Record Snow in Dallas!

Hagen and I with our snowman!!!

Dapper decided to pose for a picture with us!

My little man

Hagen JSUT threw a snowball at Uncle Adam...don't worry, he got him back!

This is what we woke up to this morning...it was the start to a very pretty day!!

I just heard "Pete Dorkus" as he is lovingly called in the Darney Casa say that we have broken the record today for the most snow EVER in Dallas...9.4 inches! Yes, you heard it right AND it is still falling!

Now, it is not the snow that you normally would think of in Dallas. It is the actually fluffy snow...not sleet...not slick stuff. But tomorrow morning should be bad. Hagen's school is closed so no 50's Sock Hop Valentine's party (WTF anyway...sock hop?)

I went to work and just kept getting up to look out the window at the snow...it was so pretty! BIG flakes! I rushed home, met with a potential cleaning company for weekly house cleaning, and then scooped Hagen up from school. We headed straight to Uncle Adam's so we could let the boys play in the snow! We had a great time, the boys exchanged valentine's (Hagen gave crayons that I melted and Noah gave Hagen some candy). Sweet boys...

We came home and Ryan was chomping at the bit to get out to build a snowman! So fun! I could not believe how deep the snow is!

Nice dinner with the boys, updated photos on our photo website, and now watching Grey's and trying to decide if I need to cancel an interview for tomorrow morning (not mine...a candidate).

Hagen's teacher did say that he had his hands in his pants today before naptime and she told him to get them out and he told her "it's so big though!". Honestly, I am getting sick of saying things, but am so concerned. It is NOT normal...everyone keeps saying it IS normal...but he is 2 1/2...and says it ALL.THE.TIME. it's not like Ryan walks around and says his is big all the time. Honestly, it's only when Hagen is not around.

I'm so afraid of having that "little Johnny" in the class...ugh...just upsetting me.

Anywho, I have pillsbury cinnimon rolls in the fridge ready to pop in the oven for breakfast with my men and we will decide on the day's activities! I really need to go into the office, but really could use a snow day also!

Nite,

Carrie

Sister In Law

She went to the doctor yesterday and things are fine, but she has to take it easy. She is one of those people that I would NOT want to work for! She IS however someone that I would want to work FOR me. She works her tail off...adds stress to her life when it is not needed...works long hours when it is not needed..etc.

She went BACK to the normal OB today and he said for her to not work the rest of her pregnancy. It is causing too much stress and is not good for the baby. I know part of her is like YIPPEE...but the bigger part of it is that I am not sure how she is going to do with it. She will still be working from home, so I'm hoping that she will be more at ease and not stressed out so much.

Last night I went to dinner with a good friend that is starting the IVF scenario. She is getting the shots and all this week and the egg retrieval will be next week. It just breaks my heart to see anyone have to go through all of that...especially when it is such a good person that will make such a good Mom. Then you go and watch a show like Teen Mom on MTV and see some worthless people having babies so easily when they don't want them. Gah!

Sorry about that...

Anyway, Ryan and I are going to go see my doctor soon and see about having some laparoscopic surgery to check my tubes and endometriosis. After that we may go see our old pal, Dr. James Douglas. He was the one that got us pregnant with Hagen...he is my hero...but no offense to him, I am not in the mood to deal with that crap again. Why can't things just happen naturally!

I know I'm talking negatively, but I'm really not at that bad place yet. I just wish it would happen and not to have to deal with shots, sonograms with creepy GUY, blood draws daily, etc. This is NOT how the birds and the bees song says things happen!

Wouldn't it be a terrible world without another Hagen? I mean, really...he is so cute.

The other day he was going potty and he was a bit "excited". "It" was standing at attention and he looked at Ryan and said, "Daddy...It's big..." very seriously and just stared at Ryan. Uh, OK buddy...

TATA,
Carrie

So long flat iron

...well, for now. My beloved flat iron died on Saturday. I have a habit of dropping the thing while using it. All.The.Time.

Well, it broke and broke good! It was a Croc (I had a Chi before, but upgraded).

For awhile I had my hair chemically straightened. I loved having it straight, but it was almost TOO straight. I mean, it would not hold a curl if I tried.

My hair is "Nasty and Curly"...not really curly though, more wavy in some areas, straight in some others, and frizzy. I started straightening it when I was prego with Hagen. Not good because there is formaldehyde in it which is not good for pregos because it seeps into the brain, into the blood, into the baby and then they are born with 8 fingers on their feet and a toe out of their forehead. Fortunately he is fine and has his fingers and toes in the correct place!

Last year we decided that it was not in the budget to have it done anymore...it was my decision and I was ready. BUT what I was not ready for was wavy roots and straight ends. I was a freak show for awhile! Well, it has finally grown all out.

The thing is that I do not know how to deal with my curls. I have a diffuser but do you put it on low, medium, or high blow AND do you put it on cool, warm, or hot?! I just don't know.

I usually have it pulled up at the top because otherwise it is hanging out in my face all day long.

HELP!

Enough about my hair. I got some news that is potentially scary from my Brother and his Wife...the nice brother...the younger one, Adam. His wife is about 26 weeks prego and she went in for a sonogram this morning and the baby is about 2 weeks behind on growth. They are not sure why, so the doctor scheduled an appointment with a specialist for tomorrow morning. I hope and pray that everything is good with that sweet baby girl. Her name is Emily Grace and we are all very anxious for her to arrive in April healthy and happy!

UPDATE:
Praise the lord. Rebecca and little Emily are fine! The specialist wants to see her in 3 more week to take measurements, but everything seems to be OK. Dr. Eisenberg is very cautious which is good and just wanted to get a second opinion on her size. She will just be a little petite thing! Aww...so happy!

XO,
Carrie

A big decision...MADE!

I am so blessed with what I do for a living.

For those that don’t know I am a Technical Recruiter and I recruit Business Intelligence and Data Warehouse professionals (Architects, Developers, and Project Managers) for Artis Consulting.

When I started in the recruiting business back in July 1997 I am not sure what my employer was thinking hiring me…as a technical recruiter…someone who has NEVER even turned on a computer.

I was someone that didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up so I accepted the one and only offer I received and became a technical recruiter. I stayed in the staffing agency (head hunter) for 3-4 years and then made the switch to corporate side (recruiting inside a company…only for that company) and started to work at Tactica. I loved it! My first experience with corporate recruiting was a very lucky break. It was a WONDERFUL company that after about 2 years sold off to Hitachi Consulting. I was the low girl on the totem pole and lost my job.

That was the one job that I kept looking back at saying, “that was the best place ever to work”. It wasn’t just what I was doing on a day to day basis…it was the people, the commitment to their people, the family feel, the low stress atmosphere, etc. Just so much more than “the job”.

I tried different industries to recruit, I tried sales, I did a lot of different things…all the while looking back at Tactica.

When I had Hagen I was on a contract (at Hitachi Consulting again) and did not have maternity leave. I was going to take some time off unpaid (about 6 weeks or so) and planned on returning. Well, when Hagen was 2 ½ weeks old they called and said my contract had been expired and I was out of a job…my boss felt SO.BAD.

I panicked…

I received a call from a Project Manager that I recruited back in the glory days at Tactica. He worked for a small consulting company (Artis Consulting) and said they were thinking about bringing on a recruiter. So I started working for them. It was a trial period for them to see IF I was a fit for them…could I help them accomplish what they wanted… It was Tactica all over again, but in their early years. They allow me to work part-time, can work from home if I want/need to, no questions asked if I have to pick up a sick kiddo or work from home for the day, family feel, just wonderful. They truly respect their employees! I am so happy here that it pains me to think about leaving…

Well, I got a call last fall from the MAIN guy I recruited for back at Tactica that started his own company after that. It is with the majority of people from Tactica…it is somewhere that I have longed to work for for years. I wasn’t looking and am very happy…BUT I love those people…so I interviewed.

Last week it all came to a head. Ryan called on Monday to let me know that our insurance was going up (for Hagen and I since I am part-time) from $750/month to $1150/month! INSANE!

Later that night I got a call from my friend that works at the other company with an offer of more salary than what I am currently making AND Hagen and my insurance would be…get this…100% covered! Plus all this other stuff and only working 30 hours a week.

I was so excited….but sad because I have a bond with Artis due to the flexibility that I have. I went to one of the partners and said (with tears in my eyes) “I received a great offer from someone that I have worked with in the past, someone I trust, working with people I know, at this salary and benefits covered…but I don’t want to leave”.

He was disappointed, I was crushed at making a decision, and it was tough. He met me for dinner on Tuesday night (Pia and Papa kept Hagen for me since Ryan was out of town). He basically said, “What will it take to keep you?” I said that he would have to at least meet the salary and I need insurance coverage for Hagen and me …Done and Done.

Now, I will say that I was making less than what I should have been, but was focusing more on the flexibility part of the job. So in all reality, I should have been making more. It was a trial period for me and Artis and we have decided that it is indeed a good match.

So, I am staying…I could not be more happy…I love everything about this company, the people, the opportunity, the commute, the love they have for my family, just everything!

Ahh…relax…enjoy this continuing adventure…
Carrie

Whatta Weekend!

We really didn’t accomplish much, but we had a great weekend!
Ryan was traveling all week, so it was nice on Friday afternoon when he came home! We went to pick up Hagen from school and his little face just lit up when Daddy came home. It was sweet. We decided to go out and celebrate by going to Rockfish (I will elaborate on the celebration in another post)…BTW, I’m not pregnant so don’t start asking…or I will cry big fat tears.

We had such a good time and got to bed early. On Saturday Ryan and Hagen went to run errands while I stayed back to clean house (that is the story of my life…cleaning house on Saturday) and then that night we went to Nana’s for a party! She has parties AFTER the holidays to just get everyone together. It was mostly her friends, but Ryan, Hagen, and I went…Aunt Kristen came as well. Ryan and I were saying how nice it is to finally be at the point that we don’t have to keep our eyes on little man ALL.THE.TIME and he was perfectly good just mingling with the peeps. He was the only kiddo so he got lots of attention and was even doing the “Hi, I’m Hagen James Darney, nice to meet you” that we practiced in the car.

We got home and it was 10:00 so later than normal, but he did great!

On Sunday we literally were just laying around smelling the spaghetti sauce simmering on the stove (LOVE YOU COCO). My brother Adam, Rebecca, and Noah were coming over as well as Papa and Pia. I made a big batch of spaghetti, garlic bread, and Salad. It was SO GOOD!! BEST sauce ever and so easy!

Kinda a boring post…I was lonely last week…It was a STRESSFUL week…thank the lord Hagen was having a good week…love my little man.

Tata,
Carrie

Mama and Hagen date night!

I had so much fun with Hagen tonight. My watch battery died so we had to go to the mall jeweler to get it replaced. I thought I would turn it into date night.

Ryan is out of town...been since Monday. I picked Hagen up and we headed to the mall! We got my watch fixed, went to ride on the carousal, ate at Cheesecake factory, bought Hagen new socks, under ware, and a shirt, got a birthday present for Madison's birthday party, and got a balloon for being "haved".

We even stopped by the ice rink and watched the boys practice hockey! Hagen sat there in awe watching them skate...while his fingers were firmly planted in his ears. I guess the stick hitting the puck was a bit scary?!

We had such a great time. This week has been a DOOZY which I will blog about next week when a definite decision has been made about something important, so I needed to get out. Since Ryan is out of town Hagen was the best next choice!

Sweet baby Hagen, you just light up my life all the time...you are so fun to be around...so sweet...well behaved...you listen well...and I just love you more than you will ever know!

Love,
Mama

Uncle Tom got hitched!

So on Friday Ryan and I dropped off the dog at the vet and Hagen at Nana's and we were off for a kid free weekend in KC,MO!

Uncle Tom got married and we had a great time! Even though it was his wedding weekend he got me 5 Sonic Teas...it was wonderful to have a never ending supply of tea...especially after the amount of alcohol we drink!! I think he is trying to be the favorite Uncle...truth is, I have wonderful Uncles...even dirty Uncle Robby (I say that because he has the dirtiest mind I have ever known a man to have!)

Ryan and I had a wonderful time and it was nice to spend time talking with family. It was the same family that we were with a few weeks ago at my Grandpa's funeral. We all have so much fun together! My cousin Shelley and her fireman hubby Joe were the ones that I really wanted to talk with. We both have younger kiddos so they keep us busy when we get together and adult conversation is difficult. She gave me some information that I am going to definitely use to try to have another baby. Something about ovulating early in your cycle or late in your cycle. I think it may be the key and I am all about it. Wish me luck!

It was funny...on Friday night we all got together and cooked taco's and drank alot (some of us more than others) so on Saturday we were feeling a bit rough to say the least. We wanted to hang out, but didn't want to stay at the hotel...or go to a sports bar...or anything like that. So we went to the mall, boys and girls split and said to meet back in 1 hour. NONE of us wanted to be there, but we wanted to hang out! We moped around for about 30 minutes and then called each other and said let's go. We went to eat at Buffalo Wild Wings and then went to get ready for the wedding!

So much fun! Great Food! Beautiful dresses! And alot of love...

After the wedding was done (12:00) we went back to the hotel and Ryan and I decided to hang out with my younger cousins and play drinking games...not smart...not smart at all...it didn't end until 3:00AM!!

We got up at 8:30, went to eat breakfast and headed to the airport.

We arrived at Nana's to scoop up Hagen at around 5:30 and he was so excited! He got new toys, new games, new attitude. He had a great time and was exhausted when we got home.

It was so nice to get away, not have to worry about Hagen, and have fun!

Here is a story that Nana told us:
When Hagen got up on Saturday Nana told him that they are going to church that night and he will have to behave. Hagen said, "I am not going to be HAVED". Nana told him that we are going to God's house and he has to. He said, "I don't like God's house".

Oh lord...Oops! I will be honest, we don't go to church. Nothing against it and we realize we should be, but we just don't go. I was baptised and confirmed before we had Hagen so I am a Catholic. I may get shot saying this but I have a problem with some people that go to church every Sunday but the other days of the week treat people like crap! To make that worse, those people that judge you and ask you if you go to church and make you feel bad...isn't one of the sins about judging someone? Ugh...bugs me. I do not believe that you have to be in church to talk with God...it can happen anytime, even driving in rush hour...that's my time with him.

Whoa! Sorry about that detour!

Later,
Carrie