Rylee's Room

We're back... sort of

Well, it has been several months since I updated this blog and I thought today and I close the book on one chapter of our families life I would start a new chapter.

Today, we sold our beloved home in Minneapolis. We all loved that home and have so many cherished memories. I think it is hardest on Rylee as this was litterally the home she grew up in. But all we can hope for is that the new owners of our home will love it as much as we did.

I have added a bunch of pictures from the last 6 months. They are in random order and for that I am sorry. I will try to e better at updating this blog as I know it irritates my father when I don't.

Update: Kim is trying to manage the most stressful and challenging career move he has ever made. But he is brilliant and I know that he will get everything ship shape soon.

Update: I am working as a consultant for Hawkins Inc. I am also aggressivly looking for a new job her in California. I really don't like working from home. I need the office atmosphere. Gunnar is sick of me always talking to him. He just wants to sleep. I am also trying to put this house together. Moving anf furnishing a new home is very expensive. Right now I am concentrating on Rylee's room. I think it will be fabulous one I have it complete.

Update: TJ, as most of you know, is on his first deployment in Bahrain. We are very fortunate that we get to talk to him a lot as well as skype with him and Rylee at the same time. Dad, we will have to schedule a time with you where you can get in on one of our group Skype sessions. Mom, time to invest in a computer. In true TJ fashsion, his living condisions are not quite what you would expect for someone who is on deployment. TJ is staying in a 5 star resort. He has a cleaning service and if he leaves his clothes on his bed, the maid service will pick up, launder, fold and return. He has a penthouse spa with a steamroom, hot and cold tube as well as swimming pool. Can you believe it?! However, upon reflection, I think if any deserves to stay in a five star resort, it would be thouse that are serving our country. I think his time will come when he will have to stay in the tent city. LOL, good luck kid.

Update: Rylee is in college in Virgina and is working her butt off. She is not quite sure what she want to declare as her major but she is leaning toward an art history major. Possibly becoming a curator in a great gallery or even a museum. She is going to stay at SVU for another year and get her associates and then she will transfer all her credits to a university in California. We are so proud of her and she has just blossomed in her new surroundings. She will be home in just a few short weeks and I can't wait. She wants a laid back summer lounging by the pool or at the beach... not going to happen... she will be looking for a job. But I think she will be able to have plenty of time by the pool and at the beach.

Well, that about sums it up. I will try to do better with our updates.

No words necessary. LOL!
Splash Mountain. This is one of our favorite rides. We never tire of going on this ride.



These are the mountains right behind our house. Can you believe it...snow?

TJ saying goodbye to his dog. This always makes me sad.

Uncle Brandon thought TJ would like this. So, somehow Santa got the message and there is was on Christmas morning.

After SERE school I checked me and TJ (and his buddy Jake) into this fabulous resort where they could get some R&R. But I should have known, TJ does not rest. So, we were up and exporing San Diego. He almost took me to the hospital because, shocker, I had a horrible migraine.
Rylee with her money from grandpa and Sandee. Sorry these pics are out of order.



Rylee at Peter Pan. This was just one of our many trips to Disneyland. Buying those passes was the best investment. WE ALL LOVE IT!


Bye house! Or as Rylee says, "The House that built me".

Our family. These are the greatest people in the world. I am truly blessed to have such wonderful friends. The Harpers came to So Cal because John's brother passed away from a heart attack. It made me so grateful for the wonderful brothers that I have.

Hollywood!
Me and Dorothea wearing TJ's covers



The best friends a girl could ever have. We all made the trek to Seattle to see Michelle and her new baby. Her surprise baby. She had her tubes tided 15 years ago. Can you say "SURPRISE?!"

TJ's money from Grandpa and Sandee. They always do something creative. Well, Sandee does.

While shopping, Rylee and I had to take a little potty break. When I say little potty, I mean LITTLE POTTY! HA HA!

We went to Brahms Chinese theater with Brandon and McKenzie.
Gunnar in his most comfortable position. On my new couch.



Christmas morning. Careful TJ, you might expose a little too much.

So happy!

TJ and Jake after SERE School. TJ escaped capture.

Address Change

Here is our new address:

25667 Red Hawk Road
Corona, CA 92883

Pretty College Girl

Rylee's new nails. They are a press on decal. So, cute.

College life is definately agreeing with this girl. We couldn't be happier or more proud of her. This is Rylee's new cut AND color. She went darker and it really looks good.

I LOVE YOU BABY GIRL!

Update on house - FINISHED!!

Blaine Football

I went to my last Blaine football game last night. It seems all my days are full of "lasts". I loved going to that stadium to watch TJ play football and both kids run track. They were so good.
This is a brick that we bought for TJ. It leads to the entrance of the stadium. I can't help but be proud of my children. I miss them every moment while we are apart and I look forward to all the new memories we will make in our new home.

Kim sent me and our kids a picture at the entrance to Disneyland. The sign reads, "Let the Memories Begin". Followed by his own sentiment, "I can't wait for you all to get here so we can start making memories". That is what I have to look forward to. All the new cherished moments. I have had such guilt about taking the kids home away from them. But we will have new memories to cherish. New Christmases, Thanksgivings, etc.

Update on house - 9/16/11

Stairs with new corn carpet. Kim and Dorothea say it is the softest carpet they have ever felt.
BBonus room at the top of the stairs
All the wood flooring is covered but Kim found a little exposed spot in the linen closet. Beautiful!
TJ's room, the kids bathroom and Rylee's room.
The houses being built across the street from ours.
Our front yard and the houses being built down the street.

House Update - 9/10/11

My bathroom. The room all the way to the back in the closet.
TJ and Rylee's bathroom. I think Kim was just taking pictures of the flooring as it was just installed.

The dishwasher is not really white. It just has a protective covering. I wish you could see the wood floors. They are currently covered until all contruction is complete. My corn carpet goes in tomorrow. YIPPEE!! It is lovely!

Microwave, stovetop and double ovens. Can you stand it?!

This is our new fridge. We bought it here in MN. No sales tax. I LOVE IT! It practically sings to you when you open it.

Yeah baby!