Trains, trains and more trains.

Maverick loves trains. Really anything with wheels, but lately a little more trains than anything else. Before we even met Maverick one of Greg's guys asked if we wanted "Geotrax" for Maverick. I said sure...and packed it all away without really looking at it. I decided the other day to get some out- because the living room that is already full of freaking toys needed a few more. Much to my surprise there were trains. So I grabbed some trains, tracks and ran upstairs. I didn't know how to turn it on. Nope, I'm not even kidding. I put batteries in it, and pressed the button...nothing. Ten minutes pass with me fiddling with anything that can be fiddled with. Nothing. I google it. OMG I am so ashamed to admit I had to google how to use my 2 year old's toy. I realize there is an RV type remote. I run down stairs, grab one, and put batteries in it. I thought I was the hero. Until that didn't work either. I sit there for 20 minutes with Maverick looking at me like ummmmm does this move mama?? Greg asked if he should call the person we got it from. I said...Hell no! I will look like a total moron if you have to ask how to turn the thing on! Finally it hits me...I have the wrong remote. So I run back down stairs, get the right remote, switch out the batteries...and again think I'm the hero. Until all it does is makes sounds. Still no train movement. If you ever wondered how Forrest Gump felt everyday, this is it. I was clueless. I googled. I still couldn't work the damn thing. I hit toy rock bottom.  I sat there for 5 minutes just making the train sound..which Maverick loved by the way..until something I did caused the train to move! I have NO idea what I did..but now we have a working train.
I know girl toys. Barbie clothes on, Barbie clothes off. Repeat. That's a breeze. These boy toys are going to kill me....

Truths..

Truth: I hate waking up at 6am. I HATE it. Maddye has to be on the bus before I normally get up. I can't snooze. I can't delay. I hate that damn bus.

Truth: Maddye hates waking up at 6am. Maybe more than I hate it. She just masks her anger better than I do.

Truth: Maddye is loving her new school. We're pretty proud of her, and we're hoping for a great 5th grade experience.

Truth: Maddye, Maverick and I are NOT morning people. Mornings are not amusing. Mornings are not fun.

Truth: Greg is a morning person. There are days I want to strangle him. There are days it takes everything I have in me not to snap and say "shut it!". Greg is only chatty in the morning I swear. I do believe that he knows it drives me mad, and he's trying to make me snap. The silly man thought we would become morning people....not gonna happen.

Truth: We have bees. Not a few bees. I'm talking full colony of freaking bees taking up residency in the wall of our fireplace. They are able to get in through the fireplace. We've tried to use spray, we've even used heavy duty concentrate insecticide. The only thing we've accomplished is turning our patio into a bee battle ground. There are dead bees everywhere...yet we still see them flying in and out, and getting into our house. I vote for a professional. Where the hell is the Bug-Busters when you need him?

Truth: If I owned a pest control company I would call it "Bug-Busters"...who you gonna call....Bug Busters. Oh I can see it now.

Truth: Maverick might be smarter than me. This kid really amazes me. He is saying EVERYTHING, and is just too smart for his own good.

Truth: We recently came home from vacation to maggots in our sink. There is nothing better than a big fat maggot welcoming you home to reality. It was so gross. Apparently a fly thought it was a great idea to lay eggs in our garbage disposal. Note to self: put the stopper in, and bleach in the sink!

Truth: Things that I think about happen. Now before you chalk me up to another loon, listen! The penis in the garbage disposal thing, and now a murder at Put-In-Bay. No..I did not think about killing anyone, but while we were there I thought holy shit if someone wanted to bad bad things- they might just get away with it..especially on Middle Bass Island. I'm just saying. I was wrong....the person who did the killing did get caught. But....still my thoughts happen a few weeks later. Weird.

Truth: For those of you that are local- Middle Bass Island is one creepy place. If someone wanted to film a horror movie Middle Bass Island is the place to go. I have no idea how someone could live there!! We did find out that there were a couple of college kids from Kazakhstan working at a restaurant for the summer there. (One of the two restaurants on the island...just sayin) . I told Greg over and over...."I don't belong here".

Truth: I hate waking up at 6am...did I mention that already?

Not I.

No I am not a member of the Paradise Garden Nudist Resort in Ohio. Just in case any of you were wondering. Speaking of wondering.....
If you are a nudist where do you keep your chapstick? I'm really curious. A nudist chick could carry a purse I guess....but a nudist dude? I'm thinking I should market nudists. I could make a little chapstick bag that hangs on the......I'm going to stop there. I can't give away all my secrets.
If you are a nudist do you compliment body parts to break the ice? In the clothed world we can say "nice shirt" to break the ice. In the nudist world do you say "nice butt cheeks"? I kept it pretty PG, I was really thinking something way worse, but I couldn't let my innocent image get broken.
 If you are a nudist how do you hide a boner? (Shit..there goes my innocent image.) This has to be a concern right? I mean what if there is a Jennifer Aniston type nudist walking around? Do you quickly sit down? I'm thinking not Indian style...that might make it more noticeable. Maybe I can market something for this too...I'll call it boner-be-gone. I'm a genius.
If you are a nudist do you look? I'm going to be honest here. Really honest. I would look. At everything. I would look and be critical...just because I'm a critical person. Although if I was there looking, I would be in the nude too. Oh I shudder to think about my giggly spots giggling free. Oh the shame.
If you are a nudist do you hug other nudists? If you do, that's alot of skin on skin out in the open. I'm thinking they have to high five...right?
If you are a nudist do you have to shave if you are really hairy? Lets be honest here. There are some really hairy men out there. Hairy enough that it could be mistaken for clothes. So I call the unfair card if your hairy husband wants you to go to a nudist camp with him. No, my husband is not the hairy man in question. Greg is on the hairy side, but he isn't asking to enter a nudist camp...at least not yet. Which I totally would never do. Giggly spots..remember?
If you are a nudist do you bathe in sunblock? I'm thinking there are some areas I would never want to be sunburned. I could almost see it now. Honey, can you please put some aloe in my butt crack?
If you are a nudist do you play games in your nudist camp? If you do that just might give a whole new meaning to "corn hole". What about beer pong? I see the possibility of missing ping pong balls. I just hope if they do play games there isn't alot of squatting going on. I'm thinking that could cause some serious injuries.
If you are a nudist do you worry about bug bites? Mosquito bites are no joke. Mosquito bites on your whoo-haa would be torture. No way to hide that "secret" itch in the nude.
If you are a nudist do you worry about chafing? I'm thinking I would. I'm going to throw Greg under the bus here- pay backs remember..we went to the zoo and walking out Greg said "in case you were wondering I'm chafed" ..really I wasn't wondering. I could totally tell by the way he was walking and he was wearing shorts! Could you imagine the chafing going on if you were nude?

Here is the article about our Ohio nudist camp. Again I'm sad they didn't ask the important questions.

www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/state/beating-the-heat-by-taking-it-all-off-nudists-keep-cool-in-summer-heat-wcpo

Bus throwing

Have you ever been thrown under the bus? I have. In fact, just yesterday I was a victim again. Let me set this stage for you. Greg and I, like many married couples, talk. We have conversations about ...well just about everything. Normally we both have comments, and we both go back and forth with our opinions, which usually leads into yet another topic. Sometimes we agree, and sometimes we don't. A few weeks ago we were having one of our conversations and the topic of grass came up. Greg, as you may already know is crazy about his grass. (So crazy attentive that sometimes I'm jealous of the freaking grass. I've considered painting myself green to grab his attention, but..well...that's alot of green paint.) He loves his grass. He treats his grass like it's the queen. (I'm not 100% sure but I'm pretty sure he whispers sweet nothings to the grass when I'm not around) Anyway...we started talking about how we- and when I say "we" I do in fact mean Greg and I, wish that our neighbor would cut his far back yard. I said it because I like to see the baby deer, and the grass is too long to see them. Greg said it because he doesn't like the "hood" grass hanging out with his "honor student" grass. Conversation over.
Or is it? So yesterday I come home and our neighbor is on some crazy machine that is cutting and tilling his far back yard. I think nothing of it, go inside and start dinner. A little later Greg comes home, and I said.."holy crap did you see (insert neighbor name here) on that machine? Greg then says "yeah, I've been talking to him for a while now. He said you can be happy now that he cut his grass"......What?! Excuse me? You told the neighbor I was complaining about his grass? Oh it's on now. When I see this neighbor I'm going to inform him that I wanted to just see the baby deer- and that bus thrower over here thinks your tall ass grass is a bad influence on his good grass.
So it looks like I'm going to have to throw Greg under the bus big time...just to get even.

In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory

of

Jayden Thomas Graves

August 1, 2003

Safe in His arms, forever in our hearts

Eight years ago today our lives were touched by an angel. Jayden's tiny life left foot prints on the hearts of so many of us.  On that day our lives were forever changed, in that one moment I realized how fragile life really is. I will forever cherish the time I had when Jayden was in my arms, and I will never forget how beautiful he was. 

They are all beautiful memories, silently kept, of a baby we love, and never forget.

Happy Birthday sweet boy. We love you.

Mixed Nuts....

Dicks sucks.

Not that Dicks. I'm talking about Dickssportinggoods.com. I ordered a gift for Greg for our anniversary. Four days later I get an email saying the order has been cancelled because our address was not a valid address. I called customer service. I was pretty mad. They could find no reason for the order to be cancelled, and offered help place the order again using a different address. I decided to use my work address since we're a business and get deliveries every day. I placed a formal complaint because it was such horrible customer service. They took 10% off my order. All is good..right? WRONG.
Today, four days after my second order they cancel my order again. Due to an invalid address. WTF.
So I call customer service again. This time they get pissed off, sarcastic Becki. My order was cancelled twice there was not a nice thought in my head. First I talk to a customer service chick fill her in and she says they will contact their manufacturer and let me know why. I just asked for a manager because I was about to unleash the beast.
Him: Is there something I can help you with today?
Me: Apparently not.
Him: I see you've had some trouble with your order.
Me: Nope, you've had the trouble. I just pay to get screwed.
Him: We will of course refund your payment...
Me: Yes, yes you will.
Him: We have an inquiry in about why this happened.
Me: This is f-ing ridiculous. This is the worst customer service I have ever seen.
Him: I have an idea. We can place the order again with another address.
Me: Ha. A third time? With a third address? You want me to move so you can send me my purchase?
      Can I ship to store?
Him: You would have to go to the store and arrange it with someone that will be working the day it gets 
        delivered so they can sign for it.
Me: Are you F-ing kidding me?! Even Walmart has ship to store. What kind of store is Dicks?
Him: Maybe send it to a family member?
Me: No. I would rather give someone else the business. Someone that will actually send my purchase.
Him: I'm going to follow up with you as soon as we find out why the addresses were rejected.
        Then we can place the order again.
Me: Not gonna happen. I would rather shoot myself in the foot than order from Dicks again.
Him: I'll call you tomorrow.
Me: I won't answer or maybe I will. Hell I am surprised you think my phone number is valid.

Dicks...you suck!!!!

Oh Crap.

I'm a teeny tiny bit worried I might be arrested as an accessory to a penis nabbing.
Let me start from the beginning.
Greg and I have heard several "cheating" stories lately. I know Greg would never ever cheat on me. But just in case I informed him that if he were to ever cheat on me, I would cut off his penis and put it down the garbage disposal. I may or may not have added the words "try and re-attach that". Today while reading my normal news..I come across this headline "Man's penis cut off, put down garbage disposal". Oh crap. I've said those exact words. I've tweeted those exact words. I may have facebooked those exact words. Now I blog those exact words.
I feel the need to say I've never met this "penis attacker" nor have our paths ever crossed. I think.

Now I worry about tomorrow's news. I've also told Greg I would pluck his turkey. I was mad about something..not sure what it was..but I indeed told him I would pluck his prized turkey. Totally funny looking back on it but now I worry about some poor turkey being plucked out of revenge just because I said it. 

http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/water_cooler/mans-penis-cut-off-put-through-garbage-disposal

45 secrets to a happy marriage

Our local news channel had this list on their website. 45 Secrets to a happy marriage.
Lets see if they got it right.
 I will, of course, add my 2 ¢.

1)  If you think she's beautiful, tell her.
     Damn right- this should be #1. Although...I think it should read, if he looks good..tell him. You don't want him to think he's not the pretty one in the relationship...

2)  Make dinner together. Eat dinner together. Go to bed together.
      Make dinner together? That would never work in the House of Stone. Greg's not the cooking type. I'm sure if I ever made him help me he would go all Emril on me. Bam!

3)  Your fantasy life should revolve around your wife, not your football team.
     Mama likey. This one stays.

4)  Life is short. Say "I love you" at least once every day.
    All jokes aside..this one is important and when he forgets to tell you text him...and make him feel guilty.

5)  The more time you spend trying to change your spouse, the less time you have for improving yourself.
   Eh. Some of us don't need improvement. When I say some of us I mean me. I think this one should read...there is always room for change.

6)  One of the sexiest things you can do in bed is to serve your spouse a nice breakfast.
   Disagree. One of the sexiest things you can do in bed is...well not breakfast!!! Just a hint..it has nothing to do with food. Just sayin.

7)  Talk to each other, not at each other. And really listen.
   Agreed. If he starts to zone out throw the word nipple in...that will always bring him back.

8)  It doesn't matter what you think you're fighting about. It always comes down to a choice between fear and love. Choose wisely.
   I don't know about you..but when we're fighting it totally matters what we are fighting about! Fear and love have nothing to do with it. It's all about right and wrong. Which I should state that 99.9% of the time I'm the right one. (at least I think so!)

9)  Write this into your wedding vows: "I promise to faithfully replace the toilet paper whenever I use the last of it."
  Shit. This one applies to me. Sometimes I use the bathroom in the dark..and how am I supposed to know I used the last of it?!  I've even tried to blame the hubby for my leaving it empty, and it backfired.

10) Do things together. Do things apart.
  They should define "things" . Golf..ok. Pedi's with the girls..ok. Diddling the neighbor..not ok.

11)  Career, personal goals and family are important, but nothing is more important than your relationship.
    Career, personal goals..yes. Family is part of your relationship, so you can't put them on the less than important level. Unless we're talking about the weirdo step cousin that is always in your business. That family, yes. Your immediate family..no.

12)  The cruelest question you can ask a husband: "Notice anything different?"
   This is the BEST question you can ask your husband. It's the relationship version of a pop quiz. It's always good to keep him on his toes.Who doesn't love to watch the look on his face when he is trying to figure out what the F is different.

13)  Be your spouse's biggest cheerleader.
   I agree and I wear a cheerleader uniform too. OK...I'm kidding. Greg would probably laugh and my self esteem would be ruined for life.

14)  If you've truly forgiven your spouse for something, you'll never bring it up again.
   This falls under the forgive and forget category. There is also the forgive, but never ever forget category. I rarely put anything in the vault. Which I'm sure annoys the crap out of Greg. But..hey...that's just me.

15)  Your wife doesn't need to know that you think that chick across the street has a great figure. (Not that there's anything wrong with noticing.)
   Or the chick on TV which is the only reason you watch the show, and your hubby shouldn't know you think  Maks on Dancing with the stars is sex in a tight outfit- but when you drool, and tell your spouse to rewind...it's a giveaway.

16)  Be spontaneously ridiculous and unabashedly silly. Make your spouse laugh. It nourishes your souls.
   Agreed. Just don't ever laugh in bed. Total mojo killer.

17)  No one person can give you everything you need.
   Well of course not. If you need milk you have to rely on the cow...well someone milking that said cow. If you need a hair cut you clearly wouldn't want your spouse doing it!!!!

18)  If he forgets your anniversary, don't freak out about it. If he forgets your name, do.
  Get married on a date he can't forget. 07-07-07. Does not knowing your middle name fall under this category? Greg still has to pause to remember my middle name. Honey..say it with me...Dawn. It's not Lynn.

19)  "What can I do for you, honey?"
    This one is touchy. You might get an answer you weren't prepared to give. There is one standard answer that will follow this question about 75% of the time. You should be able to guess it.

20)  He's not a mind reader. If you want him to know what you're thinking or feeling, you have to tell him.
  He's not a mind reader for sure and when he thinks he can read your mind he is way off.

21)  If you make your kids the center of your universe, there's going to be one massive black hole when they finally grow up and leave.
   This should say "Find a balance between romance and the kids. You'll need that romance later when you are too old to make babies and your babies moved out."

22)  Recognize your spouse's weaknesses, but focus on the strengths.
  For sure. You need to know what you can push off on your hubby to do, and what you will have to do for yourself!

23)  If you always have to win the argument, you'll eventually lose the relationship.
  That's why you let him think he won the argument.

24)  Only if she asks: "No, honey, that dress isn't very flattering." (Not "It makes you look fat.")
   Yes, and never, I repeat never, moo. Or say she looks "fine". Fine is never good.

25)  Find someone to talk to about your marriage, but never talk your spouse down to anyone.
    But always tell the really funny stories.The ones that your spouse would KILL you if they found out you told. Shhhhh!

26)  When you finally realize your spouse is as flawed and messed up as you are, you can leave the rose-colored fantasy behind and start building a real adult relationship.
    You should have come to this realization week one. If you still think your spouse is perfect and does nothing wrong you are living in a fantasy world. Step away from the fairy tale book and grow the heck up!

27)  If your wife suddenly starts tanning and exercising a lot, might as well call the lawyer now. (This one came from a recently divorced friend.)
  I call foul!!! What happened to wanting to look good for yourself? For your hubby? This one is a load of crap!!

28)  Every little disagreement doesn't have to snowball into a discussion about "the relationship."
  And...never start a sentence with "we need to talk"

29)  It's actually OK to go to bed angry sometimes, as long as you agree to discuss it in the morning.
  ...and it's ok to go to bed angry, and lock the bedroom door so your hubby has to sleep on the couch. Not that he was going to even think about coming to the bedroom anyway.

30)  She's your wife, not your mommy. Go clean up after your own self.
   So true.

31)  It's not your job to make your spouse happy. (It's not possible, either.)
   Damn right. BUT...it is his job to make me happy..right?!

32)  Appreciate the love your spouse has for you. It's not something you're entitled to. It's something you earn.
   This should actually read you should appreciate everything your spouse does for you, for if you take advantage you may find yourself without...

33)  When he says, "You might have a point there, honey," what he's leaving out is "if you weren't so full of crap."
  Unless...you WERE right. He could also be leaving out "oh shit she's smarter than me"

34)  Create your own traditions for the holidays.
   I got nothing for this one. I guess it's true...

35)  Sharing your secrets (and hopes and fears) is the secret to true intimacy.
  Sharing fantasies is the true secret to intimacy. Unless you start the conversation with.."honey I would love you to wear a diaper" ..that's just weird.

36)  Want to get lucky tonight? Do a load of laundry, start to finish.
   Only wash your clothes. You know damn well if you wash mine you will shrink the shit out of my favorite sweater. Which will lead to a fight, which will lead to not getting lucky for at least 2 days. Also, never say "We'll go out and buy you a new one"...she doesn't want a new one. She wants the one you shrunk the shit out of.

37)  Listen to other people's advice, but make your own choices.
   Depends on who's advice..mom's ..ok. Larry the Cable Guy....not so much. Hugh Heffner...no f-ing way.

38)  Argue naked. It's guaranteed to keep a minor disagreement from turning into a big fight.
   Oh hell no. There are way too many giggly spots to argue naked. I'm pretty animated when I'm mad. That's a giggle only Jello should be proud of. AND... you know your hubby will point it out and it will only make you madder than you already were. Although...man boobs could come into play. Hummmm.

39)  Random expressions of love and affection are the best ones. (Foot rubs count double. Feet are gross!)
   So very true but stay the heck away from my feet.

40)  Being selfish and being in love are incompatible.
   Unless you love yourself. Just sayin..

41)  Just because you know where someone's buttons are doesn't mean you have to push them.
   This is what makes life fun.Unless it's my buttons being pushed...

42)  If your dog gets more snuggle time in bed with your wife than you do, you're in trouble.
   Or...if your pillow gets more snuggle time..there's a problem. Unless you have a new  huge king size bed and you both sleep away from the neutral zone. 

43)  Money is something to talk about, not fight about.
  Unless he's spending it all on the 3 P's. ponies, porn and prostitutes.Then...you have yourself a real problem.

44)  When all is said and done, you can hang onto your pride or you can hang onto your relationship.
   Ok then...

45)  And, finally, here's a great one from Ogden Nash. "To keep your marriage brimming with love in the wedding cup  whenever you're wrong, admit it  whenever you're right, shut up."
   Can't argue with that...

 
I really think I should make my own list, and submit it to the news station......

What a weekend!!

I'm tired. Not even kidding. I guess coming off a super active weekend
will do that to you! On Saturday we took Madison & Maverick to the zoo.
This was Maverick's first time, and Greg hasn't been to the zoo in years
and years, so it was a first for both of them! I actually never thought
I would get Greg to go to the zoo, so he really surprised me!
Let me start the zoo story with..it was hot. Sunny and hot. So after we
loaded the kids with sunblock, we started our trek at the zoo. The first
stop was the seals which Mav really liked. I'm sure it was because they
were in water! I have to say the seals were pretty cute!
We bounced from animal to animal, getting Maverick in and out of the
stroller so he could see the animals. He did wonderful. Maddye wanted to
ride the camel, so Maddye, Maverick and I did just that. Riding a camel
was not fun. Now it could be that I'm old and fatter than I'd like to
be, but holy heck it was hard to ride. I was hanging on to Maverick,
while hanging on to the camel with my thighs. Which are out of shape.
Which were hurting when I got off the camel. The kiddies had fun, and we
got a picture of our ride..so that's all that matters. I will tell you,
I doubt Sally the Camel and I will ever tango again. Just sayin..
The kids also loved the monkeys (who doesn't?!) and the fish. Maverick
tried to feed the fish a fry. It was beyond cute! Maverick met a donkey
that seemed to really like him. So Maverick was touching him through the
fence, and the donkey was letting him. Then...Maverick stuck his finger
up the donkey's nose. If donkeys could have a WTF face, this donkey had it.
All in all the zoo was a great day. We had lunch, walked around all day,
and had a really good time. Maverick fell asleep on our way to the car,
but he was a trooper. We're so lucky!
On Sunday I took Maddye to Cedar Point, with my niece Adrianna, and her
Mom, Nielah. (For those of you who don't live near Ohio, Cedar Point is
a huge amusement park near us) It was HOT. Maddye loves Cedar Point.
She is such a thrill seeker! We went from ride to ride, with two
giggling girls. Adrianna loved the Calypso- so much we went on it 6
times. That's a lot of spinning. The girls went in a sprinkler fountain,
and Nielah and I were secretly hoping to get splashed!! Did I mention it
was hot?! How hot, you ask? Well my deodorant melted in my car. Degree
soup is awesome. I'm not sure what swamp ass really is, but I just might
have had it. I was a sweaty hot mess. The entire drive home I was
fantasizing about a shower. Hot right?!
We didn't get home till after 11pm, and I'm tired as heck today, but it
was so worth it. Maddye and I had a great day.
Maverick stayed home with Daddy. They went and visited Grandma & Grandpa
Stone for a bit and from what I hear Maverick didn't miss me. (I'm sure
he did!!!!)
I'm kinda hoping next weekend is empty without a single thing to do!
Fingers crossed!

Birthday Dinner...

Lobsters are cute right? Well..kinda.
I guess I should start from the beginning. Greg decided to take me to a restaurant in downtown Cleveland, called Morton's. Real fancy shamancy type restaurant. We walk in, and Greg tells them reservation for Greg Stone, and immediately she says "Happy Birthday Becki". Now I should also say on the way there I asked Greg if they were going to sing or make me put on a stupid hat..because I'm so not into public embarrassment. Greg said no. So when they said Happy Birthday I thought...oh crap. We sit down, and after a bit our waiter comes, again using our names, and wishing me a happy birthday. The menu is printed with "Happy Birthday Becki" on the top. Then it happens. They roll a table over to our table, and on the table is a sample of the meat cuts, the fish cuts, the veggies, and a lobster. Then the lobster moves, and I see it foaming from the gills. Our waiter says "yep it's alive" in a really cheery voice. Like that of a serial killer who has no soul. We had to ask our waiter to move the lobster. I couldn't have his little eyes on me...screaming "save me". I, of course, couldn't order the lobster, so I ordered shrimp, Greg ordered filet. I wonder if he would have ordered the steak if a live cow was there staring at him. Eh..it's Greg. He would have. Through the entire dinner the lobster was watching me. He wanted me to take him home and let him live in our tub. I considered it. Greg said no. I did ask our waiter what the market price of saving a lobster was. I'm pretty sure he thought I was nuts. He then gave me some bs story about how lobsters do not feel pain. I had a blackberry. I googled it from our table. They do feel pain. Which made me even sadder. I wonder what PETA would say.
Having said all that, our dinner was really good. Greg actually closed his eyes when he was chewing his filet. He wanted to savor every bite. At the end, our
waiter comes over with my cheesecake, and lights a candle and sings- quietly- but still sung. Only the tables close to us heard. Our picture was taken. Greg loves the picture because his filet is in it. I should have taken a picture with the lobster- just to give him one last piece of excitement before he was thrown in boiling water. Alive. Ugh.
By the way, I turned 26. Ok. 29. Ok, Ok...33. I feel 25 though. Does that count for something?

Blogging on the go!

Well I've decided that if I'm going to have any chance at keeping up
with this blog, I'm going to have to do it on the go! This way I can
blog from my phone, or email from work when I can grab a few seconds!
Stay tuned..next post is all about my birthday weekend.

--
Becki Stone
Project Manager

MBI Products Company, Inc.
801 Bond Street
Elyria, OH 44035

Office: 440.322.6500
Fax: 440.322.1900

www.mbiproducts.com

INNOVATION FOR THE SOUND EXPERIENCE

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A long overdue update.

What's new? Well for starters our baby is 2! On June 20th, Maverick turned 2. We had a big birthday party for him on June 18th, complete with a bounce house! He had a blast, and loved every gift he got! For his actual birthday we got a small cake (from the bakery case- that happened to be yellow and aqua..humm meant to be?!) and he opened the presents we got for him. He didn't quite get the blow out the candle thing- although he did blow after it was blown out..oh well..next year! His birthday was a very emotional day for me. Last year he was still being held hostage in Kaz, and we didn't know if we would ever bring him home. This year we celebrated with our crazy baby! I can't even say how thankful we are for him.

As for how he's doing- he's great. Growing, eating, getting into things..just like any other 2 year old. He's talking up a storm, and I (and my mom) hear "Mom" about a hundred times a day. He had eye surgery on May 13th, and he's doing great. We have a follow up on the 28th, so we will see what the doctor says about how his eyes are adjusting. I think they look great- they still cross every now and then, but that could be due to the fact he needs glasses eventually. He was also circumcised - which healed very well, and we're glad we got it done. (Yes we know it is not medically necessary, and yes we know we didn't have to do it. We decided to get it done. Nuff said)Maverick loves Maddye. He says Maddye so cute! They are quite the pair, and when the two of them get going it is loud and giggly. I love it..most of the time! Maddye is a mother hen, and is very loving to her brother. She is the big sister I knew she would be.

Maddye is officially a 5th grader, and is loving summer break. I'm very jealous of her! (well not being in 5th grade, but for having the summer off!)

The above picture is of Maverick's birthday cake. I thought it was way too cute. Maverick thought it was funny and he wasn't interested in eating it at all. Maverick hasn't quite found his sweet tooth yet! Don't worry..he's a Stone..he will find it soon.

Lets see...what else do I have?! How about this- I have a new position at work which keeps me way busier during the day. I love it, and I have my very own office..with a window. Super classy. Did I mention it is a brand new office? We just moved into our newly renovated offices yesterday. Did I mention we will have a huge gym? Locker room? Lounge? Kitchen? I'm beyond lucky. My job rocks.

What else? We've been busy with landscaping which I hope is done. Well I know we have a little more to do, but we're close to being done. Finally.

What else? My 33rd birthday is Sunday. How the heck did I get to be 33?! Seems like just yesterday I turned 30. I don't think I want anything this year...after all- did you see those 2 cute kids in the picture above?! They are the best gifts ever.

In honor of Maverick's birthday we donated to the Karakastek baby house. Enough for an entire months worth of food. It still makes me sick how skinny Maverick was when we picked him up, so hopefully this will help the babies we left behind.

I was asked the other day if we would adopt again. As much as I would love to, it isn't in the cards for us. Although I do believe that God has a plan for us, and who knows what that might be.

I'm going to end this post with "holy crap Maverick is Greg" I can't tell you how many times we get told Maverick looks just like Daddy. I can't tell you how many times I look at him and think to myself "how is this not his biological son". It is unreal.

Until next time....

Kazapalooza here we come!!!!

We're leaving tomorrow for Kazapalooza!!!!!!! I can't believe we are finally able to attend Kazapalooza! I've waited 2 years to be able to go, and I'm sooooo excited to go this year!!! I'm beyond excited to meet all my adoption buddies in real life!!! Florida- here we come!!!!!!
Watch out Kazapalooza- Maverick is taking over!

What's new?

Ok so I'm failing at posting on my blog. I'm trying to be better. I really am. I'm at a loss at where to start. I'll start with my house. It's like Toys R Us and Babies R Us had a baby, and that baby threw up all over my house. I have toys everywhere. I no longer shake my head when I find a car under the table, in the garbage, in my purse, or even in the tub. Thankfully, no toys have been in the toilet. His hands have though. That was a special day.
Diapers in the laundry. Yep...not even kidding. We, and when I say we, I mean I, somehow washed a diaper. Boy those things are absorbent. Thankfully we have a front loader so it didn't tear it to shreds. I will say reaching in and feeling a soggy wet diaper was a bit out of my league. I should have taken a picture, and of course I rewashed the entire load. Yes, my carbon footprint is bigger these days.
Speaking of laundry, holy dirty clothes. This boy can seriously go through 3 outfits a day. I'm considering getting him some waterproof baby clothes just so he can shake off. Maybe, just maybe my laundry will get caught up. Or, maybe not.
Poop. We have alot more poop. When I say we, I mean Maverick, and well Greg. That's a whole other story. I'm pretty sure Maverick enjoys pooping in a nice clean diaper. I'm also pretty sure he enjoys pooping just so I say "YUCK, YOU STINK" which I do every time, because he does. He giggles and says yuck right back at me. It's a game I tell you.
My car looks like Gerber had a giant convention, and didn't clean up. I'm not really sure how it happened, but holy crap it's bad. Oh, and a bottle under your seat that you didn't know existed smells. Bad. The 13 drops that came out of the bottle made my entire car smell like a cross between rotten milk and a dead cow. Needless to say I was rocking a classic taxi cab air freshener for a week. You should also know, you should never, I repeat never, open said bottle. Just throw that puppy away. The smell you have in your car is nothing compared to the punch it unleashes when the nipple comes off. Save yourself and throw it out. It will decompose in like a million years, don't worry.
My purse use to be so neat. Use to be so organized. Now I have matchbox cars, bottle caps, diapers, wipes, puffs, and who knows what else in the bottom. It weighs about 37 pounds and doesn't snap very well. Ugh I'm so ashamed.
So apparently I pushed my diaper bag to the limit. I will admit I like to pack plenty of "just in case" items, because you just never know when you will need them. Maverick spends the day with my mom while I work, so 3 outfits (yes three..see above) extra socks, food, diapers, bottles, and the "just in case" stuff. Not alot right? Wrong. First the zipper broke. Then the sides gave way. So it went in the trash. (yes I know..carbon footprint is getting bigger) I searched and searched for the perfect diaper bag. I found nothing that fit my needs. I did however find a giant plastic tote I got from my previous job. Giant, plastic, tough zipper and it's lime green. Awesome.
What else is new? Maverick is doing awesome. He's come so far since we brought him home 6 months ago. He's walking, talking, and being a typical boy. He's just a little smaller than boys his age- but we're working on it. One french fry at a time. I'm kidding...sort of. My dad has Maverick addicted to fries. They are like crack to him. I keep telling myself it could be worse. Although, he says "fry" if he sees any kid of paper bag, and yelled out "fry frysss" from the back seat when I ordered ice cream the other day. So, no I don't think he has a severe problem...yet.
We went to the adoption doctor again a couple weeks ago, and he's gained 6 pounds and grew 3.5 inches. She said his growth is incredible, and showed us on the growth chart how big of a jump he has made. He's still not on the actual chart, but I'll take a great growth any day. He has to have eye surgery on May 13th, so we are getting him circumcised at the same time. I know, it sounds horrible, but I would rather him go under once, and be done with it. I'm freaking out a little now, and I know I'll be a mess that day. He's in great hands, but he's my baby!! I know it's going to be the longest hour of my life.
Maverick is talking so much. His words so far are: mama, dada, baba, baby, car, thank you, tickle, bath, two, three, five, hi, bye, deer, nice, book, look, monkey, Maddye, bee, no, yes, yeah, shoe, yuck and I'm sure I'm missing some. He is starting to repeat everything you say. Which means the toilet tongue I have needs to take a vacation.
He's a boy. ALL boy. I can't believe how different boys are from girls!!!! He is rough with his toys, likes to play rough and loves a thrill. He's a cuddle bug when he wants to be, so I have the best of both worlds. He loves water, and if there is any water any where he will find it, and soak his clothes. I see alot of puddle jumping and bird bath splashing in our future.
He's stubborn like his daddy. He's Greg in a 19 pound body. I believe God had a good ole time making Maverick for us. He looks like Greg, acts like Greg and makes the same faces Greg does. It's so crazy. He was totally meant to be our son. There is no question about it.
Maddye is an awesome big sister. Maverick loves her. When she gets home from school he gets a huge smile and squeals. They have a great bond, and it's fun to watch. The two of them can get giggling and you can't do anything but laugh at it. Maddye jumped right into being a sibling after being an only child for 10 years- which I knew she would. She's an awesome kid who constantly thinks of others first, and she has a heart of gold.
Tonight Maddye had Maverick in her room to make something for Mother's Day. I don't know that for sure, but she told me "Mom, I have Maverick, and don't come in" so I'm pretty sure that's what it is. Seeing them together makes my heart happy.
I'm so blessed. My house is a freaking train wreck, but in the end that doesn't matter. So what if we regularly step on toys. So what if my car is a mess, and it stinks. It's all worth it.

Life as we know it..

Life as we know it is very different from last year at this time. Last year we were still waiting for our court date. This year we have a very active 21 month old that keeps us pretty busy. I'd gladly take this year over last year. Even if it means I'm a year older. Life as we know it is messier. Maverick can tear apart the house in seconds. Maddye can seriously get corn on the floor 6 feet away. Greg can totally make a mess of the bathroom sink with one hand tied behind his back. I think I need a maid. Or two. Life as we know it is louder. OMG it is loud. Maverick can make the noise of 7 children. He ranges from his cute little talking voice to his crazy mad baby screeches! Then add Maddye to the mix and you have two giggling yelling children. Is it any wonder we have a case of Advil? Life as we know it is wetter. Maverick loves the bath. All I have to say is "are you ready for your bath" and he is giggly, and ready to strip. He says over and over "baaaff" until he is actually in the bath. He hates to get out of the bath. Last week when he saw me get his towel ready he knew it was time to get out. When I bent over to get him out he whipped a wet washcloth and hit me in the side of the head. It didn't hurt. I was wet. Very wet. The entire bathroom was wet. Apparently our freaking washclothes are really shamwows. (I should note that I single-handedly fixed the getting out of the tub problem with a creative genius idea- and so far so good!) Life as we know it is more loving than ever. M&M are cuddly kids. When they want to be they are kissy huggy kids. I love it. I was so worried that Maverick would have an issue being affectionate but even while we were still in Kazakhstan he was giving us kisses. I guess he showed me! Life as we know it is so much is so much more stubborn. Greg is stubborn. Maverick is stubborn. I'm working on creating a stubborn free zone..which pretty much is the entire House of Stone. They are permitted to be stubborn in the "stubborn cave" previously known as the "man cave". Honestly, I can't believe how easily Maverick just slipped into our daily routine. It's really like he was always here, and we never went through hell to bring him home.

Stubborn, words and walking..oh my!

Surprise..Maverick is stubborn. Just like Daddy. If he doesn't want to eat, he doesn't eat. If he doesn't want his diaper changed, he is a tornado. If he doesn't want to talk, he is a mime. Do you see a pattern here? Little Maverick thinks he rules the House of Stone. Sometimes..it's funny and sometimes it's not.
Maverick is starting to talk. If you say "say Mama" he will repeat whatever you say in his little baby boy voice. It's so cute. He will say: Go, Mama, Dada, Maddye (Maaee- so cute!), book, Mommy, no way, no, poop, shoe, tickle, bath, whoa, wow, baba (for his bottle). He also says awww, and wee. Which are both pretty funny. When he wants to talk he will try to say whatever you ask him to say. When he doesn't want to talk..well he is silent. Completely silent.
He's also walking. Not full time, but he does walk across the room without assistance. He has also learned that he can run, and when he runs, he always falls.
Maverick's personality is really coming out. He's found his humor- where before we had tickle him or use a toy to make him laugh, he will laugh out of the blue because he finds something funny. Last night he thought farting in the tub was the funniest thing ever. He looked up at me with pride. Yep..that's my boy.
Maddye is a total mother hen. It's so cute to watch them. Maddye can get Maverick crazy though. I have to say "settle down" quite a bit. Once the two of them get giggling it takes a while to get things calmed down. Although usually a case of the hiccups will do it too!

Oh the sickness!

The House of Stone is sick. I should say 3 of the 4 regular members are sick. First Maverick, then Maddye, and now Mommy. Needless to say this sucks! Thankfully Maverick is doing better today- other than his runny nose, and Maddye is also doing better. Mommy on the other hand is just starting. Sigh.
Other than the sickness things are going great. We found out that Maverick will more than likely need glasses. We have to take him to a surgeon to confirm, but the eye doctor we took him to (Maddye's) was pretty sure she had his eyes straight with lenses. I will need some serious duct tape to keep them on his little face- but hey...duct tape does come in colors right?
Maverick has also started repeating alot of what he hears. It's pretty funny. His favorite? No. Go figure. He has the cutest little voice which makes it ok for him to tell me no for everything...well most of the time.
Well I'm in need of a nap- hopefully Maverick is too!

A new start..

New blog?! Yep. I've been back and forth for the last 15 weeks about what to do with the old House of Stone. We've been though alot over the last year or so, and honestly I didn't want just anyone reading it. So the original House of Stone will stay private, and this House of Stone will be public.



With that being said...Welcome to House of Stone 2.0....



I could say something witty about this blog being better but really will it be? Probably not- but hey one never really knows.

I do know the House of Stone is experiencing alot more poop lately. Listen, I love my boy but he can blow the crap out of a diaper. Maverick is an equal opportunity pooper. He will have his blow outs whenever and where ever he pleases. He throughly enjoys making us say "Peeeuuuuuu" in fact, he giggles.



I also have the M&M Dare Devils on my hands. Maverick is a total thrill seeker. He likes to crawl over something just to tumble over it. Lately it's been me. Which totally kicks my ass into gear for a bigger and better diet. If Maverick is using me as a freaking rock wall I need to lose some serious poundage. Maddye was the exact same way when she was his age. She was a thrill seeker to the max. It is really amazing how much these two remind me of each other. Maverick is so much like Maddye was around his age, and they both are some serious Chatty Cathys!



There is also alot of screaming. Not terror type of screaming. A girly I'm so excited sort of screaming. No, it isn't Greg. Although I'm sure he would love to scream every now and then. Maverick gets going, and then all of a sudden Maddye joins in the fun. Screaming boy + screaming girl = headache x 2! It's funny when he gets screaming. For about 30 seconds. Then it turns into the do anything to distract him mode! He LOVES sports on TV. He yells at the TV when Nascar, basketball, and football are on.



It is really amazing how much Maverick's personality is coming out. He's so awesome. I find myself thinking about where he was when we busted him out of that orphanage, and where he is today. Two totally different kids. It's so amazing to know how much he has learned in 15 weeks. He's taking steps, eating all sorts of food, saying words, loving on us, messing up the house..you know a typical toddler! We love it.

I think that is it for now....here's to the House of Stone II!