So I'm slacking a bit on my weekly updates. Activities have ramped up.

YES BRYN PASSED HER DRIVER'S TEST!!! She did an awesome job only missing 5 points! While she was out testing, another mother was nervously awaiting for her daughter to return. I guess it was her 3rd time. Anyways, this mom is just gawking out the window giving me a play-by-play of what the instructor is doing with Bryn... "they're still in your car. he must really be quizzing her!" now they're pulling around the side of the building. did you know they park a van there just to parallel park behind? i guess she's going to have to parallel park. you know this DMV is known for having the toughest road tester..." I was fine til she came along!

Bryn had a mission trip retreat Friday night with all the others that will be going to Mississippi this coming July. Kind of a bonding/team-building session. They had a potluck dinner at church then went to play laser tag. Paige was invited to sleepover and Abby always has weekend plans, so Jeff and I were on our own! After we had dinner with Paige and dropped her off at her sleepover, we went shopping. Sounds crazy, but it was nice not to have a time limit. I had broken our camera at one of Paige's basketball games and we needed to replace it. OK. I needed to replace it.

Saturday was another night out. Bryn had a special UWAY concert with a similar band group from Atlanta that was visiting. We drove her down to rehearsal at 5, then she had 1 hour to get dinner so we stopped in to Water Street Brewery where we had to tag team paying for the bill and getting the car so we got her back in time! We couldn't convince Paige to accompany us which turned out to be for the better as the concert hall was packed. Abby had friends sleep over for her birthday.

Sunday Kendal took Abby out prom dress shopping. This was prearranged. I called Abby's friends, Kendal and Ali, as well as her boyfriend, Alex, to let them know I wanted to have a surprise party for Abby's 18th birthday. Abby was scheduled to work til 4, but a co-worker volunteered to take her birthday hours - that's when Kendal was recruited to shop. Paige and I went shopping for decorations and food while they were gone, then Ali came over and helped, along with Bryn, decorate. Abby returned promptly at 4 because I told her we'd go to the Olive Garden for dinner and she was really surprised! Her friends parked a block away. We ordered pizzas and had an ice cream sundae bar.

Paige began track practice this past Monday. She is skipping Tae Kwon Do tonight because her legs are so sore from "suicides" at track practice after school. Her first meet is next Thursday. She'd like to do hurdles and sprints. And Little League practice has begun on Thursdays and Saturdays - when it doesn't snow!!!

Bryn's next meet is this Thursday where she'll be in the 4x400 and 4x800 relays again. I'll just be excited for the weather to cooperate.

This morning, Jeff accompanied Abby to the Optimist Club breakfast as she was honored as the High School Optimist Student of the Month. Her introduction by Mr. Petroff was flattering and even Abby had to talk a bit. Way to go Abby!

I was anticipating loads of pictures to upload from Abby and Bryn's band trip to Florida, but they must not take after me. Bryn never even unwrapped her disposable camera, and Abby only took a few. Luckily, a family friend went down on their own and snapped a couple for us. Abby and Bryn updated us by texting on their busride home Sunday. Paige came along to welcome her sisters back to Wisconsin at 10:00pm. Abby and Bryn didn't have much to say, just wanted to snuggle in their comfy beds. It was tough getting up for school the next day, but they did get to show off their tans and blonder hair.

On Wednesday, Bryn got to run in her first track meet for the season at Indoor Conference! She ran the 400 and was in 2 relays: 4x400 and 4x800. She did not qualify for sectionals understandably with only 1 week of practice under her belt. She's looking forward to outdoor season (schedule link at right) and I'm really excited because she'll have home track meets for the first time in 3 years! (Our high school track was renovated since last season.)

Paige was called by her new Little League coach just before spring break. She'll play for the Cardinals this summer. And this year, her age bracket is 7th to 12th graders! May be a little intimidating! Her first chance to meet her teammates was at their first practice was this past Thursday. She's with 3 other 7th graders she knows. We won't get her game schedule until later this month.

Saturday Paige was flawless testing for her high blue belt in Tae Kwon Do. And she didn't get paired with the same crabby mom to spar (fight) with again! She'll be officially awarded her new belt later this week. My parents stopped in for a visit Saturday when we returned and ended up staying the night. They've been in town helping Kristin remodel her basement.

I've been busy helping to plan for Abby's local Gold Award ceremony. I'm in charge of invites and programs and they're to be ready tomorrow! Abby will be recognized at a local church here in the Falls on Thursday, May 22nd if anyone would like to attend. And I've decided to take on the role of finding tenants for a new strip mall near our house - I'm tired of it being empty! So I spent a little time online and emailed several establishments (Cold Stone Creamery, Old Navy, Alterra Coffee, Brennan's Market, Jimmy John's, Nick & Willy's Pizza,and Borders ) suggesting this new location.:) Everyone will thank me later. And check out my updated link to "where i work" - we finally have a temporary web site! We're still making final decisions on what to include in the portfolio section. My latest web site I designed (The Secret Garden) is the last one in that section.

Wish Bryn luck! She goes for her driver's test this coming Wednesday!!!!

disney here we come!

What a week! Every waking moment was spent making sure everything was ready for Abby and Bryn's band trip to Florida. We ran out to get swimsuits, suntan lotion, prescriptions, flip-flops, VISA gift cards, duffle bags.... and I washed like crazy! I'm not sure what cost more: going on the trip or getting ready for the trip. The rolling duffles we ordered from LLBean seemed to work out nice. Big enough and great to be able to roll when they can.

Bryn made a miraculous recovery and attended school and track practice everyday last week. She's anxious to participate in a track meet but she has to get through a full week of practice first. She was able to go along with the team to Racine on Thursday evening and help out with the distance runners. She liked that.

Good Friday began spring break from school. Kids were off, but I had to work. And who could believe the weather report? It was snowing pretty hard when I left for work, but 15 inches!!!! It's ridiculous! Just when we were beginning to see a little green! I left work at 1:00 and driving was a bit slippery. Abby and Bryn made plans to last-minute shop at the mall. I didn't want them driving so I took them. I was going to drop them off, but Mayfair won't allow unchaperoned teens after 2pm and I surely wasn't going to drive any further so I tagged along. They were quick but the snow was quicker - we got stuck in the unplowed parking lot. First Abby and Bryn pushed. Then Abby took a turn at the wheel and we finally got out. Boy was I glad to get home!

Saturday Abby and Bryn laid out all their things and did last minute doublechecking.

Sunday we rested and got to dine at the Taorminas. Mom and Dad were already there because Dad was helping with their basement remodeling. We had fun playing with Bella and Lucy, but Lucy wasn't her smiley self. Guess the teething's been pretty hard on her. We got home fairly early.

Abby and Bryn were bouncing off the walls Monday morning. They had to be at school at 11am. They both were nervously talking to each other about what they had packed, how they were going to talk to each other. I know I'm really excited for them. One of their band teachers set up a website where he'll be posting pictures throughout the week (link at right). Check it out (be sure to click on the Walt Disney World icon)! There are 150 students riding on 3 coach busses down to Florida. They could bring 1 medium suitcase - which was definitely a challenge for our Abby. Bryn pre-rented a surfboard for their day (Friday) at Cocoa Beach. Looks like they'll have beautiful weather.

I took off Monday and Tuesday. I wanted to see Abby and Bryn off Monday morning. Mom and Dad then came and spent time at my house. We headed directly up to Abby's room where we filled 7 trash bags! Of course, we found her camera and sunglasses she should've packed for Florida. Tsk! tsk! And I'm not sure if I should mention this here, but Abby has a drinking problem. That's right! We found no less than 11 bottles in her room. Water bottles. Must have a strange fear of dehydration. We didn't attack the closet, but her room does appear rather tidy now.

I stepped out to the Y right away in the morning. That was so nice. But I mainly wanted off work to keep Paige company. Remember her? She's the one who didn't get to go to Florida. So Tuesday afternoon she invited a few friends to go Rock n Bowl-ing (lights off, disco ball on). Meanwhile Jeff, Mom, Dad and I had lunch in bar. Paige had her friends over afterward which turned into a sleepover at Amanda's. Mom and I dug into Bryn's room and got it all spic-n-span. I had a Girl Scout meeting in the evening to prepare for a ceremony to honor Abby getting her Gold Award. It'll be Thursday, May 22nd. She'll also be honored by the Council May 14th.

Jeff took off today (Wednesday) and Thursday. Paige was a bit tired today, so they're going to try the batting cages tomorrow. She spent a good portion of the day organizing her Science portfolio.

we have a diagnosis

Bryn missed another entire week of school. We were encouraged because she was feeling pretty well on her birthday last Sunday and even went to Sunday School that evening. Bryn made it til 11:00am on Monday. Luckily that's when Abby's lunch is so Abby just drove her home. I called the doctor and made an appointment for Tuesday morning. So Tuesday we spoke to the doctor who was now considering two diagnoses: mono or anxiety. We were sent to the lab for blood work to test for mono and if Bryn was anemic. Results wouldn't come til Friday... The doctor prescribed Zantac twice a day to deal with the upset stomach and to encourage Bryn to eat. So Bryn struggled to school again Wednesday only to come home at 8:00am. Thursday she wasn't up to trying again. Besides the fatigue, Bryn seemed to be having stomach pains and feeling nauseous. And the timing seemed very random. This seemed to rule out anxiety. She had a painful night Thursday night. To avoid the pain and nauseousness, Bryn's appetite was way down. Friday I set aside to get Bryn well. I scheduled another appointment. He checked her out again, but this time wanted to look into another possibility. He sent us to another lab for an ultrasound. We talked to the doctor about the results late Friday afternoon: an ovarian cyst. And apparently most of the time they just dissolve and go away on their own! Hearing the diagnosis has put Bryn back at ease. Knowing that it won't develop into anything more is reassuring.



Saturday was Menomonee Falls Schools' Solo & Ensemble. I volunteered helping total up scoring for the day so Jeff was left to get the girls back and forth for their performances. Paige performed 4 times: a solo, with the Woodwind Choir, with the Clarinet Choir and in a duet. Unfortunately her duet partner was sick, so Paige recruited her friend Miranda to learn the piece that day! My proud parenting moment came during Paige's Clarinet Choir. They played up on stage in the auditorium. They're all walking on and I notice Paige isn't wearing shoes. Now the kids were told to all dress up for the day, and Paige was, but aren't shoes required? I whisper to Jeff and he confirmed my sighting. As the conductor rearranges the clarinets, I sigh with relief and Paige is in the back. But only for a moment. They bring her front and center and I sulk down in my seat. Lovely. Many of her friends were noticed running around in bare feet the rest of the day. Thank you Paige. Abby played once (that's all that was required) with the High School Symphonic Brass Choir. With Alex. And Bryn played twice: a solo and with the High School Wind Emsemble Brass Choir. Bryn's solo was magnificent and she had many friends come to listen. She is really well-respected within band. Her new trombone really gives her a much bigger sound.

And Bryn's appetite has come back! We finally got to go out for her 16th birthday dinner that night at Fuddrucker's! We invited Kristin and Carlo and Bella and Lucy for Kristin's birthday too. I got to sit next to Lucy! Bryn thoroughly enjoyed her chocolate shake and chicken strips.

sick and tired

Well we're still waiting for Bryn's full recovery. As I mentioned in my last blog, Bryn's been sick since last Sunday when she stayed home from the Student Council Carnival.

She stayed home from school Monday, but still went to her half-hour trombone lesson in the evening. Jeff had come home for lunch to check on her: headache, tired, achy. She checked her facebook. Today was also the first day of track practice - also very hard for Bryn to miss. A teammate told her that they had to make goals for the season and most girls wrote: to beat Bryn! That made her smile.

Tuesday she went to school only to call me from the health room at 9:30am. I was able to gather a couple projects and work from home the rest of the day. All for the better as Paige was already home not feeling well. That evening was my turn to drive to UWAY and I did so without my own daughter. My choice. I wanted to give Bryn up to the last minute to see if she was well enough to make it, but she remembered that it was so tiring just blowing for her lesson the night before that she'd never make it through a 2-1/2 hour rehearsal.

Wednesday we just kept Bryn home again. And she missed Jazz Band practice that evening.

I switched my Friday off for Thursday this week as the kids were off because of school conferences. So strange to schedule an off-day Thursday then have school again on Friday. Whatever. Bryn seemed a little better. Not so much sleeping, but still not 100%. We scheduled conferences with just a couple of each of the girls' teachers and they were all later in the afternoon. Because they overlapped, Jeff went to Paige's and I went to Abby & Bryn's. All good reports. I was so happy to hear from 2 of Abby's teachers that they're noticing more effort on her part.

Bryn tried school again Friday but ended up in the health room again - feeling nauseous and dizzy even when sitting through class. I got her back home, but had to return to work. I scheduled a doctor appointment for later that day. I was getting concerned because this was day#6 for Bryn not feeling well. Jeff took Bryn to the doctor which turned out to be a 2-hour visit. Dr. Richer did a blood test for mononucleosis and swabbed for strep. No mono. No strep. Just a virus. And a nasty one at that! Jeff and Bryn got home about 5:15, in time for her to eat a little something before her 2nd to last Road session with the driving school. The driving school pulled into the driveway to pick Bryn up, and Bryn couldn't make it. It was terrible to see her so sad. And the worst part is that because we have to reschedule this road session, Bryn will not be able to take her road test for her license this Wednesday. This sent her bawling up to her room repeating that her life sucks. I had to agree. I went online and rescheduled her road test for April 9th. in West Bend. Those appointments are so hard to get and we were so proud of ourselves for getting the initial one so close to her birthday... :( I watched a movie with Bryn that night while Jeff took Paige to her last basketball practice. Abby was out hottubbing with Alex and their friends.

This Saturday was Abby's Girl Scout troop's last installment of taking Brownies to the nursing home. This month we planned to play Bingo with the residents and supply prizes for the winners - what could be better than Girl Scout cookies! I was very disappointed to find out on Friday that Abby couldn't find someone to work for her. And we didn't get any Brownie troops to sign up! So I asked Abby and Dana to recruit some friends to help out. There's a regular caller so all we had to do was help residents and the staff pointed out who to attend to. This is a picture of my table. Then it was time for Paige's final basketball game. The day is really set aside for a tournament, but seeing as there were only two teams in her division all year, they only needed one game to determine the champion. It was a great competition, a low-scoring game. The girls played hard - we could notice even Paige getting tired. Paige scored 2 baskets! But her team ended up coming in 2nd.

And today is Miss Bryn's Sweet Sixteen. She will dictate what we are able to do today. I'm hoping we can get her out of the house for a bit. Typically I make them whatever they want for their birthday dinner, but we may have to postpone that til Bryn's tummy is more cooperative. Chicken broth and jello isn't what she really wants.

the big give

So I missed Bryn's UWAY concert last Sunday to attend the last pre-Carnival Student Council meeting. Don't worry - Jeff went. Bryn's private lesson teacher was even in attendance and complimented Bryn on her performance. (I think he was missed his silver trombone he just sold to Bryn.)

The kids were off school on Monday which was especially nice for Bryn with having her concert the night before. My boss, John, called in sick to work with this crazy flu that's going around. I had to leave early to take Paige to the orthodontist. While she was at Tae Kwon Do, after supper, I stopped in at our local school redistricting meeting and was disappointed to have to leave to pick Paige up again. Very interesting topics are being approached including year round schooling. Don't think I would mind it, it'd be 9 weeks on/2 weeks off with 7 weeks off for summer. Not that radical to me.

Tuesday evening I joined a new group. And it doesn't involve my kids. I joined the Menomonee Falls Art Guild. Basically just promotes the arts in the area as well as supports the local artists. Nothing much with me being a newbie, but I'm hoping it'll inspire me to paint again in a few years. When I was soliciting donations for the Silent Auction at the Carnival, I contacted Abby and Bryn's old art teacher as she runs a local art gallery. She agreed to donate under one condition: I join the Art Guild. Not a bad deal.

Wednesday I picked up the troop's Girl Scout cookie order. Much different than those Brownie days: only 22 cases. I stayed to help load a couple of other troops, and sighed as I remembered this is my last year doing this.


The girls had an early release on Friday, so I volunteered to take whoever wanted to shopping for the Carnival supplies at Sam's Club. I took Ali, Kendal and Abby through the McDonald's drive-thru on our way. We started with 3 carts, but ended up also fully loading a palette-like cart with 27 cases of soda. Guess which one I pushed... I don't get much time interacting with Abby & Bryn & kids that age so I'll take it.


Throughout the week Paige and I decorated some items for another fundraiser. One of the friend's families is hosting a gentleman from Tanzania, Africa. There, he works at an orphanage that helps 400 children. The host family wanted to help him out and creatively asked others to donate an art item for a gallery night held on Friday. Paige and I worked on painting and decoupaging a purse, birdhouse and picture frame. Paige even made a "P" for her room. It was fun browsing and bidding that evening. We ended up taking home a few bracelets.




Saturday I baked cakes for the Carnival Cake Walk. Figured if I baked them early Abby & Bryn could decorate later. Ended up baking 6 cakes (1 layer each) and 2 brownies. Jeff's mom and sister, Terry, came down for a visit. Theo is always the most excited when Terry comes. They brought down a huge tray of subs for lunch and we visited, then headed out to cheer Paige on at her basketball game. Pretty tough this week as they play St. Anthony's school team. Paige got knocked in the mouth with an elbow but toughed it out. That evening Jeff and I went out for dinner... at the Wisconsin Club. Fancy Schmancy. Jeff won a drawing at a seminar and this was the prize! It was very peaceful and relaxing, and so delicious! But we weren't quite sure how to eat a couple items they brought out, but I don't think we embarassed ourselves.

Today (Sunday) was the big Carnival at the High School run by Student Council. Abby and I arrived this morning by 8:00am. We had to leave Bryn at home as she is feeling terrible. Lying on her floor with alternating chills then fever. The morning was spent setting up games, making posters, and just moving stuff where it needed to go. The Carnival officially began at 12noon and ran til 4pm. I sold tickets then with Alex's mom, Sue. We were kept busy, but also had time to chat. I had to take a break when Kristin and Carlo came with Bella and Lucy so I could take pictures! Bella got to pick out a cake from the CakeWalk! Alex, Abby and Alex's little brother won 6 cakes for Sue and I to take home. Jake was really cute running up to his mom announcing "this one's really special because Abby made it." Poor Sue. She gave up dessert for Lent. All the Student Council members worked very hard manning games and refreshments. I know I'm tired. Tonight we're having leftover hamburgers for dinner. And cake for dessert! Perfect.

give it all you got

We've made an investment in Bryn's musical career. With encouragement from her private lesson teacher, we purchased a silver Bach 42 trombone from him. Her teacher has let Bryn try it several times at lessons and Bryn loves it. Bryn is very appreciative.

One of the ministry choices at our church is to be a Breadbaker. This weekend it was my turn. Friday I baked 3 10-inch and 5 8-inch loaves. Takes about 3 hours. There's a giant Ziploc bag that you pick up from the sacristry the weekend before with your baking supplies. They're a bit unique: It includes the recipe, two very old pot covers, and a plastic fluorescent lighting screen (the baker donates the ingredients). The two pot covers are for cutting out your 8-inch or 10-inch circular loaves after you've rolled them out and the lighting screen is to make a grid impression onto the loaf so the servers can divide when distibuting. Funny.


Kristin called as I was in the midst of baking and mentioned going for a fish fry. I certainly wasn't dressed for the occasion at this point, but not being in the kitchen any longer sounded good. Our two families met up at the American Legion in Brookfield. We kept Lucy happy with foil butter packets. We teased Bryn about her love life. Later, Abby had a group over to hang out. Jeff, Bryn, Paige and I smirked as we overheard their SingStar attempts.

Abby's Girl Scout troop hosted another Brownie troop at Linden Grove Health Care Center this past Saturday morning. This time Abby and Dana had the Brownies paint terracotta pots with paint pens (less mess). Some of the residents also painted. They turned out really cute! And the primroses we purchased were so colorful! Then Abby and Dana led the Brownies in an action story (certain words would signal an action for the Brownies to do as the story was read) while the residents watched and listened. We actually now recognize residents who come for our activities regularly.

Paige's team lost a close basketball game Saturday afternoon. You can tell the progress the girls have made, the games are much more action-packed. They only play two more weekends, then it's over.

Abby is off to the Shrine Circus today with Student Council. They are accompanying a disabled group of kids. Jeff is driving Paige to Sunday School at our church while Bryn and I go to mass and a Mission Trip meeting at another. Then Paige and I plan to spend the afternoon painting and decoupaging a purse, birdhouse, and picture frame for an art auction to benefit schools in Africa.