Where does the time go?

Clearly, I am not very good at keeping this updated. Especially since it's been over a year and it feels like only a couple of months. So many things have happened I don't even know where to begin.

So I will give you the abridged version of Mullin happenings over the last year or so, by family member. And then hopefully I can keep you more up to date regularly. Though, I wouldn't hold your breath if I were you.

Let's begin with Noah. He just turned 4 this January and seems to be exiting his terrible two's. He is extremely artistic and very inquisitive. The question asking and talking never stops. The noise level in the house has increased tremendously in the last year. There is never a moment where he is not moving and it's exhausting just watching him. He is still attending the Montessori school and doing very well there. They have really seen him blossom and he loves being there. My favorite phrase of Noah's from this last year is "Mrs. cuse me." He thinks that when he needs to interrupt someone, excuse me, is a formal name he has to say.

Moving on to Miss Anisha. Well this little girl is definitely in the midst of her terrible two's. Nobody ever believes me, but she really is quite opinionated and sassy. Her hair is out of control and I have no idea what to do with it, but it tends look ok most of the time. She will be 2 years old on March 7. Her language skills for a 2 year are quite amazing. I don't have to change the conversation between her and Noah. She understands everything I say and can communicate clearly to me what she needs. She also just started attending the same school Noah is at and doing quite well. We learned this winter that she hates wearing boots, she is learning to play the drama queen role quite well (Oscar worthy, if you ask me) and she can't make the "K" sound. So if you were to ask her why, she will answer with "behause." And that is a cute "hitty hat." (Kitty cat). I love it! She is also very polite and will always say please and thank you, without any prompting.

Now we come to John. He had a tough year in 2008 with a myriad of health issues. It started with chronic heartburn caused by a hiatal hernia. Then 2 bulging discs that landed him in the hospital for several days. And lastly, he had to have knee surgery for torn cartilage (from playing paintball!) He is doing much better now, but still suffers from some back pain now and again. He has moved to a new company, Great Batch, and is a sales rep there for the Medtronic account. It's been about 6 months and so far so good. He continues to enjoy the medical device industry and it seems to be a good fit for his talents.

Lastly, we come to me. Well, I've just been surviving this last year. The biggest news is that we decided to close down my Young Rembrandts business. It was an agonizing decision because I built it from the ground up and I believe in the program and what it does for kids. But with John's traveling and the time required to grow the business where I wanted it, well, it was compromising my family. So we officially closed on January 31, 2009. It was such a great learning experience because I am such a hands on learner. I am an entrepreneur at heart and am always looking for the next opportunity. But right now, it's all about my kids and my Mary Kay business. A lot less time and way more money!! Gets me out of the house and keeps me sane...you can't ask for anything better. I've also been exploring my faith a lot more and Hinduism is quite interesting. We've also been attending church on Sunday mornings and I have say, it's like going to school for me. I don't know a lot about Christianity, so I'm learning along with my kids. Religion, in general, plays such an important part of society, and I never realized until I began studying.

Oh and I shouldn't forget about Max. He is pretty sad about the long, cold winter. He adores the kids and loves to play with them. His allergies have developed allergies which is really annoying. Let me tell you, trying to get pills down a pit bull's throat is not the easiest task in the world. It's pretty gross actually. Other than that he is healthy and looking forward to a fun spring and summer!

That's about it for now. More posts to come...at some point. We are all eagerly awaiting my mom's return from India on the 24th. (She's been gone since December 2) My dad has turned into babysitter extraordinaire in her absence, diapers and everything. I'm sure he won't want me to mention that when she gets back though.

I hope all is well with everyone!!