In the Path of the Storm

Valentine’s Day in our household was pretty uneventful this year. Actually, it’s always a non event for us. Dominic and I might go out to dinner or exchange a card but we’ve never really gotten caught up in all the hype. Dominic has been really sick for the past two weeks but managed to buy Giana and I a little bear, candy and a card. Sweet. We bought him Advil Cold and Sinus and cough drops. He really appreciated his gift this year.

Our house hunting has been put on hold while we deal with our Georgia home. Our neighborhood was hit by a terrible hail storm/tornado this past Wednesday night. I’m so thankful that my friends are all okay because I understand it was a pretty frightening experience. My friend, Kristi and brother in law, David checked on our house for us and made sure it was secure. After we replace the four broken windows, roof, siding and gutters the house will be back in working order! I’ve seen pictures of our home but it’s been difficult to be so far away and out of control of the situation. The house is not yet rented. We need to have the damage repaired before we can lease it out. I understand most people prefer a working roof and windows. :) Giana and I will be making a trip to Georgia soon. On a better note, I am looking forward to seeing family and friends…and some warmer weather!

Facebook is a great networking tool and I’ve been able to meet up with several friends from high school. It has been great catching up with everyone and sharing our lives from the past 17 (YIKES!) years. Giana and I went to visit my friend, Erin this week. She lives on Lake Erie (literally!) and we had a great time visiting and spending time with our kids. It was cold! I look forward to going back in the summer and hanging out on their boat. I don’t know how she lives there in the winter!

This coming weekend is my Mom and sister’s birthday. First let me say how happy I am to celebrate Julie’s 40th birthday this coming Friday. (Jul, don’t kill me for mentioning your age!) Julie was diagnosed with thyroid cancer two years ago and she is doing great! We love you…happy birthday!

Now, for my Mom’s birthday…Dominic’s sister is coming to town and we are going to see Disney on Ice with Giana. Yes, it’s my Mom’s birthday but life around here revolves around Giana. We’re all excited about Disney though! Well, maybe not Dominic so much! :) I’m trying to convince everyone to go ice skating over the weekend but no one seems to be up for it. None of them have ever been ice skating. I find that so hard to believe when they all grew up in Cleveland. I even contacted the ice rink to make sure they have Giana’s shoe/skate size…and they do! Maybe she and I will tackle that on our own. Party poopers! I am looking forward to the great Italian restaurant we are taking my mom to on Saturday night. YUM! Maybe I’m just hungry right now because Lent started today and I can’t eat in between meals. Who made that rule anyway? On a cute and final note, while at church today, Giana made a coloring page while sitting in the pew and wanted to “leave it for Jesus.” Our little girl is so precious…most of the time!

House Hunting

I never thought finding a home would be so difficult…especially in this market! Two offers on two different homes fell though so we continue to look. We are still living with my mom while we search for a house. God bless her. She has been great. Her one bedroom condo is perfect for well, one…not four! And to make things worse, we are down the one bedroom because of a roof leak. This brings me to the snow and ice. I was so excited to have snow again after living in Georgia for so long. Be careful what you wish for. My wish now is for spring, lots of sun and fun days at the park!

We kicked off the New Year celebrating Dominic’s birthday on January 2nd. His job has been great. He has been so busy but he is enjoying it. We’re so thankful for his job security and pray for those in need during these trying times.

I enrolled Giana in gymnastics class once a week and she LOVES it. I’m happy to report she can do a somersault on her own. A perfect 10 if I do say so myself! We bought her a goldfish who we lovingly call “Dorothy.” Original, I know. After 7 days, we found Dorothy doing the back stroke. Giana thought she was sleeping so during her nap time, I ran to the store and purchased Dorothy #2. She’s been with us now for nearly 3 weeks and thriving. We shall see…thank goodness goldfish are only 49 cents!

We have been home now for two months and have enjoyed catching up with family and friends. Maybe by my next post we’ll have a place to call home.