My mom helps me do my homework. If I have a problem that is too hard, she can help me solve that problem. Another way she helps me solve my problems is when the girls and I are getting in a fight. She always helps deal with those problems. I am so glad she helps me.

My mother also keeps me safe. She keeps me safe by telling me to brush my teeth morning and night so I don’t get cavities. My mother also tells me not to go in the road by myself so I don’t get hit by cars. I’m so glad she keeps me safe.

I’m glad I have a wonderful, spectacular, awesome, sweet, caring, loving mother. I love visiting my mom at work. I am also glad that my mom does things for me that she doesn’t have to do.

I LOVE YOU MOM!

I especially love being a Mainer. I enjoy watching the ocean vessels and watching the lobster men work. Rockland, Maine is the lobster capital of the world, hosting an annual lobster festival. Now that is something to be excited about! I used to hate seafood (I grew up in the Midwest). Now I love it. Gilbert’s Chowder House in Portland serves wicked delish seafood chowda!

I enjoy the camping here, as well as the wide variety of hiking trails–ranging from the marsh, the woods, and to the coast. I never tire of going to the rocky coast with the many different lighthouses, the gorgeous view, the fascinating geological rock formations, and the sounds of the crashing waves and seagulls. I find it quite therapeutic. I like going to the sandy beach in the summer to relax. It’s the perfect place to read, observe people, hang out with my best friend Brent, and watch the girls play.

I love that there are so many towns in Maine with their own unique and authentic character and charm; they haven’t been overtaken by suburban cookie-cutter homes and big-box businesses. The entire state is beautiful with the many lakes and mountains. Even the drive on the turnpike is lovely, lined with tall trees and an absence of billboards (Maine, Alaska, Hawaii, and Vermont are the only four states which ban billboards). I am still waiting to see my first moose.

Hayley: Would you rather be rich or poor?

Kirsten: Rich.

Hayley: If there only could be one animal on earth, what would it be?

Kirsten: Elephants.

Hayley: If you were stuck on an island what five four things would you bring?

Kirsten: A knife. Something to light fire with. Some kind of blanket or sleeping bag. A laptop with a wireless internet connection.

Hayley: Would you rather be a grown-up or a kid?

Kirsten: I would rather be an adult.

Hayley: What would it be like to be a boy?

Kirsten: I’d probably be messier. I’d probably like sports more. I’d be rougher. I probably wouldn’t be so sensitive.

Hayley: Would you rather be lightning or thunder?

Kirsten: Lightning, because I could make electricity.

Hayley: Would you rather be rain or snow?

Kirsten: Snow, because it’s pretty and you can see the crystals. And it could melt and turn into water.

Hayley: Would you rather be a mouse or an elephant?

Kirsten: An elephant, because it’s bigger and more powerful.

Hayley: Would you rather be an insect or a person?

Kirsten: I’d rather be a person.

Hayley: Would you rather be a servant or a princess?

Kirsten: A princess and be served by a servant.

Kirsten: Where is your favorite place to go to visit in Maine?

Jenna: Trails in the forest.

Kirsten: What are you the most scared of?

Jenna: The house at nighttime.

Kirsten: What kind of pet would you get and how would you take care of it?

Jenna: Hamster. Feed it and clean its cage.

Kirsten: What’s most important to you about a friend?

Jenna: Two reasons. You always have to have a person to talk to. They could take care of you.

Kirsten: What are five things you would bring with you if you had to leave and never come back?

Jenna: Pictures, one outfit, a computer, a Harry Potter book, a sleeping bag.

Kirsten: What is the best way to travel?

Jenna: A train.

Kirsten: If you could play any instrument, what would it be?

Jenna: Drum.

Kirsten: What is your favorite super hero?

Jenna: Spider Man.

Kirsten: What is so important about fathers?

Jenna: They keep you safe. They teach you and they play with you and they eat with you and they own you.

Kirsten: What do you like most about school?

Jenna: You make friends there.

Kir's MRI, January 27, 2009

Kirsten picked up a compact disk today that includes digital files of all her MRI scans. It’s cool to cycle through them like a video exploration of her cranium.

After chemistry I took Kirsten to Eggspectations where we enjoyed Stimulus Pancakes (they’re free!). Kirsten looked amazing in her short plaid skirt and thigh-high knit socks. Oh, and the rest of her, too. I didn’t have my camera or phone so I sketched her picture on the Science section of the New York Times. She doesn’t think my artwork is an accurate depiction. What do you think?

On the way home we stopped by Borders so I could pick up the current issue of The Economist.

I love Kirsten. It brings me great pleasure to just sit and talk with her. And to make plans. And to just be together.

Several events stand out in my mind from the year 2008. We enjoyed a visit from my parents at the beginning of the year. Though the winters here are beautiful, the ferry ride was a little chilly. We’d love to have them come back when it’s warmer so they can appreciate all that Maine has to offer. Richard and Patsy also came to visit, and we really enjoyed having them here. The entire Safsten family stopped by for a few days in August. We had a good time and shared with them our favorite things: lighthouses and the beach.

In January Brent, the girls, and I had the opportunity to attend a Hillary Clinton rally in New Hampshire in which Bill campaigned for his wife. Brent asked him a question about how religion would fit into a Hillary administration. It was refreshing to hear that both Clintons understand America is NOT a Christian nation and that government and religion should be completely separate. We also attended a Hillary Clinton rally in New Hampshire several days later. Skye moved to the front of the crowd to ask Hillary how she could make school more challenging, informing her that she skipped a grade and it’s still too easy for her. Hillary seemed moved by Skye’s question, and replied with a commitment to personalized, customized education; that we need to reconfigure our schools and re-imagine education. I truly believe Hillary Clinton would make an excellent president, bringing much needed change to this country.

My graduating CNA class

This past year I made the decision to pursue a nursing degree. I earned my CNA certification last spring so that I may have the opportunity to work with patients while I’m working toward becoming an RN. I started school at SMCC this past fall and successfully completed my nursing prerequisites and requirements. This week begins a new semester for which I am excited. I am hoping to transfer to a university in the fall so I can start working toward my bachelor’s degree.

Brent got a job with Olan Mills church directories last spring which requires him to travel. When he has a full schedule he’s out of town five days a week, and we all miss him. Hayley started kindergarten in September, so all the girls are now in school. It was very strange (and lonely) to have them all gone during the day. Of course I took the opportunity to do my school work without any distractions.

Our family has enjoyed such activities as visiting lighthouses, exploring the rocky coast, playing and basking on sandy beaches, swimming in the ocean (only in the summer), reading at the library and bookstore, and playing card games. We always enjoy our time together. Brent and I have occasionally had the opportunity to spend time alone together. Our “dates” to the bookstore, the library, the cafe, and the coast have always been quality time well spent, usually reading and talking. I look forward to continuing our favorite activities in the coming year. I love to go camping on the coast again. We have also decided to start a Saturday family night so that we can bond and reconnect with each other every week.

We are excited to be starting out the new year with new identities–well, the girls and I anyway. We have decided to change our last names. I will take back my maiden name, Uhler, because that is who I am. The girls will change their last name to Danler, as it is a combination of Brent and my family names; it connects them to each other, and to both of us. We are excited for this change and hope that the girls never acquiesce to changing their last name (if they are to ever get married) and give up their identity.

Festibond, or December family tradition, has been a wonderful success. The feelings of love and closeness among us were solidified, and we all had fun. I look forward to the next one; in fact we are considering adding a June Festibond. And why not? You can never have too much family bonding.

We went to breakfast at our favorite breakfast place, Eggspectation. It the past the girls always ordered chocolate chip pancakes, but Skye’s and Jenna’s tastes have matured to scrambled eggs and some form of pork. Despite the many beverage choices of milk, chocolate milk, hot chocolate, and various juices, the girls all ordered water to drink. As Hayley would say, “water’s healfy.”

Skye enjoyed her scrambled eggs and sausage

I loved Brent’s idea of putting each of our letters to each other in booklets. Each family member now has their own Festibond book containing the special letters to them from each of the other family members. Brent did an awesome job designing them, and they’ll be treasured for years to come.

We never asked the girls what they wanted for Festibond. Instead I asked each of them what they wanted to give to each other. With Brent and my guidance they each thoughtfully chose a gift for their other two sisters. They took turns reading their letters to each of us and passing out their gift. I loved seeing their excitement as they read their sweet, meaningful letters and watched the recipient open their gift. After each letter was read and each gift opened, the giver and recipient would hug.

Hayley gave Jenna a gift card to Borders

Jenna loves attention if it's not too much

Skye gave us a keepsake box with photos of her in the lid

Ever since I made these triple chocolate chunk cookies many moons ago, Hayley has been asking to help me make them again. I purchased the ingredients and we made them together on Festibond. She loves to help cook and bake. She is a great helper, and we enjoyed our time together.

I made homemade macaroni and cheese for dinner

Skye has been making good use of the wristwatch Hayley gave her for Festibond. It is not digital, so she has to read the hands. She set it to be a minute ahead so that she won’t be late for anything. Every few minutes she would announce the time. She’s been keeping us up to date ever since.

We played some exciting games of UNO H2O and UNO Rummy Up as a family. We ate treats, drank eggnog, and laughed a lot. I always enjoy time spent with my wonderful family. And Festibond–a festival of bonding–is the perfect opportunity for that.

Kirsten Uhler

We did it! We made it to lucky number thirteen. I really hate to celebrate an institution for which I have so much disdain. However, any excuse to celebrate you and us is good enough for me.

I love you, Babe. You make my world go ’round. You’re sexy and smart and funny. You’re the best mom on the planet and a damn good lover.

You complete me. I look forward to the next year together, and I cherish the hours, minutes and seconds.

Cheers.

You go girl. I love you, Kir.

She also aced (100%) every category of the math portion of the Nurse Entrance Test (NET) and earned a composite score on the entire exam that puts her in the 96th percentile of the nation! Hooray!

I think she deserves lunch at Gilbert’s Chowder House, at least. ;)