Yuck.

Today is just yuck. There is no other word. I woke up only to find our beautiful blue sun filled skies are now a depressing shade of grey. The wind is chilly, storms are brewing and it is just yuck. I pull up to work only for Dalen to be scared out of his mind because of a jackhammer on concrete. This is the 3rd time the construction people are fixing the same problem downtown. YUCK! In case you have never heard a jackhammer on concrete it sounds like a throbbing miagraine feels. Yea, yuck! Today is one of those days Dalen will NOT wear shoes but refuses to be carried. GRRR!!!!

I thought a blackberry lemonade (yum!) from the store next to us would be good until I walk in and some stranger picks my son up. I am sorry but this is my BIGGEST pet peeve. I do NOT know you lady...haven't you heard of the swine flu?! On top of that...who knows why she or any stranger would think it is ok to scoop up your toddler? In case any of you readers don't know...that is NOT ok. This lady kept saying things like...oh, I must remind you of your grandma! Oh, you are so friendly (uh, no he is a baby and doesn't understand what a stranger could be capable of). Oh you just want to stay with me all day (uh, in your wildest dreams lady!). This is so strange to me. It has NEVER EVER IN A MILLION YEARS EVER crossed my mind to pick up someone's little one that I did not know. That is just so invasive and rude!

Today is just one of those yucky for no reason days. One of those days you would literally pay to be at home, in bed, curled up writing. Oh my, it's only 10 a.m.

Welcome to Red Lobster!

On Monday I asked Mario if it was possible for him to get off work at 2 on Tuesday because I had an appt. He said he would ask and the office manager allowed him to leave work early. Thankfully, he didn't ask what the appt. was for until about 11 pm when I was just about asleep. The appointment was a few hours at the pool with my closest girlfriends. We talked about weddings, jobs, married life, having kids and so many other "adult topics". We are all getting sooo old!

After 3 hours of baking in the sun, I left only to find I could be one of those human advertisements (that stand on the side of the road) for Red Lobster. I am FRIED! Pregnancy does the strangest things to your body! I never burnt until the age of 22 when pregnant with Dalen and ever since then I will occaisonally burn. Yes, I know they have something called sunscreen for this. Its just strange.

Mario was NOT happy I asked him to lose work hours to hang out. He said I "misled" him by calling it an appt. My response was, "Babe, I do have an appointment. An appt. is something you have to go to at a certain time and I am supposed to get there a little after 12. " Needless to say he didn't find this humorous and forced me to confess that I misled him. Needless to say it was a great time with friends. Thanks Babe!

What a day!

What a day! The day began with an early start off to work. Dalen was paid a visit by cousin Yibby and of course the fought the whole visit. After work I treated Dalen to Pizza Hut's lunch buffet (which is buy 1 buffet, get 1 buffet FREE). He LOVES pizza, pasta and pretty much anything Italian. I would go to get more pizza from the buffet and he would clap and cheer and scream, "Mama, Mama! More pot-za (pizza)!"

Then we went to Aunt Mary's and played with cousin some more. She got her 1st pedicure and you can see her chubby toes sporting a prissy pink-compliments of myself and her mama. Jonathan wasn't very impressed. Since the day was pretty and the temp. seemed cool we decided to load up the kiddos and take them to Deer Park.

Ok-this is for new moms-if the temp. seems cool, be prepared that while chasing 1 totally out of control toddler and toting a little one you will soon feel as though Hell has taken over planet earth. The kids really enjoyed it...well, most of it. Dalen pitched a fit for some reason I can't remember (after about 9 a.m. I quit keeping track) and threw himself on the ground in mulch and began throwing it everywhere. His hair was like a sponge. It totally sucked in every piece of mulch. We were still picking out pieces this a.m. after 2 washes and a thorough pick through last night!!!

After a quick shower we and kiss goodbye I was off to my Kary Kay meeting for the week. What a great and busy day!

Dalen after his tantrum in the mulch.
Olivia's pretty toes.

Parent's Night Out

Friday was Parent's Night Out. Mario decided to cook dinner for me and then I picked the movie we would go see. After a long busy week, I decided on Earth. We thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I leaving movies like this because you always have a greater appreciation for God and the vastness of his creation of Earth.

While Mario was making dinner, Dalen was DYING to go in the kitchen. After a while, Mario began speaking in an Italian voice as he made Spaghetti. Dalen laughed hysterically at this and created his own drum line with our pots, pans and bowls.

As Mario cooked I was taken back to the 1st time he made Spaghetti. He had seen a cooking when he was younger that said the only true way to tell if your noodles are cooked right is to throw them against the wall-if they stick they are done, if they don't let them boil longer. Dalen found this hysterical, I still find it ridiculous. Great Night!

Leaving for our date!
And the noodles are....DONE!!!!

Dalen watching Mario cook and using a bowl to lift him higher.

This weekend was also great b-c I got to see my sister, Mel, for the 1st time in like a month. She recently took a new job position which requires relocating for a few weeks at a time and then she can come home. We have missed her very, very much. We had dinner at Oliver's and then we were off to Brewsters for ice cream.

We sat on the patio of Moe's and shut the iron gate and let Dalen run free. The weather PERFECT, dinner was great and we shared a great time together as a family. Sunday Mel left again for another job and will be back in 30 days. We miss her dearly but we are glad we got to visit before she left again.

Mel and Yibby

Miss Hollywood

Private Property

You are now viewing Private Property....WAHOO! A big and special thank you to all who are faithful blog readers of mine and went through the inconvenience of sending me your e-mail addresses to continue reading my blogs.

Without going into too much detail...I did not feel comfortable with people commenting on my blogs that I didn't know. So, you can imagine how I felt when not only did they comment on my blog but then they began to find me on Facebook and MySpace...a little too close for comfort with someone I have never even seen or officially met.

I write silly blogs about our crazy family life and occasionally a heartfelt post or two. I did not feel comfortable with people reading things, misinterpreting them and then relaying them to my husband's family-causing drama. So-the easiest thing to do is to make this private and invite people who are reading just to keep up with our crazy life.

This post is just to bring clarity to a private blog and to say thanks for sending me e-mail addresses.

Private

Due to unfortunate circumstances, my blog will become private in a few days. Writing is something I LOVE & I LOVE sharing life experiences with my close friends and family out of town. However, I am not comfortable with out of town people I do not know now have ever seen make comments about my son. Maybe this is just a first time mom insecurity experience but with the world we live in I feel I must do this.

I am also, not in favor of people reading my blog only to misconstrue and interpret things I say or have said to cause confrontational situations with our family. I LOVE my friends and family being able to keep up with our wild and crazy life and if you would like to continue reading my blog please send me an e-mail @ mvinin01@leeu.edu with your e-mail address and name and then I can authorize you to read my blog.

I know this is so inconvenient and trust me it is NOT something I wish to do but on other people's account of immaturity and nosiness I have to. Sorry to my faithful blog reading community :)

I will leave it public for a few more days so people can know what they have to do to read my blog.

Blog-O-Mercial

This. Is my couch. And Dalen's newest canvas he decided to display his artwork on. Literally, when I walked into the family room & saw it I gasped so deep I became lightheaded (no I am NOT exaggerating). My heart began to race, my palms became sweaty and my mind was all over the place. Yes, I know these things will constantly happen with kids...but the couch isn't ours.

So I raced into the kitchen (after I took a picture to warn Mario and of course for my blog haha) in search of something. Anything, that would remove this bright red ink from our beautiful, full-size. BORROWED couch. Finally I find a bottle of upholstery and carpet cleaner. I was convinced it would NOT work. The packaging was waaaay too generic to get this out....or so I thought. Concerned the product may cause discoloration to the couch I tested a small area and Abracadabra! IT WAS GONE! Totally gone!

So here's to LA's Awesome Carpet Spot and Stain Remover (yes, thats really the name). Which might I add only cost Mario $1!

I think this may be my newest addition to my blog...

Blog-O-Mercial

"Because great products are few are far between"

Continue to look for these weekly posts. Who knows there may be a product waiting to save your furniture!

BIG NEWS

Well, I must say it is kind of nice to have some BIG news. Although its kinda scarry, uncertain times, bittersweet, am I doing the right thing kind of news its kind of nice to be able to share. Well-after talking closely with my mom (owner of the store I manage) and with Mario, we have decided its time for us to close a chapter in our life and begin another. We are selling our business and I am currently job seeking. I know, I know.....the worst time ever to be looking for a job! But I KNOW this is what God wants for our family. I am already applying to several places and I am praying for the right opportunity. I am ready to make financial progress for our family and work on being debt free and expand our family. Somewhere deep inside my heart when I become overwhelmed with uncertainty I find peace. There is nothing like God's sweet peace.

I am currently still working at our shop and will be until June. In the meantime, I am selling Mary Kay on the side and I am loving it!! It's so much fun and I am meeting new people. If you are interested in booking a party...just let me know! You bring the people and I will bring the fun and color! Please pray for our little family to be protected from poverty (no that is not a joke) and that God will reveal his perfect will for our life (I'd rather it be sooner than later haha) and pray for the perfect position for me. I know going back to work full time will be a HUGE transition but I am ready.

Home Sweet Home

There is nothing like enjoying your home by doing the things you love. The Hoods welcomed cable and Internet for the first time in 2 1/2 years! WOW, what a journey its been without it! Here are a few frustrating details about our cable installation story.

Guy arrives about 230

Guy has to run a new cable cord from across the street, down the side of our yard, around our house and through the back brick wall. The old cord had been cut by someone...who knows??

Guy FINALLY gets cord run after "almost being hit by a bus" boo hoo guy

Guy tries to hook up internet

Guy says he cant use modem and router we have bc the serial number is linked to someone else's acct. in the Charter system and therefore it doesn't really belong to us

I tell him it was here when we moved here therefore the contents of the house became ours when it was bought

Guy gets an attitude and says he doesn't make the rules just enforces them.

I give him another modem and router box for him to only say the same thing.

Mario swings by Wal-Mart to get one of our "own"

The man leaves saying there is nothing he can do and still charges me for the activation and installation of cable AND internet

I become frustrated and and dial Charter # only to sit on the phone for an hour with no progress

Customer service rep. says there is nothing they can do

I demand to speak with a supervisor

Cust. Ser. Rep mysteriously is able to activate the modem-magic words to say when you can't get any help

I become INFURIATED!

Cust. Ser. Rep says I won't be charged for installation

I say uh yea youre darn right I won't be b-c nothing was installed

Cust. Ser. Rep says someone is on their way to fix it

I hang up

They call back 30 min. later only to confess no one was on their way and no one is available

I throw my hands in the air and begin to laugh hysterically and hang up

So I am sitting here, WITH INTERNET b-c my amazing husband who isn't even professionally trained got the internet to work!!!! GGGGRRRRR!!!!!! I haven't even had the services for 24 hours and I am ready to cancel it!

About 20 minutes ago Mario looks at the TV as Dalen cheers for a Jeopardy contestant and says oh wow look what we are watching. The channel we have always gotten without cable is the 1 we are watching.

Think Twice

One thing Dalen NEVER has to think twice about is taking a nap. It is always a BIG FAT NO! I love that he is constantly shaking his head and I can tell he is going to be very decisive (just like me!). I am already giving him choices so that he can learn to develop the ability to make decisions. There is NOTHING more annoying than someone who takes FOREVER to make simple decisions and nothing sadder than an adult who doesn't know how to make choices b-c their parents were always too busy doing it for them.

Here are a few decisions he is making...

1) Turkey or Ham jr. lunchable?

2) Color of crayon to use-he got a 24 pack of crayons in his Easter basket. he LOVES coloring and his first masterpeice is proudly stuck on the refridge...compliments of Dad.

3) Sandals or Tennis Shoes?

Its hilarious the confidence this has developed in him. Yes, I know he is only 1 1/2 but try it with your little one. SERIOUSLY! Oh don't you doubt me til you try! When he makes his choice I pat his back and tell him I am proud of him. He smiles, screams and cheers for himself like he just made the best decision in the world. But I want him to know at 1 (yes, even at 1) he is capable of making good decisions and that we support him. I can not tell you how much that means to a child. Ok, now go call your friends and tell them how crazy I am for this post. ;)

Is it ok to be proud?

Is it ok to be proud? I think so. Especially when it points back to Jesus. Yesterday I had the opportunity to listen to Mario preach the Sunday morning service at our church. During the middle of his sermon I became extremely proud. Proud, that everything he does from the pulpit points to Jesus.

You must know, what I know about my husband. He came to Lee unsaved, poor, alone, far from God, angry, bitter, and in search for something more. After experiencing a major dose of God's grace, here he is now. He is a lover of all people, happy, a hard worker, in the good company of believers, befriended by God, found by grace, and my husband. And all of that makes me proud.

May his story be all the evidence you need to know that it doesn't matter where you come from, what your name is, who has done you wrong or how much money you have. All that matters is the God you know, the God your serve, and the God you believe in.

Thinking In Advance

Is it wrong to already be thinking of Mother's Day? I promise I am NOT high maintenance but ever since Mario began asking me a few days ago what I want my mind has been soaring. I NEVER ask for gifts and if you know me well, you know me well I have an awfully hard time receiving them too. I found something interesting. As I began to think of anything I could want, then I thought of a reason I shouldn't get it. Hmm, mommyhood really changes your mindset. Here are a few things I thought of.

1) The complete set of The Duggars reality show.

Why I shouldn't ask for it-I will never have enough peace and quiet to watch it. Then I will want cable, which we have so amazingly done without for nearly 2 years!!! I may end up with 20 kids.

2) A locket with a picture of Dalen.

Why I shouldn't ask for it-I never dress nice enough to wear nice jewelry. Then I would want a new outfit.

3) Reservations at the Bald Headed Bistro for their Mother's Day Buffet.

Why I shouldn't ask for it-This is what Mario got me last year and it was WONDERFUL. My mom kept Dalen while we ate. However, I felt horrible that the one day you are supposed to indulge in motherhood I spent it away from my child and I felt bad. If any of you have been to BHB, you surely know its not the place to take babies.

You know you can wish for things an awful lot, but after having a baby "things" just don't have the effect they used to. The more things you have the more responsibility you earn to take care of them. This year maybe I will wish for a beautiful warm day, tantrum free. Although, I think I may have earned a dinner away from Dalen for once.

Easter Weekend

Egg hunt at our church.
Hey, look at what the Easter bunny brought us!

Dalen's Easter outfit (compliments of Gran)

Easter weekend was a great one. Mario and I were disappointed we didn't think of having a service on Good Friday earlier than the actualy day...but don't worry NEXT YEAR! We thought it would be great to have a time of quiet reflection with worship to think of the cross and all Jesus experienced.

Friday Dalen and Olivia took Easter pics in their matching outfits. Too cute! Saturday I took them both to their 1st egg hunt. Meredith and Jonathan had to be at play practice at their church. Olivia was perfect and sat quietly observing all of the excited children hunting eggs. Dalen was super excited and curious.

Highlights of Easter weekend

1. Dalen pulling Olivia's diaper away from her butt and looking down the diaper and shouting SHEW!! Then waving the smell away from his nose.

2. Watching Dalen pick up Easter eggs and chuck them as hard as he could yelling, "BALL!"

3. Mom's homecooking on Sunday with all of the ones I love most.

4. Dalen walking into bathrooms saying, "eww! Poop!"

5. Reflecting upon the healing power of Jesus and being thankful my sister was alive on Easter b-c of Him.

HAIRCUT!

Wel, after we discovered Dalen can fit his hair under his new Easter hat, we thought it may be time for his 2nd haircut. Here are the before and after pics.

Before- Bushy fro...taken a few months ago.
After-He looks so much older!

My little worshipper

My last post was about the Hello Love tour concert (which was amazing) and a few thoughts about worship. Last night I had a very moving experience at church. During praise and worship I looked over to find Dalen swaying back and forth, "singing", eyes squinting with hands raised. HOW SWEET! No one told him to do this but I am glad to say he obviously knows from the example of our church body a way to worship.

If you watch these videos I am sure you will conclude Dalen is going to be pentecostal. I love how he breaks out into applause during a slow song and quiet time of worship and then he takes off running! Well, praise the Lord. My favorite part is just when you think it could be sincere, he yells out the name T and screams cheeeeese when he spots my camera! Yes, we need to teach him the name Jesus a little more. Enjoy as your heart melts away.

Hello Love

Wahoo! Tonight is THE night! Chris Tomlin and Israel Houghton are linking up in Knoxville and my ears will we blessed with the lovely voices of these two as we attend part of the Hello Love tour tonight. Mario and I have had tickets for about four months now and we are sooo super excited. Israel is one of my all time favorites.

Today as I have been reflecting upon worship, a lot of thoughts have flooded me spiritually. Of course I don't think anyone could ever speak of worship without mentioning David, a psalmist of praise. Wow. What an amazing title, "psalmist". A psalmist is someone who writes or composes psalms (spiritual or religious text) that are sung or chanted.

If you really research scripture you can see just how powerful David's psalms were. King Saul, who was disobedient to God, was tormented by evil spirits. He was calm and comforted once David played his harp for him. But look closer. The key part of the scripture referring to David says that God was with David. That is what it is all about. Maybe you are a psalmist, writer, counselor, mother, teacher, gardener, pastor, salesman...whatever you are, whatever you do, you will find favor as long as you can say what scripture said about David...God was with him.

May God be with you and I today.

I'm A Survivor!

Well ladies and gents...Friday we departed for Gatlinburg to celebrate my grandmother's birthday (GiGi to Dalen) and Saturday we planned to go to Dollywood with our newly renewed season passes. Yes, you now officially know a family with season passes to Dollywood. Compliments of my mom (Gran to Dalen).
I have GREAT news...after a busted chin, bruised cheek bone, 2 outfits later(I will spare you by NOT elaborating), many miles walked, a 3 hour drive through the nauseating mountains and 69,317 tantrums later...WE SURVIVED OUR 1ST THEME PARK EXPERIENCE AS PARENTS!
Dalen absolutely loved Dollywood! He rode every ride he qualified to ride. He didn't cry on any of them and cheered and waved as he zoomed passed us. He only had to be accompanied by an adult on one and Mario rode with him. He soared high on the Flying Elephants as if he were at ground level and spun freely on the Piggy Parade and jammed out to the tunes on the Quack Attack.
Enjoy a few pics an videos of the weekend and a few random ones.

Olivia didn't go because her parents had plans on Saturday. But don't worry...Dalen now knows he can call "Bobba" (baby) on the phone and he did PLENTY of times to babble what she was missing. She knows who Dalen is and says Duh Duh when we mention his name.

Sunday we had a dinner for my grandmother and Jonathan. They share the same b-day. Here is Yibby and her uncle Mario, whom she seems to be pretty fond of.



Carasell!
Mario won Dalen a Florida Gator football and Dalen had happily pegged us all with it about 9,3076 times already. I think he will have quite an arm!

Dalen on the Quack Attack (I'm not sure what it was called but that's what we called it.).

Dalen on the Flying Elephants with Mario. There was a button to push to make them go up high and they both pushed it as many times as they could.

What's New?

Goodness, goodness! So much going on in the Hood home! We officially own a potty! We aren't pushing anything drastic just getting Dalen aquainted with his new throne to which he proudly sits upon. Any potty training suggestions?

Today I realized what spiritual gift Dalen does NOT have-compassion. Because I work downtown, I am visited often by people in need. They have needed everything from food, money to car rides out of the state (as if I am not busy enough). Today a really pitiful lady came hobbling in. She was supported by a cane and welcomed her fanny flat on our couch where she sprawled out. Dalen didn't approve. He gasped for air as though he knew how inappropriate it was of her. She then proceeded to cry (without tears) and demand me to take her grocery shopping. Hmmm, aren't I working I thought. I explained to her I didn't have any money (which was the truth) and that she needed to leave. As she hobbled out she mumbled strange words under her breath and waved her cane about. After asking for a grocery shopping spree once more Dalen shouted NO, NO! Then she began waving her cane about again in our direction. He grunted throwing a bawled up fist in her direction. After she left, he began to cry. Not sure why, although my spirit is thinking it was a little conviction settling in. At least no one has to worry about me working in the "dangerous" part of Cleveland, we officially have security!

Mario was able to speak last night at Upsilon's formal induction. He was very honored and I heard rave reviews. I am so proud of him and all he is able to share with others. While he was gone I began to think of how NOT cool I was in college. I played no intermurals (sp.?), was in no greek club, sang in no chiors...I was truly a nobody. Oh well, I have a degree and a buttload of debt to prove that.