Jenna Mania

Jenna is almost six weeks. In pregnancy weeks that's like an eternity, but in newborn weeks it flies by! Here are some shots of our little lovely.

So our girls recently went to China...

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A Marquee Father's Day

One of these two pictures is fake. Want to guess which one?

The first is a reference to President Hinckley’s Book of Mormon challenge of a few year’s back and was mass emailed across Mormondom with the caption, “Somewhere in Utah…” In case you never found out, it is fake. See the website address in the picture?

The second is real. It greeted me as I entered our subdivision on Friday coming home from work. I laughed as soon as I saw it. Then I came home and loved my family.

Yes, the Fairwood HOA marquee, which usually sports benign birthday best wishes, graduation congratulations and even the occasional anniversary boast, is now decorated with this cheeky message. Mary Karlee, perfectly understanding my so-subtle-it-might-be-an-insult sense of humor, ordered it as a Father's Day present. And because she used my first AND last name, we’ve already received a phone call asking, “So, did they mess up your message?” (No.)

To you, this message may come across as hen pecking, but that's cuz you don't appreciate the role of punctuation in life - especially in public advertisements. MK is actually harking back to the day that she and I read this message on our neighborhood marquee:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GABE
LOVE YOUR FAMILY

Sounds nice enough, right? I bet Gabe was glad his family thought of him. Until he realized that the second line should have a comma after the word "love." Without that seemingly trivial punctuation, Gabe's family is not taking credit for wishing him a happy birthday, but reminding him on his birthday that he is failing to appreciate them.

So now, all of Fairwood is probably wondering why Ryan Mullen needs a public reminder to love his family - except for Gabe, who already understands.

DISNEYLAND!

Since we went to Disneyland in March I thought it might be nice to post some pictures in June. Makes sense right? Prolong the magic I always say...or just get the pictures three months late from your Dad's camera.
Disney Classic: DUMBO RIDE!
Waiting for the princesses
Still waitingThis is the face of a Dad who for waited in line by himself for , I kid you not, 21/2 hours! You better believe he hoped this would be Disney Magic.
You can see Marielle really enjoyed herself...Getting braverFinally, Blowing Kisses with Belle!And of course MICKEY!!!

The Next Anne Geddes??

Here's a few pictures I took of Jenna one day while Marielle napped. What do you think, could I go professional??


Guess I should have splurged for a photo session...

Jennia Ceasar

Something about this swing makes my babies take on other personalities. For Marielle it was Yoda, for Jenna I can't help look at this pose and think Julius Caesar. Doesn't it look like she's about to philosophize on world politics???

Happy 'Tend Birthday to Me!

Marielle loves to pretend (pronounced 'tend in our house) and she loves birthdays. Logically, she often wishes herself and others "happy 'tend birthday!" I baked this cake tonight for no good reason, so I figured I ought to declare it my own pretend birthday so I don't feel guilty eating more than my share of slices. :) By the way, the cake was delicious! You can find the recipe here if you're interested.

Of Steps and Balloons...

When we introduced potty training I bought a pink stepping stool to help Marielle up to the potty. More recently the "step", as Marielle affectionately calls it, has come out of the bathroom and helps her reach things all around the house. We are in constant search for her step, as it assists her putting DVDs in, turning on lights, helping mom change Jenna's diapers, seeing the computer screen better, and so forth.

Last Sunday we went for a walk before church. Ryan decided to bring along our "It's a Girl!" balloon that Grandma Sycamore gave us when we came home from the hospital. He tied it to our stroller to accompany us as we sluggishly meandered through the neighborhood. Maybe he thought it would distract us from the early June, yet still oppressively hot, heat of Houston. On our way home the balloon came free and drifted off into the sky. Marielle said as we watched it sail away, "We need go home and get my step. Then we can get it back."

Mullen Fashion

My girls have some great fashion role models. Not Ryan and I, but their Shula, Meh-Meh, and Al-guh. (Translation: Grandma, and Aunts Megan and Ally.) Not only do we receive very cute outfits, but apparently this fashion sense is genetic and is now showing up in Marielle's choice of accessories.

Last week while heading out to story time Marielle pointed out to me that her silver shoes matched her silver purse. The next day Marielle made sure to have the same matching purse/shoe combination for all outings. Now perhaps I'm reading a little too much into this as she also insists that the color of her spoon match the color of her bowl, but I'd like to think she is walking in the footsteps of her great fashion heritage. Then maybe she can help me, right?

Jenna stylin' in her baby naajarte outfit.
Check out that hand -- can you feel the sisterly love?