A New Look at an Old Tree

We have had some amazing weather. Today, 60+ degrees. The kids were out of school for Thanksgiving, everyone had a friend over and they were outside for the most part. I love Colorado!!

Here is another love in my life here... my tree. I took her picture yesterday from a different view.

So here she is from the South side...



Doesn't she look good?

Ok, I started this post on time, November 21st - my tree photo date is the 20th (or so) each month. I went to post pictures and no space is available. After 2 years I've maxed my photo space. I've looked into various ways to fix this and haven't found the right one yet. Until then, this will be a photo-free blog. Maybe my tree photo will include snow for this month if I can get more space!

English Majors

I'll spare you the gory details (yes, some were gory because my heart was squashed), but I was an English major by default. When I started college I wanted to be a high school English teacher. After the squashing of my heart (details I promised to spare) I decided to stick with ye old English degree and just get 'er done.

What does one do with an English major and not teach? I guess it is right up there were the ol' psychology degree. The generalness (my own word) of those degrees causes people to scratch their head and say, "So, what do you plan to do with that?" Actually, I knew all along I'd be a mom and would have stayed home regardless of the degree. And that is exactly what I'm doing.

I just finished a book called Second Time Around. Here is a peek at the back-of-the-book synopsis: "Every summer, a group of former English majors holds a mini-reunion. They laugh, reminisce, and commiserate about their soul-sucking jobs. Maybe they should have listened to everyone who warned them to study something 'practicial'." Hmmmm...... One of the friends passes away and leaves them each with an inheritance "with the stipulation that they use it to jump-start their new careers." What made me chuckle was what they each turned around and did. One started a B&B (wanted to do that), one a pastry chef (yep, that too - minus the pastry), an event planner (did that, do that, would love to be paid to do it again), and a novelist (still a dream). What does this say about English majors?

I'm not really sure what it says or what my point is. But I loved the last line of the book:

To the English majors. We may not always be practical,

but we have infinite potential.

 

 

This really applies to all of us. We have infinite potential and when we're following our dreams, we don't always have to be practical. Do we?

The Day Einstein Feared

I posted a blog with my favorite old guy, Albert Einstein. My mom had sent me this in an email...

The Day That Albert Einstein Feared May Have Finally Arrived

When I put it on my blog it looked great. When it sent to those who subscribe to my blog, it fell apart. So if you are interested in thoughts by the great Al, click here: http://weknowmemes.com/2012/11/the-day-that-albert-einstein-feared-may-have-finally-arrived/

 

 

"The Mom Stays in the Picture" Can I get an Amen?

I watched a show the other day featuring a mom who decided to get in the photos with her kids. She has spent years not wanting to get in the pictures for one reason or another. She decided that needed to stop. She wrote an article that landed in the Huffington Post. When I saw the video montage of her speaking about how she came to write the article, I felt just like her. The clincher in her article for me was: So when all is said and done, if I can't do it for myself, I want to do it for my kids. I want to be in the picture, to give them that visual memory of me. I want them to see how much I am here, how my body looks wrapped around them in a hug, how loved they are.

I find myself behind the camera because I love to take pictures. I love to see what appears after I click the button. But if I'm never in the pictures, how will my kids remember me? I don't want them to think of me as always behind the camera. I want them to see me in photos with them, flaws and all. The crooked smile God gave me, the pretty days, the bad hair days, whatever the look may be. It is me, spending time with them, loving them like a mom does. Making memories that I'll cherish longer than the few seconds it took to click the camera.

Lovin' these girls of mine!

A favorite!

Cheers to my boy!

 

 

See they love me!

 

Even with a goofy face!

 

A collage Whit put together from our photo booth pictures.

There are 9,000 of the kids, but I joined in the fun and I'm so glad I did.

How hilarious is the thumb over Whit?!!

 

Whoever is behind the camera the most in your family... get them out from behind the lens and let someone take over for a few pictures now and then. The pictures will be great and it will be worth having them in the pictures!!

 

With Kleenex in hand, I highly recomment reading the entire article at:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/allison-tate/mom-pictures-with-kids_b_1926073.html

Fall with our Tree

The tree is looking so beautiful these days. The fall colors are so becoming on her! Though her day time look is amazing, I have chosen another night time look at her. On my way home from church the sky was so amazing, such vibrant colors. The sunsets God provides for us here in Colorado, none can compare. By the time I got back with my camera, it looked a little differently. I did notice that there was some serious smoke in the sky, thanks to a fire in Rocky Mountain National Park. Here she is...

Quite the glow. We are all done seeing smoke rising from our mountains.

Time for her close up.

A beauty.

 

Just to the right we see Horsetooth.

What a combination all in one fell swoop.

 

Happ Fall Ya'll!!

From me and my tree.

 

Job #12-00251‏

I just sent off the first official cover letter and resume since... I don't even know, before kids I'm sure. That means 14 years ago, plus the years at my last job... too long ago to count. I definitely look like I've been a stay-at-home mom, but that is ok. The site I sent it off to is geared towards those like me!

When I pushed the send button my heart beat a little faster. I got nervous. I think it looked good, I might even get a call. Then the thought crossed my mind, An interview. Sending a resume was scary enough, I might need medication for an interview. I'm getting ahead of myself, relax.

I went to my email and I already received this:

Dear Candidate,

This message is to acknowledge receipt of your resume.
We greatly appreciate your interest in the position.
Your resume will be considered for our current and future opportunities.
Thank you.
 
Wish me luck, say a prayer and maybe I'll get a call. Funny to feel giddy about something like this after so long. Feels good to push myself like this.

Why I love Fall...

Closing the Gap

This Spring Whitney got braces and an expander. Poor her! A few weeks later she had a gap between her two front teeth. "Wow, it is really doing it's job," said her 12 year old orthodontist. Good! Then the gap grew, and grew, and grew. I was worried. Again, I was reassured it was doing it's job. Once the cranking stopped I felt good that it would soon close.

When the gap was at it's peek I told Whit, "Wow, you could drive a truck through that gap." Probably not the words I should have chosen. I tried to redeem myself and I said, "Soon it will be a VW Bug." Ugh, nice try. "Then it will be a bike and then a dead end," says wise ol' Whitney. A couple weeks ago she got what the ortho called a double-power chain put on her two front teeth and guess who texted me from a sleepover with, "It's a dead end!"?

Take a look at the evidence...

This is Whitney's Instagram handy work! Look at the huge difference.

She is closing the gap on becoming a beautiful young woman, as well as becoming a teenager soon than later. But we can wait for that!

Crunchy PB&J

Our family loves the show The Next Food Network Star. It airs in the summer and has become a fun tradition for all of us... even the boys in our family. 2011's winner was Jeff Mauro, known as The Sandwich King. For some reason I decided to record his show last week and I found the craziest recipe... Crunchy Fried PB&J. I realize I neglected to put the word fried in my title, that must have been on purpose... I am terrible at frying and really, it isn't fried.

The title of this episode was "Sweet and Yummy Dessert Sandwiches". He started the show by making a turtle caramel cookie ice cream sandwich, the size of my head. Then he made the PB&J and then... he says "wash it down with a decadent chocolate cake shake, and you'll be ready for a nap." Or cardiac arrest, one or the other.

Whitney and Tennison saw the PB&J being made and voted I make it! It has been 3 days and I'm still stuffed to the rim. Notice I served it with a big ol' fruit salad. It will make you feel more balanced.

It is a little tough to see the layers, but there is crunchy peanut butter, bananas, potato chips with ridges, and raspberry preserves. The coating? Sweet mother! Crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Yes, download it now!! I dare ya!!  http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/jeff-mauro/crunchy-fried-pb-and-j-recipe/index.html



Homecoming 2012

Again I am struck with the idea that life is flying on past. My oldest went to homecoming and had a great time!! Here is a peek into the evening she had...

Reagan went outside for a couple pictures before getting completely ready!

 

Let the primping begin!!

Time for everyone to take their places for a ton of photo-taking!

Mykaila, Reagan, Hope and Bree.

 

When the picture taking ended, none too soon for the girls,

they had some pre-dance food to enjoy!

Cheers!

11:15 p.m. ~ they still look so pretty after nearly 3 hours of dancing fun!

Then they fell into bed with smiles on their face I'm sure.

Fall is just around the corner!

I started photo-bloggin' about my tree on Ten's birthday, the first day of Spring. Now here we are September 20th, what I would say is the first day of Fall.The calendar says it's on Saturday, but that works too!

 

 

 

 

With the crisp air, the chance to sleep with the windows open, the leaves starting to change, and football season... yep, I said football... we know Fall is in the air. Enjoy the season, it just doesn't last long enough for me.

And Baby Made Three

Life can throw you a curve ball every so often. In our family's case, they are in the form of brand new babies. We got a call last Thursday from the adoption agency... "How are you guys? So, what are you doing for the next few days?" By Saturday evening I had our third baby girl in my backseat and was praying for safety as I drove her home.

Our little sleepover lasted two nights. Two nights that have left Scott and I extremely tired! I'm flat out WHOOPED!! I'm almost too old for this middle of the night business. Thank goodness it was only 2 nights, she/we were up a ton. Thankfully Scott is just as committed to this that he is a huge help. I think he did more than me last night... shhh, don't tell him I said so.

Good grief, her new parents will love her to pieces... sleepless nights and all. We handed her over this evening to very shocked and thrilled first time parents. Tennison was in love again, Reagan had nicknames, Whitney wanted to keep her, and I want to keep in touch!! We will too, they already said we're family and stuck with them. I love this part of the job, new extended family. It is like we've had 3 of our own, loved on 3 for a time and will have all 6 forever in our lives!!

Babies are a blessing in whatever form and fashion they come into our families. We're so honored to be a part of each of these little girl's lives. Tennison has put in an order for a boy next time.

B2S 6-8 p.m.

That means back to school night for Reagan... written in pink, her color, on our calendar. Specific colors for each of us means we know right away who is where and when!! Just the facts ma'am.

Ok, so being in a high school again makes you feel like you're going to high school again. By third period I could tell what each of these adults must have been like when they were freshmen, juniors, whatever. This one dude came flying by me with his plaid shirt tucked into his jean shorts, cranked to his chin with a belt strapped tight and was seriously on a mission. I thought, nerd! Sorry, but really, it is back to school night you don't have to be on time, there is no grade buddy. Then there was Scott and I. When I stopped to say hi to a friend he's standing there like, Come on Kissel, let's go! I'm thinking, We have time!  I can guarantee you he never ditched a high school class... not a one. Again, I'm pretty sure this was who we were in high school.

I wrote a not about each teacher during the night as we went from class to class. Here is the break down on her teachers without using their names, listed in class order:

1. Rock Star, looks like Pat Benatar. Reagan said she told the kids she used to dress punk rock, "I think she still does because she wears black eyeliner all around her eyes." She told my fellow mom-friend, "Love ya" on the way out of class. Ugh.
2. No Show! She had her own B2S to attend. I know I would have loved her, I loved her room. Art teacher! I asked Reagan if I could volunteer in the class for free art lessons. She'd rather poke her eyes out than have me volunteer. I was only (slightly) kidding!
3. Miss Outdoorsy Lovin' Her Job! I mean really, you get to teach photography all day to kids who actually want to be there!! That is the life. I was so pumped when Reagan said they have a dark room, get to use film cameras, and develop their film. That was such a highlight to my junior high experience. The smell brought me right back!
4. Happy Pappy! She came bustin' in the room like she was ready to sell us some Pampered Chef items. Loved the enthusiasm. She went from being a chemist at a pharmaceutical company to teaching high school biology - God bless her!!
5. Give me an "E", give me an "N"...! I couldn't decide if we were in flight attendant school or in cheer leading practice. SHE LOOKED 12!!! I'm sure she'll teach 'em sum good englush. But my, oh my, how did I get to be this much older than my kids teachers?
6. Hmmm... that is all I can say! The other thing I can say is, Praise God I don't have to take history again... and especially from him. Sadly, his last name practically mirrors ours.
7. Dig the curtains! Mr. French Teacher had some slammin' decor. The homemade curtains with happy fabric made me chuckle. Funnier yet? The dude was a fellow bagel employee with Scott. So glad he didn't do anything illegal while we knew him :) Oh, he's also from France. Could that be even cooler?
8. Miss Perfect, prim and proper ready to go. She may have been 12 and a half, still super young. She is the Advisory teacher. This is a class where they have 25 fellow freshmen they travel with over their 4 years in high school. They'll get to know each other through team building, college prep, and other things I can't remember. But what I do remember is that this is the group she'll sit with at graduation. Too cool.

There you have it. I now have faces with names and humor to go along with it. When I hear about the punk rocker I'll know exactly who she's talking about and secretly wonder if she really does "love ya" when she says it. And when she's in French I'll smile thinking about his accent and his curtains.

Happy B2S night everyone!!!

Week of Change

This week has been full of change for sure. Not only did school start for our kids, Reagan is trying out the bus ("they are all slightly scary with a few exceptions"), Whitney did softball try-outs all week, and Tennison has a lot going on with school and recess and football and friends... and slept in until 7:50 when I woke him up this morning!!

Scott turned 41... happy forty-oneth!!

All said and done, I think I had the most change this week... well, physically at least. I had another basal cell removed last week and asked for this bump on my arm to be taken off too. It was something that started growing in May and my dermatologist had a name for it, but no concern. When I was there last week I said, "It's buggin' me, can you get this too?" He took it off, a big hole was left behind like a bullet wound - it got smaller as it healed. I got a call Monday, "Hi, I have your biopsy results, give me a call." That is never good. Called back and this is the first time I've been told I have a melanoma...

mel·a·no·ma/ˌmeləˈnōmə/

Noun:

A tumor of melanin-forming cells, typically a malignant tumor associated with skin cancer.

After a few tears we made an appointment for Thursday to have it taken out completely. My doctor came in looking baffled at me, they never show up like this did - no color, no mole, no nothin'!! Looked like a zit almost. He said it was my persistence that allowed us to catch it in the superficial stage - meaning not deep. So glad. Brace your self, here is the result of my being persistent...

My view! What I look down at, behind my left arm, on my tricep.

He needed a 1 centimeter border to remove a clean border.

He drew a 2 centimeter circle around my "bullet wound"

to make sure he could then close it up well. Ugh!

Scott's legs made it into this shot...

Talk about a good husband. He watched the whole thing, never got sick, even took pics and videos if you are the kind of wing-nut who wants to see!! He was getting ready to bandage it back up. I was scared to leave it exposed.

Count 'em baby!! 25 ever lovin' stitches!

Persistence got me those!!!

That is my arm straight by my back...

really hoping that spot fills in!!

 

My soapbox just got bigger and I'm warning you now: If you don't wear sunscreen in my presence I will tell you to wear it and proceed to point to all my spots! Then I'll leave you alone and give you my dermatologists name if you need him.

 

So glad the week is over!! I hope you had a wonderful week of change too!!

Sunset and the Tree

Today was the first day of 7th grade...

   and 3rd grade....

They both had a great first day. Tennison came to the car saying, "Best teacher ever!" Whitney started softball tryouts so she came to the car saying, "I'm so ready for bed!"

And so the sun sets on our summer vacation. Say good-bye tree...

Good-bye!

How did this happen?

One day you decide it is time to have kids. Then one day you have a baby. This baby is your world and you fall in love faster than you ever thought possible.

~ Reagan Grace with the Pretty Face ~

One day your baby goes to kindergarten...

... and then the next day, she goes to high school. How did this happen? I mean, how is it that she could even leave me? Doesn't she want to home school and be near me all day? No? I don't want that either. Don't get me wrong, I love her and I'll miss her while she is in that big ol' high school, but this is the best for her. It is her next big chance to spread her wings even further. We know the next step is even further from me. I mean at this rate it will be tomorrow that she goes to college.

Reagan Grace with the Pretty Face

on her first day of high school.

Looking back making sure she is doing ok

& her nerves are in check.

Bye sweet girl... sure you want to leave me?

I went on a walk and thought about her wondering what she was doing and if she was ok. I got all choked up when Katy Perry's Firework came on my iPod... "You're original you cannot be replaced, If you only knew what the future holds...Baby, you're a firework, Come on, let your colors burst." Ugh, I clinched my hand picturing me holding hers, letting her know I was thinking of her.



She did great and she had a good day!

Here is to four great years in high school!

I can't wait to see what God has in store for her.

* To my friends with kids starting kindergarten this week, brace yourselves... it flies by!

Our Technicolor Summer

Reagan discovered a feature on our camera... you can choose to highlight a single color! Here is a glimpse of our summer in technicolor!

 7-Eleven will go down as a big ol' highlight of our summer!

We need a pitcher, not a belly itcher!

Throw him some heat Ten.

 

Same plant, different highlight.

Our neighbors flowers.

Happy summer ~ add a little color to your day!!