The Mullen's

LOST Tooth!!

2010-08-20T18:20:00.000-07:00

Just in the past hour, Owen has lost his front bottom tooth. It has been loose for the past couple weeks and Dustin couldn't resist the urge to tie floss around it and yank. Owen gave him the go-ahead and didn't leak a tear. We discovered that the new tooth is coming in behind the old - quite aways back - hoping they come forward or we will have two that will need braces before leaving the house. Enjoy the pics below.

Summer 2010

2010-08-12T07:51:00.000-07:00

Since school has been out, all three boys have been involved with the YMCA baseball program. Owen was on t-ball and did really well. Tyler and Austin were able to be on the same team (making the scheduling much easier). Temperatures at the ball fields were actually decent too!
Tyler and Owen went right from baseball to football conditioning. Practice has begun and is 3-4 times a week for an hour or two. We have switched teams this year - thank goodness! Now I don't know what to do with four years worth of Wichita Gator t-shirts, hats, jerseys, sweatshirts, etc. The boys are now playing for the Wichita Raiders. Austin has decided that he needs a break (insert "gimme a break" sigh here).
We have had some extremely hot weather lately. Looking forward to this weekend when the high will be 89 on Sunday.
Took short road trip to OKC this past Sunday. We visited Bass Pro Shop and Bricktown Sunday evening. Monday started out with breakfast/lunch at the local Cracker Barrel and then onto Frontier City. We spent as much time as we could before melting - I think that we all were fried after just several hours. The place wasn't crowded and I think that the longest we had to wait for a ride was 20 minutes. Owen was a champ and rode all the big rides except for one - he was too short. They had a blast. On the way home we swung by Stillwater, OK and stopped at Eskimo Joe's for supper and shopping.
Just this past Friday, Dustin was involved in a accident less than a mile from the house. Enough damage to land the truck in the body shop (thought it was just cosmetic damage but come to find out there is a busted ball joint and who knows what else). We are waiting for insurance to come through - the other driver was cited and booked into jail for driving on a suspended license.
Dustin had appointment with a neuro-surgeon yesterday - deciding what is the next step with his back/leg issues. We are waiting for scheduler to contact us to schedule a procedure to test the amount of pressure he can handle in lower back. If he isn't able to tolerate it then he will have to have a spinal fusion done on his lower back. Not really the news we wanted to hear but knew that it was a possibility.
School starts Friday for Tyler. He has 6th grade orientation and will be in middle school this year. That's another one that is tough to swallow - Tyler in middle school. Austin will be in the 4th grade and Owen in 1st. They will all be in school on Monday morning.
Pictures are posted at my facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/debra.mullen?v=wall

Happy Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-12T20:42:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day weekend got off to a rough start. Owen was sick Thursday night (vomitting and dry heaving) so Friday was spent at home deep cleaning the house. Think it was just a twenty-four hour thing as Owen didn't eat anything but a couple crackers and slept all day and night Friday. He was back to himself and feeling fine on Saturday.
I had saw in the paper that Botanica had free admission to all visitors on Mother's Day. I have never been there and decided that's where "mom" wanted to go this year. Dustin agreed but we didn't tell the boys. On the way, the questions were, "Where are we going?", "what's it start with?" "Oh, we are going bowling, right?" "Come on, where is this place?" "Great, we're going to the boondocks!"
When we pulled into the parking lot, we told them and this is what I got from them, "Man, this is going to be boring." "Who would want to go 'look' at flowers?", "Man, I wish I could have stayed home!". Well I was so pleased that my boys wanted to spend mother's day with me...HA!
Thankfully, the staff must know that BOYS do not like flower gardens and were handing out scavenger hunt BINGO games to them when we first walked in. They were sold and instantly interested in winning a "prize"! I have to say we all really enjoyed ourselves. There was a music group (can't even call it a band) that was there playing that relaxing 'zen' music. Was so peaceful sounding with the waterfalls in the background. Just needed a hammock, blanket, and pillow...would have been perfect. Many of the flowers were in bloom. Got to take several nature trails and watch the birds and squirrels. Weather was overcast and a bit cool. Light jacket and it was fixed. As the afternoon went on it began getting more and more crowded and I think the boys were finally getting tired of flowers. They turned in their papers for their 'prize' - Two for one admission back to The Botanica Gardens - They were so thrilled and I laughed! We will have to go back when the butterflies are in town though - -

Josh Turner

2010-05-12T20:05:00.000-07:00

Another radio gig, free tickets (had to pick up as soon as they came out - they went quick!) to see Josh Turner at WSUs Koch Arena. This was several weekends ago. All I have to say is, "what a voice he has!!" We arrived a little later (first come first choice of seats) so we got to stare at his butt the whole time. Just wished he tucked his shirt in :). At the end of the show he introduced the band, his wife plays the keyboards (just to the left of him in the pics below - lucky girl!).

Needless to say, we met up with some friends earlier that evening and went to Margarita's. Just had some chips, salsa, queso, a drink or two and a shot of patron to start the evening. Well, Debra started feeling really good - got to the concert; either the sound was not good where we were sitting or Emily West (who opened) was really bad! Bucky Covington was suppose to be there but because of weather, unable to get here from Nashville, so we sat and waited for a long time for Josh to come out on stage - by that time the buzz was gone but we got some goofy pictures ahead of time.

It's that time again...

2010-05-12T19:55:00.000-07:00

Needed to get the hair dyed again. There was leftover so Dustin convinced Owen to go dark too...he now has eyebrows!!

Fun Day at All Star Sports!!

2010-05-12T19:43:00.001-07:00

So a couple weekends ago, Dustin & I took the boys to All Star Sports on the eastside. There was a radio gig going on and if you had tickets, you could get in free (free = lots of people = long lines but it was free and with a family of five things are getting really expensive, especially since the boys are getting older). The day was beautiful!! In fact, it got a bit toasty in the sun. Getting a block from a fluffy cloud passing was a much needed relief from the warm sun. Boys got to ride a few rides and we all played a game of putt-putt. Mom and Dad still have it - we were the only ones to get a hole in one. In fact, I think it was Owen that chucked his into the pond...Got a few pics for you to enjoy!

Updates from the Past

2010-04-21T17:44:00.001-07:00

Just downloaded some pictures that were on my camera...

Thanks to big nana's generosity, Dustin, Big Nana, and myself enjoyed the movie "Clash of the Titans" 3D with the kiddos. This was a first seeing any movie in 3D - what an experience. With the goofy looking glasses, there was a need to take pictures! Thanks again Big Nana!!
Tyler, Dawn, Owen, Jayden and Austin in the back row

Austin above and Owen below

Austin and Tyler have decided that they want to share a room. Why? I have no idea but they know that is NOT a temporary thing - permanent for a long time. Once we find a use for the spare bedroom - it will be hard to give up. So anyway, Austin has moved downstairs to Tyler's room. Kind of crammed in there. See for yourself...

Spring is here!!

2010-04-07T16:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Sedgwick county was under it's first Severe Thunderstorm Warning of 2010! We are so pumped!

This was taken about 4:30p in the parking lot outside my office.

This was taken while driving on I-235, heading west from the Zoo Blvd interchange.

Reports this morning was that west Wichita had hail (golf ball size) and rain. Water was still standing in the ditches this morning. Where we live, nothing!! But the clouds that formed were pretty impressive. Can't wait for more.

Family Photos!!

2010-03-04T22:28:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time coming - getting professional pics taken as a family. The last one that we had done was when Austin (yes, Austin) was nine months old...he will be turning nine next week. A bit over do to say the least!!

One Poor Baby "O"...

2010-01-30T18:58:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, Owen came down with a fever and headache. Fever came and went over the course of four days. All that he complained about was, "Mommy, my head hurts." But as soon as the Tylenol or Motrin set in, he was up and moving. When the fever would spike, Dustin would wrap him up as a burrito in the blanket and keep him on the couch. Poor little guy!!

It's a Girl!!!

2010-01-15T21:31:00.000-08:00

Yep, the numbers are beginning to turn in my favor. We welcomed home a baby girl this past week. Her name is Holly and she is loved by all. She is definitely a daddy's girl though!

Apologizes are going out right now to the grand-parents (Dad & Debi) - now I know this isn't quite the girl your wanting for a grand-daughter but in the Mullen family, it's as close as your going to get. She is joining Kohl - but Dustin says that Holly will be much more productive than Kohl ever will be...she is already showing signs of being a great hunting dog. Dustin's been working with her and she is pointing at the sign of a feather and fetchs. Can't wait for 2010s hunting season!

Bathroom Completed!

2010-01-15T20:45:00.000-08:00

OK, so this is a bit late. Bathroom has been done since January 3rd. And I am just now sitting down with some peace and quiet to post. Have to say that Dustin and I did an awesome job...and we're NOT headed to divorce court! I tell you what, if you and your spouse can survive a home project while raising the kids...I think you have a pretty solid relationship. There were times literally that Dustin and I wanted to strangle each other or the closest thing within reach. This project should have been a simple one but we had quite a few unplanned hiccups along the way. The plumbing department at the west side Lowe's knows me by name and the staff at the Ace Hardware know that Dustin and I belong to each other - goes to show our frequent trips are paying off, we just don't know how. Pictures are showing the progress from last post to the completion. We found a hole behind the mirror - just the right size to hide the body of a 5 year old or 8 year old or even the 10 year old if we shoved good enough. Instead we put in a recessed storage unit mirror. Dustin took out all the pale yellow 70s tile back splash, counter-top, and sink - all was replaced with new. I spent an evening in the tile adhesive, aligning all the tile. Did you know that Lowe's will cut your tile for you? It was awesome and turned out perfect!! Oh and the walls got painted - goodbye pink and hello celery green. Dustin also painted the ceiling; so everything looks fresh! Ahhh, the missing toilet - glad to see that old thing go! It was always constantly running! We found the damage after ripping it out. The bolts rusted right out from under the flange - well maybe the toilet cause the flange was all rusted out too. We layed the tile floor - looks like tile doesn't it? Nope. It's the same stuff we used in the entry way last spring - sticky tile pieces then grouted. I love this stuff. A new "quiet" toilet! Completed with all the accessories. Just happened upon the dark purple for the towels and throw rug. It's perfect!! Now the shower is very close to the toilet - even closer than the original wall that was there. But here's the story on that - it wasn't suppose to be that way. The special order shower kit was busted when we received it and it wasn't anything like we wanted anyway...had to go to plan B real quick and purchase the kit we didn't want. As it turns out it's great! Guess it was meant to be after all. This is where our closet used to be. Now you can see what's left of it. We do plan to put a dowel rod in there to hang just a few clothes (work clothes for the week) and install shelves for shoes and "stuff". Will take the old curtains that hung over the closet and cut down to install on the inside of our "cubby hole".
Here is video - sorry that you have to turn your head/monitor to the left but I wasn't thinking when I shot the video.

I have already started thinking it would be great to have a new bedroom or kitchen but Dustin says that it all will have to wait for atleast another year. He says only one project a year. We will see...stay tuned.

Remodeling Again?!?!

2009-12-26T12:25:00.001-08:00

So it seems that we are starting a new tradtion around the home on South Custer...for those of you that remember, Dustin and I completely remodeled the living room, dining room, and hallway year before last Thanksgiving. Dustin has taken Christmas Eve until January 4th off this year to watch the boys...but in doing so, he has also decided to remodel our half bath off our bedroom. What started out as a "Let's just add a corner shower" has turned into "if we're going to do it then we might as well do it all".

In order to install this shower unit, we are losing about 80% of our closet, not to worry, I have always hung most of our clothes up downstairs in the laundry room anyway.

I will post pictures as the work progresses...here's what's happened so far:

- - Merry Christmas to All - -

2009-12-26T12:13:00.000-08:00

Wishing all a belated Merry Christmas!!

As always we followed tradition - allowing the boys to open one present on the night of Christmas Eve. Tyler and Austin picked out what they knew were Transformers (because of the shape of pkg) and Owen - well to say the least he was quite disappointed about picking out a present with three books in it. But rest assured, he went to bed dreaming of all the toys he was going to get the next day...

Mother Nature had a present of her own also...maybe it was Old Man Winter? Who knows? but we received about 2-3 inches of powder beginning Christmas Eve into Christmas day. Definetly a white christmas for those in Kakeland - - but why the winds with 50+ gusts??

Another tradition that was followed this Christmas was Bert's (Dustin's mom) family favorite, Speghetti! With all the fixins'. We were all stuffed and ready for a nap but the boys insisted that we open our presents - imagine that!!

Love you Mom!!

2009-11-24T17:16:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow night is the four week anniversary of learning of my mom's passing. It still hasn't really set in but I know in the back of my mind what is reality. It's the moments when I'm not keeping busy and actually have time to reflect that are the hardest. Of course I immediately miss mom with my trip to Seattle (having to take care of things) but now more than then I am missing our two or three or even four hour conversations - telling her of what all was going on in our life and learning about what was happening in hers. But as Thanksgiving is upon us, I thank you, God for giving me a wonderful mother who taught me so much and loved me unconditionally! I love you, mom and I miss you terribly!

Kansas State Fair - It's a Wild Ride, Baby!!

2009-09-16T22:17:00.000-07:00

This last Monday, I let the boys play hookie from school and we went northwest to Hutchinson (home of the Kansas State Fair). It was free admission to those that presented a Dillons Plus Card. Cheap entertainment for all of us. Also, since I've started working 2nd shift, I haven't been able to see or spend as much time with the boys lately. I miss the rugrats!!

We started out visiting the animal barns. The boys were infactuated with the rabbits. Seeing a breed that was all white with big black eyes and what looked like eyeliner...beautiful rabbits indeed. Then we moved onto the birds (chickens, doves, geese, ducks, turkeys, and even a few pigeons). It was funny as we walked by a goose honking non-stop, Austin and Owen immediately put their hands over their ears complaining of how loud and ANNOYING it was. I reminded them that this is very similar to how they sound when they keep talking and talking and talking or screaming, yelling and some more screaming and yelling. They told me, "whatever mom", like I don't know what I'm talking about.

We saw goats and sheep. Observed a sheep getting sheared and got an educational lesson on the wool and what happens to it (bringing back memories of when I was in 8th grade "Homesetters" class with Mr. Bunton). I shared with them how that wool was cleaned and made into yarn to make all sorts of things. The boys got to see and feel the difference between the different types of wool and lanolin consistencies. We then went to the birthing barn. A baby lamb had been born earlier that morning. Tyler's first question was, "Mom, what is all that hanging out of the sheep's butt?" Biology 101 lesson was given. Thankfully, Austin and Owen didn't notice "all that stuff" and were more interested in the lambs and piglets in other pens. Actually, Owen was enjoying the hand sanitizer stations more than anything...I coudn't complain, atleast his hands and face were really sanitized!!

We visited the petting zoo and took a ride on the motor boats. And of course we had to spend time going though the four big buildings with exhibits and booths. Tyler and Austin were quick to get all the free candy and "goodie bags" that they could. We also stopped and watched the pig races...(a first for me and the boys). As we were leaving the option of ice cream or cotton candy was given. Ice Cream it was (unanimous vote) but mom still wanted cotton candy. We stopped at a McDonalds on the way out of Hutchinson for the ice cream sundaes and it was consumed before we even left city limits. Owen and Austin then decided to make great use of their spoons (mind you, the spoons still had remnants of melted ice cream and hot fudge on them) by having a sword fight in the backseat of the car. What can you say, they are definitely boys and I decided there was no point in even telling them no as they were going to do it anyway.

All in all, we had a great day and created memories that will last a lifetime. I enjoyed spending time with the boys and this will be something that they will be talking about for awhile. Enjoy the pictures below.

Just Updates & Recent Pictures

2009-09-10T22:32:00.000-07:00

Owen sleeping...out like a light!!

Me...with dark hair. Dustin talked me into going dark instead of staying blonde. This isn't the greatest of pictures...just got off work and was tired but thought what the heck.

Austin and Owen being themselves and showing off...

This past Monday (Labor Day 2009), Tyler had football practice. They were running tackles and Tyler was up to carry the ball. His team mate was to run upto him at an angle and tackle Tyler. What happened instead was instead of tackling low, the other boy tackled to high. His helmet came up and split Tyler's chin wide open. The other boy, got hurt really bad and was fading in and out of consiousness along with temporary paralysis below the neck...he wound up taking a trip via EMS to hospital and was later released with just a concusion, thank goodness!! Tyler and the rest of us headed to Wesley's ER and prepared him for stitches. Twenty-four of them!! They will be taken out this weekend and butterflied. He is being a real sport about them now, like it's no big deal (still tender though).

New Visitors

2009-08-09T19:56:00.000-07:00

Spring came and went. Summer seems to just be getting started. And we have new friends in the back yard. We have a new cardinal to the neighborhood. I see it on our railing outside the kitchen window - go to grab the camera and it is gone. But we see it out feeding on the dog food each morning with all the other black birds. Kohl just stays back and lets them feed. Such a stupid dog at times.

The newest addition that I have seen in our backyard is the two baby squirrels. The older squirrel loves to torment Kohl. Just staying high enough on the tree so that she can bark, jump, and bark some more. Am sure the neighbors love her at times. I just wish to shoot the squirrel. But now I caught two baby squirrels playing in the back yard the other morning. Kohl was no where in sight - again, stupid dog. But the other morning I noticed this...
...yes, one of the baby squirrels feeding off the dog food too!! If Kohl doesn't get first dibs on her food in the morning, she will go without.
To top it off (I didn't have the camera handy) but I have seen the birds feeding on the dog food, with one of the stray cats poised on the opposite side of the garden just waiting for the right moment. And again - Kohl - no where, probably under the porch watching it all play out - stupid dog!!

Tyler's 10th Birthday - 2009

2009-08-09T19:49:00.000-07:00

Much like Owen turning five, I am in even more awe that Tyler was turning ten this year. Really, TEN??? Time can sure fly and we are so proud of him. He has his quirks but man, I really love this guy!! We stayed home for his birthday since we just went to Kansas City the weekend before. Rather than the cake, Tyler had a birthday cookie and a song to go with it. Oh, and we went and picked up his "new" glasses! Yes, he has his mother's eyes and is now in glasses - - poor guy. But he looks so grown up and handsome!

T-Rex Cafe

2009-08-09T19:37:00.000-07:00

One of the girls at work suggested T-Rex Cafe while in Kansas City. I checked it out online and made reservations for lunch there the Sunday after Worlds of Fun with the family. It was part of Tyler's birthday present. All the boys enjoyed it and there was so much to look at. Owen was a bit timid at first entering the restaurant but soon warmed up to the idea after he discovered T-Rex was not going to "eat" him. They have huge aquariums and animated dinosaurs, mammoths, underwater creatures, etc. It most definitely was an adventure and I am sure glad we stopped to visit. Oh, and the food was delicious!!

Worlds of Fun - Family Vacation 2009

2009-08-09T14:38:00.000-07:00

For the past several months, Dustin's mom has talked about taking a "family" vacation to Kansas City this year. Bert and Joe (Dustin's mom and step-dad), Aunt Debbie, Cousins Rachelle, Mason, Jayden, and Dawn, and the Mullen Clan drove to Kansas City on a Friday evening and spent the night. The next day began with breakfast at Waffle House (meeting up with Dustin's brother, Tommy, the night before). We started the morning with the family picture... ...then came the rides. Immediately it was off to ride the Patriot. After that I took Owen over to Snoopy Camp and he rode and rode and rode... ...afterwards, all of us stumbled into this "indoor" netted building (much like the playgrounds outside McDonalds or Burger King). What a blast...they had these contraptions (compressed air guns) that shoot plastic balls at what ever target you have in mind. The adults got in on the action and personally, I think they enjoyed it just as much as the kids. What fun it was to watch them. I told Dustin that would be perfect to have in our backyard, even when the boys are older. Well, the day continued, full of rides, walking, waiting, and more rides. It was a blast!! Dustin and I left early, I had a headache brewing, and the boys continued to ride more rides into the night. Tyler and Austin had a blast on the roller coasters and I don't think that they could get enough. Rachelle, Mayson, and Jayden were the first of the family to dare the Rip Cord, then Dustin and Tommy somehow talked Bert into it. Over 180 foot drop - then swing above everyone. It was something to see for sure.
All in all, the everyone slept well that night and were refreshed enough to go home the next day. Thank you mom, Joe, grandma, and Aunt Debbie for an awesome time and memories that will last a lifetime!

Camping - 2009

2009-08-09T14:26:00.000-07:00

Well, one weekend we decided to break out the tent and camping supplies and head to Cheney with the jet ski. It has been over nine years since we have been camping with just a tent and supplies and the last time that we did go we didn't have three boys to mind to.
We arrived Friday evening to high winds. Sustained atleast at 15-20 with gusts upto 30-40. Nothing like a good Kansas windy day. We came upon our neighbors from home by surprise and camed next to them. The boys enjoyed playing with Blake and Parker. We set camp and got the boys fed. We enjoyed a very windy evening and night on the lake edge.
The next morning we played frisbee while trying to decide what to do for the day (since it was so windy). The boys later combed the beach and found shells and threw rocks in the lake.

We finally decided to pack all up and head home as the white caps at 10am in the morning indicated a rough day for the jet ski.

4th of July 2009

2009-08-09T14:18:00.000-07:00

We celebrated 4th of July by spending the afternoon over at Butch and Debbie's. Much like most other weekends, time was spent in the pool. We came back home and enjoyed the fireworks to ourselves. The boys got 20 or so parachute men and spent a good hour chasing the "little" men.

Later we shot off the colorful fireworks and watched as the neighborhood gave us a beautiful show to watch. Every direction from our driveway, we saw mortors being shot high above the rooftops and trees. Absolutely beautiful (and cheap)!!

Owen's 5th Birthday - June 2009

2009-08-09T13:34:00.000-07:00

My baby "O" has turned five!! It's unbelievable that he is five. Wasn't all that long ago that we were welcoming home from Wesley Hospital.

A big day was on tap to celebrate Owen's birthday. We decided to have a pool party at Uncle Butch and Aunt Debbie's house. Owen has been into Transformers for some time now and with the fast approaching new release of Transformers 2 (movie), it was more important than ever that there be a Transformers' theme. Owen did great and fun was had by all.

WOW!!

2009-08-09T13:27:00.000-07:00

Really it has been a long time. Sorry to not keep all of you updated. We have been having a busy, busy summer. It won't be long before school starts again. Tyler and Austin start school the 17th and Owen begins on the 19th. Owen will be joining his brothers in all-day school finally this year. Unbelievable!!!

I have posted highlights of our summer above. Enjoy!!

Happy Memorial Day!!

2009-05-25T13:56:00.000-07:00

Wishing all a Happy Memorial Day and hoping that everyone enjoys the BBQs, lakes, pools, etc. We on the other hand took it easy this weekend. Dustin has been fishing several times waiting to catch something...well anything; he keeps getting skunked (been to Watson, Buffalo, and the Arkansas). Neighbors went to the lake but we decided not to go...they said that the Cheney was under water at Cabin Cove and the water was nasty!! We took the boys and Bert to the drive-in last night. Saw Night at the Museum 2 and stayed for Wolverine. Tyler and Austin really wanted to see Wolverine but fell asleep ten minutes into it. I am not really into the whole X-men movies but this one was actually pretty good. Maybe I do need to watch the rest of them.

Thought I would take a moment and reflect on the past couple months as it has been some time since my last post....

...I have been working at Hanger for the past seven weeks. Enjoy what I do, get bored at times but love the part of having a life again. Go in at 8am, take an hour lunch and gone at 5pm. No being on call or being responsible for anyone else other than myself and my job.

Back in April, Dustin and I took Owen to the Monster Truck Rally at the new Hartman Arena (Park City). Owen had a blast and was "big-eyed" the whole time. They raced the six trucks and lots of motorcycle races (teenagers down to the guys not too much older than Owen himself).

Owen went to the zoo with his class. He continues even today to tell everyone what all he saw. Here is a picture that just came home last week...

Tyler and Austin have recently been on field trips to the zoo this past month. All of the boys went before the new tiger exhibit opened. Will have to plan a family outing this summer or fall to visit. Several years ago, I was really down on our zoo - think that I had been there so much with the school that I was just sick of it. But I have realized that we here in Kansas (Wichita of all places) have been blessed with an outstanding zoo that continues to grow and grow. They have just opened the tiger exhibit and are already speaking of a panda exhibit!! How exciting!!Anyway...

We have gotten lots of rain lately. But the week before Mother's Day, I planted the garden. Tyler helped some what. Dustin helped weed the garden first before planting. I planted cabbage (we'll see what happens), onions, zucchini, yellow squash, cucumbers, indian corn (from grandma eklund), and flowers. We all went to Tree Top Nursery that weekend (never had been there before). It was huge. Definetly a place that Dustin and I need to go without all the boys. We picked up tomoto and pepper plants. Dustin then found a peanut plant for the heck of it. Everything is now planted and the flowers have been potted. The yard turned out great this year; nice, thick and lush (like carpet and lovin' it)!!

Owen's last day of class was last Friday!! He is now officially a Kindergartener!! Unbelievable - he made it through and he is getting so big!! Tyler and Austin's last day will be this Thursday.

New Job

2009-04-01T12:06:00.001-07:00

As most of you know, I quit my job at ParkWest Plaza. My last "official" day was a couple weeks ago. Been sending out applications and resumes since the end of February. Had several interviews last week. I was offered and I accepted a position as Office Administrator with Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics this morning. Right now we are waiting for the background checks and drug screen to come back (not worried at all - HA!!). My first day will be April 6, 2009. Am excited and ready to get back to work. The office that I will be at is just across from Wesley Hospital. Very convenient to/from the house. Only a fifteen minute drive.

Snow?!?!?!?

2009-03-31T09:30:00.000-07:00

Last Friday night into Saturday, we experienced a late season snow "blizzard". Wichita began receiving sleet mid-day Friday and it continued as such until Saturday morning when it eventually turned into snow. There were episodes of thunder snow and it came down until shortly after noon. The boys got out Saturday morning and played and then the sun broke out after noon and the snow was already melting. Thus creating heavy, wet snow great for snowballs and whitewashing!! Just to the west of Wichita, Pratt received an incredible amount of 28 inches - Wichita got a mere 6.8 inches. By Sunday evening most of our snow was gone and yesterday, all that was left was the piles of snow created by snowplows. I have not seen any snow today except for a small patch just under Austin and Owen's window where it's always shady except in the morning. The wind is howling and has been since Friday. Last night we were under severe thunderstorm watches and even got some hail (pea to marble size)...only in KANSAS!!

During the "blizzard", looking out from the front porch.

Boys having some fun!!

Dustin had the upper hand as he had the shovel and was heaving shovel-fuls of snow onto the boys. Fun was had by all and mom even got in on the snowball fight too!!

REMODELING - - phase three

2009-03-22T13:48:00.000-07:00

Posting that I was going to put pictures online was a definite boost to get the house clean. Friday morning the boys and I got up and started cleaning right away. They did a good job in helping me. You now can see the wall hangings and the pictures on the wall.
View from the front door/entry way.
View from the dining room.
This is a better picture of the one on the wall above our couch. Dustin and I both saw this at the store at the same time and fell in love with it immediately!!
Another view from the dining room.

Little over a month ago, Dustin and I purchased a new bedroom set. Ever since Dustin's back injury, our mattress just didn't give him the support that he needed. We decided to get a king size and because of the limited size of our room, we chose a captains bed for the base. We absolutely love it. When we got this bed we dispersed our "old" furniture into the boys rooms. Tyler now has our "old" bed, chest of drawers and nightstand. Austin inherited our dresser and nightstand and Owen, well there wasn't anything from our room left so he got Tyler's "old" bed. Now every one's room is complete and put together.
This is our bedroom and the new Captain's Bed.

...then last night Dustin and I were at Lowe's without children. We decided to redo the front entry way. Started on it last night and all that is left is to put sealant on the grout. Looks 100% better than the old stuff. Now, I can't wait to get the kitchen/dining room floor done.

This is the "old" floor that is in the kitchen and was in the entry way of the house.

In the process of grouting.

All complete!!

The Bucket List

2009-03-22T13:35:00.000-07:00

Hit forward and place an X by all the things you've done and remove the X from the ones you have not, and send it to your friends (including me).... This is for your entire life not just recently...

( ) Gone on a blind date
(x) Skipped school.
(x) Watched someone die
(x) Been to Canada
(x) Been to Mexico
( ) Been to Florida
(x) Been on a plane
(X) Been lost
( ) Gone to Washington ,D.C.
(x) Swam in the ocean
(x) Cried yourself to sleep
(x) Played cops and robber
(x) Recently colored with crayons
( ) Sang Karaoke
(x) Paid for a meal with coins only?
(x) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't
(x) Made prank phone calls
(x) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose
(x) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
(x) Danced in the rain
(x) Written a letter to Santa Claus
(x) Been kissed under the mistletoe
(x) Watched the sunrise with someone ....
(X) Blown bubbles
(x) Gone ice-skating
( ) Been skinny dipping outdoors
(X) Gone to the movies

1. Any nickname – Deb, Toothpick Girl, Debstin, Mommy
2. Mother's Name - Myrna
3. Favorite drink - Coke and of course a good margarita
4. Body Piercings' - ears
5. Number of jobs in my life - twelve (i think?)
6. Favorite vacation spot – anywhere but home
7. Birthplace - Wichita, KS
8. Ever been to Africa - no
9. Ever eaten just cookies for dinner - Yes
10. Ever been on TV - i can't remember
11. Ever steal any traffic signs - no
12. Ever been in a car accident - yes
13. Drive a 2-door or 4-door vehicle - four
14. Can you drive a standard car - yes
15. Favorite pie - Dutch Apple
16. Favorite number - none
17. Favorite movie - there are so many
18. Favorite holiday - Thanksgiving
19. Favorite dessert - apple crisp
20. Favorite food - Mexican
21. Favorite brand of body soap - Caress or Dove
22. Favorite smell - clean
23. How do you relax - watch tv
24. How do you see yourself in 10 years - will have two boys almost out of the house and owen will be going on 15...doesn't seem possible at all!!

REMODELING - - phase "threeish"

2009-03-19T18:44:00.000-07:00

Just a post - we have put more items on the walls to make our remodel complete. As soon as the house gets clean, I will post pictures so that you can see what we are now enjoying. Stay tuned - I should be cleaning tomorrow (with some help from the boys)!!!

This Week's Adventures

2009-03-19T17:39:00.000-07:00

As I stated in the previous post, this week is spring break for the boys. The Kansas weather has been wonderful. First part of the week started out in the upper 70s and low 80s. The end of the week is ending in the mid 60s. We have had sunny skies and no wind (until today). Last Friday, Dustin took the day off and we took in a movie and dinner at Cheddar's. It was a first at that restaurant but won't be the last. It was delicious!! With the weather being so nice, the boys have been spending their time outside alot!! Thought about taking them to the zoo but glad I didn't as everyone else did. The zoo reported record attendance numbers on Tuesday (around 8,000 visitors). We instead road our bikes to the local park down the street and around the corner. We enjoyed riding around the park and taking a break on the swings. Saw that the city is building more playground equipment. Am excited to see when it is complete - more to offer to the kids in the neighborhood. The city just recently added new basketball courts since the beginning of the year.

Tuesday night, I attended BUNCO at the church. Was my first time. Have heard so much about this game called BUNCO and wanted to try it!! Loved it - will return next month and take a friend along. Was nice to get out of the house for a couple hours and unwind with others!!

Today, I drove the boys to Hutchinson. We visited the Kansas Underground Salt Museum. WOW!! WOW!! What an experience. I truly enjoyed it. I believe that Tyler and Austin did too but Owen wanted to run. How tempting it was to just let him go...oh, did I say that out loud? It is definitely a place I would like to return to. Enjoy the pictures, but they do not do justice.

Standing outside the museum, getting ready to go in.

Loading on the tram - we took a forty minute guided tour of the salt mine. Did you know that there is 68 miles of road in this salt mine - Unbelievable!!

We stopped at a demo pile and was able to pick out a piece of salt (baseball size or smaller) and/or fill a small bag with the "crumbs".

The salt mine is not only used for the mined salt (not table salt) but is used to store artifacts, records, etc. The temperature is always 68 degrees and the humidity fluctuates a few points but sits typically around 40%. Our tour guide stated that many of us from the Kansas and surrounding area very well may have our name on some piece of document sitting in the mine as we speak. Any medical or court records, yep - guess where they are stored. This picture is of the newspaper printed the day after Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. It was in pretty good shape.

The Salt Museum is best known for the movies (films) and things used in the movies being stored there. This is just a sampling of what we saw. We were able to see the original costumes worn by the famous actors/actresses that wore them. Also, the middle picture shows a computer - yes that whole thing is a computer from 1970s and cost $240,000 (today's money) with only 64MB!! An iPod Nano with 8,000MB today only costs $230. Something amazing!! We saw the chocolate bars used in "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" and Dorothy II from our favorite movie "Twister".

Here the boys are "running" to the elevator. What a remarkable experience. I encourage you that if you are in the Wichita area - make time to see this!! I will be more than happy to drive you there and back!!

After the tour - we stopped in Yoder for lunch!! Hmmmmm!! A favorite for sure. Austin had lasagna (which looked delicious) and Tyler and Owen - well they had their normal - grilled cheese sandwich (owen), fries, and a corn dog (tyler). I had the country fried steak with mashed potatoes and green beans.

Had to get a banana cream pie to go and of course those famous Yoder cinnamon rolls!!
We lucked out...we got the last four cinnamon rolls for the day - good thing, Dustin would not have been happy if we came back home empty handed!!

So that has pretty much been our week. Tomorrow is a day full of laundry and cleaning house. And Dustin is taking Tyler and Austin on a surprise outing Sunday evening...WWE is coming to Koch Arena (WSU) and it is a live event leading upto WrestleMania. The boys will be so excited but it's all still hush hush.

SPRING BREAK

2009-03-12T11:10:00.000-07:00

This afternoon officially begins Spring Break 2009!! Dustin took tomorrow off and we will all spend the day as a family. See a movie, run errands, go to the museum...we will figure something out to do. Plan on trying to get the boys out of the house for sure next week. And I hear it is going to be nice weather-wise.

On a side note - - Austin's birthday is today. He is now 8 years old. Unbelievable!!! He and his brothers are getting so big so quick!!

More Pictures of Dawn's Party

2009-03-11T08:06:00.001-07:00

You can view more pictures taken at Dawn's Birthday Party at:

http://www.slide.com/r/6UfwHe907D9lbGRcVwOJ2XnarOAzshVL?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url&view=original

Dawn's Birthday Party!!

2009-03-11T07:49:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday, the boys were invited to Dawn's birthday party at The Alley. How exciting!! It was our first time there and we all had a blast. We all started off bowling. Tyler and Austin had fun (especially with the bumpers up) and Owen (well, he tried...he went sliding down the lane a couple of times with the ball...but he finally was getting it figured out at the end). Afterwards, we splurged and got the boys tickets for the go-carts (I believe a first for each of them). They loved it and want to go everyday now!! It was great seeing the boys have so much fun. We then went to Knolla's pizza and then home. Put the pj's on and off to bed!!

SORRY SORRY SORRY

2009-02-24T07:52:00.000-08:00

Man, how time flies when there is so much going on. I have some down time coming sooner than expected and will be updating everything here soon. Please be patient for just a short time longer and I will fill you in on all that is going on here. Take care!!

Have You???

2008-12-14T22:29:00.000-08:00

You're It:: Here's how it works: Bold all the things that you have done in your life.

1. Started your own blog 2. Slept under the stars 3. Played in a band 4. Visited Hawaii 5. Watched a meteor shower 6. Given more than you can afford to charity 7. Been to Disneyland 8. Climbed a mountain 9. Held a praying mantis 10. Sang a solo 11. Bungee jumped 12. Visited Paris 13. Watched a lightning storm at sea 14. Taught yourself an art from scratch 15. Adopted a child 16. Had food poisoning 17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty 18. Grown your own vegetables 19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France 20. Slept on an overnight train 21. Had a pillow fight 22. Hitch hiked 23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill 24. Built a snow fort 25. Held a lamb 26. Gone skinny dipping 27. Run a Marathon 28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice 29. Seen a total eclipse 30. Watched a sunrise or sunset 31. Hit a home run 32.Been on a cruise 33. Seen Niagara Falls in person 34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors 35. Seen an Amish community 36. Taught yourself a new language 37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied 38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person 39. Gone rock climbing 40. Seen Michelangelo’s David 41. Sung karaoke 42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt 43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant 44. Visited Africa 45. Walked on a beach by moonlight 46. Been transported in an ambulance 47. Had your portrait painted 48. Gone deep sea fishing- 49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person 50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris 51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling 52. Kissed in the rain 53. Played in the mud 54. Gone to a drive-in theater 55. Been in a movie- 56. Visited the Great Wall of China 57. Started a business 58. Taken a martial arts class 59. Visited Russia 60. Served at a soup kitchen 61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies 62. Gone whale watching 63. Got flowers for no reason 64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma 65. Gone sky diving 66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp 67. Bounced a check 68. Flown in a helicopter 69. Saved a favorite childhood toy 70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial 71. Eaten Caviar 72. Pieced a quilt 73. Stood in Times Square 74. Toured the Everglades 75. Been fired from a job 76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London 77. Broken a bone 78. Been on a speeding motorcycle 79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person 80. Published a book 81. Visited the Vatican 82. Bought a brand new car 83. Walked in Jerusalem 84. Had your picture in the newspaper 85. Read the entire Bible 86. Visited the White House 87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating 88. Had chickenpox 89. Saved someone’s life 90. Sat on a jury 91. Met someone famous 92. Joined a book club 93. Lost a loved one 94. Had a baby 95. Seen the Alamo in person 96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake 97. Been involved in a law suit 98. Owned a cell phone 99. Been stung by a bee

REMODELING - - phase two

2008-12-03T17:27:00.000-08:00

These are the "before" pictures. Thanks goes out to Nana Bert, Grandpa Joe, and Lil' Nana for taking the boys the night of Thanksgiving until noon on Sunday. Dustin and I kicked butt and finished the entry way, living room, hallway, stairwell, and dining room.

After the company and boys left, we layed plastic, taped off the trim work, and scraping the ceiling. Friday morning Dustin began texturing the walls. Afterwards, we both tackled the dreadful task of painting the ceiling in the entryway, living room, hallway, stairwell, dining room, and kitchen; we didn't complete this until around midnight. Saturday morning we began painting - - YEAH!! It all was begining to come together!! We completed all the painting around 7pm and then began switching out all faceplates, receptacles, and light fixtures. We finally were done around 2 am and crawled into bed at 2:30 am.

Here is our final product. We are really enjoying our hard work and wish never to do this again!!

I am having problems adding all the pictures. Feel free to check out more at www.myspace.com/mulsno2000

REMODELING - - phase one

2008-11-16T20:15:00.000-08:00

Well, we have finally started. I have so badly wanted to scrape and retexture/paint the ceilings and the walls in our house. Dustin and I went out last night (without the boys) and started getting crazy ideas at Lowe's of what we could do to our home to make it more "homey". I then go to church this morning and come home to the spindles gone on the half wall (to the basement). Then Dustin procedes to rip out the partian wall that came down about a foot from the ceiling(you can see in the picture how far the "divider" came down). This "divider" has always drove me crazy (creating a line between the dining room and living room). Now it's gone as you can see in the pictures. Definetly opens the two rooms up and I love it. Is taking me some time to get used to it though. Dustin and I will be "kidless" after Thanksgiving and will do the wall and ceilings then.

Baptisms!!!

2008-11-16T20:00:00.000-08:00

Here they are...the videos of austin and tyler getting baptised this morning during the second service. Am sorry they are sideways. I keep forgetting to hold the camera the right way when video taping. The boys were two of five people getting baptised today. It was awesome!! PTL!!