Owner: My Two Boys URL:http://adopttwoboys.blogspot.com Join Date: Sun, 17 Jun 2007 19:05:41 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: I am a SAHM wanting to be a WAHM. I am a mom of one blond angel from Arhkangelsk, Russia who lights up my life. Journey with our family as we travel to Guatemala to adopt our second child, chelate our first, and try to stay sane. Site statistics:Click here
Marvelous Mug 2007-06-18 07:43:00 I am hosting my first contest this week. While I was vacationing with Little Pickel this past week I captured some amazing Summertime Photos of him. Now, I want yours. 1. Send in your favorite SUMMER picture of your little one, (Special Needs or not).2. Papa Pickel and I will narrow the list down to three and post those on Friday the 22nd on Discussing Autism.3. Vote for your favorite between the 22nd and Monday, the 25th on Discussing Autism and My Two Boys. Winner will receive a pair of Pickel’s Pearls summertime earrings for self or spouse. Please email photos to pickelfam@yahoo.com labeled: Marvelous Mug Disclaimer: Once photos are submitted I reserve the right to publish them on this site and this site only. Tags: photo contest, www.discussingautism.com, pickels pearls
Wipe My Heinie 2007-06-22 11:12:00 Okay, not my Heinie, but Baby Pickel's Heine. I currently have a HUGE diaper bag from Vera Bradley, which I absolutely love. However, when Little Pickel and I are out and about I hate carrying a huge bag. I usually just throw a diaper into my purse with a ziploc with baby wipes. But, after I use them I forget to restock and I have gotten caught without the needed essentials before.Wouldn't it have been much handier if I had something like this from Stroller Mama for when we travel to Guatemala for Baby Pickel? Well, Adventures in Baby Wearing, a fellow Chicagoan, might make that possible in her contest of the week. I love the Chocolate Kiss!Tags: Adventures in Babywearing, Stroller Mama, Guatemama, Baby Pickel, Vera Bradley, Diaper Bag
HELP! 2007-06-22 08:13:00 Please see my Sensory Page. I NEED HELP!Tags: sensory, help
Thursday Thirteen 2007-06-21 14:07:00 Thirteen
Things about Adoption Links to other Thursday
Thirteens!1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!) Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!View More Thursday Thirteen ParticipantsTop Thirteen Countries to Adopt a Child in 2006We are headed to Guatemala this time!6,493 - China (Mainland) 4,135 - Guatemala3,706 - Russia1,376 - S. Korea732 - Ethiopia587 - Kazakhstan460 - Ukraine353 - Liberia344 - Colombia320 - India309 - Haiti245 - Philippines187 - China (Taiwan Born)
Grandma and Grandpa 2007-06-21 12:22:00 Little Pickel is seriously missing his Grandma
and Grandpa
who he sees almost everyday. We were on vaca last week and they are on it this week. So, two weeks without them is like torture for him. How often do your kids see their grandparents?Tags: grandparents, missing, poll
Pickel, Pickle, Where? 2007-06-27 21:58:00 Essential Car Travel Accessory #1: Pickle
Jar, preferably empty and cleaned of the pickle scent. Make sure to have lid, as one WILL have to close it after relieving oneself.Warning: do not attempt to use any open container. Young children are apt to drink from them.Blame this travel accessory on my mother.Tags: travel, handy dandy tip
Thirteen Things I Want to Teach My Two Boys 2007-06-27 20:36:00 Thirteen Things I Want to Teach My Two Boys
1. To be smart with money and always earn money in an honest manner.2. To love a woman so deeply she will never question it.3. To value education.4. To respect others opinions, things, and feelings.5. To honor tradition and special moments.6. To work hard and play hard.7. How to take risks.8. How to know when to listen and when to speak.9. How to relax and be a kid.10. To think creatively and constructively.11. To appreciate the little things people do and know that that is what makes the big things work.12. How to work as a team.13. How to be a family.Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and l Read more:Thirteen
Wordless Wednesday 2007-06-26 20:52:00 A little artsy this week.Pickel Mountain, Georgia.Tags: wordless wednesday Read more:Wednesday
Success and a Tad Busy! 2007-06-25 10:39:00 I've been a tad busy lately but I've had a little success. I'll highlight a few things going on.1. I am now an official member of Chicago Mom Blogs, "a collaborative group of moms writing about their lives in Chicago, Ill., where moms endure “El” construction on the way to work, navigate their way into tight parking spots, push strollers through slushy sidewalks, and occasionally indulge in a shopping spree on Michigan Avenue, if, that, is, they can get sitters."They let me in even though I am a suburbanite. The site is featured today in the Chicago Tribune. Big day to become a new member, eh?2. I am this weeks featured writer at Top Blog Mag. With a story about cellulite and hearing aids, who wouldn't be? 3. Little Pickel is throwing Crocs down the river in the Carnival of Life at Everyday Disasters.4. Marvelous Mug is concluding on Wednesday at Discussing Autism. Make sure to cast your vote.5. And, finally, I'm announcing my first carnival! I have noticed that there is a se Read more:Success
Recall the Train, Thomas is Toxic 2007-06-30 08:57:00 I reported yesterday on Discussing Autism that Thomas
the Train
is on Recall alert. I also announced that I will be donating 10 cents of every dollar for all replacement trains ordered through my sites. The donations will go to Autism Speaks. So, return those Thomas Trains to RC2 and order your replacement trains from here or Discussing Autism and stock up for birthdays and Christmas. Go with Brio...our choice for good, clean, toxic free fun!Tags: thomas the train, recall, brio, autism speaks, discussing autism, donation
Jumpin' On 2007-06-28 22:02:00 I have to jump on the bandwagon here because, after all, I am a reading teacher by nature. (I have my Masters Degree in Reading with a concentration in Young Adult Literature.)One of my favorite books (and series) of all time is Harry Potter. I have read every single book, have every movie, and even read the last one on the plane to Russia to pick up Little Pickel. Its only fitting that I am turning in my paperwork for Baby Pickel at the same time the next book comes out. Anyway, if you are any type of Harry Potter fan...BUY THE BOOK!Tags: Harry Potter
Thursday Thirteen 2007-07-04 22:36:00 My Thirteen
Favorite American Pastimes(in no particular order of importance or chronological order)1. Baseball Games, preferably the Cubbies2. Camping3. College Football Games4. Thanksgiving5. Fireworks6. Bike Rides7. Board Games8. Costume Parties9. Family Dinners10. Homecoming Dances11. Making out in the Backseat of a car12. Sprinklers13. KeggersLinks to other Thursday
Thirteens!1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!) Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!View More Thursday Thirteen ParticipantsTags: American pastimes, thursday thirteen
Maid for Hire 2007-07-04 10:12:00 Lately I feel like a Maid for Hire...Mama, Milk please.Mama, Help Please.Mama, Want Beef!Mama, AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHMama, Mama, Mama, (wakes me from a sound sleep 3 times last night...but he is sound asleep. Wolf Cryer!)Mama, wipe butt.Mama, need diaper. (um no, you just went on the potty)DW, Where's my Shirt?DW, Did you get the dry cleaning?DW, Where are Little Pickel's sheets?DW, I'm going for a run.DW, are you mowing the lawn or am I?DW, What's for dinner?Woof, (translation...give me cookie)Woof, (translation...give me dinner)Woof, Woof, (translation...move, thats my spot)Wine, (translation...potty please)Speaking of wine...red please.Tags: maid, wine
Wordless Wednesday 2007-07-03 21:07:00 My First PopsicleAs many of you know, Little Pickel is on a gluten/casein free diet. He is also on a soy, sugar, and corn limited diet. This was the first time he enjoyed a popsicle. Every other time he had one he hated the cold and the texture because of his sensory issues. Happy Fourth little one!Tags: Wordless Wednesday
, popsicle, fourth of july
Today 2007-07-03 09:17:00 Today is my 8th wedding anniversary.I am spending it cleaning out the basement, making hot dogs for lunch, and will probably watch tv on the coach this evening. The Closer was on last night and I Tivo'd it.But, on Thursday Papa Pickel has a HUGE surprise for me. He has been hinting at it since he sent me a text two weeks ago.text: Don't make any plans for the 5th. Little Pickel is staying with your parents.I keep trying to guess what it is but he keeps throwing me off and so does my mother.Bring your hicking boots. No, your cocktail dress. You know, you really should think about bringing Little Pickel's things over Wednesday instead of Thursday.UGH!Any ideas from the Pickel Gallery?Tags: Anniversary, marriage Read more:Today
Working Hard or Hardly Working? 2007-07-03 07:54:00 These last few days I have desperately been trying to get a few posts written. It has been harder than getting my son to take a nap (and that is a monstrous task). I have resorted to posting some lists on my Adoption Page but have written a few interesting ones on Chicago Moms Blog and Discussing Autism because they were particularly timely. Those were done when Papa Pickel was was studying for his MBA and Little Pickel was asleep and between Night Terrors.As I sit writing this one I am on the couch in my pajamas and sipping (okay gulping) my morning coffee. Little Pickel is snuggled up next to me grabbing hold of my arm in efforts to get deep pressure and prevent me from writing. He is also digging his feet into my thigh, something he constantly does because of his restlessness. Pickel Dog is barking at me and slobbering on the keyboard because he wants a cookie.I just wish I had more time.Tags: writing time, working, Discussing autism, chicago moms blogs
Stock up for Winter 2007-07-07 13:49:00 Stock up for Winter One Step Ahead is having a HUGE clearance on their winter items, Halloween costumes, and sleepwear. Make sure to stock up on those great prices.They also have their Summer Reductions Summer Wear and Products already reduced.Tags: One Step Ahead Sale, Leaps and Bounds Sale, Winter Sale, SUmmer Sale, Great Prices, Clearance Read more:Stock
My Day, in a Nutshell 2007-07-06 22:47:00 Me: You need to go potty please.Little Pickel: Uh, No.Me: Then you're not going outside (to the park, to the pool, in the car, to the store, anywhere you snotty munckin)!Little Pickel: (races to the bathroom, pulls down pants, pulls up shirt, and aims his *&^&* as best he can without the use of hands) Hit water, hit water, hit water.Me: Yes dear, make sure you hit the water.Little Pickel: (Dribbles, pulls up pants, pulls down shirt, and sprints to the back door.) Come on, hurry up, I show you.Me: Can you wash your hands?Little Pickel: Uh, no.Me: Then you're not going outside (to the park, to the pool, in the car, to the store, anywhere you snotty munckin)!Little Pickel: (races back to the bathroom, pulls up stool, climbs up, grabs soap, attempts squirt, runs water, turns off water, jumps down, and sprints to the back door.)Me: Can you dry your hands?Little Pickel: Uh, no.Me: Then you're not going outside (to the park, to the pool, in the car, to the store, anywhere you snotty mu
Its Not an Anniversary Without Fireworks 2007-07-06 21:27:00 I got married on July 3. Yes, stupid me thought it would be cool to get married on a holiday weekend.But, because of that particular weekend everyone except Mr. Cabin Up North came to the wedding and it was a full house. It ended up being 98 sweltering degrees with 95 % humidity and non of the facilities we used could keep up with the air conditioning.The year before, on July 3, my husband took me to The Taste of Chicago. The weather was the same; hot, muggy, and I was miserable in the heat. But, we had a fantastic time eating our way through Grant Park and up to Navy Pier.We had reservations at McCormick Center for the evening and headed there early, as the thunder storms chased us there. We watched the Chicago Fireworks
from the McCormick Center as thunder crashed and lightning crackled. It was an amazing sight.I vowed then that I would marry on the 3rd. He proposed two weeks later. It was still hot.Last night he took me back to Chicago to celebrate our 8th Anniversary
. We stayed at
Its five o'clock somewhere, right? 2007-07-12 10:48:00 Inevitably as the day rolls on and Little Pickel wears down his senses and his weariness get the best of him.Instead of winding down like many kids do though, Little Pickel winds up like one of those toys we used to wind up when we were kids...the ones that had arms and legs that kicked out in front of them and marched to the beat of drums or teeth that chattered incessantly?With his SID (Sensory Integration Dysfunction) he just can't handle a full day of activity and lately his frustration level has been running sky-high. I came across this site the other day and was amazed to find that its not his chelation medication making him agitated, nor is it his lack of sleep. Its his over stimulation and his inability to regulated himself.Violent, inexplicable tantrums. It is difficult for children, especially younger children, to put into words what has set them off, leaving parents bewildered as to why the child is having a tantrum.Being easily and quickly frustrated at trying to complete
Thursday Thirteen 2007-07-11 20:25:00 Thirteen
Names for Baby Pickel 1. Logan2. Anthony3. Benjamin4. William5. Andrew6. Anderson7. Jack8. Seth9. Charlie10. Adan (Spanish)11. Garrett12. Gordon13. HarleyTags: Thursday
Thirteen, Poll, Baby Names, AdoptionGet the Thursday Thirteen code here!The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Podonbutai Giveaway 2007-07-11 10:00:00 I'm rollin' the dice again with Adventures in Babywearing. Maybe this time she will pick another Chicago mom and save on shipping...or we'll just meet for lunch!I, of course, need a baby carrier for our trip to Guatemala since I lent ours out and have never seen it again. Guess they liked the Hip Hammock that much! I can see why. I absolutely loved it. All Natural Mommies is giving away this great new baby carrier called the Podonbutai, a 3 in one Baby Carrier. And check out the awesome pictures of Stephanie!Tags: adventures in baby wearing, giveaway, all natural mommies, podonbutai, hip hammock
Winnie Obsession 2007-07-10 23:10:00 Flip Flop Mama has won Little Pickel's heart! She is giving away a Winnie
the Pooh DVD.Little Pickel's Heart: flip flop, flip flop, flip flop. Read more:Obsession
Wordless Wednesday 2007-07-10 20:45:00 What did he inherit? I wrote about this topic a few weeks ago on my Adoption Page.I think he inherited my love for Cotton Candy. What do you think?There is a little bit of history here...My grandfather, my father's stepfather, once owned a movie theater in the small town of Appleton City, Missouri. He also owned a very large and useful Cotton Candy Machine.As a child this was my absolute favorite thing in the world. So, when my grandmother was ill and Christmas time rolled around my grandparents sent my two brothers a handmade quilt (I already had mine) and I got this fantastic Cotton Candy Machine from the 1940's. My husband (pictured on the far right) rewired it and we bring it out for special occassions.This year it came out for the 4th of July.P.S. Happy Birthday Grandpa (Dad)!Tags: Wordless Wednesday
, Fourth of July, Cotton Candy Machine, Appleton City Missouri
Where Surprise Go? 2007-07-10 12:02:00 Little Pickel has a name for each of his toys and some of his other objects like his coat. That was actually one of the most hilarious ones to hear for the first time...Hank. He got the name because he wanted to "Hank" his coat up.Each one of his trains has a name, including Thomas, Annie Surprise
, Engine, and Singapore Train (from Singapore).Cars have names; SUV, Grandpa Car, Grandma Hot Car (Corvette), Mama Car (Yukon), Hummer, Reid Car (the one Reid left here), Mater, Lightning, etc.His stuffed animals have names; Big Bear, Bunny, Tigger, Red Bear, and Blue Bear.Even his blankets have names; Blue blanket and fuzzy blanket.As you can see...very simple but we know exactly what he is talking about.So, yesterday when Surprise went missing (again) we searched high and low. Papa found it this morning hanging from a fake tree in his office. Go figure.Tags: names, toys
Controversial Capture 2007-07-15 08:32:00 I captured this picture yesterday at a friend's lake house. Little Pickel had picked up someone's empty bottle and was joyfully filling it with sand. He absolutely loved doing this and continued to empty and refill the bottle for hours. I think it is a great picture because of the lines and the texture of the sand but it is certainly controversial because of the bottle. He was obviously not drinking it and neither was I because I was taking the picture.What do you think? Read more:Controversial
Introspective 2007-07-15 08:04:00 When someone is ill we often turn inwards to examine not only ourselves but also the people around us. We have a friend who is ill right now and his family is having a difficult time (and I don't blame them, as this entire situation was unexpected).How will they deal with the after effects if he does not pull through? My brain circles through the emotional loss, the silence in an empty house, the financial pressures, those stupid little around the house jobs like changing the screen doors or just opening a spaghetti jar, the absent holiday functions, and the sometimes retching and always lingering heartache that takes so long to heal. And most of the time never does.And then my mind circles to my family and how devastating this loss would be for us and how real it could be. My father turned 65 this past week and it frightens me that he still smokes and eats poorly. Sure, I've told him this. Does he listen? No.Maybe this will make him.Tags: death, illness, family, father
Special Needs Carnival for Kids 2007-07-13 21:01:00 Don't forget to submit your post to the first SpecialNeedsCarnival
for Kids. Penelope at Brazen Careerist has already sent hers in and its a doozy!Submit at Blog Carnival or right here.Final submission is July 30.
Sleeping with Stinky Butt and Conehead 2007-07-13 08:11:00 My night started like all nights do. I slip into bed, almost unnoticed, as I stay up a "tad" later than my dear husband because I play on my computer too long. However, this time I noticed a rather odd smell wafting up from the sheets I lifted ever so slightly to get in the bed.Oh no, did someone eat Cole Slaw? I groaned LOUDLY so all could hear.Papa Pickel (aka Stinky Butt): Huh, what?Me: What did you eat? (trying to pinch my nose and hold my breath at the same time, unsuccessfully)Papa Pickel: Bread.Oh no! Not the bread! Yes, the evil, double fiber, got it at Sam's Club because I thought it was healthly, don't light a match in my house bread.And, who, you ask, is Conehead? This big guy who happens to have what is called a "hot spot" according to my wonderful vet of a neighbor. Yesterday, after he sprayed blood all over my kitchen because he would not stop scratching his sore I broke down and bought this $20 (can you believe that price for a piece of plastic?) cone. Read more:Sleeping
The Dress 2007-07-18 11:37:00 So this is the dress I got for the Chicago Moms Blog Girls Night Out. It was actually 50% the 109 price so I got it for $60! I am such the bargain shopper! If you are in the market for a new sundress or some new wedding/cocktail dresses I say head to White House/Black Market.I really wanted to also get this one as well but I don't have the need for it right now. But, I looked fabulouso in it!Tags: Chicago Moms Blog, White House/Black Market, dress
Recommend Site To A Friend
