The Quisenberry

Fort Rapids

2012-02-05T07:57:00.000-08:00

To celebrate Dad's first weekend off in January post bowl game, we went to Fort Rapid an indoor water park in Columbus. We surprised the kids and even ourselves. We thought we were only going for one night and two days of swimming. Mark learned that one of the coaches on the football staff had a relationship with the owner. When he heard we were going he called the owner and we got us a delux villa (sleeps 14) at 50% off with swim passes for all weekend!! Mark and I were big kids riding the big slides all day. Teagan enjoyed the 5 ft. pool as she loves to show us how she can "swim like a big girl!" Bryce liked making friends and playing shark off the log raft. We will have to get a big group together next time!

Me & T on the lazy river

Bryce's favorite part the log raft

Gator Bowl

2012-01-08T15:07:00.000-08:00

The holidays were a whirlwind as we started the two weeks in Louisville visiting the Quisenberrys before Christmas and on Christmas morning. On the 27th Mark, the kids and I departed for the Gator Bowl. We couldn't have asked for a better hotel. It was super kid friendly with two heated swimming pools, one by the ocean heated bathrooms and a full service restaurant. There was also a playground and plenty of other kids with. The kids couldn't have been any happier swimming every day. Mark enjoyed the open bar hospitality every night. He deserved it. He's worked extra hard this past December. I enjoyed the warm weather and hanging out with friends Breana and CJ. Dumping right off the airplane on Tuesday the 2nd and having to be at work on the 3rd made the week a little difficult for all. I think we've finally caught up on our sleep this weekend. You should be able to view all of my pics from the trip through this link:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/sharing/shareRedirectSwitchBoard.jsp?token=6538166070103%3A387589695

The Crew

The Beach

Bryce the baller

2011-12-03T19:10:00.000-08:00

Bryce had his first ever basketball practice. His classmate Ethan was there. The two of them tore the place up. Here is our baller!

Pregame Meal was at Crispy Cream Doughnuts. Breakfast of champions! Bryce gets a treat on Saturday if he doesn't get a card flipped in kindergarten class all week long. He has been alternating between Crispy Cream doughnuts and frosty freezy freezes from Speedway.

Can't wait to use this footage in Bryce's senior year banquet as a basketball player at either Ohio State or Kentucky! : )

Teagan was rolling around on the floor so I told her to sit up so I could take her picture. Looks too much like a cheerleader. Yikes!? Don't get comfortable watching Teagan. You are going to be out there playing!

Halloween 2011

2011-11-12T13:00:00.000-08:00

The kids can really rack up the candy! As they get older the number of houses they can cover multiplies. This year Bryce was thrilled to meet up with his buddy John and trapes around the through the neighborhood with the Millers. Aunt Mel Mel was in and did a good job keeping up. The chili at the Neiset household prior to trick or treating was yummy! Dad got out of work for a couple of hours and was able to run around with the kids. He did have to go back to work, but we were still grateful! Here are our little monsters. Does the pumpkin costume look familiar? Bryce was a pumkin when he was three. Neighbors Reece (inspector gadget), Ashley (ladybug) and Ellie (smurf) stopped by.

Officially a kindergartner

2011-11-12T12:50:00.000-08:00

Look who is an official kindergartner with a kindergartner picture! Bryce escaped the traditional
toothles kindergarten picture but not by much. With two loose bottom teeth he will have that toothless smile in no time. I can’t believe my handsome man is in Kindergarten!? He has two
kindergarten classes technically now. I began working full-time three weeks ago. On the days that Bryce doesn’t go to Oak Creek we have him in a private kindergarten, Hugs-n-Hearts. Debbie is awesome giving him hugs hell and good-bye like a mom would want.

Bryce,

We love how you love to go to your kindergartens. You can’t wait to read the books sent home as
homework. You talk all the time about your friends John, Eden, Ethan, and Martin from Oak Creek. You can’t wait to see your buds Chase, Andrew, Connor and Parker at Hugs-n-Hearts.
On top of all that you do throughout the week you beg us to do Jump Start 1st grade and 2nd grade to prepare for the coming years. I hope you always enjoy school like you do now and work to be the very best student you can be. We love you and congratulations on a great start to school.

We are proud of you!
Love,
Mom & Dad

Quality time with Dad

2011-10-14T17:49:00.001-07:00

What happend to the simple pumpkin carving with a set of scarey eyes and a mouth?

Happy 6th Birthday Bryce!!

2011-10-01T20:15:00.001-07:00

Here is your fifth year reviewed. What an eventful year it was.....graduation from preschool, Disney World, started kindergarten, and tonsils out. We love you handsome!

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Bye bye tonsils!

2011-09-03T12:21:00.000-07:00

After a couple of months of throat clearing and a round of antibiotics, our pediatrician and ENT recommended a tonsillectomy and that Bryce's anoids be removed. This trip to the surgery center was definitely different than the previous two. Bryce had already had tubes placed in his ears twice.

His awareness of hospitals, surgery, and the fact that there would be some pain involved was very clear in his mind. He kept asking "Are they going to use something sharp to get my tonsils out?" The surgeon visited with us right before the surgery and he asked that very question. Before the surgeon could answer I gave him the answer I had been giving Bryce all week, "He's going to use his fingers and pluck them right out and it's going to tickle!!" Of course I would tickle him to make him smile. It was the only answer he liked.

The nurse wheeled him back to the surgery room with little resistance. He did much better waking out of the anesthesia this time also. Instead of screaming and crying and trying to scratch my eyes out, he woke up like he was coming out of a deep sleep. They said he threw up in the recovery room and that they were trying to balance the pain and anti-nausea meds at that time. Roughly an hour later we were home.

As of today, 24 hours later Bryce's surgery, he decided he doesn't want to eat anything solid. What's good is that he's halfway through two boxes of popsicles. He also loves the powerade his Daddy brought home from work. We watched the Buckeyes win their first game vs. Akron. Yea!! I did let Bryce play in the neighbors baby pool for 1o minutes with strict rules of no running or quick movements. I'm not sure how I am going to keep him down for two weeks!? He will go back to school possibly late this next week. No recess or gym for two weeks!? Good luck Oak Creek with that! : )

PreOp

PostOpRide HomeSurgery isn't so bad....it's like a party when you get home.The gifts rock! Teagan thinks it's his birthday because of the gifts and balloons.

Bryce's first day of Kindergarten

2011-08-30T09:23:00.000-07:00

First Day of School
He started school this morning, and he seemed so very small,
As I walked there beside him in the Kindergarten hall.
And as he took his place beside the others in the class,
I realized how all too soon those first few years can pass,
Remembering I saw him as he first learned how to walk,
The words that I lone made out when he began to talk.
This little boy so much absorbed in learning how to write,
It seems as though he must have grown to boyhood overnight.
My eyes were blurred but hastily I brushed the tears away,
Lest by some word or sign of mine I mar his first big day.
Oh how I longed to stay with him and keep him by the hand,
To lead him through the places that he couldn’t understand.
And something closely kin to fear was mingled with my pride,
I knew he would no longer be a baby by my side.
But he must have his chance to live; to work his problems out,
The privilege to grow and learn what life is all about.
And I must share my little boy with friends and work and play,
He’s not a baby anymore…….he’s in Kindergarten today.
Author Unknown

I didn't cry like I thought I would.....mostly because Byrce got a little teary-eyed which I completely did not expect!!! I dropped him off at Kindergarten and there was an option added to the agenda where parents could stay for lunch. I had an appointment and could not. He was so upset with me. I felt so bad!! I kept to together and was so worried about him eating lunch in his new big boy cafeteria all by himself that I couldn't cry. Instead of a big hug when he got off the bus at the end of the day I got an ear full!! He gave me a big butt chewing for "leaving him." Needless to say, I ate lunch with him his next day at Kindergarten and all was forgiven!

Bryce,

Good luck in school. You are going to learn so much. Be a good listener. Be a good learner. Be a good friend. Most of all, be gentle with yourself. You will make mistakes. We will be here to catch you when you fall.

Love,

Mom & Dad

Medical mystery

2011-07-17T18:56:00.000-07:00

Mosquitoes and bugs have been bad this summer. I suppose it's the wet spring that we had. No one has had more of an issue with them than Bryce. Here is one of his finest reactions to a bite on his ankle. This one had him laid up for a day. It takes a lot to keep Bryce on the couch for a day!!Crazy!?

Graduates

2011-06-08T09:58:00.000-07:00

What a special year in our family! Two significant graduations in one month......Bryce from preschool and my nephew Andy from high school. I love all that graduation represents. We celebrate the academic accomplishments of an individual, the turning of a page or chapter in one's life, and the hope excitement about the future. I cried at both graduations and completely didn't expect to!? Congratulations to both! We love you!!! Handsome man!

Bryce's best girlfriend Maddie (Madison)

Another handsome man!
We are all so proud of you Andy!!

My mommy

2011-05-04T19:10:00.001-07:00

These questionnaires were completed by Bryce and Teagan at daycare for upcoming Mother's Day. Talk about lol!

My Mommy

Bryce:
My mommy is.......40.......years old. (Good job Bryce!!)
She weighs........99..........lbs. and is 84 ft. tall. (Not sure how to feel about this seeing that both numbers are considered very big by Bryce.)
Her hair is.......dark brown.....and her eyes are.....blue. (Upon inspection tonight at home Bryce realized they are green. Close baby!)
My mom loves to relax by..........laying down. (You got that right! In front of the TV preferably!!)
She loves to cook...........a lot of food. (Eat it, too!)
Her favorite household chore is...............sweeping. (Wonder why? : ) )
Her favorite TV show is...............The Today Show. (Did getting a second TV in the front room so that I could watch it in the morning while you watch your cartoons give that away?)
Her favorite song is.........toy story 1. (We do have dance party to toy story. I have to say, however, that my latest playlist on the Ipod is: On the floor by Jennifer Lopez, Rolling in Deep by Adele, Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri, Firework by Katy Perry, and Marry Me by Train)
Mommy always tells me............to eat dinner. (Always stated as he sits down to eat his meal while he is downing his whole drink straight.)
It makes her happy when............I share. (Good recollection and good answer! I think I have specifically told him on several occasions his sharing makes me happy.)
I really love when my mom.............cooks. (Could it be because that is when I let him play his Wii!?)

Teagan:
My mommy is......20.......years old. (You are my new favorite child!)
She weighs.........60............lbs. and is.......big......ft. tall. (Did I mention you are my new favorite child?)
Her hair is..........black...........and her eyes are............black. (?????????????)
My mom loves to relax by...........playing outside. (Dragging out toys, snapping on helmets, refereeing disputes, negotiating turns, implementing time outs, and cleaning up scrapes, bumps, and bruises. Did I mention picking up toys? So much fun!?)
She loves to cook............chicken. (Very observant!)
Her favorite household chore is............dinner. (Do it a lot.)
Her favorite TV show is...............Sponge Bob. (Bryce laughed hard at this one!!)
Her favorite song is............toy story. (Bryce and Teagan didn't consult on this answers either!?)
Mommy always tells me...............go to sleep. (Sleep has been judged to be over rated by all those under four feet in our house. Those above five feet treasured it, need more of it, and it is always interrupted.
It makes her happy when.................we play outside. (See response to how Mom likes to relax.)
I really love it when my mom...........plays with me. (Thank you for this answer Teagan. We need to do more of this, just me and you. Love you baby!)

My babies are getting big

2011-04-28T12:56:00.000-07:00

Yes, my babies are getting big............and I am not talking about Bryce and Teagan. Our cats which are no longer kittens will be coming up on their first birthdays this July. Cosmo hit his first milestone and brought home his first dead bird. I was so proud! : )

Manny is a stinky butt (as Teagan would say). You can see where my puzzle pieces go!!

Appreciate

2011-04-20T17:14:00.000-07:00

Mark to Bryce & Teagan: "I really appreciated how good you guys were today at Daddy's work.

(I had to drop the kids off with him at work so that I could attend a Varsity O meeting, a group that I volunteer for. The team was still in practice and on the football field. The kids were prepared and instructed to behave!)

Bryce: "Daddy, what does appreciate mean?"

Mark: "It means that I really liked how good you were today."

Bryce: "......Daddy.......I really appreciated spending time with you today."

Mark and I got tears in our eyes.

Sparkly clean

2011-04-16T18:43:00.000-07:00

Who likes going to the dentist? Believe it or not.............Bryce. I am not sure where the affinity comes from. He begs me to go. Could it be the movie Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer with the misfit toys and the little boy that wants to be a dentist? At any rate, Bryce made his second trip and Teagan made her first trip to the dentist this month. The pediatric dentist's office located less than a mile from our house does an unbelievable job. The hygienist explains all the tools, explains each step, and what each step is going to feel like. Bryce especially likes the bubbles, the one minute fluoride treatment. There are over ten different flavors to choose from with the fluoride and paste for the polish. Bryce is a bubble gum fan. Teagan likes chocolate. The hygienists are like clowns making figures out of balloons at the end of the appointment. There is also a treasure box. Makes me want to go there! : )

Florida Trip - March 2011

2011-03-30T21:24:00.001-07:00

We had so much fun on our trip to Florida. We would like to congratulations Kermit and Laurie again with their beautiful wedding. The week that followed for our family at the Nickelodeon Hotel and Disney World theme parks was priceless. I created this video to help the kids remember. Like my Dad stated in our wedding toast the day we wed....true joy is experiencing your children's joy!

With that being said Mark and I pinky swore our next vacation would not include any long lines, strollers (ours or being clipped by any others from all directions), cartoon characters, maps, itineraries, reservations, or time keeping devices. ; )

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Happy 3rd Birthday Teagan!

2011-03-19T16:08:00.001-07:00

Three years ago today, March 19th, Teagan came into our world and made us the most complete and happiest family. You are so loved! Here is to your 2nd year baby!!!

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3 year well visit

2011-03-06T04:47:00.000-08:00

We are creeping up on Teagan's 3rd birthday, the 19th of March. I can't believe she is going to be 3! We visited the doctor for a well visit as we normally do when the kids have a birthday. It's been great to see Bryce evolve over his five years with his shots. Of course, they don't get the four shots they used to as babies, two in one leg and two in one arm!? They both cried hysterically when that was the case. Bryce, our not particularly tough kid, doesn't even flinch or cry now. I was curious to how Teagan would evolve given that she is a super tough kid. She didn't freak out when they said they were going to give it to her. She only wanted me to hold her tight. Of course she was trying to "be tough" for the doughnuts that were to follow, my promise to the kids after visits to the doctor involving shots. The nurse swiftly put the needle in and she was a mess. She cried hysterically saying things like, "That hurt Mommy!", "Owwy, owwy, owwy!", and "I want my Daddy!" We left the doctor's office quickly not wanting her crying to scare any of the other kids in the other waiting rooms. The walls are paper thin. When we settled in the car (Teagan still crying) I got Mark on the phone. As soon as he answered she quick crying and as calmly as you would not expect said "Daddy, I got a shot. It tickled!?"

Blogger blahs

2011-02-25T04:41:00.000-08:00

It's true. I am suffering from the blogger blahs. Sorry everyone for not posting in such a long time! There is no real good excuse. Since returning from the Sugar Bowl after the new year the kids and I have been spending our days at:

- the library
- any indoor playground I can find which includes but is not limited to McDonald's playground, Burger King playground, SkyZone (indoor trampoline place), Tuttle Mall playground, Polaris Mall playground, Recreation Outlet playground in Polaris
- COSI the Center of Science and Innovation
- swimming at Westerville Rec or Dublin Rec
- swim class Thursday nights at Westerville Rec

I don't know if I am proud or regret to report that Bryce currently has 87 lives on his Super Mario Brother's Wii game!? I can not wait for the weather to break so I can give these kids something else to do!!!!!!!!!

For now we will keep busy painting Teagan's nails, running around chasing the cats (and squeezing them really really hard if you're Teagan), doing P90x Yoga, running on the treadmill in the dungeon (our basement), and watching Winter Wipeout or America's Funniest Home Videos (the kids' two favorite shows right now).

Push us faster Mom!

What?

2011-01-30T19:52:00.000-08:00

My little guppies

2011-01-17T18:02:00.000-08:00

Winter swim classes have begun. It's not that we're trying to make world class swimmers out of kids. We're more interested in the kids getting a shot of summer in the middle of January and February. It's great to smell the chlorine!

I signed Teagan up for the 3 year old class despite not yet being three (March). The alternative was a parent-tot class. No thanks! It took special permission and the administrators were concerned she wouldn't get in the water. I told them I was more concerned about her showing up for Bryce's swim lesson and not being able to get the water. She made us proud by walking right up to the teacher and introducing herself by telling them her name. She wanted to go first, finish first and be the leader of everything. I thought if one of your kids was a take charge type of kid the other would tend to be a follower. There are definitely more chiefs than indians in our tribe!!

2010 the Holidays

2011-01-06T20:32:00.000-08:00

Let’s see, so much time has passed and so much to say. Since my last post we enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving at Grandpa and Grandma Cernava’s house (my goodness the food!?). Mark and I both turned 40....lordy, lordy!! My favorite birthday cake has always been Mom's pumpkin pie.The cousins enjoyed playing with one another (video games and kickball mostly). Shortly after Thanksgiving we enjoyed a bruising over Michigan. CJ, Nicole, Jamie and I enjoyed the game together. It was great seeing Jodi and James. December was filled with lots of parties. Coach Tressel’s staff holiday party is always a hit with the kids because of Brutus, Mrs. Clause, and Santa. Christmas was spent in Louisville with the Quisenberrys. Bryce and Teagan were relieved to learn that Santa would drop off gifts at both Granddad and Grandmom’s house and our home in Columbus. Santa and the reindeer were very hungry and thirsty this year as they ate all the cookies, milk, water and reindeer food left at both places. Big gifts included Bryce’s DS, a multi-gaming table (pool, ping pong, foosball, air hockey, etc.)

Teagan got her wish of a dog. Fortunately for us it was a walking talking stuffed dog!!! Santa had to apologize to Bryce in a letter for not bringing him a rocket he could ride on to the moon (really Bryce!?) Bryce and Teagan got their own Christmas trees to put up in their rooms, blue and pink of course.
A huge highlight of the 2010 holiday season was the seven day trip to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl where the Buckeyes brought home a win over the Arkansas Razorbacks (31-26). Memories include….the airplane and bus rides (kids’ loved it!), Bryce yelling “Roast the Razorbacks” at the game, me sipping on hurricanes at Patrick O’s, Bourbon Street, gumbo, a horse drawn carriage ride of the French Quarter(Teagan’s suggestion and her absolute favorite!),

the great customer service of New Orleans Folks (not!!), visiting the Children’s Museum/ of New Orleans where there was a pretend grocery store, (I think Bryce has a future)

ringing in New Years on the banks of the Mississippi River and watching the fireworks, and most of all (for me) spending time with Bre and CJ. You guys are the greatest. Luv ya and thanks!!

Reflecting at this time of year on 2010 we are so blessed to have so many wonderful family members and friends. We wish everyone the best in 2011!

Teagism

2010-11-21T18:10:00.000-08:00

While I am in the car driving Bryce drops his toy (a Zooble) on the floor in the back seat. Teagan says...

"Mom, Bryce be losting his Zooble. Can you help him find it?"

Halloween 2010

2010-11-10T10:07:00.000-08:00

There were tricks, treats, and lots of fun!!

Quite a day

2010-10-25T05:43:00.001-07:00

It was a wonderful weekend spent with Mark's sister....Melanie......aka Aunt Mel Mel. Saturday was great with the OSU blow out over Purdue 49-0, but Sunday was filled with all kinds of fun and surprises. The day started with our next door neighbor bringing home a prized catch........if I counted right it was an 8 point buck! That's Teagan and our next door neighbor's son Ben checking it out.

Melanie and I proceeded on to a pumpkin patchwith the kids to Ostrander, OH which I would recommend to everyone. We ran into the Naomi and the Monroe family!! What a treat! We had a great time.

Hayride with the Monroes!

Hay playground

John Deere super bike ride

Corn sand box

Lastly we returned home to six fire trucks, two ambulances, and several police cars on our street. Luckily it wasn't our home.........but a house roughly 6 or 7 down from ours caught on fire. Because my camera battery was dead from all the fun at the pumpkin patch I didn't catch a picture of it. What a busy Sunday!!

Buckeye Photo

2010-10-11T18:54:00.001-07:00

This evening at family dinner at the football facility the Tressels took their annual photos with the kids of the coaching staff. Bryce is the first one standing if you look right to left. Teagan is sitting right behind him. There is a two-and-half-weeker there in the front. Fun!

Happy 5th Birthday Bryce! at OneTrueMedia.com

2010-10-10T12:46:00.001-07:00

Another year.........the love just keeps growing and growing!

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What happens...

2010-08-26T20:56:00.001-07:00

What happens when you give you daughter your iphone to keep her busy while you cook dinner......

13.1 miles...........check!

2010-08-15T11:36:00.000-07:00

Ten years ago I ran my first marathon. I promised myself then that I would run a marathon every ten years as a way of committing to a certain level of fitness for the rest of my life. This fall is ten years since my last marathon. Today I took one major step toward my goal. I ran a 1/2 marathon that started and ended in the Hilliard Darby High School football stadium. It was harder than I expected. Maybe it was this hard the first time around. Maybe I just forgot how tough it is. I love this video. I love how Teagan ran up to me at the finish. I didn't even know they were going to hand me a medal. I just hung it around her neck instinctively. I was so exhausted...........I was thinking to myself, "How am I going get her out of the way of other runners finishing their runs....I am going to have to pick her up!?"

Bryce in true form was off throwing a tantrum in the middle of football field because I wasn't there when he arrived at the stadium. When I did enter the stadium I didn't run straight up to him. I had to run once around the track and that really sent him over the edge. I wish Mark would hame got that on film.

Bonsai!!!!

2010-07-24T18:56:00.000-07:00

Unbelievable!! I didn't think Bryce could complete the swim requirement to jump off the diving board, let alone jump right off. He completely blew us away today. He is our little dare devil.

New additions to the family

2010-07-21T19:26:00.001-07:00

No..................we are not having twins. The new additions to our family are two new kittens, Cosmopolitan "Cosmo" and Manhattan "Manny." The kids (most specifically Bryce) have been bugging bugging bugging us to get a pet for a long time. We would have loved to get a dog, but quite honestly couldn't take all the responsibility. The idea behind to two cats is so they can keep each other company if we're gone for a long day, a weekend, or a week at a time. The first night when I was in bed trying to fall asleep and Cosmo was crawling all over my head, rubbing, purring, licking, and wanting attention I had major buyer remorse. When you think that our kids could be potentially heading off to college by the time these cats pass away I thought oh my gosh........what have we done!? When I see how much the kids love the kittens, pick them up, and play with them I know we did the right thing. I guess!? Here's to our two new babies. Cosmo is the girl, the black and white one. She is social, friendly, and healthy. The kids can man handle her, put her in a choker hold and she could care less. We try to keep them from doing that obviously, but our 24/7 watch has it's holes. Manny is the boy, the orange one. He is a scaredy cat, has an upper respiratory infection, and is dealing with worms. We like that we bringing him back to a good life after a "who knows what" start. If you are lucky enough to catch Manny he squirms out of your hold in short order. If he does cozy up to you it's on his own terms and short lived. Good and bad...........they are ours and we love them.

Cosmo..aka Cozy Wazy, Cozomel, Cosmos

Manny...aka Mr. Man, Handy Manny, Manuel

Eat, sleep, poop...that's what they are good at.

Bryce wasn't feeling good, had thrown up this day. Cosmo was helping him feel better as he was resting.

Salt Fork Vacation 2010

2010-07-11T23:29:00.001-07:00

A great time was had by all. There was plenty of sunshine and fish! Can't wait until next year!!!

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Conversations with Bryce

2010-06-16T12:09:00.000-07:00

I love conversations with Bryce in the car. He cracks me up......the latest.

Bryce: Mommy, I am going to be five in September.
Me: Yes you are Bryce.
Bryce: At one time I was four.
Me: Yes Bryce.
Bryce: At one time I was three.......at one time I was two........at one time I was one.......and one time I was zero.
Me: Yes you were.
Bryce: At one time I was in your belly.
Me: Yes. You were in my belly just like Cooper was in Lauren's belly. (Lauren in our neighbor. Cooper was born in October.)
Bryce: How did I get there?
(Before I could respond not knowing what to say.....)
Bryce: Did you eat me?

Happy Graduate!

2010-06-03T17:57:00.001-07:00

We spent the weekend in Louisville Kentucky with Mark's family. It was a wonderful time and a wonderful occasion. Our niece, Rachel, graduated from high school. Not only did we get to celebrate a special occasion with lots of friends and family, but Mark and I got to squeeze in a couple of rounds of golf with his Dad.............thanks to his Mom offering to watch the kids!! Congratulations again Rachel! We love you!!!!!!!!!

New favorite past time

2010-05-23T18:10:00.000-07:00

We have discovered put-put golf as our new favorite family past time. We all love to play. Rules of the Quisenberry road.......

1 - Bryce always goes first.

2 - Never forget rule number one. It gets ugly if we do.

3 - Don't keep track of Bryce's score. Being a gracious loser is not his strong suit. It gets ugly if we do.

4 - Teagan gets to put her ball four inches from the hole. It can still take her up to 3 or 4 strokes to get the ball in.

5 - Make a big deal when Teagan's ball falls in the hole. She loves the cheers.

6 - Mark needs complete silence when he puts. After all, we are competing for the Quisenberry green jacket.

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T11:38:00.000-07:00

A Newborn's Conversation with God

A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow,
but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"

God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."

God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you.
And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."

Again the small child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"

God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."

"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"

God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."

"Who will protect me?"

God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life."

"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."

God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."

God said, You will simply call her, “ Mom ."

Easter Footage

2010-04-04T19:50:00.000-07:00

For our family that live out of town I wanted to post some video from the kids' easter egg and basket search. I hope the video uploads. I have had trouble posting long video. Happy Easter!

Happy Easter!!

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

I don't know who had more fun this morning, Mark and I watching the excitement of Bryce and Teagan search for their eggs and Easter baskets or the kids searching. No surprise, Bryce took the lead. He was very sweet, though, and shared many of his finds with Teagan. I have too many memories as a kid following around my two older brothers finding nothing. So, I we hid 100 eggs (50 inside and 50 outside) to make sure that didn't happen. At one point Teagan's legs were shaking were she stood because she was so excited. Late morning was spent at the Vineyard Church. Teagan and Bryce let us sit through the whole service (no episodes). It was the first time ever. Could we be ready for regular visits!? Lauren, Keith and baby Coop came over for dinner. We had a ball. Happy Easter everyone!!

Teagan's bed head for all the world to see.

Legos for Bryce.

Our version of cookies for Santa......colored Easter eggs for the bunny. I know it doesn't make sense. It was fun. The kids loved it.

Happy 2nd Birthday Teagan!

2010-03-19T19:10:00.001-07:00

Teagan, you amaze us everyday with how much you are growing, saying and doing. You are very content doing your own thing. You say, "I do....I do!" a lot. At daycare we've had two separate teachers tell us at different times that you are like a mother hen helping them with chores and with the other kids in class. I am not sure if it's because you like to help or you like to tell other people what to do like your Mom. Either way, we look at it like good leadership skills, right Teagan? Each night as we tuck you into bed you say "Sunshine Mommy....sunshine Daddy." It your favorite song and we sing it to you every night. You are not afraid of new people or new places. The first day we dropped you off at daycare, after we discontinued the in-home babysitter, your bottom lip stuck out one day and you looked like you wanted to bawl. Every day since you walk and sometimes run to your room looking forward to the day. (Your brother at your age cried every time we dropped him off for weeks!) You love to color and read books. You prefer to be in the same room as your brother despite what he might be doing. You will watch him play the Wii for hours at a time. Your favorite words are "Look at me....look at me!" and "Spongebob Mommy?" You love to play the Spongebob application on my IPhone. On your birthday and always........we love you with all that we are.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Priceless!

2010-03-18T18:05:00.000-07:00

Sippy cup full of juice.....$1

Papa John's pizza for dinner.....$12

New pair of shoes (because of a muddy backyard).....$20

Look on Bryce and Teagan's faces when they saw their new playset..... priceless!

Aaarrgh!

2010-03-16T05:27:00.001-07:00

Time change..........two kids under the age of 4..........enough said!?

If it's white, fluffy,and fattening...

2010-03-07T19:01:00.000-08:00

......Tegan will eat it. It cracks me up how much she likes to eat the most fattening foods. Compared to Bryce which likes very few foods that have to be plain, her affinity for the most creamy fattening food on the planet cracks me up. We had mashed potatoes tonight. Bryce won't eat them. She asks for more and more butter on her potatoes and picks the butter clean off. We ate fish the other night and I had mayo on the table. She asked for more and more mayo not bothering to put her fish in it or on it. Case in point...........here is Teagan finishing off a can of frosting after I baked a cake. She better like to exercise. With that appetite for sweet and fattening foods, she is going to need it!

No broken bones

2010-03-02T15:40:00.000-08:00

Our concern with broken bones wasn't with the kids this time either!? Mark and I got an opportunity to get away thanks to his parents. We went skiing at Peak n' Peek Resort near Buffalo, NY. The weather was great. The much needed alone time was appreciated. Our saying.........if you can't beat the snow join it. We came back in one piece with no broken bones or torn ligaments....bonus!

My sunshines

2010-02-13T21:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day everyone! This is a card Teagan recieved for Valentines Day. She loved it very much because we sing "You are my sunshine" to her every night before she goes to bed.

RIP Frosty

2010-02-13T20:49:00.000-08:00

One of our neighbors had a few too many frosty ones Friday night and Mark and I woke up to a deceased Frosty in our driveway the next morning. Too funny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ready, set, let it snow!

2010-02-07T11:45:00.000-08:00

We got 10" of snow between Friday and Saturday. Bryce and Teagan had a ball with the triplets from across the street and Ben next door sledding down our drive way. I think this was Teagan's first and last trip. She is the one screaming at the end.

Heave ho shovel some snow!

Round two with the swim lessons

2010-02-04T18:02:00.000-08:00

This time of year it's nice to pretend it's hot out and take Bryce to indoor swim lessons. I swear the smell of chlorine is like a shot of summer in the arm. He is doing better this winter just because he can listen better. I thought this clip was cute because I could tell he is trying really hard to do what the teacher is telling him to do. Each time we go to the recreation center to swim he asks if there is going to be a teacher. He likes it when there is no teacher and Mark, Teagan and I get in the water.

Poor Teagan! She is not happy sitting with me here because she wants to get in the water with her brother. Next year T!

New definition of bundled up

2010-01-10T17:06:00.000-08:00

It has snowed a little over a long period of time here in Columbus. So much so that finally on Friday many schools were closed. This is a video shot over the weekend. Talk about bundled up......Teagan couldn't have had any more clothes on. She only lasted for 15 minutes. It was 20 degrees out. If only our camera could tape two seconds longer!?

Crazy holiday!

2010-01-06T21:14:00.000-08:00

Sorry to all my faithful blog stalkers! I have been remiss in posting. Will you oblige me in an excuse list? We got a new computer and it took us a long time to figure out how to transfer pictures. I had a lot of company during the month of December for the holidays. We spent eight days in California for the Rose Bowl starting on Christmas Day and returned on January 2nd. I have more excuses but I will spare you.

The Rose Bowl trip was so much fun it's hard to cover it all in this short blog. Get this....we rode on an air plane, went to Disneyland, Universal Studios, took in a Mary Poppins performance, went on a VIP tour of the stadium and Rose Bowl parade floats, watched Daddy's team beat Oregon, and went down on the field afterwards to celebrate with him and the team. I asked Bryce at the end of the trip which part he enjoyed the most. He said "Mario Kart." We brought his Wii that he got for Christmas on the trip. He played Mario Kart the whole time we were in the hotel?!

We are going to California and we love airplane rides Mommy!

We didn't know Sponge Bob lived at Universal Studios Mommy?

Loved spending time with my teammates at the game Stacy and Tina. Unfortunately I didn't get any pics of Stacy.

Sweet victory with Daddy after the game on the field!

Exhausted after a long week in LA on the plane ride home.

Never look at a shrimp the same

2009-12-09T19:26:00.001-08:00

Calling all Moms.......I am completely frustrated and at a loss for getting Bryce to eat vegetables and new foods. To this point I haven't pushed the issue. Early on the books all said to keep putting the foods in front of them and they will eventually eat it. I have put enough green vegetables on Bryce's plate to circle the moon and back. My pediatrician said as long as he eats a variety of foods, eats fruits, and takes a vitamin don't push the issue. This evening I decided to make Bryce eat a piece of shrimp. He likes fish. It wasn't a green vegetable. What was the harm? I told him he couldn't get down from the table until he ate one shrimp. I had drawn my line in the sand. As a good parent you know there's no going back.

Two hours and several tantrums later the shrimp was still sitting on his plate. I slipped out of the house at one point to go for a run. The weather conditions where 30 degrees, 40 - 60 mph winds, complete darkness and unidentifiable ice patches along the way on the sidewalk.......complete bliss compared to what I was experiencing at home. Through the course of the third hour he was losing every and any privilege left to be had - bath, milk after bath, normal cartoon episode after bath, reading of a book after cartoon, and being tucked in. He was on track to head straight to bed in his street clothes when I finally negotiated to "help him" eat the piece of shrimp. I explained how he should put the shrimp in his mouth, chew real fast, and wash it down with juice. He asked me to get him a fork and put it in his mouth to "help him" eat the shrimp. The shrimp touched his tongue and the gag reflection, eye watering, crying, and doubling over that resulted was predicable, always shocking, somewhat entertaining, and scary all at the same time. I conceded that the shrimp touching his tongue was a success and called it a night.

Bryce and I are never going to look at a shrimp the same way again!

Bryce's latest quote

2009-12-06T19:35:00.000-08:00

Bryce, Teagan and I are all in the car traveling from the grocery store to home. Teagan is hungry and tired and getting ready to cry about it. I begin singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star to distract her. She loves singing/slurring/humming the words along with me. Bryce hates it when we sing. This time he says, "If you don't stop singing I am going to go to someone else's house!" I think this is toddler speak for, "I am going to run away from home." He spoke like the truly brave toddler that he is..........one that can't let me shut the bathroom door to potty in peace because he has to be able to see me at all times or the toddler that has to be on the same floor of the house as I am at all times. He is not going anywhere! He couldn't even tell me who's house he was going to.

Mom made it home from the hospital today. 3 days in ICU. 6 days total in the hospital. We are so happy to have her home recovering beautifully. Prayers answered! Thank you.

Thankful

2009-11-30T06:25:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was fun as usual. Both my brothers, their families, and ours were all at my parents house like we normally do. Steve came in from North Carolina. Mike lives close Canton, OH. What I will remember most; Bryce playing Mario Cart on the Wii almost every day all day long coming up out of the basement for food, drink, and potty only, all the good food, and family.

We all sit now at the Cleveland Clinic Monday, November 30th waiting for my Mom to come out of open heart surgery, a surgery that we have known was coming for about a month. Life events like this make you appreciate all those families members sitting around that Thanksgiving table each year. Say a prayer and give thanks for her and yours.

Pee Pee Dance

2009-11-21T10:46:00.001-08:00

The Pee Pee Dance has been resurrected at our house!! I have been having Teagan sit on the potty every now and again...just to get comfortable with it. She sits on it for a couple of seconds...usually looks at me and gives a gratuitous grunt.....nothing happens. Last night, I was drawing her bath (the only time I am religious about putting her on the potty). She looked at me, looked down at herself, and without a grunt peed in the potty. I busted out the loudest, most obnoxious, and funniest pee pee dance I could think of. With Bryce at my side, the entertainment factor was times two. Teagan laughed hysterically. The Pee Pee danced has been resurrected!!

Happy Birthday Dad!

2009-11-18T18:19:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday Mark! We love you!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for all that you do for our family. I envy your patience with the kids. Your passion for your job is immeasurable. Your love and commitment to our family is unwavering.

We love you!!

That's Bryce's finger in the cake.......no surprise!

Fro baby

2009-11-17T18:46:00.000-08:00

People ask me all the time about Teagan's hair. Most often they want to know what it would look like and how long it would be if you combed out the curls........ Voila my fro baby! : )

Quotes from Bryce

2009-11-10T18:29:00.000-08:00

We're eating dinner and peaches are part of the meal. We're playing the rhyming game.
Bryce: "What rhymes with peaches Mommy?"
Before I can answer...
Bryce: "Neaches"
Me: What about beaches, Bryce?"
Bryce: "No, neaches Mommy."
Me: What are neaches Bryce?"
Bryce: Slowly and deliberately he begins to tell me (and you can tell he's making it up as it roles off his tongue), "People that like to give hugs!"
Me: "Well I must be a neach then."

October...leaves, laughs, a couple of bugs, and a new baby!

2009-11-01T13:31:00.000-08:00

What a fun October........well.........mostly! Bryce got strep throat in middle October, we all got the flu somewhere between the middle and end of October, and Bryce was just diagnosed with an ear infection this afternoon!? These pics are of the better parts of the last three weeks. Fortunately, we were all well enough to enjoy a little trick-or-treating. What I will remember most about this year's Halloween.....

Bryce's friend from daycare, Max, and his parents joined us in trick-or-treating
Teagan leading Bryce and Max up to nearly every house and down every street. She was on a mission...even with a really heavy candy bag at the end of the night.
Our neighbors Keith and Lauren gave birth to their 1st baby boy, Cooper, at 5:20am on October 31st. He was 3 weeks early, 5.7 lbs, and completely healthy. Congrats Keith and Lauren!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A good pair of jeans

2009-10-22T11:12:00.000-07:00

I have come to realize it's not just a women's dilemma to find a good pair of perfectly fitting jeans. Case in point...

After four years of no-fuss dressing and me laughing at all other mom's stories about battles and dressing their children Bryce and I completely locked horns when it comes to putting on his jeans lately. It's a matter of who is going to back down first. So far neither of us are. None of them fit right! They are either too tight, too long, too loose, or the ever-so-forbidden too scratchy!? The screaming fits, the "Go to your chair!" commands, and my precious lost moments trying to get out the door in time for work have me nearly loosing my mind. What's funny...I have to adjust the inside pant straps so tight on his waist that he can't even snap his jeans himself after he goes to the bathroom. Anything else is too loose. Crazy kid!

The bug

2009-10-19T18:23:00.000-07:00

Bryce came down with a fever last Wednesday night. He overheard me talking in the morning on the phone about how I thought he had a flu bug and how I thought his fever broke in the morning. Later he couldn't stop talking about the bug in his stomach and how it was making him sick. Because he had a bug in his stomach he got to stay home from daycare. It scared me a little when he said the bug was coming up to his throat and it needed to go back down! Anway, Teagan came down with it, too. We all ended up going to the doc Saturday morning. They both had strep throat. To all Moms out there signs to look for with strep:
The doc smelled his breath...supposedly it smells like poop if they have strep!?
Bryce had hives and rosy red palms..some kids react that way to strep
Not that it took me a long time to get to the doc, but even with google sometimes I wish there was a "Dummies" guide to infant and toddler illnesses.

Aunt Mel Mel

2009-10-12T09:56:00.000-07:00

Mark's sister Melanie was in over the weekend to help watch the kids while I worked, attended the OSU alumni softball game, and watched the OSU vs. Wiscosin football game on Saturday. The kids love it when their Aunt Mel Mel visits!! She brings her two dogs Shorty Jack and Mandy. They go to all kinds of fun places...the pet store, McDonald's, playgrounds. They do really fun things. An extra special treat this visit was the painting of pumkins. You go Aunt Mel Mel........not anything I would try to tackle. We love you! Thank you again!!

Happy 4th Birthday Bryce! We love you!!

2009-09-28T19:12:00.000-07:00

Four years ago today Bryce, you made your Dad and I the happiest couple in the world. We completely underestimated the love that a parent can feel for a child. Your joy, excitement, pain, and disappiontment we experienced as our own. What we remember most about your 3rd year...

- How you request the song "Hand jive baby" every time you get in the car
- How you fall down when you are with a group of friends to try and make them laugh
- Your first classes.....swim and gymnastics
- Being a grumpy guss in the morning until you get your sippy cup of milk
- Crawling into Mom and Dad's bed in the middle of the night without us waking up or knowing and us being completely surprised in the morning
- Your love for your 6 volt John Deere tractor and cutting grass with it daily
- Not minding your 33 in. 25 lb. shadow that is one step behind you in everything you do
- How you play with your friends now not just around them
- Your nick names Brycee, Big guy, Pumpkin, Little man, Dude, etc.

This video recaps Bryce's third year

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This video is of his first two years..it gets him caught up to Teagan's videos...want to make sure I treat them the same!!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Bryce's 4th Birthday Party!

2009-09-28T17:34:00.000-07:00

21 4-year-olds in a 2 hour period!!! What was I thinking!? I was thinking that I wanted Bryce to be the happiest guy in the world at his birthday party.....and he certainly was! He asked for two things this year...a Lightning McQueen cake and that I invite his friends. The cake was good, but it was all the friends and family that made it great! Thanks everyone!!

Is this a happy guy or what!?Blowing them all out. Good job Bryce!Perfect cake!If you can blow up this picture..you have to see the faces of the boys in this picture...priceless!!

Lots of jumping fun!

Recreation outlet was a blast!!

Conversations with Bryce....

2009-09-23T17:36:00.000-07:00

Scenario: I had just given Bryce a lightning mcqueen car to play with while I was driving. He was having a particularly whiny day. The latest whine had something to do with the song/CD I was playing. I was frustrated......

Mom: Bryce, if you don't stop whining I am going to take that car from you so fast that your head is going to spin.

Bryce: Mommy, don't spin my head. It will fall off and I won't have a head!

Busy weekend

2009-09-14T20:59:00.000-07:00

Lots of my girlfriends from undergrad where in for the SC game. My big bro was in from North Carolina with a friend. Friends of Marks where in from Kentucky. Thanks to Aunt Mel Mel, Bryce and Teagan had a ball while Mark worked and I went to the game and visited friends and family. The kids enjoyed the dogs tremendously. I think Teagan might even grow up to be an animal trainer.

Exhibit A

Thanks to all my girlfriends for coming in for the game....Love ya!!

Wrapping up summer fun

2009-09-03T18:31:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe August is over, cooler weather is here, and the football season is about to begin. Here are some pics of the kids enjoying the last few days of hot weather (a week or so ago.) I've been super busy with work lately and just haven't had the time to post. Sounds like a lot of Moms are in the same boat as I read the blogs this evening.

Veggie Tales

2009-08-18T05:41:00.001-07:00

Bryce got moved up to a new classroom at daycare. You parents know how upsetting change can be with little ones. All Bryce kept saying about his new classrrom was, "I don't want to eat my vegetables and get bigger Mommy!" I tell him all the time that he should eat his vegetables if he wants to get big and strong. I thought it was as simple as not wanting to move up to another class. Come to find out his new teacher (which just so happens to be a strong loud male) makes the kids take a bite of all the food on their plate during lunch.....including vegetables!? The last time I made Bryce eat a vegetable it was a green bean and he gagged and threw up. I can't wait to see how this goes!?!?!?

My little soldiers

2009-08-11T05:06:00.000-07:00

Mark and the Bucks started practice this past week. He leaves before we all wake up (and I get up at 5:30am in the morning!?) He returns after the kids go to sleep around 9:30pm at night. This month is actually the most time consuming. We will actually see more of him when the season starts.....Thursday nights and Sunday mornings. When we were dating (or pre-kid) the season didn't phase me. I looked at it like more time to work out, hang out with friends, and shop. Completely different with kids!!

I realize that I go through stages now. Well before the season gets started I am a complete slug. I encourage Mark to give the kids as many baths as possible. I get short arms when it's time to change diapers. The next 5 months I know it will be all me! Out of season I don't need to plan meals or grocery shopping. It's so easy to just get something when you need it.

Right before his season starts I go through a nesting phase....like before you have a baby....weirdest thing. I start organizing closets and cleaning out drawers, like I am never going to have time to do that stuff again!? I go on buying sprees anticipating everything and anything I might need for the next 5 months........kids clothes, household items, etc. I have enough toilet paper to supply my entire neighborhood for the next 5 months I think. I buy anything that doesn't expire!

Once it's just me I get super energized. Everything is organized. I have a plan for everything. My work days are busy. Some days I may spend 4 - 6 hours in a car and conduct 2 - 3 meetings with alumni or donors. As a result, our time at home becomes very predictable and structured. We get home at the same time every day. The kids can't go outside to play until dinner is over. I negotiate time for me to exercise in and around their play. It may sound like I am raising little soldiers. I even call them my little soldiers as we're marching off to bath, bed, etc., but it's the only way I can get it all done and not pull out all of my hair.

Thank God I can take a shower this year without worrying about a crying baby! Thank God Mark and I are able to get a full nights rest without night time feedings. Life is good....just me and my little soldiers!

Marching Band

2009-08-08T19:06:00.000-07:00

Look out OSU marching band......there is a new band in town...and Bryce loves to lead!

Ohio State Fair 2009

2009-08-03T18:27:00.000-07:00

Two adult tickets to the fair, $6 a piece (discounted through Kroger) $12
One unlimited ride wrist band for Bryce $20

One unlimited refill Crystal Light Drink $10

Additional ride tickets for us on "adult required rides" for Bryce $10

2 gyros and fries for us $15

Two coney dogs and fries for the kids $13

Played games (Teagan won a stuffed Sponge Bob!!) $10

3 M&M ice cream cones, free promotional items...thank goodness!

Memories from the fair..............far from priceless!

Not the most flattering view of this Mama pig and her babies....but a highlight of the visit nonetheless.

Heaven!

2009-07-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

Bryce was in heaven last week. COSI held their annual John Deere tractor expose and Mark, Bryce and Teagan met up with Dirk, Katie, Garret, and Hiedi. I know I post a lot of tractor stuff on our blog.......but, that truly is what brings happiness to our family.

Explanation?

2009-07-24T20:12:00.000-07:00

Bryce got 8 mosquito bites last night before he was called inside for bedtime. (Don't ask me how.......I was at a work function!?) Anyway, the two bites on the side of his head swelled up the whole side of his face. This isn't the first time this has happened. The nurse over the phone stated that the thin tissue around his eyes allows the bites to swell. However, he has had nearly half an egg size swelling on his arms and legs before due to mosquito bites. Anyone out there have an explanation for this? Could he be allergic to mosquito bites? Teagan which was also outside at the time, didn't get one bite. I told Mark I am scared if he ever gets a bee bite!? Still a cutie!

Can't believe it's been twenty years

2009-07-19T12:20:00.000-07:00

I had my 20th high school reunion this past weekend. So good to see everyone!!!!

Salt Fork 2009

2009-07-13T20:55:00.000-07:00

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Fishing Bootcamp

2009-07-12T20:15:00.000-07:00

Our annual trip to the cabin on the water at Salt Fork Lake for vacation this past week included a lot of boating, playing golf, swimming, making smores over the camp fire, hot tubbing, and relaxing lake side. Who am I kidding..........let's call it what it really is...........fishing bootcamp! If anyone is rusty whipping the pole around and hooking a good fish this week gets you into shape quick. Visitors Pat, Bill, Paul, Bonnie and Linda were all subjected to the Cernava fishing bootcamp......and all walked away better for it and having had a lot of fun. Thank you Mom and Dad for all your work in getting it together! We love you!!!

Summer Fun

2009-06-30T18:22:00.000-07:00

I apologize blogger buddies. It's been awhile since I've posted......no good reason. Mark was just got busy with camps in June. I traveld quite a bit with work. We've been outside playing alot these days. Teagan's been working on her swing. Unfortunately, it looks like her Dad's right now.

We've bought a ton of toys at the Quisenberry household, none have been as well recieved as the latest 12 volt battery John Deere riding tractor that Bryce received last week. We can't get him to get off of it. It's the first thing he wants to do when he gets up in the morning and the last thing he wants to do before going to bed. He was so proud to show it off to our neighbor Jeff that lives across the street and owns a lifesize version. Nor could he wait to tell his Grandpa, that owns two tractors.

Bro's house

2009-06-06T13:02:00.000-07:00

On our way back from Myrtle Beach we stopped overnight at my brother's house in
Asheboro, NC. You have to say the city correctly, too.....according to the local folk....aishbir. My brother and his wife are experiencing a sick amount of success in both of their careers, hence the move from Vermont to North Carolina and the big beautiful home with an in-law suite!? We visited the zoo the one morning. Much like the water slides and the ocean in Myrtle, once Bryce was exposed to their Wii it didn't matter how impressive the animals were at the zoo. All he wanted to do was go to their house and play Mario Cart. My sister-in-law and their two kids were such gracious sports showing us their impressive zoo. Thanks for a great visit!! We love all of you!!!

Nighttime thunder storms

2009-06-02T18:21:00.001-07:00

Nighttime thunder storms continue to be a very special time that I love. We had some loud ones last night. If they wake Bryce up we allow him to come into our bed and cuddle. So the loud claps of thunder and bright bolts of lightning don't scare him, I tell him that everyone up in heaven is having a party and to not be scared. Last night he asked if we could build stairs so that he could go up and party with everyone. He also asked if they were having cake. : )

Myrtle Beach

2009-05-31T19:43:00.001-07:00

Mom's perspective: Great to be back to Myrtle Beach. It's been since high school since I visited with one of my best girlfriends from high school, Renee Dooley and her family. Major differences......many more hotels on the beach, the amusement park had many more rides, and I found that no bathing suit can lift the girls as high as they used to be the last time I was here (darn having two kids)! Teagan's perspective: I know I can fit my body through this balcony railing 10 floors up if I just keep trying. I know if I cry long and hard enough Mom and Dad will throw out this pack-n-play and bring me my crib from home. I love the ocean at dusk....it's not too hot or bright!

Bryce's perspective: What kid holds the record for the most times going down the water slide in a day? I want to beat it! Who has time for peeing? I will just pee here waiting in line for the water slide. I like playing in the sand. I love being in the water. I don't like being in both. Can we go back to my pool?

Mark's perspective: Hunny, I think my arms, wrists, and hands are stuck in the 10 and 2 o'clock positions after the 11 hour drive. What's the record for the most times for an adult male going down the kid's slide in one day? I want to beat it! Most memorable moment of the trip.......unfortunatley!?......

On the drive down we pulled over to stay in a hotel at 2:45am, not because we were tired but because Teagan couldn't pull herself through a second screaming session. She woke up at 11:45pm and 2:45am not able to sleep. I thought she'd crash the minute her head hit the bed when she could get comfortable. Unfortunately for us and the people in the rooms next to us, Teagan bounced back and forth between babbling and making Bryce laugh and crying for the next two hours. Finally at 4:45am all was silent, only after Mark packed her up in the car and went for a short drive to fill up his gas tank. Prior to that our neighbors banged on our wall as if to say, "Shut that kid up!" I've never seen Mark lose his patience with the kids. Finally at 4:45am in the moring Mark lost it and said to Teagan "Will you just f!#$ing go to sleep!"

P.S. More pics to come of our visit with my brother and his family in North Carolina on the way back in next post.

Growing

2009-05-21T21:17:00.000-07:00

I want to grow too Dad..........water me!

Gone fishin'

2009-05-21T18:47:00.000-07:00

We took Bryce and Teagan fishing. There is a pond not even a couple of football fields from our house. Bryce, with his Sponge Bob fishing pole, loves reeling them in. Mommy takes them off, throws the line out back out, and hooks them. Mark keeps Teagan from going in the water. It's funny how Bryce won't touch them. Teagan on the other hand, held an entire fish in her hand and started to bring it towards her mouth to eat it....crazy kid!?

Script Ohio in the grass

2009-05-12T17:26:00.000-07:00

Can we cut a script Ohio in the lawn Dad? Bryce's fascination with John Deere tractors, lawn mowers, and cutting grass continues. Will it hold out until he is a teen. We can only hope.

Aunt Mel Mel

2009-05-12T17:09:00.000-07:00

Thanks Aunt Mel Mel for visiting over the weekend. The kids had a ball with you!! First on Thursday they all went to the zoo. The highlight of the day was the baby elephant. Friday Melanie took them to "Touch a truck" being held at a local park. What we all thought was going to be a couple of pick up trucks, a couple of lawn mowers, and a few kids ended up being fire trucks, police cars, etc. and hundreds of kids. Bryce's favorite.........the mulcher!! Here are a couple of pics. Unfortunately we didn't get any of Aunt Mel Mel.

Poor Mandy..........got lucky enough to get walked by Bryce........or is it unlucky enough!?

Bryce's 1st movie.......well sorta

2009-05-03T11:27:00.000-07:00

Bryce has never been to the movie theater. I have been wanting to take him. We finally had an afternoon with not much going on. They only kid movie is Monstors 3D. The only animation. Mark dropped us off and took a sleeping Teagan back to the house for her nap. The 3D was super cool. The cartoon was so vivid and lifelike. Too bad we didn't get past the first ten minutes. I knew we were in trouble when the meteor fell from the sky, hit the earth, and Bryce nearly jumped out of his chair. I kept asking him, "Are you okay? Are you having fun?" He didn't say a peep. Finally, when the main character started glowing, grew so big she busted out of the church, the police were trying to wrangle her in with rope, and they had to shoot her with a bazoka filled with sedative I got "I want to go home Mom!" To some degree I couldn't blame him. Godzilla scared me, too. The difference is, I couldn't take my eyes of the screen as a kid no matter how scarey. The worst part we walked home from the movie theater since I knew Teagan was sleeping and Mark couldn't come get us. Good thing it was a nice sunny day!

2009-05-02T18:07:00.000-07:00

Bryce has watched our neighbor, Jeff, cut his grass for three years. When I say watch, I mean he stops whatever he is doing (including watching cartoons......his absolute favorite) and becomes a statue on our front porch the entire time. To be honest, I wasn't sure if he became a statue because he more afraid, interested, or both. After several invitations to ride the tractor the past couple of summers, Bryce finally got the courage and accepted this past weekend. He had a ball!! Thank you Jeff!!!

Talking poop?

2009-04-27T18:21:00.001-07:00

Forgive me in the future Bryce for mentioning this on your blog now........but it's so funny!

We were at dinner at Steak and Shake over the weekend. Bryce jumped up from the table with an extra sense of urgency and announced he needed to go to the bathroom. Given the unusually urgent nature of the call, Mark jumped up from the table to follow him. After having gone potty Mark helped Bryce wash his hands. Bryce then announced he needed to go again. Mark asked if he was sure given that he had just gone.

Bryce responded with , "Dad.........my poop is talking to me and it said it wants to come out!"

It was a zoo at the zoo

2009-04-19T18:20:00.000-07:00

Bryce, Teagan and I all ventured to the Columbus Zoo this past Saturday. Mark was working. It was a beautiful day! One of the first days in the 70s in Columbus. There was also a walk for multiple sclerosis going on. Needless to say it was a zoo inside the zoo!! You can only imagine Bryce's disappointment when we got to the elephant exhibit to see the new baby elephant and the wait was two hours!? Mommy quickly informed him that we couldn't see the new baby elephant that day. He had a tummy ache and couldn't have any visitors. He was so crushed I was committed to taking him back the next day even though the weather was looking like rain. Mark, Bryce, Teagan and I all returned the next day. Because of the poor forcast no one was there. It was awesome. We walked up to every exhibit including the baby elephant exhibit with no wait. We had a ball! Ding dong me forgot the camera.

Funfilled weekend

2009-04-12T18:44:00.000-07:00

Lots going on and lots to do!! Thursday we decorated Easter Eggs......fun until Teagan pulled one of the glasses over filled with blue dye and it went all over our kitchen rug!? Friday Grandpa and Grandma arrived to attend Saturday's stadium dedication game and participate in Sunday Easter festivities. Lots of soccer, baseball, and chasing bubbles ensued.

The girls won their game on Saturday. It was great seeing all the alumni and hanging out with friends. Sunday morning Bryce awoke bright and early at 6:30am, discovered the two Easter eggs in his room, and couldn't wait to hunt the rest of the house. His excitement was so much fun to see. Teagan slept through it all and could have cared less until she tasted her first piece of candy. My job ever since has been managing the candy flow and there has been a lot of flow.

I am old

2009-04-05T17:17:00.000-07:00

I remember being little sitting in the back seat of my parents car as we drove to where ever it is we were supposed to go listening to the talk radio thinking..........I don't know what they are listening to but it is is some sort of blah blah blah blah monotone nonsense about politics, the economy, and the presidency............old people!

I have officially become that old person. I don't know what it is. I don't know if it's the fact that I can't really listen to my music any time I have Bryce in the car. I have no idea what the latest hits are!? The last time I updated my ipod was a year ago, shortly before Teagan was born. I don't know if it's because I have no time to read the newspaper or watch the news. Regardless, I find talk radio entertaining, enlightening, and irritating to point that I can't stop listening. I am officially old.

New rides

2009-03-29T11:37:00.000-07:00

Check out Brcye and Teagan's new rides!

Birthday cake

2009-03-29T10:57:00.000-07:00

Teagan's birthday party was a bunch of fun. We were so happy to see everyone that came. She did good with digging into her cake. I still can't believe she is one year old. The biggest surprise.......all of Teagan's words this past week. She said, uh oh, choo choo, kitty, and meow. Tubes in the ears are amazing!!

Happy 1st Birthday Teagan!

2009-03-18T22:07:00.000-07:00

Teagan....your Dad, Bryce and I are all so blessed to have you in our lives. Your first year has brought such joy to our home. Bryce embraced your presence from day one. We all enjoy your antics, but Bryce in particular laughs and giggles at the Teaganese language you speak, the raspberries you blow, the way you tip toe around the house. These are the things we will remember most about your first year....

My little belly sleeper!

How happy and laid back you were as a baby. You cried very little and when you did, all that was needed was to pick you up.

How you could be held by anyone.

Strange places, loud places and lots of people never phased you.

What a neat and light eater you are.....compared to Bryce that inhaled every bottle I ever gave him. He would spit up half of it and always seemed to want more.

The windshield wiper move you use to throw everything off your tray to tell us you're all done eating.

You love to cuddle...Bryce always needed to face away from us as a baby when we held him. You like to bury your face in our shoulders and already wrap your arms around our necks to give us hugs.

That curly head of hair that popped out at 9 months!!

You love to take a bath! More than that you love to stand up in the bath. More than a handful of times you have given your father and I a heart attack as you have fallen into the water and onto toys.....from which you always miraculously emerge smiling and laughing.

Your talent and ability to destruct, knock down, tear down, open up, and pull out every toy and kitchen gadget........only to have Mom and Dad pick it up, put it back and tidy up behind you time and time again. We can't wait for you to learn how to put things back where they belong.

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Tubes

2009-03-10T16:49:00.000-07:00

Looks like Teagan will be following her brother's footsteps. Our pediatrician referred us to an ear, nose, throat doc this morning to have tubes put in her ears. After two rounds of antibiotics her ear infections haven't cleared. She still has fluid in her ears and her eardrums are red.......but at least her ears are not ooozing puss......bonus!? Anyway, I pushed to be seen by the ENT sooner rather than later. Our normally easy-going-laid-back sweety pie has been whining, crying, and wanting to be held all the time. I am so thankful that Mark is not in season and here to help with all of this!! As with any procedure that involves going under I worry as a parent. Knowing how much better Bryce was after his makes me want them sooner for her rather than later for her comfort.

1st trip to the beauty salon

2009-03-05T17:21:00.000-08:00

Trust me..........this really is pampering. You will enjoy this one day Teagan.......I swear!

First steps.......not really!?

2009-03-01T22:25:00.000-08:00

Teagan, your Dad and I would like to apologize. We both realized the other day when you were zipping around the living room that we really didn't get your first steps on video. So, in lieu of the ceremonial first steps this is what we have. Can you sense the parental guilt...........how do parents keep up that have more than one child........I'll never know!?

Round three.......ding

2009-02-27T12:22:00.000-08:00

Is it possible for Teagan to have the flu three times in the matter of three months? That is what took us to the pediatrician today. I can't tell you how tired I am of cleaning up spew that ends up all over me, all over her, the couch, and the floor. I've got the whole disinfectant system thing down trying not to catch it. Thank God we opted for leather couches when we moved into this house!!

The doc said her ear infections never cleared up from the ten day dose of antibiotics that ended last week. So, she will be having three shots of antibiotics over the next three days. We have to go to the doc each day to have the shot administered. We are all not sure if she has a flu on top of the ear issue. The nausea could be from her ears. I can only hope these shots are the miracle cure.

If this doesn't work and she is still dealing with ear issues in March. Tubes might be discussed. Like brother like sister? I have to give Teagan credit. The doctor said her ears look pretty painful. You wouldn't even know she is in pain. She is my little trooper!!

New meaning to.."The cubbards are bare."

2009-02-22T08:43:00.000-08:00

This are the latest escapades of the quisenberry kids. Is spring ever going to get here?!

Valentine's Day Dinner Bailout

2009-02-18T15:53:00.000-08:00

Mark and I need a bailout from the federal government for our Valentine's Day dinner. We decided to go to the Refectory, a very exclusive high end restaurant located on Bethel Road, a restaurant I have always wanted to go to. When I lived in my condo in that area I would pass it often thinking.....what kind of fine cuisine is in there that I will never get to experience.? When Mark received a $125 gift card from Coach Tressel as part of a Christmas gift I was so excited to think the gift card would allow us to indulge with out too much guilt for the splurge. Mark and I laughed all the way through the five course predetermined meal (as decided by the cook). The main course consisted of a choice between bison and veal....a tough choice for a chicken or beef-potatoes-loving-Louisville-Kentucky-boy. The appetizer was the size of a quarter....literally! The main course consisted of four quarter size slices of bison or veal. Needless to say, we asked for a lot of extra bread. I am too embarrassed to mention the total of the bill. I will just say that the portion we paid was greater than the gift card covered!?!? The food although exquisite is a painful example of a lifestyle Mark and I will never be able to afford. 2 hours later Mark and I were snacking and considering submitting a federal bailout proposal to President Obama.

Blue TuTu?!

2009-02-11T12:16:00.000-08:00

Too funny!? I show up at daycare to pick Bryce up after work and among the scurrying kids I hear one kid announce, "Bryce your mom is here." From in the play kitchen out bounces Bryce fully clothed in what we sent him to daycare in with a blue princess skirt wrapped around his waist (consisting of silk and lace)!? I couldn't help from laughing. I asked him, "What do you have on?", to which he responded, "A princess skirt." I couldn't help from laughing harder. There are dress up clothes at his daycare for the kids to put on and play with. It was the first time Bryce has ever asked me to stop laughing at him. He must be developing that part of the brain that processes insecurities!? I stoped laughing immediately. When I asked him what he was doing but before he could answer my question the daycare provider responded with, "Bryce always puts the skirt on when he plays in the kitchen." I was floored. I could only imagine Mark's reaction when I told him this one when I got home. Mark confirmed that he had picked him up several times before where we was dressed up like that and he obviously didn't want to tell me. Bryce in a blue tutu.....not sure what to make of that!!

Cars, cars, cars....

2009-02-08T21:30:00.000-08:00

Bryce loves cars. I know most boys do, but I can't write an accurate blog about his toddler hood without high lighting his obsession for cars. He loves to watch the movie Cars. Any time he is bored or needs to fill a couple of minutes he pushes cars around the floor, couches, and counters. He imagines that they are racing and recites exact lines from the the Cars movie. Every time we leave the house he will have one car in each hand. The only time he doesn't have two cars in his hands is when he is eating. His latest love is Mario Cart on the Wii thanks to our latest visit to Grandpa and Grandma's house. He was in heaven in this race car at the mall. I first thought he was going to be a professional mover when he was a young toddler. Now I am certain that he will be a professional race car driver.

100 questions about bird poop

2009-02-03T19:21:00.000-08:00

Bryce "Mommy, what is that on the window?" (While driving in my car)
Me "Bird poop"
Bryce "Do birds poop on the potty?"
Me "Birds poop all over the place."
Bryce "Do birds poop on other cars?"
Me "Birds poop anywhere on anything including other cars. They will even poop on you if you're underneath them at the wrong time."
Bryce "When did the birds poop on your car?"
Me "I don't know. Maybe this morning"
Bryce "Where was your car when the bird pooped on it?"
And it goes on...........and on..............and on..........100 questions about everything.....exhausting!