Doctors, Dentist, Conferences and Halloween

Whew! I have a lot of updating. Where to start.

Last Thursday was Schuyler's hearing recheck. Thankfully, she can hear just fine. However, the Dr. did remove a yucky, black, waxy thing from her ear. Could be from the time her friend from school dumped dirt in them when they were playing Dr. Yes, we had a little chat about that! All kids received flu shots. Mackie was the only one with issues. I'm afraid she takes after her mother in this area. Just as the shot was going in, she looked over and instantly freaked out. She moved and I was unable to hold her and the needle got stuck and some of the vacine shot out. Luckily, we got enough in her we didn't have to repeat the process. This is good sense there would have been no hope at least that day.

Monday, I got my flu shot. Why is it the day I get it I always feel yucky. I had to go to bed early. Mackie had her first *injury* at gymnastics. She jammed her fingers and we decided not to finish the class, just as a precaution. She is fine. Then, it was off to conferences. Both girls are doing well. I have mentioned that Schuyler is very into reading. She is also learning about animal classifications. Mackie is creating her sound book.

Tuesday, I had 4 fillings. Yuck! My mouth was numb until about 10:00 at night. Nitrice is such a wonderful thing. I have no doubt that with out it, I would have fainted, maybe even multiple times!

Halloween was great. We had 2 beautiful princesses and one tiger. Mr. Tiger was VERY tired. He made it through the block but fell asleep in route to see relatives.

Thursday was another visit to the Dr. - this time for me. Saturday was the start of an itchy rash. Originally, I thought it would go away. Then, I though possilbe poison oak or poison ivy. But my rash didn't fit the qualifications. So, off to the Dr. I am having an allergic reaction to something I ate or inhaled. Nothing to worry about at this time unless it repeats. I was on an antihistamine but am now on a low dose steroid to kick it in the butt!!

Here are the halloweeners and one of our kindergarten student. One last thing, I got a new wireless mouse and I LOVE it.

right brain or left brain?

In my blogging travels, I came across this site.

Which way is this dancer spinning: Clockwise or Counter Clockwise?If clockwise, then you use more of the right side of the brain and vice versa.

Most of us would see the dancer turning anti-clockwise though you can try to focus and change the direction; see if you can do it.

(I wish I could get these to display side-by-side by I can't).

LEFT BRAIN FUNCTIONS
uses logic
detail oriented
facts rule
words and language
present and past
math and science
can comprehend
knowing
acknowledges
order/pattern perception
knows object name
reality based
forms strategies
practical
safe

RIGHT BRAIN FUNCTIONS
uses feeling
"big picture" oriented
imagination rules
symbols and images
present and future
philosophy & religion
can "get it" (i.e. meaning)
believes
appreciates
spatial perception
knows object function
fantasy based
presents possibilities
impetuous
risk taking

I see her going clockwise!! I have stared (too long) to get her to go the other way. Finally, after concentrating one her feet long enough, I got her going the other way. But the minute I look away, she's back to clockwise. Very interesting, I see me being a blend of both brains. Isn't it funny how my day job is so left brain and photography is so right brain!

Which way do you see her spinning? Were you able to make her change directions?

As for family happenings, Schuyler is continuing to blossom educationally. She can count by 10's, 100's and 1,000's. She is astounding us in her reading ability. She has been wanting to write sentences and make "books". So, I wrote out several sentences the other night and she read them and copied them to her own piece of paper.

The school had parent observation this past week, which is always great from a parent stand point to watch your child in the classroom setting without he/she knowing. McKenzie is a "fast and furious" worker. When I began, she was eating snack, them she went to pumpkin scrubbing. I'm surprised the pumpkin had any skin on it after she was done she was scrubbing so hard and fast. Then she mopped some of her mess although I'm not sure how much she got mopped up for as fast as she was going. Next, off to painting. It's amazing she can paint with out looking as she socializes with her friends!!! Meanwhile, Schuyler was enjoying some geometric/matching work (not easy for me to explain), then some reading with Mr. Time (imagine that), and then reading with a friend.

Disclaimer: The above is not intended to be bragging rights but merely to inform everybody what the kids are up to. I have no idea if where they are is considered average, above average, or below average. I am simply a proud mom amazed at the ability of children to learn new concepts. (Maybe a bit envious it comes so easy to them=) Anyhow, I apologize if it comes off any other way then intended.

And, what is a post with out pictures. Remember how I had strep a couple weeks ago? Prior to me knowing it was strep I took pictures at the Montessori. I was able to get one of the girls - without having to wipe their mouths, debugger the noses or comb the hair. The Director was a wonderful assistant for me!

Just 2 more adorable classmates...

sneak peak for my aunt!

After the Huskers had a very depressing loss on Saturday, I was able to lift my mood some by shooting my cousin's senior picture. It was very dreary and in fact misting so I was somewhat concerned how they would turn out. Here is just a quick peak of Justin. (I just picked 2 to show for no particular reason).

JR - I had so much fun! Thanks for letting me be creative and try some fun things. I hope you like the end result! Our kids LOVE you too - silly cousin Justin! And, during wardrobe change, I was able to snap a few of the kiddos.

I went to the dentist on Monday. Add yet another cavity to my existing 3! Ughhh! This is what kids will do to you (among other things)!

Mackie had a little incident last night. She was running up the stairs and tripped and got her lip. It sure bled A LOT. Somehow she got it in her hair, on my shirt, and her shirt. Of course it happens at the most inconvenient time as Mark is getting groceries and Eli has woke up and is SCREAMING. All is better this a.m.!

Photographers busy time

It is the official busy time for all photographers. People love the fall time and no doubt are starting to think about Christmas, both presents and cards. I have been extremely busy! However, I have been forced to slow down with a serious case of strep throat. I am resting (something which can be hard for me) and am starting to feel better.

Monday was supposed to be a fun day for Eli and I but I had to call Mark home b/c I felt so bad. I didn't even make it to Eli's 9 month appt. (Note: I have NEVER missed a well child visit for any of my kids). My father stepped in to help and took Mack to gymnastics. Tuesday my hubby forced me to go to the Dr. I have not seen a regular Dr. for 3 years!! (Many of you have heard me say this before but I don't like Dr.'s). With a little help from the antiobiotic and some much needed rest I am on the mend!

Sunday was Schuyler's last soccer game. She scored 3 goals!! She is bummed it is over but we will be playing in the spring again. Hopefully, with some of the same girls and the same coach.

Eli is doing great. He is climbing! He is still 97% for height and 60% for weight. Oh, speaking of Eli, let me give all you mom's or dad's out there a friendly tip. Do NOT cut your child's hair! The long hair around Eli's ear's has been bothering me. So, I decide it needs to be cut and can't wait. (Again, this is while I'm in my sick state). Well, I knicked his ear with the scissors. He didn't even yelp or cry. I barely got it but I felt terrible!!

Mark enjoyed a round of golf this weekend with a little tournament at Quarry Oaks. They did good. The winnings paid for the round plus some. That's the best kind of round in my book!

Here is a little of what I've been up to....

I had not done a Newborn for a LONG time. Then, lucky me, I get 2!

Okay, friends, family and clients, if you are wanting a fall session, please contact met ASAP as I will be taking limited appointments. Also, all Christmas card orders need to be placed no later than December 1st to allow time for printing and shipping. (Assuming you want them delivered by Christmas = )

rambling on...

That's what I do sometimes. Ramble.

Sunday Schuyler had her soccer game. She score 3 (maybe 4 goals). She has become quite the little player (a chip off the ol' block - just kidding). Yes, I am very much enjoying it as well as Mark. She is hosting pick up games in our front or back yard with the neighbor kids. They have cones and a goal! It's so fun to watch these games. When a child scores they look to their parents with a look like "did I really do that?"

Mackie is enjoying gymnastics and holding her own in a class with 3 boys - serves her well. After this past session the teacher came out to talk to me. Of course I immediately wonder, uh oh, what did Mackie do? Her teacher, Fox (yes, that is her name), had only good things to say. She said McKenzie is doing really well and if she chooses to stick with it she could be quite the little gymnast. She said that all the kids in the class are a competive bunch. But, while the boys are saying "I can do this or I can do that" McKenzie just goes and does it! I of course told her thank you but it is way too soon to tell what Mack will be interested in.

Schuyler is reading. It's incredible. Just tonight we were reading the beginning reader book by Dr. Suess. It truly is amazing. She even wanted to do homework (not that they have any in kindergarten). So, she did some spelling work...Schuyler, Dad, Mom, Hat, Cat and Dog.

Here is a conversation from McKenzie.

"Mom, I have a sparkle here", says Mack as she points to her body.

"A sparkle?", I reply. I look down and see it's a freckle. "Oh honey, that's a freckle."

Mack - "I have another fartkle here," pointing to her big toe.

"It's actually a freckle", I repeat.

"I have another fartkle on my behind", Mack says. She bares her rear and shows me her freckle. She really does make us laugh!

Here are a few GA wedding shots...

"Another Saturday night...

and I ain't got nobody..." Okay, not exactly my situation. Mine would be more like, "Another Saturday night and I got too much proofing."

We had our first ever garage sale. We participated with quite a few other neighbors. I would have never imagined it would be SO much work. I got 5 hours of sleep on Thursday night. Mackie came down with a low grade fever Thursday evening. So, both her and Eli were up that night. So, it wasn't even a solid 5 hours of sleep. Friday went well. I was exhausted afterwards and sat down on the couch around 8:30 after a glass of wine. Mark said I was out within 5 minutes. Today was busy but I wasn't quite as sleep deprivated!

Here are a few pictures from our trip to GA.




I love this photography except for one thing...Can you guess what it is....?
Our feet are chopped off!!

Back from Georgia!

We're back, from Georgia that is! In preparation last week, I neglected the blog. I had the best intentions to write a brief update but there was just too much to do. So, I'm sure this will be lengthy.

To start, Mark and I took the girls to their first ever Husker volleyball game at the Qwest Center in Omaha. (Sunday, Sept 2nd). We joined Mark's Dad, brother, and our niece and nephew. It was a fun time and the girls really enjoyed it, especially Schuyler who is a HUGE Husker volleyball fan. Eli stayed at home and bonded with Grandma. He also decided to get another tooth. Instead of one of the middle top teeth, he decided to pop out an eye tooth on the top. The other one is starting to get close. We might have a little vampire for Halloween = )

Tuesday the 4th, Schuyler began her first day of kindergarten. She was so excited. We picked out some cute matchy outfits for the girls and I did their hair for them. Both Daddy and I dropped her off on her first day. It's fun to ask her what she did during the day.

Wednesday we drove with Eli to Kansas City since this is where our flight was departing from. We spent the night with my bro and SIL and got to meet the puppies, Eernie and Sophie. They are so cute!!! Thursday a.m. we set off for Savannah, GA. We had a great time! We actually spent most of our time on Tybee Island, just 30-40 minutes eash of Savannah. We stayed in a cute little beach house literally just 4 blocks from the Atlantic Ocean. The beach was beautiful and the weather perfect. Eli and I got to experience the ocean for the first time. He loved it when the waves would roll in and would squeal with delight. We had some fabulous seafood, barbecue, grits, and other southern traditions, such as Low Country Boil. For a Low Country Boil, all you need is huge pot and burner of some sort and you toss everything in. Ours consisted of shrimp, sausage, chicken, red potatoes, corn, and rice. It was delicious! Eli and I spent a morning in the historic district of Savannah while Mark took in 18 holes at one of the local courses. The main reason for our visit was the wedding of Mark's best friend, Justin Fogo. Mark ended up standing in as the best man since Justin's bro couldn't make it. The wedding and reception were beautiful! I can't wait to share pictures but will warn all of you it will be a while as I have a large back log of proofing I must do. Other tid bits: It was high tide while we were there so when we were driving through the intercoastal areas, the water was probably only 5 - 10 feet away from the road. We saw turtle crossing signs. Just a few things you don't see in NE!! I saw my first ever jelly fish (it was washed up on the shore). That's probably enough of GA for ya'll!

We returned to mini-van trouble! It's getting a new transmission which comes with a hefty price tag so my bathroom remodel will have to wait =( Great Grandma has been gracious enough to lend us her car!!

Mack had her first gymnastics class last night. She caught on very quickly. Schuyler begins dance again tonight. Let the activities begin!

Here is just one image from the previous wedding I did...