Happy Halloween

I'll have to get the pictures off the camera, but it has been a fun day. This afternoon, our neighborhood had a party at the park. The kids decorated paper pumpkins and witch hats. Tyler participated in a pie eating contest (gummy worms and whipped cream) and a scavenger hunt. Then, Tyler went to a party at at friends house while the girls and I rejoined the neighborhood party for a parade around the neighborhood. At some point, we broke out of the pack and went trick or treating. When I recommended that we head home so that we could hand out some candy, Claire gasped, "What! My bag isn't full yet!"

Rylie's Twin Sister Came to Play

On Friday, my friend Dana brought her 3 daughters over to play. It is always so striking to see Rylie and Naomi together. They look more alike that she and Claire do!

Apple Picking

I was so happy to get to go with Claire and Rylie's school classes to pick apples earlier this month. The first picture also includes Marco, a little boy that teased Rylie last year, but now he loves her! With all the apples we brought home, the girls and I made two quarts of applesauce! I know, I know. You'd think, from their expressions, that they weren't having any fun. It's not true! They had a blast riding on a schoolbus, watching a movie about Johnny Appleseed (google him...he was kind of a nut), learning about bees and their role in the apple harvest and, of course, picking various varieties of apples.

So You Think You Can Dance?

This is a show that we've never watched. But a parent at Tyler's school was able to get free tickets to anyone that wanted them. Tyler and his friend, Alex, were really excited to go. So here we are!

I got a promotion!

I interviewed about 2 weeks ago for a couple of pharmacist assistant (PhA) positions that are coming open at the hospital. This position is what initially made me apply at the hospital but you have to work your way up to this. I was told that I would have to work there for 6 mo-1 year before being considered to move out of central pharmacy to the floors where you enter medication orders, monitor drug levels, and some other stuff I'll understand better after I start training. I've been at the hospital 5 months, but applied and interviewed anyway because 1. to show interest for the next round of hiring, and 2. one of the pharmacist really encouraged me to. When I went to the interview, I snuck around to make sure none of my coworkers saw me so I wouldn't feel so stupid when I didn't get the job! I threw away most of the information I received at the interview knowing that there were others with much more seniority that me who had probably applied. Anyway, the supervisor called me Monday to offer me the position. The other person who got it has been in the pharmacy 2.5 years!

Needless to say, there are some seriously upset people in central pharmacy. I think I can tell who didn't apply, because they have been offering congratulations. Other responses have ranged from ignoring me to outright nastiness. I can understand their dismay and disappointment, but I didn't make the final decision in the matter. It has been a very awkward week.

Anyway, that's what I'm there for, to get experience in as many aspects of pharmacy work as possible. This position is as close as I can get to being a pharmacist without actually going to pharmacy school. It should be a good application booster when that time comes.

Oh, yeah, and it comes with a better raise than the 15 cent one I would have received at the 6 month mark!

Bust a Meal

I just found something great!
www.bustameal.com/cs/i_elDjsKq1of2GaKKa1Oo
The recipes look great varied and easy, and your shopping list prints right out. I'll let you know how it goes!

Brian and the Girls go to the Museum

Brian was on vacation today. I had to go to school and work. So he and the girls went to the museum to see the Titanic exhibit. Their favorite thing was the butterfly exhibit. They couldn't get enough of that!

Our Favorites

For Family Night this week, we read about a girl in Italy. In the article was a sidebar that listed her favorites. I thought it would be fun to ask my kids the same questions and here were the responses:

Claire
Favorite school subject: making things in Art Studio
Favorite food: tortillas with cheese
Favorite family activity: playing video games with Daddy
Favorite free time activity: playing with Emma and Kayla (girls who come visit their grandparents two doors down from us on Friday nights)
Favorite primary song: Child's Prayer
What I want to be when I grow up: school teacher

Rylie
Favorite school subject: paint things in Art Studio-flowers, houses, people and lady bugs
Favorite food: strawberries and apples
Favorite family activity: camping trips
Favorite free time activity: play with Barbies
Favorite primary song: If the Savior Stood Beside Me
What I want to be when I grow up: school teacher

Tyler
Favorite school subject: none
Favorite food: pizza
Favorite family activity: camping
Favorite free time activity: Halo on Xbox
Favorite primary song: Do as I'm Doing
What I want to be when I grow up: Lego designer

Raingutter Regatta

At cub scouts last week, Tyler got an award! I'll have to ask him again what it was for! Then, on to the main event...racing in the regatta! Daddy was gone to Chicago, so mom had to help him build it. So, you'll see in the 3rd picture that the boat is headed for the side of the raingutter rather than straight ahead. Hopefully Brian will be available next year as the McMullin image is somewhat tarnished at this point! Tyler had fun, though, which is what it was all about (at least that's what I keep telling myself!).

Happy 5th Birthday, Rylie and Claire!

For their birthday on September 19, instead of a friend party, Claire and Rylie opted to go to Build-a-Bear Workshop and get clothes for the animals they already had. Back when we got their animals a year or so ago, Rylie refused to have her kitty stuffed. Thus, she has been known as Flat Kitty around our house. Rylie decided now was the time to get Flat Kitty Stuffed so she could wear clothes!

Behold, the transformation from Flat Kitty to Fat Kitty!

Fat Kitty and Pooh Bear both got much needed baths. Now, to try on some clothes!

Dressed to impress! Yes, that is Pooh wearing an Ariel costume!

Back at home, it was time for cake, ice cream and opening of cards and presents! What a great birthday!