Day 59 of 365

The landscape around our house has changed dramatically since we moved in eight years ago. Where there used to be a dairy farm, sheep farm, pumpkin farm and greenhouse/nursery there are now townhomes, houses, stoplights and more houses. Although I am a suburban girl through and through, it saddens me to see all that land developed for houses. I realize, of course, that my own neighborhood is built upon former corn fields, but who said feelings need to be rational?

Day 58 of 365

Post-nap bliss. Lillian was one happy girl after nap today. We cuddled, chose some books for her to bring to school tomorrow and did some artwork. I'd be pretty happy, too, if I had just napped for two hours.

Day 57 of 365

I've never been one to exercise; but these shoes have seen a fair share of miles. I bought them nearly three years ago to train for the breast cancer 3 Day walk. They got me through the walk, and then through my first 5K run this past fall. After a three month hiatus from the treadmill, I recently got back to running (well, walking/running). Tonight's run actually felt good. I do think it's time for some new shoes, though.

Day 56 of 365

I suppose it was inevitable that I would get sick, as everyone else in the house has been at some point this winter. Whatever bug I've caught has taken my voice; I was compared to Minnie Mouse by a student today. Not sure that the Zicam is actually doing anything, but it can't possibly make me feel any worse.

Day 55 of 365

My work day ended at 7:55pm today, approximately 13.5 hours after it began. Seven hours with students and then five hours with their parents at conferences. I'm ready for bed.

Day 54 of 365

Most days, our after school routine consists of snack, homework, play time (for the girls) and preparing dinner (for me). McKenna typically finishes homework in a matter of minutes. Last night Lillian told me she has to keep growing to get bigger and do homework. I hope their enthusiasm for school carries through the teenage years.

Day 53 of 365

This is my favorite purse. Three of my best girlfriends all bought the same purse, in different colors, at a cute shop in Nisswa, Minnesota. I have never received more compliments from strangers as I do when carrying this purse. We're heading back to Nisswa in a couple of weeks, but I just don't think this purse can be topped.

Day 52 of 365

I've had enough winter. We had finally cleared our driveway of all the snow and ice, then another 12+ inches fell yesterday and last night. I used a snowblower for the first time in my life. Except for the drifts that were taller than the snowblower, it was rather fun. Not as much fun as sitting on the front porch on a summer evening enjoying a cold drink, but fun as far as clearing snow.

Day 51 of 365

McKenna has been with Grandma since yesterday morning, so Lillian has had mom and dad all to herself. She is such a different little girl without her big sister around. This morning she was showing off her "ballerina" dance and I was more than happy to take photos.

Day 50 of 365

My father-in-law is visiting this weekend, so it's a good excuse to make some snacks. It was only in the past few years that I discovered my love for guacamole. Somehow, I went through nearly 35 years of life thinking I didn't like it. Now I could eat it by the spoonful. Not that I would...

Day 49 of 365

I'm not supposed to have coffee, but once in awhile I cheat. I stopped at Caribou after work today. Don't judge me too harshly, I ordered a small, half decaf. There is comfort in a cup of coffee. The aroma, warmth and feel of it in my hands is something to savor.

Day 48 of 365

I had to break down and use my flash tonight, but the lighting is terrible at karate! McKenna graduated to her purple belt tonight; she's progressed so much in just six months. Much thanks to her wonderful teachers, Mr. Salas and Mr. Lefavor.

Day 47 of 365

A sight we haven't seen around here in months - grass. There even appears to be some green sprigs in the mix. With the warm temperatures of late (yes, 40 degrees constitutes warm up here on the 45th parallel), more and more of this foreign substance is appearing. Dare I think spring?

Day 46 of 365

Aunt Mary and Uncle Evan came for a quick visit tonight, but we managed to fit a lot in! I got to play with their new iMac (now I have serious screen envy), we had a delicious dinner from LeeAnn Chin, watched McKenna's karate class and enjoyed some tasty wine. Lucky for me, they left the wine behind.

Day 45 of 365

When DH suggested we cook a Valentine's Day meal together, I was sure he was joking. Those of you who know Travis know that cooking isn't really his thing. But he shopped, chopped and sautéed his way to a delicious spicy shrimp stir fry. We managed to enjoy a quiet meal while the kiddos watched a movie. And the best part? He even did the dishes. Aaahhh, true love.

Day 44 of 365

We had a delicious birthday dinner for my dad at Aunt Barb's house tonight. The girls never get enough of Nana, Papa and Aunt "Bob," as Lillian says. Even though it was dad's birthday, the girls came home with presents. Funny how that works.

Day 43 of 365

Both girls enjoyed friends' birthday parties today. McKenna went snow tubing and Lillian got to see Tangled. Not much can beat birthday cake, however.

Day 42 of 365

It's a busy birthday weekend. We have four parties to attend - 1 for a preschool friend of Lillian, 1 for a neighbor, 1 for a long-time friend of McKenna and, finally, my dad. I wrapped a lot of gifts this afternoon. Happy Birthday, February babies!

Day 41 of 365

This is McKenna's first year in Brownies. Her troop's field trip this month was to Anchor Paper (one of my favorite stores), where she made this cute container. I don't remember too much from my own days in Brownies, other than one song, "Make new friends, but keep the old; one is silver and the other gold." Kenna told me she's not familiar with that particular song.

Day 40 of 365

The girls finished off the cupcakes after dinner tonight. I might just finish off those Thin Mints once they are both in bed. One sleeve is a single serving, right?

Day 39 of 365

I love watching McKenna read to Lillian. She is such a good big sister (most of the time). McKenna has challenged me to a reading contest this month; the one with the most minutes read at the end of the month is the winner. Who will it be?

Day 38 of 365

Lillian was up a lot last night with a fever and complaints of a "tummy ache in my head," which I interpreted as a headache. So, she and I are hanging out at home today. Aside from not wanting to eat too much, she seems to be doing fine. If her magic trick works, no one else will get sick around here.

Day 37 of 365

What would a Superbowl party be without the board? So far, the Gullicksons haven't won any money. I was able to watch more commercials this year than in past memory. I guess the kids are getting old enough that they don't require attention every five minutes. Lillian entertained us all at halftime as she did her best dance moves right along with the Black Eyed Peas. She loves to be the center of attention.

Day 36 of 365

Woke up to fog and frost this morning, which means that, for around here at least, it wasn't bitterly cold. I love the way trees look when they are encased with frost. I prefer green leaves, of course, but at this point I'll take what I can get.

Day 35 of 365

Aaaahhhh. The house is quiet. Girls are in bed, husband is grocery shopping and dog is sleeping. I love Friday nights at home; the weekend looms ahead in all its glory. Sometimes it's nice to have no plans.

Day 34 of 365

Girl Scout cookies have arrived. It's McKenna's first year as a Brownie, so we're new to this whole cookie-selling thing. Thanks to Grandma, most of these cookies are already spoken for. Hopefully McKenna has practiced her sales pitch, because I certainly don't need to be eating these.

Day 33 of 365

I love Costco. There is something reassuring about buying items in bulk. I just feel better knowing there are 18 rolls of paper towel and 8 cans of diced tomatoes in the pantry. And just in case anyone feels like taking a polar plunge, beach towels and life jackets are now available at your local Costco. In massive quantities.

Day 32 of 365

The Word Whammer has gone virtually ignored at our house until recently. Lillian is especially fond of the letter 'B' and will press it over and over and over again. Anyone who has this toy knows the pain of getting the jingle stuck in your head. "Every letter makes a sound..."