moving to another blog location...

Thanks everyone for letting me know about my blog problems.
We've been working on migrating everything to a different blog software.
Now it's live, though we're still working on the design.
So, if you want to read my real latest entry, and give me comments about any of the past ones, check it out here...
http://journal.glauciamir.com

Also, change your rss feeds to receive updates from the new blog, because I will no longer be using this one...

looking forward to your comments....

07 April 2008 your 2 cents... (0) in

school shuffle

This move will mean many changes for the family. Most of which I'm thrilled with, some of which I am sad over. Many which I can't even fathom yet.
One change that will be of great impact, is the change of schools. That is why a huge part of our decision will be based on what we learn about the schools and it's districts in and around Trenton, most readily, Bucks and Montgomery County.
The last couple days I've spend calling a variety of school districts.
Some have quite a bit of info to give, others are wishy-washy in their responses.
There are some issues, like half-day or full-day kindergarten, that are only a year long issue. Other issues like a good gifted program, and overall forward-thinking curriculum will be far more important since it will last for most of the boys' school careers.
Please pray for us as we make wise decisions with the information we're able to attain from far away.
Any one who knows about Bucks County or Montgomery County Schools, in Pennsylvania, is beckoned to respond.
Everyone's insights and thoughts are welcomed.

02 April 2008 your 2 cents... (0) in moving

the start of our new life

So, I hope to record as much of this moving process as I can.
I should write everyday and I'm already backed up.
Fabio started in Trenton, NJ and is trying to get a grasp on the job.
He will be in NY for the weekend, and then back down again.
I have started to feel the sadness of leaving Graffiti, but more on that later.
I'm looking at housing listing as if it's an obsession. It seems like it's all I do.
We need to get pre-approved for a loan. But we need to shop around for the best rates
I started calling school districts in Pennsylvania in order to get a sense of what things are like.
We've sold lots of Fabio's college books on amazon marketplace.
We've go through all our books and kept half, and donated about 1/ to the Queens Library.
I never get enough sleep.
That's enough updates for now.

02 April 2008 your 2 cents... (0) in moving

celebrating small victories...

I've been meaning to write for a couple days. If you have eaten any meals with us, in the past year, it will be no surprise to read about our difficulties with Phoenix' eating habits.
Each meal, even when he has a 2 tablespoon serving, or so, can take upwards of an hour. He's not picky, as much as he doesn't have much of a desire to eat.
We've tried everything from force feeding, to reward-based reinforcements, we've tried leaving him alone, we've tried saying "Eat, Phoenix! a million times.
Basically, all this, for the past year, without much success at all.
He's no longer "catching up" to Willik in size like we thought he might.
Even at school, where prizes are being given, and peer applause happens for those who finish their plates, has not really stirred him much. In about 3-4 weeks time, with 4 prizes possible, he has only earned one.
Well, it's been much to my surprise to report that for the past week or so, Phoenix has been eating his meal in a most timely manner.
He even had seconds on a few occasions, and he's thanking me for the meal, and actually meaning it. He has done this without much bantering from us, and we've just been really celebrating this and showing him how much pride and happiness we feel. Not every day has been stellar, but I do feel like we are turning a corner. I am ever so thankful!

I do feel 2 things are responsible for this change:
1. Phoenix decided in his mind, that he was ready to start eating. It was somehow an inward decision that reflects much of his personality. No begging or pleading from us could ever replace his desire and timing to do something.
2. I've been asking for friends' prayers on his challenging behavior, and I think it's no accident that some of this started to change after I was very specific about asking people to pray for specific needs concerning Phoenix.
God knows me and he knows my heart and my faults. He knows the levels of craziness I am able to handle, and I guess he thought it was time for this to phase to pass.
Yeah for kids who eat! Thanks Lord!

17 March 2008 your 2 cents... (2) in boys