Funny

http://www.despair.com/
My favorite is the poster on failure!

New Background....

Bare with me--I'm trying to figure out how to rearrange a few things--Got this background from a web site I saw on Jessica's blog. Still needs some tweaking...All of my side stuff has moved to the bottom-not sure I like that.

Just look at that big smile. Ryan got to fulfill every little boys dream. He and a buddy got to play fireman at a job training. --You know just in case they are ever on a rig and need to put out an oil fire....wink, wink. He had a good time and has a new found respect for all those men and women in the world that suit up in the interest of our safety. He got some cool pictures too.

On the home front, I have been working quit a bit lately. It is the beginning of the summer and marks my busy time. All of the new staff at the Y (lifeguards, camp counselors, etc..) have to be CPR/First aid certified. I taught 6 classes last week for the Y and 4 classes for the Country club in the area. It was my first time working a "real job" on my own. Meaning not affiliated with the Y and not a friend. It was pretty good and a good way to make some good money fast. In case anyone is wanting to look into it. I never would have guessed you could make such good money teaching CPR!

The kids are both out of pre-school. And I am happy to report they both made good progress. And we got through it for the most part without incident. Every time I picked Aden up I would wait for his teacher to tell me that he told the class to pick up their damn toys. Or ask "where the hell is my show and tell". Two word I am afraid he has learned from his sometimes potty mouth momma. He also went through a phase were he asked about his penis all of the time. All of which he reserved for the privacy of our family. He is getting way too big and is so fun to talk with now. I can't believe he will be in kindergarten in a few months. Which is all day here. I'll miss him.

Brynn is making progress. I know I mentioned the new diet for her. We have also started some alternative therapies for her. She is drinking a Native American tea from www.ojibwatea.com. The owner called me after my initial order and talked to me about Brynn. She is a good soul and is very focused on helping people naturally. Especially the autistic community. We are also doing some acupressure type treatments called NAET. I try to explain it to people and they look at my like I have two heads. It is based on kinesiology, chiropractic and oriental medicine. We have seen good things so far and expect to see more. She can actually almost say book! It is more like oook (strong emphasis on the k). I always dreamed her first word would be mommy. But I'll take book!

Cannen is just cute.

Fun Times

Yesterday was a beautiful day in the Houston, TX area. So on a whim, we decided to take a drive to the beach. The kids had a blast. They LOVED the waves. Usually the water in the gulf is bath water warm and pretty nasty to play in. It was a nice a refreshing yesterday. I think Brynn loved the chill as much as much as anything. Aden is typically nervous and very careful around water ( I am afraid I have turned him into a bit of a paranoid little boy-what can I say, he my first and I was a paranoid first time mom). Yesterday, he was pretty brave -running out, chest deep to catch the waves. We are working on it. I hope to having him swimming this summer.

Cannen is still growing like a madman. He is so sweet and chubby. Lovin the squishy. Today he was wearing 12mnths clothes!!!! He is only 4 1/2 mnths!!! Slow down kido.

That is about it on our home front. Ryan is going to be out of town for half the week. Going to New Iberia. I thought he was leaving the country at first, but soon learned this was just 4 hours away in Louisiana.

Oh, we started Brynn on a special diet. We are having her eat a gluten and casein free diet. I know she hasn't been officially diagnosed as autistic. But I am sure she is in that realm. This diet has helped some kids with some of the same things she struggles with, so we are giving it a shot for 3 months. If it helps then forever. So prayers and positive thinking are appreciated!!!

Cheers

I'm pretty sure these two are related. Ryan now has two mini me's. I think the only feature our kids got from me was my dimple. They all have one on the right cheek-just like me. Pretty handsom boys if I do say so myself.

Ryan is out of town this week. The poor guy is slumin at the Venetian in Las Vegas for a conference. He called me at 9:30 this morning to let me know he was just getting out of bed and about to enjoy their gourmet breakfast buffet. I of course had been up for a good three hours with the kids, whith whom I enjoyed a lovely breakfast of Life cereal. Needless to say I will be taking a few hours of shopping time to myself when he gets back!

We are hitting the humidity pretty hard the last few days. A preview of the upcoming months. Uugh! The kids have all been a bit cranky. I think they are adjusting to the change and just don't know why they are so uncomfortable.

We all met some friends at McDonalds for lunch today. Man it is a job all on it's own getting those kids together , out the door and buckled in. Only to undo it all in 10 min. Thank goodness for good friends to help out. It is extra challenging with Brynn. Just imagine a big 3 year old with the mind of a 1 year old. I can't put her down until we are safely inside, because she wanders off so quickly. So I usually have her in one arm and the baby carrier in the other. I hate getting the double stroller out when we are just running in to a place. So I have to plan on getting everwhere early. Man I am glad I never had twins!!

I hope everyone has a great Easter. We already did a few egg hunts in the community and I am sick of kids (Aden) begging for candy all day long. So we will do quarters at home this year. Were planning on dinner at Ryan's mom's house. Should be a good time. Take care.

New Stuff

So Ryan and I were talking the other day about all of the changes we have gone through in the last year. He was approached by a reqruiter for an new job and after all has been said and done he accepted the position. It will be a great opportunity for him and there will be a lot of room for growth. He will be working for Parker Drilling in their HR. I am so proud of him. We know there has been some heavenly help involved and are very grateful. So as I mentioned before, we have had so many 'big' changes- New house, 2 new jobs in the last year, a new baby and two new cars. That might not seem like a lot to some people, but to us it has seemed like that since we have been married. We are ready to stay steady for awhile. We have also moved 5 times in the 6 years we have been married-one to a new state. Yikes.
I'm back in the work out groove. Got some baby weight to loose and I insist on doing it! It has been great for my mental health as well. I seem to get stuck in a depressing funk when I go without excersize for too long. Today I ran for the first time in a long time and am feeling pretty sore, not to sound sadistical, but I love it. Makes me feel like I accomplished something.
The kids are good. Brynn had a yucky case of the flu last week and missed an entire week of school. Luckily no one else seemed to catch it (knock on wood). She is walking wonderfully and we are really working on communication. We are trying to get her into a nuerologist, hoping for some answers.
Aden is doing well. He is growing up and starting to engage in more meaningful conversation. The other morning I made pancakes and as he sat down he said with his happy voice, "mmm, fresh pancakes." What 5 year old says fresh pancakes?? I should have him audition for IHOP.
Cannen is growing way too fast. The kid is 9 weeks old and wearing 9 month clothes! He is very aware now and loves to babble with you. It is the cutest thing. I love his smile.
Well that is our little update hope everyone is healthy and happy out there!!

pic update

A pic of Brynn, just because she is so cute!

A pic of Cannen in his blessing outfit. Grandma and Grandpa Spencer made it out for the big day! We are missing them already. They we had lots of fun and they built us a beautiful fence and landscaped or flower bed (pic's to come).

A pic of Aden at his preschool Christmas program. He practiced all week. The girl in the black shirt, Ashlee, is his "girlfriend".

A pic of Aden on his new bike from Santa.

Happy Birthday Ryan!

Here is our little cutie! It seems like he has changed so much already! He is getting those chubby little cheeks that we love so much. The older he gets the more he looking like Aden. He has been such an easy going baby-something new for me. We are loving having him in our family.

Here are a few pictures of the kids with there little brother. Brynn has gotten used to him and is actually trying to play with him. I will put Cannen in his swing and she will try to push it and makes the cutest "weeee" sound. It is very sweet, especially since she can't talk. Aden is our big helper, and loves any chance he get get to hold his little brother.

Happy Birthday Ryan! We celebrated Ryan's birthday last night with his family. Some friends came over for desert and some sad news. They are moving back to UT. All of our good friends have moved out of TX in the last year or so. We are sad and jealous at the same time!

We hope everyone is having fun getting ready for Christmas. It has been a little busy around here and I am still hoping to get cards out (something I happen to be terrible at!). Take care!

He's Here!!!!

Well, he's finally here!!! Cannen Lee Piekarski was born on Wednesday, November 28th at 1:09pm and weighed 7lbs 11oz and was 21 inches long. He's a happy and healthy baby boy.

We weren't sure of his name until the nurse pressured us for a name, we initially chose Afton, but then rethought it and ended up on Cannen.

Mom is feeling good besides being tired. Brynn seems to be the only one struggling with the new arrival. She's pretty jealous!!! Aden can't stop telling us how "Cute" his little brother is. He's so excited to share all of his toys and he wants Cannen to move in to his room.

Happy Fall Ya'll

Our little girl turned 3! She got to wear her Birthday Princess crown from Aunt Kristin. Of course Aden had to have a turn in it as well. They both look beautiful! Brynn also got to wear her cap and gown in honor of graduating from the Early Childhood Intervention program here. She is now officially in school. This has been her first first full week. She is slowly adjusting. She cried the first two days, but her teachers are great and say she is doing better. Now for the next big change...Monday she goes on the bus. I really didn't want to put her on the bus, but her teachers think it will help her to make the transition from home to school . I have to admit it will be a little easier for me as well. Her schedule is a little off from Aden's schedule and dropping them off at very different times was becoming a chore.

As you may have guessed, no baby yet. I am starting to feel really irritated with pregnancy. I see my D. on Tuesday and am hoping he will let me be induced. Still no definites on names. Suggestions anyone?

Poor Baby!

So this is how I spent my 30th birthday... In the ER. Brynn fractured her wrist by "falling" out of her crib.----I think a well meaning older brother was helping her out. I have to say I was relieved when I found that her pain was coming from her hand, not her legs or hips. She has started walking so well on her own and at first I thought her legs were hurt and I started to cry, thinking she would be set way back. Actually this is forcing her to walk even more because she can not crawl. Poor thing though, she is such a skinny minny, that the temporary cast looks mondo huge. She will get a hard cast on Monday morning assuming everything looks OK. Not fun stuff.
I am still getting ready for baby. The name this week is Cade Spencer. We'll see if it changes. We have gone through about 20 different names so far. Today I registered at the hospital. Yikes this is coming way too fast!!!

Pictures

Here are a few pics of the kids. Aden is enjoying soccer and Brynn loves to be outside cheering him on....

Aden had his 5th birthday! He had a Super hero birthday party. His friends came dressed up in different costumes. He of course was Spider man. They had hero sandwiches, played hero games and painted capes that my mom so kindly made for them all.

This is the super cool, one of a kind cake my mom decorated... She was my hero while she was here!

The house looks great after my moms very productive visit. Ryan came home from Chicago and couldn't believe all that she had done. I need to take some pictures. It finally feels like we have moved in. I love it. I am lucky to have such a creative, talented and giving mom.

Time Flys

What, is it already the middle of September??? Someone needs to slow things down just a bit! We are hanging in there down here in TX. We are missing the season changes pretty bad. The news reported a "cold front" here last Tuesday. It was about 85 that day. Yes a bit cooler than before, but a cold front???

The kids are getting bigger and funnier. The other day Aden decided he was jealous of my current condition, and put a small rubber basketball under his shirt. He was a very good mommy, talking to his tummy and all. He kept it in for a good half an hour or so. The best was when he was playing Lego's and was unconsciously rubbing his belly, just like there was something "real" in there. What a kido. He started Pre-school last week and is loving it so far. I have a pic of him leaving the house with his backpack on. He was up early that morning and got completely dressed himself, without any nagging from me or anything. He was a bit excited.

Brynn started horse back riding therapy today. She isn't a fan yet to say the least. She was pretty fussy the whole time. The therapists were so good with her though. She rode for a good 20 min. Poor thing was so tuckered out. Nap time was nice and long today.

We are busy getting ready for my mom to visit next week. I am glad she will be here. Ryan is going to Chicago for a week with work, so the timing is great.

OK so this is a random picture I accidentally added it to the blog and can't erase it for some reason. Or move it or turn it for that matter. Anyways these are some flowers my sweetie brought home the other day. What a nice surprise.

Take Care Ya'll!!

ATTENTION!

This is a public service announcement: The state of Texas has failed to teach any of it's drivers how to use a blinker!!! My pet peeve of all pet peeves!!!!! Unlike Ryan, I am not usually a honker. He has no problem honking, because he has no fear. I am always paranoid someone will chase me down or shoot me. But this no blinker thing has driven me to honking.
Anyways. Things are going good on the home front. We have just been very busy getting ready for all of the changes coming up this fall. Both kids are going to be going to school, so I have been filling out forms and getting Dr. releases signed. Aden is also playing soccer-his first time at organized sports. Brynn is going to be doing horse back riding therapy. My mom is coming to visit and to help decorate the house. Then we have all of our birthdays, the new baby and the holidays to think about. Time goes too fast! Hope ya'll are doing well!

A few things...

Brynn with her walker. She loves it, it makes her look so much bigger than just crawling around.

This is what happens when you leave your children unattended! I asked Aden what he was doing and he said he had to shave so he could fight some bad guys. Then he said, "do you want a piece of me?" Who is this kid???

Yes I realize that my children are both only half way dressed. We have a clothing optional rule at our house! Don't worry Ryan and I won't take any pictures of us! :)'

OK so you know it has been a long time since you have blogged, when you can 't remember your password and have to reset everything! So sad. Being pregnant seems to eat away at brain cells for me as well. Speaking of which, It is a boy due Nov 25th. We are trying to decide on a name Ryan and I can't agree. I like Liam, he likes Chase. So let us know what you all think.

Other good news, Ryan started a new job with Tetra Technologies last week. He is really enjoying it. We have been very blessed. We have no doubt it is because we started doubling our fast offerings. Now I can quit the front desk at the YMCA ! Yippie, Fridays nights are free again!! I'll still teach classes though.

Brynn went to the geneticist today. The appointment we waited for for 6 months. They are as clueless as everyone else. They say she has a few distinctive characteristics, but nothing dramatic enough for them to pin point any one thing. They ordered some blood work to be done and they are going to look at her chromosomes again. So once again, we wait.

Aden is getting to be a silly kid. I need to blog more oftent so I can remember all of the funny things he says. He did ask me if he could borrow some money the other day. I started to laugh--he is only 4! He wants a gameboy so bad. I am in no hurry to get him one. I'm not a fan.

I just keep getting bigger. I hate it. I really don't enjoy being pregnant. Especially in the summer!! I tend to turn into something resembling a woolly mammoth in the end. It is lovely. I'll make sure there aren't any pictures of that !!!

Hope everyone had a good fourth will lots of fun and fireworks. We stayed home and BBQ'd, tried to do a few fireworks, but they turned out to be duds. I'm sure the humidity had something to do with that.

Hugs and kisses from Texas

Some pics of the kids at Ryan's mom's company picnic. I had to work so I missed the whole thing :( I tried to add them to my previous post, but blogger was being picky. They are so cute!!!

Long Time No Blog

You know it has been awhile when you try to sign on to blogger and had to re-enter your password 5 times! There has been a lot going on here and quite frankly I have not really been in the mood to blog. I have been staying up to date with all of your blogs out there.
So a short run down of things around here. Two weeks ago I ran over a big piece of concrete and busted out the oil pan and screwed up the rear axle of our car. In my defense, it was the safest thing to do at the time. I could have dodge it and ran into traffic head on or side swiped the guy next me. It was around a curve so by the time I saw it I could not stop. So I ran it over. Reminded me of 4 wheeling. Only problem was I wasn't in a truck or a jeep , I was in a little Lancer. I got to drive Ryan's dads old Chevy Caprice for 2 weeks. The thing must be 20 years old. It rides like a boat. We have named it Big Pimpin. So I am grateful to have my little car back.
More news, Brynn just got a walker. She is standing by herself now-Yippie for Brynn!! She is so cute pushing the walker. I will have to get some pictures. It looks just like an old persons walker, but her size. She loves sometimes and hates it others. I am determined to get her walking, since we have a surprise addition to our family coming in Dec! Yes that is right we will change from a family of 4 to a family of 5. I have just started telling people, because I was so shocked myself I did not know what to think about it all. I am getting excited though. I am about 12 weeks along.
Poor Aden had scarlet fever this weekend. When the Dr. announced his diagnosis, I was shocked I immediately pictured a hospital hallway of 19th century people clinging to life. Apparently it isn't that dramatic nowadays. He said it is from a certain strain of strep. Antibiotics cleared everything up in a couple of days thank goodness. The boy is known for dramatics. It is good to have him well.
Well that is it for our little family for now.
Chow for now

So we are officially moved in! Un-packing , now that is another story. It is amazing how we have so much more space and are managing to fill every bit of it. How we fit all of this stuff into a space half the size is a wonder. Everything is just spreading. I need to play the need it, use it game and throw half of it away. Ryan took a few pics before the offical move in. I only like a couple of them- I'll take more once we are not bombarded with boxes:

The kitchen is by far my favorite of all the rooms. I love the backsplash. I love the space. I can actually turn around without running over someone. The kids are enjoying all the extra room as well. We already have a new time out spot and everything.- One of the first arrangements to be sure! Aden is getting to know it well. All of the changes have been hard on everyones schedules and we have all been a bit grumpy. It is sad when your four year old has to come to you and say "mom, I'm really sorry you got angry with me." Or has to ask, "are you mad at me." He is too big for his own britches.

It will be just lovely when we have everything in it's place. We even got hit up by the vacume door to door salesman the other night. This really is official. That is a story for another time..... Ryan thought he was funny by keeping the guy here until 12:30 in the morning. He figured if the guy was going to bug us, he was going to make him his audience. He made him sit there while he played the guitar and tell silly jokes. It was pretty entertaining.

Sick

We have been sick, sick and more sick at our house- the flu bug has hit home! Aden was sick for a week two weeks ago and we all seemed to dodge it for the time being. Last week I was sick for three days then Brynn got it and has been sick for the last 3 days as well. Poor baby She is miserable. Ryan even got it and he had a flu shot this year. So needless to say we have been inside for days now I am a feeling a bit of cabin fever.
I have a new job at the YMCA. I will now be teaching the CPR and First Aid classes. I went through my certification throught the American Heart Association at the Fire Station last week. I am a bit nervous, but also really excited. I think it will be fun. I think I am the official Jack of all Trades at the "Y" now. I will still work with the kids there and in Member Services. It will give me something to do especially since both of the kids will be in school next fall. Brynn will start special ed preschool through the school district and Aden will go to a private preschool somewhere. I am still deciding where. They are growing up way too fast! It is fun though. Adens personality is so cute and Brynn well she is something else! Ryan has taken the term "daddy's little girl" to a whole new level. They are cute together!! I just have a cute family, what can I say!!!

Growing Up!

You would think I was talking about our kids growing up in the title. I am actually talking about Ryan and I. We are finally entering the world of home ownership! This is our cute little house. It should be done at the end of March, right when our lease is up. We are so excited. The extra space is much needed! The house is much bigger than it looks on the picture. It is long in the back. The kids will finally have there own rooms, which hopefully means I will get to sleep through the night soon!-- Brynn still wakes up and I get her in fear of her waking Aden and all the neighbors up. We keep counting down the days. This picture is already old. I drove by yesterday and the brick is all up already. I'll have to get a new picture next time we are over there. We feel so grown up!!
Aden is conviced that he is going to have a Spider Man room and that grandma Spencer will come down from Utah to paint Spider Man coming out of his wall... We'll see. It is a good thing his room is already red and blue- not much to change.
Other than that we are all doing about the same. Life is good. Hope ya'll are good