Little furry creatures...

Ok, what is it about our house that draws little furry things to us? I don't recall if I posted about the little dog that adopted us (which is NOT with us any longer). This evening, when Angelo went out to spin trim, he found this little one. Yes, that black thing is a sprinkler head. It has moved down and is partially hidden in the grass between the bricks now. I was thinking I'd call the wildlife folks, but was reminded that they'd just kill it. Apparently bunnies are nuisance animals here. Go figure.

I'll try and do a kid update tonight as well. I have some great pics from G's program, etc.

Is it really only Tuesday?

Poor Tre. It's really no wonder we had an issue a few moments ago involving a hockey stick (plastic) and his big sister's nose. He woke up from nap to me taking his picture. It was just so darn cute. He slept in G's room over the weekend while Grandma was here and I didn't have the energy to move the whole thing back right away. So, he napped on the floor on his mattress. Now, he doesn't want the frame in there. I think his ideal situation would be to get to move back into Sissy's room.

The little ones and I went to the Y today. In usual fashion, he was excited for Kids' Zone until we got there. Then, when I had finished my workout, he didn't want to leave. Control issues? ;)

Giuliana is counting down to her "program" on Thursday. Lucky, lucky Angelo. On his birthday, he gets to go to the kindergarten music & PE program. They will be "showcasing [their] excellent singers and atheletes."

Ali is wearing one of G's outfits. It's the burgundy one from Gymboree (my mom will remember). Way cute and fun to remember G this little.

Better run...dinner's on. :)

65 Roses...

I may be a bit biased here, but I gotta tell ya, I have 2 of the most amazing kids on the planet.

Today was the Maize annual garage sale. We decided at the last minute of course to throw some stuff out. And heck, while we're at it, let's use the opportunity to fundraise for Great Strides. So, we made a can with Ashton's picture and Giuliana went to work. She asked anyone and everyone if they would please help her friend, Ashton, and his sister, Lola. Early on, she explained that "he has a disease and gets sick a lot. It's cystic fibrosis." Later in the day it became "my friend Ashton has 65 roses, will you please give us some dollars?" Meanwhile, Tre decided he was being left out and needed his own can too. Well, let me tell you, the 2 of them are a force to be reckoned with. Most people didn't just put a quarter in one can, they did both (and some were dollars, which of course errupted in cheers from the kids).

I tear up as I write this. And it's not the first the time either. All day, I've been flooded with emotion. Yes, I am a proud mama and thank the Lord for blessing us in this way.

Great Strides

After sending out several pleas for help with Great Strides, it occurred to me that I should probably update the blog. I just got off the phone with Ashton's mom, Jen, and am getting more and more excited. If you don't know Ashton & Lola, click http://www.babyfergie.com/

Ashton and Lola are Giuliana and Ali's age. It hits pretty close to home for me.

There's still plenty of time for me to reach my goal. Go here: http://www.cff.org/Great_Strides/ErinFiataruolo (And, as always, trash talking is welcome. ;) Just see Sandy's comments. ;) ) I'll take anything- $5 as a matter of fact would be just ducky.

So, as promised, here are some new pics:

These 2 are from Lake Afton. We grabbed a couple caches and "hiked." While it was relatively flat, I still ended up with shin splints and sore hamstrings. I wasn't even the one carrying the 2 littles. ;) Ok, so I did take pity and bjorn Ali (after the photo op of course).

We all know just how much Aunt Heather loves the many Jesus statues here. So, this is for Heather. ;) Makes the other one pretty mild, now doesn't it. ;) This is from the cemetary I call "GOBOSH." (Go Big or Stay Home) There are all sorts of huge statues.

Happy Birthday, Tim!

It's my brother's birthday today. If you happen to have his email or phone number, be sure to harass him. ;)

I left him a voicemail. I'm hopin' I didn't wake him up. :)