn child that she could have easily offered some help - or at least approach me and tell me she didn't like the way I handled things so I could have let her know that there is a difference when you have one child versus multiple children. With one child there is hardly ever a conflict of interest!!

LASTOLOGY
Q: Last person who called you?
A: Jenni Mortenson
Q: Last Person you hugged?
A: Mikey - he's a very "huggy" kid

FAVORITOLOGY
Q: Number?
A: Never really thought of it
Q: Season?
A: Fall and Spring. In Ohio, that's when the weather is PERFECT- not too hot nor too cold, and it is gorgeous.

CURRENTOLOGY
Q: Mood?
A: Whatever - I should be cleaning, but instead I'm doing this.
Q: Listening to?
A: William, he's really gotten into a screaming phase. He will yell and scream - no real emotion behind it, he just enjoys doing it.
Q: Watching?
A: Nothing

RANDOMOLOGY
Q: What can you not wait to do?
A: Go to Wicked tonight!!!!
Q: What's the last movie you saw?
A: We don't have TV stations and I really don't watch many movies, so I really cannot think of this one. OH, for V-day Todd and I went to "Jumper" - it's not that great so I do not recommend it unless you have no use for your time.
Q: Do you smile often?
A: With kids you find yourself smiling about everything.

TAGOLOGY
If you just read this, YOU'RE IT!Rules: Let others know a little more about yourself, repost this as your name followed by "ology."

Believe it or not, they were good

The other day I went to a playgroup that was set up by the early childhood PTA. Because the other two women in our group couldn't make it, there were only three of us mothers. This was our first time meeting each other. One mother had one 16 month old boy, and the other mother had a boy Mikey's age, and a 6 month old baby. The woman with only one child seemed quite overwhelmed with her one kid - struggling with him at the moment and telling us of how difficult it is to get things done (if only I only had one child at home - I can only imagine what I could get done!?!).
The other lady spent a lot of the time trying to get her 3 year old to obey better. He was taking toys away from all of the kids, and being quite defiant to her. She was getting quite frustrated. I had to smile a little to myself for my kids (for a change) were little angels. The boys were sharing very well with everyone, taking turns, bringing over toys for William. I sat back in my chair and they only came to "bother" me with saying to me, "I love you very much". When it was time to leave, they were awesome at cleaning up the toys, and when they were given a candy, they each said thank you, while everyone else was struggling to work with their own kids to even behave.
I left feeling like I had just achieved a victory that I never thought I would get. But, that was just one day, everyday obviously isn't that satisfactory. Anyone with kids knows that they are not always perfect nor imperfect. I do have to say that I am thankful that I am not overwhelming myself with one kid (I do believe that for the most part, it's not that one child is that difficult, but rather it is we, the parents, that make it seem so difficult), nor am I struggling to get my young child to adjust to having to share with a new sibling or others. You may laugh, but having so many kids so close together really does have it's benefits - but not every day. I don't feel the same when I need to go grocery shopping.