Well, we're not on Rural street anymore. And I've had a hard time keeping up with this blog due to some sign-in issues and this being a really old account (I started this a bit before Téah was even a thought!) So to symbolize our move from Rural street and our life now I've started a new blog at life around here. I hope you'll join me there! More content to come soon at the new location.

If you're someone who would greatly miss this blog and it's memories (*ahem* grandmas, aunts, grandads... um, ME!) don't worry. This blog isn't going anywhere but new posts will be at the new location! See you there.

It has been a long time since I updated and for that, I apologize. But life gets in the way sometimes. I'm sure you understand. Add to that an "out-of-commission" laptop and well, you get it. (long story short: laptops and toddlers are not a great combination)

We have an agreement on our house. Meaning an offer has been put on it and we accepted it (after a bit of negotiation) and now we're working out the details of the inspection report, etc. Hopefully everything still goes through - there's a lot to work out that makes me nervous. To add a bit more stress to the situation, we still don't know where we're going to move. We've seen several houses, but are not excited about any of them. I realize I am behaving in a pretty spoiled manner - but I'm finding it hard to love any other house when I have been so spoiled by living in this big, beautiful house. Yes, it's a pain a lot of the times and yes, it's a ton of work. But it has character and a yard. Two things we're finding a lot of homes around here sorely lack. But we'll land somewhere!

The kids are great. Micah is a chatterbox and Téah is the chatterbox who taught the chatterbox. Meaning they both talk nonstop! They also fight a decent amount (sibling rivalry starts young). But they really do play together a lot and enjoy each others' company. Which I love seeing. Téah spent the night at her Grandma's house this past thursday night and Friday morning when Micah woke up the first thing he wanted to do was go find "Béah." He always wants to share everything with her too - it's pretty cute.

Summer has been a bit unusually cool, but still fun nonetheless. In June we all went to Virginia to stay in some cabins right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. They were the kind with beds, a kitchenette and then a common bathhouse for many different cabin-residents to share. My brother, Richard, and his wife, Priscilla and their lovely children, Gideon, Elliotte and Eden, joined us. We had such a nice time with them! The vacation itself was wonderful (and much needed!) and the time with family (who we simply don't see enough) was also wonderful. The kids all played together so well. John and I both agreed that vacation was more relaxing when they were all there with us because the kids all occupied each other and the adults could just hang out and talk.

August should prove to be busy. John will be in Mexico the 2nd - 9th. Téah's 4th (how did THAT happen?!) birthday is the 10th and as of now we'll have the closing on this house the 24th. And of course there's a lot of packing and house-hunting still to take place!

Oh and for the dog fans. The dogs are also great. Often times obnoxious, yes. But they really do add a lot of joy to our lives. Emma is as crazy as ever and Tiny is as goofy as ever. Even though they are a lot of work I will say I love having two dogs is fun. They actually really enjoy each others' company (yep, just like the kids!) and they successfully wear each other out, which is fabulous at the end of the day!

These pictures, in progression, totally cracked me up after I took them. Goofy dogs.




Even though today was kind of cruddy (and yesterday...) we have been able to have some nice time outside lately. Hooray for spring! It's nice to enjoy our yard before it is no longer ours.

Where did my baby boy go?


Téah is getting better and better and riding her trike.


I know this picture will gross some of you out, but it's funny to me. Micah is obsessed with Emma. He totally loves her and goes up to her begging her to kiss her all the time and he returns the favor giving her kisses and hugs. On that same idea - Téah has taken to sleeping in Emma's bed at night. I'm not kidding! around 3 or 4am every night, Téah brings a blanket and sometimes a pillow and curls up on Emma's dog bed and spends the rest of the night with Emma. It's pretty funny!


A goofy picture of Téah in the sun. This was in the living room and the sun was pouring in the front window.


And a picture of me and Téah. (yes, taken by me. It's the only way I get pictures of myself with the kids!)

So we are selling our house. Almost anyone who would read this already knows this bit of information, but I am most definitely still processing it. John has poured his heart and soul into this house for the last almost 3 years and I have worked extremely hard to decorate my children's rooms, cook meals, and make this house a home for our family. We have amazing friends right in the neighborhood, down the street and literally in our backyard. We have a yard that I never could have dreamed of having within the city. But the big problem? All of this was a gift. An amazing gift that we were blessed with for almost 3 years. This was Téah's first house and Micah's only home. And we were blessed to be able to raise them here for the time we have. We have had a garden that I dreamed of having. And we were blessed to share the fruits of our garden with our friends and family. God placed us here for a reason and I'm pretty sure he's teaching us a difficult lesson through all of this. It's not about what we PHYSICALLY HAVE. It's just not. And it's not more important than God's long term plan for us. We have learned a lot through all of this and I know it's not over. A wise friend and sister (thanks, Priscilla!) told me, "Sometimes the way He does that shaping is by telling us "no" to the things our hearts are holding so tightly to." So true.

On another note, my kids are so much fun right now. Admittedly we are struggling a bit with a sassy 3 year old girl, but she cracks me up daily. The things that come out her mouth are absolutely hilarious. And she remembers things that happened so long ago! Her memory is so much better than mine! Micah is crazy. He's 18 months old in two days and giving us a run for our money. He is the happiest little boy and just loves everyone. His favorite phrases are "yeah!" and "nuh-uh" (substitutes for "yes" and "no") He also loves to make animal noises. My favorite being the chicken (bach, bach, bach...) and the chick (cheep, cheep) and ask him to show you his "fishy face" next time you see him. Hilarious.

And yes, the dogs are fine. Emma ran away recently. Short story: Emma finds a way out of the gate, I almost find her, I jump in the car with a stranger (!) in an effort to catch her. Emma gets hit by a car in front of me and runs off again. John and Tiny walk miles outside looking (it was about 5 degrees outside). The next morning, still no Emma. We place a lost and found ad on Craigslist, get a hit. Finally find her the next day after receiving help from strangers and a local vet's office. She is now fine and as anxious and nervous as ever. (read: barky) Tiny is fine and goofy.

Here are a few pictures for you:

This is what happens when I think Téah's napping but she's actually upstairs quietly in my makeup bag. (yes, that's mascara and lipstick)



Here's a couple of the kiddos getting along and being cute.

We're in a tough spot. Some of it is due to poor decisions on our part. Some of it is due to circumstances we could not have foreseen. Some of it is just bad luck. (Or lack thereof.)

Micah's lead level did not go down as far as we had hoped it would. It is currently under the "safe" level. But the more I research on my own and read studies about lead exposure the more I am convinced there really is no "safe" level. Somewhere, somehow he is still being exposed to lead in our house. Which also means Téah is being exposed to it. Of course, as parents, John and my immediate reaction is to say, "let's get our kids away from any possible exposure!"

However, it is a bit more complicated than that.

We are completely invested in this house. Heart, body, mind, soul. Completely invested. John (and many family members and friends) have spent hours putting their time, effort and love into this house. I honestly cannot even begin to list the things that have been done since we bought this house back in May of 2006. I know from the outsiders perspective this should not matter. Our childrens' health should be more important than any of that. And it is. Please believe me on this point. But it is hard to give up a dream and something you have put blood, sweat and tears into for almost 3 years.

There's also the financial side of the situation. We did not buy this house with the intent of selling it to make money. We didn't even buy it with the intent to make back what we put into it. We bought it with the intent to make it a home for our family and friends to enjoy and feel welcomed. However with selling comes the question, "Can we make the money back that we have put into it?" The answer is more than likely, "no." Not in today's market. Possibly not ever. So how can we possibly afford to move out, find a SAFE, lead-free house and try to sell this one. We can't figure out a way to make it work.

So now we're thinking about trying to rent it out. We'll see where that goes. And please know that we have no idea where this is going to lead. By reading this you have been subjected to my thinking out loud.

Please, please, please. If you own a home built before 1978 and you have young children or are currently pregnant, spend the money and have the lead-testing done. DO NOT mess around with lead. Just don't.

Just to continue the updates. Here are some pictures.

Micah likes to try on Téah's crown and "princess dresses." We call him Prince Mikey.


Téah tried on my new boots. They come to my knees - they come to her hip!


I believe this was after a pumpkin chocolate chip muffin breakfast.


Téah and her cousin, Gideon. (my brother, Richard's oldest).


There are no words for this.

It has been a long time since my last post and for that, I'm sorry. I often think about blogging then find something else to do (and mind you, it's probably NOT more important. I'm just good at wasting time.) Since my last post (in no particular order)

1. We went to Cincy and saw TWO Over the Rhine Concerts. It was amazing. We also had a great time hanging out with Jill and Jeremy! Téah loved it and keeps asking when we're going back to "jilly's house."

2. John threw me a surprise party for my birthday! I will admit I knew about it ahead of time, but it was John's fault. He told the three year old about it and expected me not to find out! It was a lot of fun. And yes, I'm now 30.

3. Christmas, of course. Some present were finished in time, some were not and will be completed for other holidays. Next year I will plan ahead a little better.

4. I went to TN and NC with the kids, my parents and Gavin (my nephew). John kept things together here in Pittsburgh. We had a ton of fun visiting with my brother, Richard, his wonderful wife, Priscilla and their three kids (Gideon, Elliotte and Eden.) Téah had sooooo much fun playing with all of her cousins and I learned that Micah is a pretty good little traveler.

5. Micah has been dealing with asthma on and off for a couple of months. It's no fun for anyone. He's now on a daily inhaled medicine (via nebulizer) and we're getting better at finding ways to help him "keep his mask on."

6. We got Micah's lastest lead level back and it is NOT as low as we had hoped. We are no seriously considering selling our house and moving. I would ask that you remember us in your prayers with this decision. We're really in a tough spot.

7. We got another dog! (yes, we're officially crazy!) Emma now has a doggy brother named Tiny. Tiny is a 130 lb. Great Dane who is a big baby and loves to be loved and is great with the kids and with Emma (who we love, but honestly she is a bit of a spastic dog!) There are pictures below.

That's all for now! I'll post again soon this time. I promise. (ok, I hope).

I'm sure a lot of you have seen the video for Advent Conspiracy or have at least heard about it. If you haven't, check it out. (click on the link). John and I made a conscious decision last year to try and not go "overboard" with Christmas for our kids. They each get 3 gifts. (ok and I add in one for Christmas Eve that is "bedtime focused") Well this year we wanted to take it a step further so we decided that we would both make one of their gifts and only buy one gift for each of them. Since they can't get online yet and read here I feel confident that I am safe telling you what they are getting for Christmas.

Téah:
1. small table with 2 chairs (made by John)
2. dress up clothes (made by me)
3. Sleeping Beauty DVD (the thing she has voiced that she would really like to have!)

Micah:
1. toy box for his room (made by John)
2. Quilt with matching pillow (made by me)
3. some not-yet-decided wooden toy (I refuse to buy more plastic toys!)

It may not look like much, but they're 3 and 14 months. What else could they need? I'm pretty excited to give them both things that we have worked on for them and that they will have for years to come. And I will admit this: Micah's quilt was supposed to be a birthday present, but I didn't finish it in time!)

In addition to this we decided along with our families to cut down giving all-around. For my side of the family we are only buying gifts for the kids. And we exchanged names so each kid gets one gift. For John's side of the family we are cutting back to one gift each and trying to make those as much as possible. I can't say what I'm making Jill (John's sister) and Alli (John's Mom) because they both read here - but I think they're going to like it! John has something up his sleeve for his Dad and Brother-in-Law, Jeremy. But he hasn't shared with me yet what it will be!

For each other this year, John and I are going to see Over the Rhine in Cincinnati, OH Dec. 19th & 20th. The annual Christmas show they do every year is 2 nights this year with the first night being a reunion of sorts with their former guitar player and drummer. We are incredibly excited! The best part is we're going to hang out with John's sister, Jill and her husband, Jeremy. They live in Cincy and are being extremely kind and generous and are allowing the four of us to crash at their place for the weekend.

It's a great Advent and it's going to be a great Christmas.

Here's a Halloween Synopsis:

John and Téah begin by sketching a face on the pumpkin.


Micah wanted to taste the pumpkin. So we let him.


And he liked it!


Precision is key when carving a pumpkin.


The finished product!


Téah posing with her pumpkin.


Meet Téah the Butterfly and Micah the Puppy.


All ready to go trick-or-treating. Ok, at least the 3 year old was.


"this is where I'll put my candy!"


Micah was less than impressed with his costume.