155 - Two years ago today I was probably sitting in pre-surgical area right about now.  Big changes since then; all for the better.  I am struggling a bit these days - between eating appropriately and finding the energy to exercise.  It might be a problem that's related.  I'm so exhausted all the time that I just eat as opposed to taking the time to make something, or put a bit more thought into what I'm eating.  My energy level is affecting my exercise routine too.  I've been having IV Iron infusions for the past two weeks, but nothing amazing has happened yet.  I keep hoping I'm going to wake up and have an unbelievable amount of energy.  Apparently it's a process.  I'm one of those people that is more into instant gratification.  I'll keep you posted on my progress.  I'm hanging tight at the 83 pound weight loss mark.

This is an exciting week.  Taylor is going to be getting a scholarship on Thursday evening.  We don't know who it's from or how much the scholarship is worth.  We got an invitation to the ceremony and she has to be there to get the award.  Fingers crossed.  :)

Brooke and Reilly are both super-busy with ball games this week.  Our calendar is filled with games every single night this week, including a tournament this coming weekend.  I'm feeling wiped out just thinking about it.

Yesterday was a super-productive Mother's Day.  I ventured out to Stein's and picked up a lilac bush and a couple of Hydrangeas for planting.  I literally destroyed a stump in the back yard with use of a rake, hoe and hammer.  Productive and innovative!  Taylor was extremely helpful with getting our yard furniture repainted.  She even went to the hardware store to pick up paint!  Unfortunately, three cans of spray paint didn't quite get the job done.  Four chairs and 1/3 of the table complete.  Looks like she'll need to finish it up next weekend.

I'm going to try to be more consistent with my blogging.  Sorry to those of you that have been missing my posts (Taylor).  Have a good week!

155 - Yay!  Here we go.

My plastic surgery was denied.  I'm okay with that.  I am going to see what I can do about working on that troublesome area on my own.  Just in case I was one of those patients that doesn't quite "get" the gist of being turned down for treatment, the review company sent me not 1, not 2, but 3 denial letters.  They all arrived on the same day.  They all said exactly the same thing, and I read all 3 just to make sure I wasn't missing anything.  Good Grief!!!

Senior Ball was this past Saturday.  Once again, Taylor looked amazing.  Jim and I had a nice evening with some fellow Tosa East parents following pictures.  We headed up to the Blu Room at the Pfister for drinks.  What an amazing view!  13 drinks = $161.  Now I know why we don't go out much.

Brooke is all signed up for Driver's Ed.  Classes start the first day of summer vacation.  She's pretty pumped!

We've had a few warm-ish days and Reilly's already sporting some road rash.  Skateboarding season is upon us!

Taylor is officially a Wisconsin Badger!!!  We made the deposit to UW-Madison, so there's no turning back now.  Her package of Badger gear (compliments of her Mom & Dad) has arrived and she's scheduled for her placement testing.  I love it when a plan comes together!

Our vacation reservations are made.  Oh, how I wish it was July.  I'm looking forward to a week in Eagle River, relaxing with my family (Courtney and kiddos included).  I have a countdown app installing on my iPhone as I type.  120 days, 17 hours, 27 minutes and 36 seconds.  Yaaaaaaaay!

156 - uh oh!!!  Clearly, I need to get myself back on track.  No excuses.  I just got a clear dose of reality and I'm going to turn this around before I am back to train wreck status.

Taylor's an adult.  Wow; I made a person.  I have such vivid memories of taking her home from the hospital and being completely overwhelmed.  As I look back on the first year of her life I remember so many long nights of walking and rocking and lots of crying (from her and me).  Eighteen years later when I reflect on those early days of parenthood I feel so accomplished.  I have learned to prioritize, and troubleshoot, and compromise, and coordinate, and recognize the journey is not always easy - but absolutely worth it.  I hope I taught her a few things along the way too.

Clearly, Taylor is a pretty smart cookie, because she's going to be attending UW-Madison in the fall.  A decision has been made!!!  Jim and I are so proud of her for making such a responsible choice.  :)

On Wisconsin . . .

154 - I'm really looking forward to some warmer temps.  Looking at the bright side, at least I'm not gaining.  It's been such cold winter that going outside is the last thing I want to do in the evening.

I'm certified in CPR and First Aid!!!  I took the class on Tuesday and passed with flying colors; 100%.

I'm very pleased to announce that Taylor has become a bit more reasonable in her formal dress shopping habits.  Senior Ball is March 15 and we've got the perfect dress!  It's a long beach glass colored gown from Nordstrom's.  She modeled it last night and she looks absolutely stunning.  I have to admit it's the second dress purchased for this event, but even more lovely than the first (which was also perfect).

Our baby's been suffering from allergies.  Zoe was waking up numerous times at night and scratching like crazy.  Our house was looking like a cotton ball explosion had occurred.  Her hair was falling out in clumps.  Jim took her to the vet and she got a steroid injection.  She's on a regimen of Benadryl 2 times a day.  She seems better, but not quite as happy as we've cut treats out of her diet; thinking that may have been the source of the reaction.

Hayden was one year old last Sunday.  Amazing how quickly a year goes by!  And, before we know it August will be here and Hayden will be a Big Sister.  (August, as in the month)

It's official.  I'm no longer a student.  After a number of sleepless nights, lots of hemming and hawing, and even more tears - I have withdrawn from MATC.  It was a very difficult decision, but I feel like it's best for us right now.  I have a child that's going to be leaving for college in the fall (wherever that may be).  My recent promotion at work has left me feeling more fulfilled.  As I look back at my previous blog posts a common thread was my stressed out-ness due to school.  I need to be able to enjoy my time with my family more and worry less about being the best.

154 - I know it's been a while since I've blogged, but there hasn't been much news.  I'm definitely enjoying my time off school.  I've been busy at work.  We're still short-staffed so the days go by unbelievably fast.  The kids are immersed in their teenager stuff - as usual.  Taylor's working and socializing, and still waiting for the thumb's up from Minnesota.  Brooke's doing her horseback riding lessons when our schedules allow.  Reilly's already got baseball practice every weekend (kind of like spring training - but started in December).  I truly wish I could figure out how to add about six hours to each day.  I think that would really help.

I had my plastic surgery consultation yesterday.  I have to admit I was a bit disenchanted with Dr. Hijjawi right off the bat.  My appointment was supposed to be last week and he cancelled on me due to an emergent surgery.  Yesterday, I was scheduled to see him at 3:30pm.  I was roomed promptly and waited until (drum roll, please) 5:10 for him to come flying in like a lunatic and being all apologetic.  I was fine with the fact that he was behind schedule.  I just wish the staff would have had the courtesy to let me know I hadn't been forgotten.  I had these visions of me peeking into the hall and finding it to be pitch black.  Except for that little snafu I was pleased with the doctor and I'm good to go with him for my muffin top extraction and hernia repair.  In doc speak it's called a Panniculectomy.  Now, it's just a matter of waiting for a decision from the insurance company.  I guess that can take up to 3 months.  I wish I could be all dramatic like patients that I talk to and say, "But I could be dead by then . . . " 

The semester is finally over, and I finished with a 3.464 GPA.  Not bad; an A- and a B+.  Is it too soon to start freaking out about Spring Semester?  Economics, Biochemistry & Microbiology . . . OH MY!

The new job is macarena-crazy.  Started out December 2 with two full-time seasoned employees, plus a new person that I am training, plus me (that is still in training-technically).  As of December 20, one of those full-timers has been axed, and I'm on unlimited overtime.  Hopefully we can get an awesome person hired that is capable of making it to work on a daily basis, making it to work ON TIME and respecting his/her superiors.  It's kind of like winning the tri-fecta.

Merry Christmas to all!