We're Hooked

Yes, we are hooked. We have spent the last year hearing about the TV show Lost, but never really tuned in. I am not sure why, I think it was just one of those things that we didn't see the first episode and then we heard everyone talking about it, but it just seemed too late at that point to start watching it. Well then it came out on DVD and I thought maybe someday we will watch it. I wasn't going to buy the DVD because I am not one to watch TV shows I have seen over and over, so I joined Netflix and thought this would be a cheap way to watch it and other movies.

The first disc came yesterday and after the kids were in bed last night we started it. I have to admit I was pretty hyped to watch it, though I don't think Daryl was all that excited. Before we knew it we had watched 3 out of the 4 episodes on the first disc and we looked at each other and then looked at the clock and thought "we can't stop now", so we proceeded to watch the last episode on the disc. We could not believe how good it was and how quickly the episodes went. It is one of the shows where you don't move while it is on and you would never dare to get up and do something. The only other show that I am that way with is 24 though I know some other wired people who do the same thing with Alias.

As we finished the first disc Daryl said to me "well we can always go to Blockbuster and start on the next disc", so I took that to mean he loved it as much as I did. We figure we will spend this winter watching Season 1 and then hopefully Season 2 will come out this summer sometime and we can be all caught up by the time Season 3 starts. So, yes it was AWESOME and we are totally hooked.

Maturation

I was doing ministry stuff on my computer this afternoon (big shock to those of you that know me...) when suddenly everything seemed unusually quiet in the house. Since I was the only supervising parent in the house I decided I would have to be the one to check on the kids (I know - this isn't rocket science...) so off I went.

When to my surprise I find all three kids playing in Tyler's room peacefully and (almost) quietly. Now I'm usually at work all day, so for all I know this may be normal. But to me, this is progress! Given the age ranges, gender differences and the fact that they are siblings for crying out loud, I was just happy that they were all in the same room without blood being spilled...

If only it lasted forever...

Christmas 2005

Hello all! It's the Christmas season and here are two photoshows to prove it...

Christmas Eve [view photoshow]
On Christmas Eve we went over to Grandma Sandy's house to see some of the extended family. Sandy, Ashley, Morgan, Shelly, significant others and a bunch of kids were there to share in the festivities. There was great snacking food and the kids loved opening the presents and getting wrapping paper all over the house.

Christmas Day [view photoshow]
For the first time we were able to spend Christmas Day (morning) at home! The kids got up around 8:00 and we lounged in PJs while opening presents. Fred (Papa) and Uncle Ryan came over at 10:00 for a yummy breakfast of egg casserole, donuts, bagels and coffee (if you like that sorta thing...)

After that we traveled to see more extended family at the Clark home (Jason & Roseanne). We saw aunts, uncles, cousins and a bunch more kids! We opened presents and ate again. The kids had a great time playing together.

From there, we traveled to our best friends home (The Callenders) where more presents were exchanged and the kids were able to play with their new toys late into the night. The adults got to hang out, spend quality time together and talk about years gone by and the new year to come.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

The BlogWorthiness Rating Scale (BWRS)

So just for fun I thought I'd create a scale to measure how "blogworthy" an idea, event, picture, video (or anything else for that matter) really is. So here it is:

BlogWorthiness Rating Scale (BWRS)

Each rating is based on these four criteria (although not all four need to be present or significant in order to warrant the rating):

• Significance: If the post appears significant or insignificant in the grand scheme of things.
• Relevance: If the post is relevant or irrelevant to the reader.
• Impact: If the post has the power to inspire/uplift the reader or if it is damaging/harmful to the reader.
• Validity: If the post is fact, opinion or completely inaccurate.

Keep in mind, this is a work in progress...

10 Extreme: significance, relevance and potential to inspire (highly factual)

09 High: significance, relevance and potential to inspire

08 Moderate: significance, relevance and potential to inspire

07 Mild: significance, relevance and potential to inspire

06 Neutral: has no significant positive or negative qualities. There is no reason to enter the post, but no reason not to enter the post. Leans toward the positive (mostly opinion and speculative)

05 Neutral: has no significant positive or negative qualities. There is no reason to enter the post, but no reason not to enter the post. Leans toward the negative (mostly opinion and speculative)

04 Mild: insignificance, irrelevance and potential to do harm

03 Moderate: insignificance, irrelevance and potential to do harm

02 High: insignificance, irrelevance and potential to do harm

01 Extreme: insignificance, irrelevance and potential to do harm (could be completely inaccurate)

File this Under "Confidential"

Not sure what to say about this picture other than it should be in a confidential personal file that only Tyler has access to. But it just isn't as fun when it's locked away like that. I think it needs to be out here for the world to see. Don't you think he could have been on The Little Rascals? I know Alfalfa got the part due to his hair...

Christmas with Grandma & Grandpa

Last weekend we went to Grandma & Grandpa McMullen's house for an early Christmas since they are flying out to see Lori, Bryan and the cousins for Christmas. We had some awesome food, time by the fireplace and the kids opened their presents with much joy and determination.

Go here for the photoshow!

And So It Begins...

Ahh Christmas! The Rockefeller Center Tree, Christmas carolers, snow drifts, icicles and stockings...

Bah Humbug! Just kidding - I'm really not the Grinch or Scrooge for that matter. But this time of the year means work - lots of work. I mean, you'd think it would be a time to sit back and relax - enjoy the season and ponder the true spiritual meaning behind all of it.

And we'll try to do that after the school Christmas programs (one tonight and one tomorrow night), after the Christmas Eve Service at GCC (I hear it's going to be awesome), after a late Christmas Eve, an early Christmas morning, after gifts and too much food, and a few great football games and wrapping paper and more friends and more family. And after putting gifts together (batteries not included) and pounding the morning coffee and evening hot chocolate, and cleaning up all the toys. After a Sunday and Monday of recovery and gift returning, after mistletoe (we can only pray) and gift cards, after rising at the sound of clatter to see what is the matter...

Maybe then we'll sit back and relax.

: ) Take some time to "experience" the true meaning of the season this year...

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

What A Week

This past week was absolutely crazy. It has been a long time since I have had a week like this. There were a few days where I never sat down until it was time to go to bed. As much as I love this time of year it just seems that life moves at too hetic of a pace. Daryl said to me this week "ever heard of biting off more than you can chew?", I think he was just a little sick of me not being around. So here is a run down of the week.

Monday- Pretty normal during the day then as soon as Daryl walked in the door I was out to go shopping with my dad for the kids. Got home around 9:30pm and then made some Christams cookies.

Tuesday- Worked most of the day. Had a late appointment in North Liberty, got home in just enough time to give 3 kids baths, put them to bed and them made more Christmas cookies while getting Christmas cards ready to got out. Making Christmas cookies is a tradition I started with my mom and something I am trying to continue. Granted when you had 2 people doing it it goes alot quicker. As of right now I have made 5 different kinds of cookies. I have half a batch to finish today and then I am officially done. You may ask why do you make so many? I give them away to friends and others as Christmas gifts. Then to top things off for this day, Tyler went to bed with a fever and was up every two hours during the night.

Wednesday- Tyler sick all day, which means lots of just wanting to be held. Had 5 kids for part of the day. Trying to get case notes done. Made dinner for 5 kids and then got them ready to go to Awana. I had plans to go to dinner with a friend this night, but she called and cancelled. You would think that this meant that I had lots of extra time, but before she called and cancelled I had made the decision that I would stay up as late as it took tonight to get things done. Which would have probably meant till the wee hours of the night, but instead I was in bed by 12:30am. Case notes were finished up, laundry was finished, and all but half a batch of cookies was completed. Again Tyler up every couple of hours during the night.

Thursday- Up for good at 6:00am to get ready for work. Today was spent training for a new job I start on Monday. I will be doing something totally different from what I do right now though I will still be working for First Steps and I will continue to be a Service Coordinator on a very part-time basis. I keep thinking to myself what a GREAT time to be starting a new job. After I finished training I headed to a home visit, then met with a lender to get pre-approved for a mortgage. So now we can officially start looking and we know what price range to look in. It was then to the mall to meet Beck with the kids, eat dinner and then drop Tyler off to Daryl so they can go home since Tyler is still sick and then off to church with the girls. It was nice to have some time to sit down and actually focus on God for awhile. I think I actually had some time after church to sit down and relax, though once I hit the couch I was asleep.

Friday- Tyler actually woke up today feeling better- thank you Jesus! After Rachel was done with school the kids and I headed to the mall. I still have some Christmas shopping to do and I am running out of time. The kids were great and actually got to see Santa before we left. Came home and did some work and then after dinner the whole family headed out to do a tradition we started when we got married. We headed over to Winding Brooke to look at the lights. Daryl and I both said that they did not seem to be as good this year as in previous years, but it was still fun.

This bring us today. My husband let me sleep in, oh how I love it when he does that. After some breakfast and a visit from the fire department and nipsco (see Daryl's previous post) it was time to make lunch for the kids and give baths. Now I have half a batch of cookies to finish up and then it is off to spend some time with friends tonight, I cannot wait. What a crazy week, hopefully next week will be a little less stressful, though I'm not counting on it.

One other little thing that has been swirling around in my head this week. Why do we as Christians say that we think something is wrong or at least may be wrong for us to do, which I assume means that we have had a conversation with God about it, and then we go ahead and do it anyways. It may mean that we have to sit and watch other people partake in the activity or may have to not put ourselves in a situation where we are tempted, but isn't that what we should do. God never promised us that the road would be easy, in fact I have always understood that the road we are to take as Christians is the narrow one. This is just something that has really been bothering me this week, there may be more to come on this topic once I digest it a little further.

Now it is off to finish up my Christmas cookies...

Just When You Thought it Was Safe

Just when you thought it was safe to own your own house, your carbon monoxide detector goes off. And so it did at about 10:00 this morning. Not for long, and not consistently but is that really something you should mess with?

I don't think so...

So yes, we had the South Bend Fire Department here in our house looking at our breakfast mess and stepping over the multitude of morning toys spread throughout the house. And when they were done, they called the NIPSCO guy to make sure there were no issues related to the gas service.

When all was said and done, there was nothing wrong with the house, but they suggested we buy another carbon monoxide detector. Nobody told me these little devices have a shelf life of around 5 years...

Really makes you think. You know, when everything is going well, you feel pretty safe, then all it takes is a couple beeps from an alarm and your whole world is turned upside down. I guess it's just one of those things you have to get used to when you own a house - or live in one for that matter...

The Early Bird Gets the Shaft

My parents would tell you that I'm NOT an early riser. But for the past year or so I have been able to get up at between 5:00 and 5:30 on the weekends. I do quiet time with God, I blog, I do web stuff and generally enjoy a nice cup of coffee in peace and quiet (not something I experience at any other time of the day...)

Well, this morning I got up fairly easily and was enjoying the fact that I would probably have a good three hours to myself when who should come walking downstairs at the butt-crack of dawn but my youngest daughter - obviously having the same thought as me (except for the peace and quiet part).

Normally I would get all ticked (hence the title of this post) and would make her go back to bed for a couple hours. But this morning she just looked so cute (and she said, "Good morning daddy - can I stay up for a bit just me and you?") so I caved. She read herself a book and played with toys while I took pictures and blogged about the experience...

Every once and a while you need that bonding time - especially with the middle child (those with a knowledge of birth-order theory will understand).

The Simple Pleasures...

I snapped a quick picture of Tyler at Abby's birthday party to show that he has already found a love for Starbucks Coffee. Of course we won't talk about the present with princess wrapping paper that he's also fascinated with. Back to the coffee - Do they sell bright red Starbucks Sippy Cups with the classic green and white logo? And would they refill it at the drive thru?

Maybe Starbucks will come up with a kids coffee someday with no caffeine and a more simple taste just to get them hooked from the birth canal...

A Night on the Big Stage

It's that time of year again. Snow on the ground, lights on the houses, Christmas carols on the radio and little kids on the big stage at Granger Community Church. Allison is a three time veteran while Rachel was testing her wings for the very first time. Amazing how different two kids can be. Allison freaked out her first time and had to be carried off stage. Rachel on the other hand seems at home in the spotlight.

Sorry for the poor quality picture, but the lighting during these services reeks havoc on your basic digital camera. Allison is in the middle at the top and Rachel is to the left on the top row. Both are wearing white shirts.

They did a great job but were on and off the stage so fast it was hard to get good shots!

Tammy Turns _ _ !

Well it was Tammy's birthday today. I'll let her tell you how old she is (if she feels like it). Another year to celebrate and another year to look forward to. The kids and I wrapped presents and signed cards as while Tammy got a few extra winks of sleep this morning. Then, when she finally emerged we pounced upon her - not even allowing her to fully wake up.

If you're wondering, that's why there are no pictures on this post. She told me if she found any she would delete the blog and I would be in serious trouble. So I'll stick with the boring text entry and leave it at that.

We thank God for Tammy (mommy) every day. She is a keeper for sure. Happy 33! Oops - sorry Tam...

Calling all Princesses!

Yesterday we were all invited to Princess Abigail's castle for a regal gathering to feast on the delights of the morning (bagels, donuts and coffee) and to open presents in the grand ballroom. The kids all had a blast and the adults spent some quality time building community.

When we got home we threw some of our pictures and video into a photoshow. You can see it here!

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

Yes the roads are slippery and yes you had to put the petal to the metal just to get out of your driveway or down your street, but what fun it is for kids. Since there was so much snow today there was no school and that meant time to play outside. Jacob and Abby spent the day with us today and around 11:00am I bundled them all up and let them have at it.

It was so funny to watch them start walking through the yard, the snow was almost up to Allison's knees. They tried to get on the swing set, they dug for awhile trying to find the sand box, they made snow angels, and just spent time diving into the snow head first. It was lots of fun watching them play, they had constant smiles on their faces. The time it took to get them dressed and undressed probably exceeded the time actually spent outside, they got cold pretty quickly, but it was worth it. They had a ton of fun and that makes it all worth while.

XXth Winter Olympiad | Torino 2006

The Olympics are coming! I don't know why we get so caught up in the games each time they come around, but Tammy and I totally veg out for two weeks when they are on. This year the winter Olympics are in Torino, Italy and will begin in just over two months (64 days to be exact...).

The mascots look a little strange if you ask me...

Sort of like two marshmallows on gumby-esque bodies. The one tooth in the middle of the mouth needs some explaining as well. Check out the video on the website to see how they came to life one day.

I do love the torch though. Technologically advanced and ergonomic in it's design. I'd love to have one just to hold while watching the Olympics...

Of course that's probably more than you wanted to know about me...

The Blog Turns 100

We actually passed the 100th post already without noticing...this post makes 104!

Isn't it amazing how time can fly when your living life at Mach 5 (that's because we have 5 in our family by the way...) And that's over 100 without posting 20 pictures (as separate posts) for one event! Most people would say, "Duh, we expected that from you Daryl you computer freak!" But Tammy has really amazed me with at least equal posting since we started. She has quickly learned the finer aspects of blogging, image cropping/optimization and even a little HTML thrown in there for good luck.

I must say this is so much easier than keeping up our family website (www.mcmullen99.com). In fact if you go there today guess where you end up? That's right, the index page redirects you right back here to our blog! Of course you don't have the flexibility in layout with a blog, but I have some ideas for the future that may make this easier...

I also wanted to thank blogger for the incredible free service they are providing to the world. Sure there are more robust blogging packages out there, but this does all I need it to and I'm amazed at how it develops a sense of community between friends and family...

God job and keep up the good work!

The Beach is Calling Me

What a dilemma...it's dissociative at best. Rachel decided she would wear her summer sunglasses while also wearing her winter pajamas. Makes quite a statement and looks quite chic if you ask me...

Also, Daddy got to stay home today. Mommy has orientation for a new position at work and the kids were unable to hang out with their friends since they live at the "sicko house." Of course I can say that because it was my children that caused all of them (except Becky) to get the same thing...

It's weird sitting around the house in your pajamas all day (though I'm sure that's not what mommy does...) I'm trying to figure out what I can do in the house to be productive today. I've already made lunch, cleaned the kitchen, started the dishwasher, picked up after the kids and spent time on the computer (didn't think I'd pass that one up did you?).

The kids go down in 30 minutes - maybe I'll join them...

Real-Life Illustration #105

For those of us living in the United States driving boring American cars, this sign probably doesn't mean much. But to those living in or around Germany, or for the driving enthusiast, this sign is unmistakable. It's the official highway sign for the Autobahn (blue in Germany and Bavaria, green in Switzerland just in case you were wondering...). This incredible road is the one that has no speed limit (in many areas) and allows the driver to be an "enthusiast" rather than a "commuter."

I was sitting home supervising 5 kids the other night when I came across Modern Marvel: Autobahn on the History Channel (and since my wife wasn't home I was able to leave it there).

It was amazing to see the history, technology and intrigue surrounding this highway project (11,980 km long in Germany (second only to the highway system in the US) and 1,638 km long in Switzerland). When I was done watching it I wanted to trade my little Honda Civic in on a Porsche 911 so I too could feel what true speed is like. The only person I know that probably comes close to this in driving experience is Jason - a friend of mine that drives a nice car and races on the side.

The other thing I noticed while watching this documentary was the sign to the left. Again, I had no idea what it stood for - though Jason might...

This sign is the one you see when leaving densely populated areas. You see in the city, they have had to impose moderate speed limits to keep some level of safety. But as you leave these areas, this is the sign you're greeted with. It stands for the following: Limits No Longer Apply. Or in other terms: Put the pedal to the metal, give it some gas, turn the horses loose, etc.

And as I watched, I couldn't help but think of the practical application for the Christian. Before Christ we are the typical American driver, stuck in traffic, limited by speed signs in life and simply commuting from one useless pursuit to the next. But when we find Christ, everything changes. We become the enthusiast - getting so much more out of the drive of life. We experience and appreciate so much more. And as we venture into this new life we pass a similar sign that says, Limits No Longer Apply.

Now I don't mean this literally. For as we all know, with great power comes great responsibility. A true Christ-follower will actually apply principals of self control more stringently so as not to offend others and give their Creator a bad name. But think of it in terms of consistency, faith, hope, love, integrity purpose and meaning. Limits no longer apply in these areas. Our lives expand into infinite possibilities the moment we come in contact with the Almighty.

This might not seem like much, but to me it was another Real-Life Illustration. I'm so glad that as a Christian I get to drive in Germany...

Trimming the Hedges

Well the time has finally arrived...Tyler started to run into things because his hair was so long so we had it chopped off!

Check out the before and after shot to see what I'm talking about:

• Before: Mountain Man
• After: GQ Cover
• Before: Non-tornado resistant trailer boy
• After: Penthouse suite playboy
• Before: Bath last week
• After: I bathe daily...
• Before: Neglect
• After: Loving parents
• Before: Grunge rock band
• After: Vienna boys choir
• Before: Pepe (from the Muppets)
• After: Beaver (from Leave it to Beaver)

I think you get the picture. He looks like a little man now and he will never be the same. Thanks Debbie Mann for the cool cuts - we can't thank you enough!

Girls - please don't call after 7:30 - Tyler hates it when his handsome sleep is interrupted...