Solsken's Spot

Claire read the whole New Testament

2012-01-10T18:25:00.001-08:00

She finished around 12/23 but just told me yesterday. :-)

Tyler's pretzels!

2012-01-10T18:22:00.001-08:00

You're never too old...

2011-12-09T17:22:00.001-08:00

Trunk or Treat

2011-10-29T15:15:00.001-07:00

Best birthday ever

2011-09-20T07:34:00.001-07:00

I've got some great videos, too! We went to dinner, then asked them what they really wanted for their birthday. They both said, "get out ears pierced." I told them, "well, ask daddy." They looked at him, asked and Brian said, "well, okay". Claire started crying. She hugged him and said, "Daddy, thank you so much!" It was awesome!

Arm set

2011-08-29T19:30:00.001-07:00

Tyler broke his arm :-(

2011-08-26T17:05:00.001-07:00

Worlds shortest football career.

Goodbye, Skyler. We will miss you.

2011-08-04T06:28:00.001-07:00

Skyler was suffering so badly. We made the right decision, even though it hurts our hearts. Pictures and details forthcoming.

Sent from Kendra's iPhone

Cousin fun

2011-07-21T13:53:00.001-07:00

Girls' Day

2011-07-20T09:42:00.001-07:00

Rylie treated right at Great Grandma's

2011-07-14T15:42:00.001-07:00

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-03T10:45:00.001-07:00

Creme Brûlée

2011-06-29T21:14:00.001-07:00

Claire is a new woman!

2011-06-28T11:22:00.001-07:00

Rylie loses another tooth

2011-06-26T19:01:00.001-07:00

Strawberry Jam

2011-05-30T16:17:00.001-07:00

The latest batch...Brian helped me with this one since Karla wasn't here to help!

The Woodlands

2011-05-30T12:25:00.001-07:00

New dress?

2011-05-29T10:05:00.001-07:00

Nope. Just one I haven't been able to wear since Tyler was born. I bought it for Neil and Sarah's wedding!

The Christmas Tree is DOWN!

2011-05-28T10:13:00.001-07:00

Rylie's poster

2011-05-27T06:06:00.001-07:00

Rylie the missionary

2011-05-04T18:39:00.001-07:00

Rylie is reading aloud out of Matthew "to Skyler"!

Ty's party

2011-04-16T13:14:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday, Tyler!

2011-04-14T20:29:00.000-07:00

This is a teenager! This is a teenager about to get donuts for a birthday breakfast for himself and our carpool friends, the Hallidays. And it is also a teenager drinking his first daquari. He was very nervous the bar would slip and put the alcohol in it! After school, we got a surprise visit from Grandpa McMullin (the girls and I told Tyler a clown was coming who made balloon animals. I think he was relieved it was Grandpa!), and a call from Sydney and Ainsley. All in all, a super day!

Self Esteem Crisis

2011-04-10T14:37:00.000-07:00

Today in church, Claire asked me several questions. Mom, do all grown up have that extra skin under their necks like you do? Mom, what are those bumps on your face? You have one here, here and here. Mom, what are those blue dots on your legs and ankles? (Varicose veins.) Wow. I love that girl.

Brian is in Chicago

2011-04-08T13:08:00.000-07:00

Brian is off to Chicago to take a cram course and his board exam next weekend. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Another tooth bites the dust!

2011-04-04T19:19:00.001-07:00

Bluebonnets!

2011-04-02T19:11:00.000-07:00

Its been a year and a half since I knew we were moving back to Texas and I've been excited all that time to show the girls the bluebonnets. They have pictures in them when they were babies, but they don't remember it! They did not disappoint and were duly excited about seeing the flowers. They have been warned that this picture taking will be an annual event!

Scout-Second Class

2011-03-31T12:40:00.000-07:00

Yay! Tyler received his Second Class Scout award! No longer a Tenderfoot and one step closer to Eagle. This morning, Tyler was looking through his Scout manual to see what he needed to do to earn the next rank advancement. Last nights Court of Honor was pretty motivating for him. Disclaimer: Brian's hair isn't as big as it looks in this picture. The shadow from the flash just happens to be the same color as his hair! I'm ignoring his request not to post this picture...a decision I'm sure I will live to regret! ;-)

Cowgirls

2011-03-29T14:13:00.001-07:00

So, my girls are truly being brainwashed as Texans! They are pretty sure they already own horses. Brian's Uncle Scott has horses, and since they are in the family, they also belong to us. They are planning to have their next birthday party at Uncle Scott's, too! Maybe I should let him know!

New Years Resolution

2011-03-29T11:48:00.001-07:00

Even though this is what I see most days, recommitting to start blogging again. Check back often!

Called to Serve

2010-08-01T14:58:00.000-07:00

I typed a bunch of text in Word to paste in right here and it won't do it. Before I type it all out again, I'm going to see if anyone has any better ideas! Just know that there is a story that is supposed to go here, as soon as I can figure out why copy/paste isn't working!

Deep Thoughts

2010-06-06T15:33:00.001-07:00

This week, Glenn Beck (yes, I am obsessed with his radio show) has been talking about James A. Garfield’s quote, “The truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable.” I have experienced this in my life. Almost 20 years ago, I had to make an excruciating decision. One that I read, studied and prayed about for months before I finally acted upon my final choice. I knew what I needed to do, but I knew the pain that choice would cause many in my life. So, I agonized, caught between what I knew I had to do and preserving the feelings of those I loved. The moment I acted upon my choice, the most liberating, refreshing, feeling of freedom and comfort washed over me. I felt a weight remove from me. I understood at that moment what Jesus meant when he said “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me….for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:29-30) I cried at the sudden relief that had been given to me. Since that day, I have been truly free.

Our Sunday school lesson today touched on a similar note. We discussed how making the decision to follow God and the commandments might at first be hard, but in the end it makes our lives so much easier and happier. Those who do not follow the strait and narrow path, for them, life seems so easy because they can do whatever in the world they might want. Later, however, the find themselves in bondage to sin, or in some way suffering for the consequences of their choices.

In our church, we teach our children to CTR: Choose the Right. It really is just that easy. It might make you miserable in the moment not to get or do whatever you want to do. But the Lord has promised us the richness of his blessings both here on earth and eternally if we do so. Sure makes the little things we “miss out on” seem quite insignificant!

I often reflect in that time 20 years ago, the years that lead up to them to prepare me to endure the pain, and the 20 years since in which the seed that I planted has indeed produced a tree ripe with good fruit. I have never once regretted my decision and have been truly blessed over and over and over again.

The decision to move to Houston has been one of those decisions that has made me a little miserable. Brian and I dreamed of California for over ten years; choosing Houston felt like abdicating a dream. We just got back from picking out a house to live in, and it is a GREAT house! We will be close to family and live in a conservative state! Suddenly, I am able to see more about what I’m gaining that what I’ve given up. It will be exciting to see what the next 20 years brings into our lives. Whatever it is, the Lord’s hand guides my path and I will continue to listen to his voice.

The Coolest Thing about Turning 12

2010-05-20T16:09:00.000-07:00

In our faith, when a boy turns 12, he is eligible to receive the Aaronic priesthood, which gives him responsibilities to help maintain the church grounds, look after the poor and needy, to administer in some ordinances and prepare for greater responsibilities to come. Grandma and Grandpa McMullin were able to come and be a part of this special day. Tyler received the priesthood from Brian, who received it from his dad, Tom.

We were proud of Tyler for being worthy of this honor, for being willing to serve and for his good example to us all. He is also not able to participate in the Young Mens program which alternates weeks with religious instruction/community service and Scouting. Once a month, they participate in Mutual activites with the Young Women.

Have You Ever Taken a Cat on a Picnic?

2010-05-20T16:01:00.000-07:00

We had an open house one afternoon and we thought it would be best to get Skyler out of the the way. We bought a collar and a leash and took him to the state park! We got lots of strange looks but we tried to act like we do this all the time! Skyler wandered a bit but decided that he preferred to observe the world from the safety of the pet carrier!

Tyler's Clean Room

2010-05-20T15:54:00.000-07:00

For anyone who has been to visit us in the past five years, you know that Tyler's room has been a dangerous place. As we prepared to put the house on the market, we did a lot of excavating in there. We took out a bookshelf, the loft for his bed and the desk as well as about 6 boxes of things. It looks amazing.

Tyler's Birthday-the Big 12

2010-05-20T15:45:00.000-07:00

As every kid does, Tyler has been asking for a cell phone for a while. I kept telling him that when he got old enough to go places alone and I couldn't contact him easily, they we'd consider it. Well, the time has come. Sometimes Tyler rides his bike to a friend's house, rides up to the gas station for a snack, or hangs out at the park with pals. He was excited and shocked at his present. Before he knew what it was, he was a little disappointed with the quantity of presents, but I assured him that the quality would be worth it!

Tyler made his first call on his phone to Grandma Z. I have to admit that I've enjoyed him having the phone and the texts that he sends me during his lunch break at school. The phone has made it easier to communicate with him.

Last year's party was so much fun (video games with friends and an ice cream cake) were so much fun that Tyler decided to do a repeat. He invited his best friends, Alex, Zane and Keegan.

Yeah, and you should see the OTHER guy!

2010-04-12T09:59:00.000-07:00

So, I'm beginning to realize that our blog, in addition to a family history, is also becoming a medical record! The Saturday night before Easter, I was walking down the basement stairs carrying some stuff, and I missed a step, heard a loud crunch, and I was on the floor in pain! But I've been able to count many blessings through the process:

My brilliant surgeon husband was home and I only had to scream at the top of my lungs 3 times to get his attention over the game he was playing. When he came to my rescue, he knew just what to do, what to look for to make sure no bones were broken and how to take care of me.
When I went to work Easter morning (bummer! But I was not calling in sick, either, since the girl I knew would have to come in my place also had small children and Easter plans.), I was assigned to work on the orthopaedic floor. A doctor checked me out and the nurses wrapped and iced me, and Physical Therapy loaned me a crutch for a couple of days.
The weather was warm enough for me to wear crocks and sandles. Not sure what I would have done if I'd had to trudge through snow without real shoes!

A week later, the color from that big bruise around my ankle has slid down to my toes. The toes don't hurt, but they look nasty! Another orthopaedic surgeon on Friday recommended a compression stocking. I picked one up on the way home that afternoon and it has made a world of difference. I'm walking pretty well and it doesn't hurt to walk in a straight line (although I am pretty gimpy). It really hurts, though, when I try to make circles with my ankle. Hopefully time, compression and chocolate will take care of it within 4-5 more weeks.

Funny Kid!

2010-04-12T09:57:00.001-07:00

One evening, with an order of Arby's curly fries, Claire realized that the fry was in the shape of a C. Then she spelled out her whole name.

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T19:38:00.000-07:00

Easter just isn't Easter unless you color eggs. Tyler wasn't into it this year, but Claire and Rylie had fun with it.

The night before Easter, I sprained my ankle, so Tyler hid eggs for his sisters. Isn't he the best brother ever?

Since it is our last Easter with daffodils, we had to take our annual Easter pictures. Oh, and because the kids hate it and I do so love to torture them!

I know, Mom. You want copies of these. I'll get to them when I do the Christmas pictures. In other words, when we get to Houston, bring over your thumb drive and download them yourself off my computer! ;-)

I love the Easter season and have loved these 5 Springs in Wisconsin. Never has the Resurrection meant so much to me as it has here. When the weather is warm, we plant beautiful flowers, shrubs and trees. When the winter comes, everthing dies. Sticks. Down to the dirt. Gone. Dead. No way they are ever coming back. Then, in the spring, even before all the snow melts, daffodils and tulips begin to arise. Other greenery follows suit. Before your eyes, the winter is gone and the world is green again. It is truly a miracle. There are types and shadows of Christ all around us. Our loving Heavenly Father makes sure that we always remember Him, His Son, and the blessing of eternal life.

There is a Sign in Front of OUR House

2010-03-28T19:13:00.001-07:00

The sign finally went up yesterday. We will be listed on the MLS tomorrow and we have our fingers crossed for Big Thing$ and a quick sale. I'd be so happy to be in the middle of a bidding war! Our realtor tells us that people are looking in our area and that there haven't been any new listings in a while, so the market is kind of stale. Which hopefully means that people are ready for some fresh meat. She will host a realtor tour on Tuesday and an open house in two weeks (oh, why does Easter have to be next weekend?).

http://tacoma.redata.com/vp/ListingServlet?SITE=SHOREW&cd_MLS=1361787&pres_agent=4853&ScreenID=LISTING_DETAIL_MAILRES

Sell This House!

2010-03-21T17:10:00.000-07:00

Well, Brian finished his Texas Jurisprudence exam and did well. Now the final push to finish up (at least the major projects) chores to get the house ready to put on the market...hopefully by the end of the week. One thing we had done recently is to have the carpet taken up in the living room and refinish the original wood floors:
For what its worth, I wanted to do this from the time we moved in, but nooooo. We are finally going to put up towel racks in the bathroom, too. There is no way the next occupant will be able to appreciate all that we have done! But, who cares, so long as they just buy it!

Climate Shock

2010-03-16T13:59:00.000-07:00

It is nice and warm today so we are going to the park in a few minutes. Rylie asked, "Mom, it is so hot. Can I take a bottle of water to the park?" It is 57 degrees...farenheit. These girls are going to melt like ice cubes when we get out of the car in Houston in late June! And for you thin blooded Texans, they are wearing short sleeves and are perfectly comfortable. I, myself, am wearing a long sleeve t-shirt and a jacket!

Claire's Visit to the Hospital

2010-03-15T10:27:00.000-07:00

Well, this all started a few weeks ago when everyone caught a nasty cold. At the downward side of it, everyone recovered, but Claire kept coughing and coughing. One day, Brian heard her really wheezing and suggested that I call the pediatrician, Dr. Esser. His associate, Dr. Kane saw Claire that day and gave her an albuterol treatment, sent her for an xray and sent her home on an inhaler to use every 4 hours until the cough cleared up, which it did within about 3 days.

About 2-3 weeks later, she started coughing again. So we pulled out the inhaler again. Tuesday night, she was up at 4 and 6 am coughing.

Wednesday

When it was time to go to school, she was coughing quite a bit, but otherwise feeling okay so I sent the inhaler with her to school. That afternoon, the school nurse called to say that Claire seemed to be really working hard at breathing, was wheezing significantly and suggested that I call the doctor. I called and, Dr. Esser was on vacation, so we saw Dr. Kane again. She gave Claire 2 treatments, oral prednisone (steroid) and instructions to call later in the evening if Claire worsened or didn't get better. About bedtime, Claire was right back in the same place as she was earlier in the day: coughing and wheezing. I knew we would both be up all night with her coughing. We called Dr. Kane who suggested albuterol every 2 hours with the revelation that we were trying to buy time until the oral steroid could kick in within 24 hours. Brian gave her a blessing and she slept beautifully until I woke her up at 6:30 to get her ready so that she could come to school with me.

Thursday

She decided she wanted to stay home, so she stayed with the sitter while I went to school until I got back home at 10 am. Dr. Kane called about 11 to check on her and said to continue the albuterol and call the if she hadn't improved by about 1 pm. I called the office about 1.30. After a few minutes on hold, a third partner from the group, Dr. Wegner (Esser was on vacation all week and it was Kane's day off, which made it feel so nice to know that she checked in on us from home) said that they would not be able to do anything more in the office than they had already done. She instructed us to go to the Children's ER. I called Brian, picked up Rylie, left a note for Tyler and we went to the hospital.

We walked in and were seen right away. Here we were in a little triage room where we registered and Claire was seen by a nurse. Within 10 minutes of walking in, we were taken to a room.

I paged Brian to let him know we were there, checked in and had a room. They took Claire for an xray, then started albuterol and atrovent treatments.

Brian arrived and started causing trouble; whenever a nurse or someone started in, they saw him in this pesky white coat and thought they were interrupting the doctor. We had to let people know he was there in his role as Dad, not doctor! Rylie was so happy he was there! After 2 treatments, Claire's wheezing was not significantly better, so they decided to admit her. Brian took Rylie, picked up Tyler and they went out for dinner. Claire got another hour long albuterol treatment.

When this treatment was over, her room was ready, and so was her princess coach. Despite the look on her face, she thought this was pretty cool. She really wanted to stay the night, because she thought it would be fun!

Right after we got up to our room (about 7 or 8 pm), Brian, Tyler and Rylie came back from dinner. We got oriented to our room, nurse and ordered Claire some dinner. About the time it arrived, the visitors left. Rylie was a mess. She was so upset about leaving me and Claire. Tyler really stepped up in his role as Big Brother. He told her he would sleep with her in her room, that they could make Claire a card, etc. It was so sweet.

Friday

It was a terrible night. Claire insisted that I sleep with her and she coughed and tossed all night. They were going to do breathing treatments every 2 hours which they did at 9pm, 11pm and 1am. When she woke about 3, I assured her they would be in soon for another one. She coughed and dosed, but whenever she would go to sleep, the alarm would go off that her oxygen saturation would drop into the mid-80s (should be in the high 90s-100) which would wake us up again. Around 5, the nurse finally came and I asked why no one came at 3. Respiratory therapy had decided to go to every 4 hours instead of every 2. Wish they would have told me sooner. (This is my only irk about the entire stay.) The nurse gave her a treatment and started on oxygen.

Here is Claire with the penguin oxygen mask. She didn't really need in while awake anymore, but we didn't know that yet. She colored while we waited for her breakfast.

Soon after eating breakfast, Birdie the therapy dog came by to visit. Claire loved it! What a great service these sweet volunteers provide.

The 4 of us (not Brian) had dentist appointments Friday morning. Andrea the sitter took Tyler and Rylie so we didn't have to completely waste the dentists time. I had her bring Rylie so I could watch her during the day till Brian got off. In retrospect, this wasn't the best idea as Claire and I were so tired from our sleepless night and Rylie didn't provide an atmosphere conducive to rest. The hospital has a great Child Life service where they have a playroom full of games, toys and crafts. Claire couldn't leave the room to play there because of the risk that she might have pneumonia (she didn't). I went back and forth checking out games and toys. At one point a lady came by and brough beads, elastic string, crafts and fuzzy posters to occupy the girls. It was great! Claire's one desire in life was to get to go to the playroom herself.

Friday night, Claire agreed to sleep by herself. Bedtime at home is about 7.30, so at that time, we turned out all the lights and she went right to sleep. Her oxygen saturation kept dropping to the mid to high 80s so I stood vigil by the monitor to shut it up so it wouldn't wake her. At 9, the nurse came in for vitals and breathing treatment. Claire didn't even wake up for the vitals and roused partially for the breathing treatments. She was so mad and crying through the whole thing (which actually probably helped get the medicine deeper into her lungs and she didn't remember this at all the next morning). When it was over, she fell right back to sleep and again slept peacefully without coughing.

Saturday

She woke up just before 3 am so rested and feeling well. By now, the treatments were every 6 hours, so it was perfect timing for the next treatment. Every 6 hours was the goal...she needed to be able to tolerate going without meds for 6 hours before they would let her go home. Afterwards, we dozed a bit until about 6.30, at which time she was ready to get up and color. She had also figured out that she could have popsicles on demand.

So, after a couple, she then ordered breakfast at 7. A resident came by about that time and let us know that she would be going home today. Dr. Wegner, the pediatrician from our doctor's group that sent us here on Thurday rounded on us with the same news. Claire got special permission to go to the playroom, FINALLY, if she would wash her hands and wear a mask!

The paperwork was taking a while, so she ordered lunch, played, we received discharge instructions and some teaching from the nurse and respiratory therapy about asthma and peak flow monitoring. It appears that she may have had a viral induced asthma attack. We will have her evaluated when she gets completely well to see if she needs to be formally diagnosed with asthma or if we just need to figure out if she has specific triggers such as change of season, upper respiratory infection, or unpleasant chores ;-) that cause her to flare up.

Rylie was so happy to have Claire home. Claire still misses the hospital. It was such a fun experience for her. I am so grateful that we weren't there for any of the other dreadful, painful ailments that afflict other children. To her, it is a happy place of popsicles, Disney channel, bead necklaces and foam crafts!

We will follow up with Dr. Esser on Thursday, since he is now back from vacation and missed all the fun!

Improve Thyself

2010-01-01T20:01:00.001-08:00

This is Rylie's new year resolution as declared during Primary last Sunday. We are so proud of her lofty goals and ambition. Skyler is, too!

Christmas 2009

2009-12-25T19:42:00.001-08:00

Texas or Bust

2009-11-27T10:25:00.000-08:00

Tuesday was a really big day for our family. Not only was that the day Creighton called me to tell me that I had earned a place in pharmacy school, but it was also the day we mailed off a contract for Brian to join an ENT practice in Houston. He will be a part of Texas ENT (texasent. com) and we will move back to Texas in June. So, this will be our last winter in Milwaukee!

It’s All Sarah’s Fault

2009-11-25T15:38:00.000-08:00

About 3 years ago, I remember Sarah saying that someday she planned to go to dental school. At first, I felt really betrayed. While Brian and Neil were in medical school/residency, we looked forward to the day of sitting together poolside while our kids were at school and we ate Bonbons and dipped our toes occasionally. Dental school? Oh, man! Not long after, Brian noted that the kids would be starting school soon and what would I do? Get a job? A job? No! I thought. Sit poolside with Sarah! Oh, yeah. Dental school. It really got me thinking. Anyone who is around me for 5 minutes knows I’m not the poolside kind, anyway. I remembered my old yearnings for pharmacy and began researching what it would take to go that route again. I found out that to become a certified pharmacy technician, all I had to do was take a test, pay a fee, and BOOM, that’s it. I also looked into prerequisites for pharmacy school. I made a worst case scenario list (ie get all the prereqs for all the schools I could possibly ever attend since I didn’t know where life would take us next) and realized that I really didn’t have many classes to take at all. Furthermore, we live on the bus line that goes straight down to UW-Milwaukee. So, I studied for a few weeks, took the technician exam, applied to work at the hospital, started working there parttime, and registered for school during the summer of 2008. Summer 2009 I took the PCAT and applied to Creighton’s pharmacy school-distance pathway. November 20th, I interviewed there and got a call yesterday that I was accepted! So I will start a 4 year PharmD program beginning Fall 2010.

Today, the kids all had school, and I didn’t have school or work today. I went grocery shopping, clean house a little, hung out, picked up the girls for school, and just made, ate and cleaned up dinner. The thought keeps coming back to me that days like today could have been my Groundhog day for the rest of my life including the poolside days. But, no! I’m working part time, in school part time and going to pharmacy school! So, thanks, Sarah! You inspired me and a new phase has begun!

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T15:41:00.001-07:00

This year we have Supergirl, a bee and a gladiator. We scored big on candy!

Happy Birthday, Brian!

2009-10-20T21:14:00.000-07:00

Claire made the funniest card for Brian. Here goes (translation below):Older? Yep. Taller? Totally. Smarter? Oh, yeah! From Claire

2009-10-14T20:03:00.001-07:00

Went to Tyler's parent-teacher conference today. All his teachers love him, say he is kind and polite and a hard worker. His math teacher is going to move him up to the accelerated group this week! What a great kid!

2009-10-11T16:33:00.001-07:00

Rylie is helping to set the table. She says she wants to be a waitress when she grows up.

2009-10-07T05:13:00.001-07:00

The girls are upset today because all the other trees are losing their leaves but ours. Boy, have they got lots to worry about!

2009-09-24T21:36:00.001-07:00

Poor Claire is so sick today. I had to pick her up from school with a tummy ache. By the time I got there, she had thrown up twice. And again on the way home.

August 5!!

2009-08-05T20:34:00.000-07:00

Ahh, I love my birthday! The calls and attention! So, this morning, I took the girls to school, hung out at home and watched Glenn Beck from last night. Then, took Tyler to a friend's house for a swim day, went to Target, then Schlotsky's for lunch, and finally to work for the evening. Back home again to my favorite place with my favorite people...

2009-08-04T20:49:00.000-07:00

Claire's comment about her first day of Kindergarten: "I didn't have to take a nap." (Rylie's class took one yesterday. She first said that she didn't sleep, but later admitted to drooling on the mat.)

2009-08-03T10:51:00.001-07:00

Rylie is at her first day of kinder and Claire and I having a great girls' day-haircut, Claire's boutique and McDonalds!

2009-07-29T14:07:00.001-07:00

Tyler just lost another tooth. Gone are the days when it was a multiday event. He noticed it was loose and 3 minutes later, he had pulled it out! I'm not sure how many more he has to loose, but this has got to be close to the end!

2009-07-28T17:05:00.001-07:00

So, how tech savvy am I? This text message to my phone should post to my blog and email alert my mom. Let's see how it works, shall we?

FYI, the post worked! Let's just see when my mom responds! No more exuses to not post! Especially in the moment when the kids do and say those things!

Hi, We're Twins!

2009-06-28T12:49:00.000-07:00

The girls came out of their room the other day all a-giggles because they had dressed alike. It doesn't happen often, so we all thought it was funny. Lately, the girls have realized that being twins is a neat thing to other people. I heard Claire say to someone at school, "that's my sister, Rylie. We're twins."

Another ongoing, funny thing about the girls is that somewhere along the way, they made a pact together that Claire wasn't going to have any babies and that Rylie would "get" them for her. Well, recently, said babies received names: Kylie, Olivia, Chris and Robert! During this conversation, they argued over who would get to keep Kylie. Rylie settled the argument by telling Claire she could have Robert.

I'm pleased to make the following update to the story. In the car on the way to gymnastics last week, Claire asked me if I liked being a mom. I assured her that it was great. She understood and clairfied saying, "you really like driving us places, don't you, Mom?" I agreed that driving them around was the highlight of my life. Then, Claire decided that she would "get" her own babies after all.

Tyler's 5th Grade Completion Ceremony

2009-06-28T12:32:00.000-07:00

Yea for Tyler! He is no longer an elementary school kid. He's a big ugly middle schooler! These are some of his friends: (on the stairs: Tyler, Keegan, Chris and Joe). Tyler goes to a cool school called Golda Meir, an urban gifted and talented school. They have 3 classes each of 3, 4 and 5th grades. Recently, they added one class each of 6, 7 and 8th grades. Sometime earlier this year, they invite the top 1/3 of the 5th grades to stay on for middle school. All 4 of these boys will remain at Golda next year. We are so proud of Tyler. He loves his friends and teachers and all the great opportunites going to a school like this gives him that he would not receive in a regular public school. For example, during his years here, his class took overnight trips to Chicago, a submarine, and camping. He got to serve as a junior docent at the art museum and has learned to tap dance, although he will not demonstrate this for you! Congratulations, Tyler. We wish for you continued success as you apply yourself to all kinds of learning.

Tyler's 3rd Quarter Report Card

2009-04-09T16:44:00.001-07:00

We are so proud of Tyler for his great accomplishments in school. I never remind him to do homework. He takes responsibility for this all on his own. In addition to doing well academically, his teachers routinely praise him for being polite, kind, helpful and a positive influence, character traits which I think will ensure greater success in the long run. His standardized test scores are also here for you to view.

Gee, thanks.

2009-04-09T16:36:00.000-07:00

Tonight, we had family night and a brief lesson about humility. (Claire asked what that word meant earlier this week, and I thought the answer would make a great lesson.) So we started by having everyone tell something they were good at doing. When it got to my turn, before I could answer, Rylie piped up that, "Mom, you are good at doing the dishes."

In case you are wondering, Claire said she was good at back hip circles (don't ask me...it's a gymnastics thing), Tyler said he was good at playing Halo, and Rylie said she was good at helping the other kids at school. Then we acknowledged the other people that helped us succeed, such as Mom and Dad paying for and driving to lessons, teachers at school, etc. Then we learned that, ultimately, Heavenly Father is to thank for our sharp minds, strong and healthy bodies, eye/hand coordination and big hearts that enable us to do the things we are proud of. So, a big component of humility is gratefulness, in addition to being teachable.

I'm off to use the greatest of my gifts in the kitchen...

When I Grow Up

2009-03-18T09:03:00.000-07:00

We were just watching an episode of Dora the Explorer. Dora and Boots were drawing pictures of what they wanted to be when they grow up. Then Dora asked the audience what they want to be. Rylie wants to be a teacher and an ice skater. Claire wants to be a "dentister" and a ballerina.

A Rough Start

2009-01-28T14:04:00.001-08:00

Monday marked the first day of the new semester (when this semester is done, I'll be halfway through my prerequisites for pharmacy school!). I've been home for a month and no one was sick the entire time.

Sunday morning about 2, Tyler threw up in his bed. I got that cleaned up and made him a bed on the couch because I wasn't going to remake a bunk bed at 2:30 am! Sunday evening, Skyler barfed in the living room. At least I got him onto the wood floor for round 2! Sunday night about 10, Claire threw up all over her side of the room. That took a while to clean up! By Monday morning, Tyler and Claire felt great, but Rylie didn't feel so well, but I had to go to class! So, I took her with me! She sat so still and quiet with her coloring book, Sprite and pear fruit cup. I have lab on Mondays, but thankfully only had to stay a few minutes for the first day.

On our way out of the building, she had an accident which warranted removal of her tights and unders. I couldn't take her outside in 7 degree weather with bare legs, so I removed my own knee socks and put them on Rylie. They came all the way up to the tops of her skinny little thighs! We made it home, picked up Claire, and headed back downtown to get a lab manual from a printing shop.

On the way, Rylie said she felt like she was going to throw up. We were in Brian's car and he had left an empty chip bag. I gave that to her, and soon she began to use it. Most of it made it into the bag, but plenty didn't! Finally, we made it back home, to clean up everyone and everything.

Hopefully, the rest of the semester will go better!

The Miracle of Inaguration

2009-01-21T09:02:00.000-08:00

During family night yesterday, we decided to focus on America and our new president by watching the Inaguaral address. Brian reminded us of the miracle that happened yesterday. One party went out and a new one took power. This may have gone unnoticed here in America, because we do this every 4-8 years. But in other countries, often the outgoing administration refuses to leave and blood is shed through the process of honoring the will of the voters. I am grateful to live in this wonderful land where we abide by the rule of law. (I need to take a picture of what Rylie made in school yesterday...)

Snow Board Bunnies

2009-01-21T08:59:00.000-08:00

We went out sledding last Saturday. Tyler brought his friend Alex, who brought a couple of snow boards. The girls begged to be able to try and we were so impressed with how well they did.

In all fairness, all the kids did spectacularly...except when I tried to film them. When I wasn't filming, the went all the way down the hill, darn near into the river! So these are all the BAD runs. At one point, Claire was tutoring Rylie on how to properly ride the snowboard. "When you feel like you are going to fall, bend your knees." We asked her how she knew that. She replied that was what they told them in gymnastics on the balance beam!

And Tyler! Wow! He was riding a professional type board where your feet are clamped in! That would scare me to death. I really wish I could have captured one of his several great runs! What cool kids I have!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-31T09:37:00.000-08:00

Here's December in a nutshell:

WINTERFEST

Here are a few pictures of the annual Winterfest from Claire and Rylie's school. The kids had fun decorating cookies, making jingle bracelets and reindeer horns.

WHY BRIAN NEEDS TO BE A PLASTIC SURGEON

Here's her story: "The shovel hit an icycle and the icycle hit me on the eye." She has since admitted that maybe she was holding the shovel and maybe she swung it at the icycle!

CHRISTMAS EVE

I was originally scheduled to work on Christmas Eve, but a dear woman at work switched with me so I could be home. We had so much fun together. We had our annual Christmas program over the webcam. This year was nice because we were able to see the computer screen on the TV and hear the sound through the speakers, so it was a much more enjoyable experience this year! We love being able to connect with family in Texas through the computer. In fact, the McMullins were in 3 different cities and we were all together singing hymns and hearing the Christmas story.

CHRISTMAS MORNING

We had to booby trap Tyler's door to make sure he didn't sneak out and get a preview of Christmas! They were all very happy with what Santa brought. Tyler got a huge Bionicle ship he really wanted. Rylie had asked for a hair braider, but Santa figured she would love a baby doll and a crib. Claire got an Easy Bake Oven and cupcake decorating supplies.

EASY BAKE OVEN

A few days later, we decided to break out the oven. The results were fun, if not culinary masterpieces!

PRETTY, PRETTY PRINCESS

One of the most fun things the girls got was a game called Pretty, Pretty Princess. You win the game when you get all of your jewelry on, complete with crown! But watch out for Malificent!

LYDIA

Let me introduce you to the newest member of our family, Lydia. She is Rylie's baby doll and we all love her so much!

READING WITH GRANDMA

Grandma helped out and created some memories at bedtime.

DAY AT THE MUSEUM
Once we finally got there (wrong directions, disaster parking) most of us had a great time. Brian had taken the girls a few weeks ago and their favorite exhibit was the butterflies. So we had to go there again.

Family Photos

2008-12-11T08:48:00.000-08:00

Amy Rahm took these portraits for us. We love them. And yes, I know my hair looks awsome!

Once in a Lifetime

2008-12-06T19:28:00.000-08:00

Our family had the most incredible experience tonight. We went to see the REAL Santa Clause.

Tyler has been doubting his authenticity lately, so I knew something had to be done. As everyone knows, the Santas in the malls and at church activities are not the real Santa. He can't be everywhere at once. But he does make appearances now and then (although it is really hard information to find). I found out he was going to be in Port Washington, a town about 20 miles north of Milwaukee--tonight!

We left our church party early, just as "Santa" arrived. The girls were upset (and Tyler was rolling his eyes) about having to leave until I told them what I had discovered and where we were going (Tyler continued the orbital rotation). We drove and drove, listening to Christmas music most of the way, including my favorite album, John Denver and the Muppets. We realized that the girls had no idea who the Muppets were, a sad void in our parenting that will soon be rectified.

Anyway, we finally got there. He was in the back of a portrait studio. There wasn't a line at all. When we arrived, Santa was in the back room taking a potty break, I think. When he came back in and passed the photo umbrellas so he could see us, he exclaimed, "Tyler!" Tyler was a little surprised and asked if I had made an appointment (which must have been how he knew Tyler's name), which I did not. He looked at the girls and said, "You must be Rylie and you are Claire." Of course, he was right on both accounts. He then said that he also knew Karee, Sydney and Zach! Tyler was blown away. He asked the girls if they were enjoying the dollhouse Santa brought last year and if Tyler liked his nerf longshot rifle. Whoa!

Santa then greeted Brian and me by name, too!

He sat down and invited the kids over to sit for a picture. They asked how he got into houses. He explained how he dematerializes on the one side and rematerializes on the others. Sounds like physics concepts I haven't figured out yet. Then he asked what they wanted this year.

I told Santa that some in our family were unsure if Santa was real and didn't believe that parents have Santa's cell number. I asked if his phone was nearby. He said that it was, so I dialed the Santa's number on my phone, and guess who's phone started to ring! Santa let Tyler answer it and I was on the other line!

Then Santa got onto me for all the string we had wound around inside the house as a Christmas trick for Tyler to find his present because he tripped on it. It took me a minute to realize what he was talking about, but then I remembered what he meant. We had it tied to a suitcase for Tyler (which had plane tickets to Texas inside)! At this point, I was freaked out! Then, Tyler tested him. He asked which room the suitcase was hidden in. Santa said, "The other room." "Which room?" Tyler challenged. "The basement," Santa responded. And of course he was right.

Well, by this time, there were other kids waiting and we had to leave. The portrait studio wouldn't let us pay for the photo, and as we couldn't wait an hour for it to be ready, they agreed to mail it to us. We will post it when it arrives.

It was a most incredible experience, one that I'm sure not many of you have ever had nor ever will have. We know that a lot of people out there don't believe in Santa, but as for me and my family, we believe!

Tyler's 10th Birthday

2008-11-09T21:19:00.000-08:00

Okay, so his birthday was in April, but somehow I never got around to posting his birthday pictures...but it is still 2008, and he is still 10, and I ran across these pictures on the computer today, so, Tyler, Happy Birthday.

Tyler is such a sweet kid. When I asked him what kind of cake he wanted, he wanted to consider that some of his friends might prefer chocolate, while others would want vanilla. So, he asked for both.

He had a great time opening presents. His friends really know him well!

We got him Rock Band for the XBox.When the friends were gone, Rylie and Claire got to participate in the action. It was a really fun day. I'm so glad to have a 10 year old boy like Tyler!

Blue Lips

2008-11-04T14:26:00.000-08:00

When I picked up the girls from school today, Claire had blue lips, as though she had eaten a blue frosted cupcake. So, I asked her what she had for snack. Her response, with a smile and a giggle, "A Barack Obama cookie!"

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T19:05:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-30T22:04:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-30T22:00:00.001-07:00

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?

2008-10-30T21:57:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-10-30T13:43:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-13T21:47:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-13T21:23:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-09T12:56:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-09T06:35:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-10-08T06:04:00.000-07:00

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!

When We Grow Up

2008-09-17T05:38:00.001-07:00

Claire and Rylie are both saying that they want to be school teachers when they grow up. To be more specific, Claire also wants to teach ballet on Fridays, and school on Mondays and Tuesdays. When I asked her what she would do on Wednesdays and Fridays, she said she would spend those days buying things for her kids.

When we were having this discussion on the way to school the other day, Rylie said that she was a mom she would not ever say "no" when her kids asked her for something. She would buy them whatever they wanted. And if they did anything naughty, she would never put them in the naughty spot.

Tyler is thinking that being a designer for Legos would be about the best job ever.

Homework

2008-09-06T18:25:00.000-07:00

Here are the answers to my first homework assignment in molecular biology:

Kendra McMullin
E. coli MG1655 DNA polymerase III alpha subunit

8417
4416
633
NP 414726
1160 aa
dnaE

1 mseprfvhlr vhsdysmidg laktaplvkk aaalgmpala itdftnlcgl vkfygaghga
61 gikpivgadf nvqcdllgde lthltvlaan ntgyqnltll iskayqrgyg aagpiidrdw
121 lielneglil lsggrmgdvg rsllrgnsal vdecvafyee hfpdryflel irtgrpdees
181 ylhaavelae arglpvvatn dvrfidssdf daheirvaih dgftlddpkr prnyspqqym
241 rseeemcelf adipealant veiakrcnvt vrlgeyflpq fptgdmsted ylvkrakegl
301 eerlaflfpd eeerlkrrpe yderletelq vinqmgfpgy flivmefiqw skdngvpvgp
361 grgsgagslv ayalkitdld plefdllfer flnpervsmp dfdvdfcmek rdqviehvad
421 mygrdavsqi itfgtmaaka virdvgrvlg hpygfvdris klippdpgmt lakafeaepq
481 lpeiyeadee vkalidmark legvtrnagk haggvviapt kitdfaplyc deegkhpvtq
541 fdksdveyag lvkfdflglr tltiinwale minkrrakng eppldiaaip lddkksfdml
601 qrsettavfq lesrgmkdli krlqpdcfed mialvalfrp gplqsgmvdn fidrkhgree
661 isypdvqwqh eslkpvlept ygiilyqeqv mqiaqvlsgy tlggadmlrr amgkkkpeem
721 akqrsvfaeg aeknginael amkifdlvek fagygfnksh saayalvsyq tlwlkahypa
781 efmaavmtad mdntekvvgl vdecwrmglk ilppdinsgl yhfhvnddge ivygigaikg
841 vgegpieaii earnkggyfr elfdlcartd tkklnrrvle klimsgafdr lgphraalmn
901 slgdalkaad qhakaeaigq admfgvlaee peqieqsyas cqpwpeqvvl dgeretlgly
961 ltghpinqyl keieryvggv rlkdmhpter gkvitaaglv vaarvmvtkr gnrigictld
1021 drsgrlevml ftdaldkyqq llekdriliv sgqvsfddfs gglkmtarev mdideareky
1081 arglaisltd rqiddqllnr lrqslephrs gtipvhlyyq radararlrf gatwrvspsd
1141 rllndlrgli gseqvelefd

And guess what! After reading Biochemistry for Dummies today, I actually know what this means!

Camping at Peninsula State Park

2008-08-26T19:25:00.001-07:00

We returned to Peninsula State Park to camp this weekend. We were the only family in the park without bikes. We all sorely missed our two wheelers and are hatching a plan to get a hitch and bike rack for the next camping trip. There was a beach area where the kids would "only get their feet wet" and were wet, sandy messes within a few minutes. We fished of a pier for a little while. I was a nervous wreck afraid that someone would fall off! No mishaps, but Rylie caught a little fishie! She was so proud! We love our tent and adding to our equipment each time we go. Not having grown up camping, Brian does his best to make sure each experience is really good so that I'll want to go again!

One of the highlights for all of us was after dark when Brian took us on a night walk down to the water's edge to look at the stars. We were all amazed at how many visible stars there were. Everyone got to see the Milky Way (try explaining that concept to almost-5 year olds!), constellations and millions of stars. As we lay on picnic tables hoping to see shooting stars, the clouds rolled in signaling time to go back to the campsite.

Tagged by Kellie and Sarah L.

2008-08-26T08:56:00.000-07:00

Well, since I was tagged twice this week, I'll play your little game and answer the questions. Maybe later I'll find and scan pictures like Kellie did!

Ten Years Ago...
Aug 1998
We lived in College Station and Tyler was 4 months old. We walked to parks and friends' houses to pass the time until Brian got home from work at Neodyme. Most every afternoon, we found ourselves at Adriana Grande's apartment until our welcome was worn out, then we walked home! Brian and I had bought Nikon SLR cameras and in the evenings when Tyler was in bed, we would practice phography on our cats, Marty and Skyler.

Five Years Ago...
Aug 2003
I was 33-34 weeks pregnant with Claire and Rylie. I had stopped taking wedding photos at 25 weeks because I was just too big (my belly got to the legs of the tripod before my eyes could get to the camera). Tyler was in Kindergarten at McDermott Elementary in San Antonio and Brian was a 3rd year medical student. Deanna Herald brought us weekly meals as I spent most of the time beached on the couch.

Five Months Ago...
April 2003
Beautiful spring in Wisconsin and the girls were learning how to ride their bikes and I was hatching my plans for returning to the pharmacy field.

Five Things on Tomorrows 'To Do' List...
1. Buy a jump drive
2. Take Tyler to the orthodontist
3. Babysit for a friend
4. Take the girls to school
5. Go to Kinkos for some printing for a wedding I'm photographing this weekend

Five Things People Don't Know About Me...
1. As a little girl, I lived in the country and had 2 horses that I named Sunny and Happy
2. I've never broken a bone nor had a cavity
3. I took the SAT in 7th grade as part of some study thing
4. I was a neat freak and a sugar-phobe as a kid (too scared of cavities)
5. I worked out at Gold's Gym for about 2 years during junior college (hey, Laura Easterling!). I never built any muscle, though!

Five Bad Habits...
1. I pop my gum
2. Addicted to Glenn Beck (pod cast his radio show and DVR the tv show)
3. I do a rolling stop through most stop signs
4. I stay up waaaay too late (that will have to end next week)
5. I scoop peanut butter from the jar with a spoon, then dip it into chocolate chips!

Five Places I've Lived...
1. Garland, TX
2. Tyler, TX
3. College Station, TX
4. Sweden
5. San Antonio, TX

Tag 5 People...
1. Maria Zhohar
2. Julianne Baer
3. Jamie Mutz
4. Stephanie Bradshaw
5. Dayna Bird

Retin-A

2008-08-20T10:04:00.001-07:00

Distressed with how my skin had responded to our 3 years in Wisconsin, I visited a cosmetic dermatologist today. She told me something very interesting that I thought many of you would like to know about. She said that any woman over 30 should use Retin-A daily as you would a vitamin. Hmm! Sign me up! She told me that "at my age" (why do I keep hearing that phrase from doctors?), that they would have to fight with the insurance company to pay for it, as they will assume it is for anti-aging. But since I do have some "active papules" (that something no one wants to hear) and clogged pores, she felt very comfortable saying that it was for acne.

So, here is the regimen she recommended:
AM-wash with Cetaphil or Dove, Retin-A, moisturizer with SPF 15+
PM-wash with Cetaphil or Dove, glycolic acid gel 2x week (couldn't find this at Target, so I'll go back and buy it from the aesthetician in her office)

That's it. I will probably move the Retin-A to PM, because I will feel like I have to put something on my face after I wash it! The glycolic acid stings, and it is what exfoliates to make the skin surface more dewy and youthful. Whatever it takes!

Twilight Crazy

2008-08-19T19:32:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I've been gone for about a week and a half reading the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer. I'd heard about these in passing, and when our babysitter, Kelli came over a couple of weeks ago with the first one under her arm, I was excited. She let me borrow it and the remaining 3! (Number 4 came out last week and Kelli finished with hers just in time for me to read it!) While reading them, I found out that I'm about the last person on the planet to do so, there is a major cult following and the first movie is coming out in November! Talk about immedate gratification!

Tyler in Big Sandy

2008-08-13T09:26:00.001-07:00

Thanks, Daddy, for sending these pictures of Tyler at your place in the country while he was in Texas. Daddy called me while Tyler was making laps like Mario Andretti around his property. He is sure Tyler has a future in Nascar. He also let Tyler shoot cans with a 22 caliber rifle and they went fishing in the tank. It was pretty much a boy's paradise at Daddy's place! Aunt Karla was impressed how great Tyler was with cousin Karee. Did she forget how much experience he has with 4 year old sisters?

Titan Universe

2008-08-09T14:35:00.001-07:00

Just a plug for Tyler's blog, Titan Universe. You can find a link for it to the left. If those of you whom he knows left him a comment, he would feel pretty cool.

Happy Birthday to ME!

2008-08-05T21:31:00.000-07:00

What a great day! Thanks to the many for your calls and wishes. I especially loved talking to Ingrid! It's been too long! We'll talk soon, on August 22, perhaps?!

Claire and Rylie started back to school today. They go to a year round school, thus the strange start date. While they were there, I went to the optometrist for new contacts. Out with the hard and in with the soft. And I'm seeing at 20/15! They've really improved the toric technology. And no eye rabies today! (Eye rabies is what Brian calls it when I get something in my eye, am in pain, eye is watering, and I can't function until the offending particle or contact is removed.) Let's see how they perform at work tomorrow in front of the hood that blows air toward my face. Then I went to the DMV to renew my license. That was fun.

The girls and I made cupcakes, because that's what Rylie said I wanted. And I wanted them decorated with sprinkles. Oh, right. And I had to have a pinata. Who doesn't. So I bought the candy yesterday, and the girls decorated a paper bag today which we used to hold the candy and hand in the tree. Viola. Pinata. Birthday miracle...in that paper bag, which I dug out of my giftwrap box, I found a necklace I lost many years ago!

So, after dinner, I put in my own candles, lit them, and instructed everyone it was time to sing now. Am I really the only one here who knows how to run a birthday party?! Tyler was the photographer for the blessed event. I had fun opening my cards and generally trying to get as much attention as possible. The girls were disappointed that here were no presents and needed reassuring that they wouldn't just get cards and that there would be friends and not just family for their party! Tyler, Brian and I just laughed!

No trip to Texas is complete without...

2008-08-03T19:33:00.001-07:00

If you don't know what Freebirds is, look in the archives for March 2007 at the essay Tyler wrote for school about this favorite eating place. It will make you want to buy a plane ticket to Texas just to get one! I think he ate here twice while visiting.

Renaissance Faire

2008-08-02T19:39:00.000-07:00

Brian and I have many great memories of Renaissance Festival in Texas. When we discovered they had one near us, we had to go. In this slideshow, you'll see Claire and Tyler trying on knight gear, a spider lady, Sir Andrew of Scotland vowing to fight for my honor at the joust, Tyler eating a turkey leg, Rylie at a tea with a princess to learn how to be a real princess (and then she was named Princess Rylie of the Dragonflies!) and much more!

Second Half of Tyler's Tour of Texas

2008-08-01T08:43:00.001-07:00

Tyler is going to tell us about these pictures...take it away, Tyler!

1.The longhorns at NASA and as my Grandma called them "Spacecows"

2.Me pointing to a crab at the Gulf of Mexico in Galveston.
3.Me doing a rope course at Johnson Space Center.

4.Me exiting out of a space simulator.

5.Grandpa and me taking a picture with the stormtroopers.

6.Grandma and me at the Gulf of Mexico.

7.The Saturn 5 rocket comparred to me.

8. Me in fromt of the Jedi Starfighter in the episode 2 version (acually used in filming).

So, there you have it. I would love to see and post pictures from his North Texas stay. Please email them to me (not too large) and I'll post them here!

Cub Scout Camp

2008-07-31T21:28:00.001-07:00

What a busy day for Tyler! First the boys swam in Silver Lake. Only Tyler and one other boy passed the swimming test to be allowed to swim out by this pier! During the camp, they taught the boys about conservation issues, including invasive species of plants and creatures in the water. They played a game where the normal fish were being erradicated by predators and invasive species. In the picture above, Tyler is a predator fish trying to tag the regular fish! Next, you see Tyler with his tub-o-slushie! Finally, he is panning for gold at the mine! It is fun to watch him learn and have fun!

Cheesecake Factory

2008-07-31T21:24:00.001-07:00

On Monday, my friend Amy Rahm told me that Wednesday was CF's 30th anniversary and that cheesecake would be only $1.50 per slice! So, of course we went! I was hoping to pick it up and take it home, but when we got there, we discovered it was dine in only. So we did the only thing we could do. We ate cheesecake for lunch! Rylie had Snicker cheesecake, Claire chose Fresh Strawberry, and I had Chocolate Coconut Cream! Super yummy! Our bill came to $4.76!

Milwaukee Zoo

2008-07-31T21:15:00.000-07:00

The hospital that I work for had a company picnic at the zoo. Free admission, shuttle rides on school busses (big hit with the girls), all the cotton candy we could eat, lunch, Plepsi (that would be Pepsi, for those of you who don't speak "Rylie"), oh, and I think there were some animals! We did see lots, including the sting ray exibit where we got to touch them! Tyler is missing in these pictures because he was still in Texas. Brian and I had fun with the girls.

We'll Miss You, Milo

2008-07-31T21:11:00.000-07:00

Milo was our next door doggie. We, along with the entire neighborhood, loved him. He was getting rather old, sick and uncomfortable. His best friend, Michelle, gave him the greatest gift by relieving him of his pains. The neighborhood isn't the same without him, but we know he is much better off.

Old World Wisconsin

2008-07-31T21:04:00.001-07:00

This was a fun place that featured homes and history from the different immigrant settlements throughout Wisconsin's history: German, Scandinavian, African American...but the kids' favorite attraction was the tram (or, the "tramps" as Rylie called it) that shuttled guests from one location to the other! My particular favorite was the ice cream Grandma bought us!!

Grandma Z Came to Visit!

2008-07-31T21:00:00.001-07:00

Grandma with her grandkiddos! I just realized that Tyler is almost as tall as you, Mom! The other picture is at the end of the visit. Mom and Tyler both flew out of Milwaukee to go to Dallas, both on different airlines! She retrieved him at the other end and Tyler spent two weeks in Texas.

4th of July

2008-07-31T20:36:00.001-07:00

What a beautiful day! Jared and Maureen Hoenigman came over in the morning and we made "freedom pancakes", (ie. crepes, but you can't say that on the the 4th!). The kids rode their bikes down the street to the annual Wauwatosa parade. That evening, we went to the fireworks show. I think this was the first year that we didn't have at least one kid that wasn't afraid of the BOOMS! I'd like to point out to the Texas crowd that I am wearing a long sleeve shirt and Claire is wearing a jacket (actually, a bathrobe, but that's another story) because it was so cool!