{Nuisance}

Last year when I was Christmas shopping with my Grandma we came across a pair of goggles in a kitchen store. What the heck are these doing in a high end kitchen store I thought? When I got real close they read, "Onion goggles- $19.99." Months had gone by and I continued to cry and cry when cutting onions (more than the usual tearing up, I'm talking Multnomah Falls). But then, three or so months ago I remembered the cool "invention." I got my Speedo goggles out of my swim bag and I've been happy since. Hideously ugly, but tear free!

{ I Heart Christmas}

My heart is beating to the tune of jingle bells. Please do not take my excitement for Christmas as a sign that I am not thankful for Thanksgiving. I am thankful for each day I have on this earth to better myself.

*It's almost time to open the advent calendar!

{Ducks in a row}

Today I met with the advisor at school and she confirmed I only have one term left to register for (Spring). I need to turn in my graduation petition by January 9th! Woo-hoo!!!

The Earth

A funny blurb from our car ride to school today.

Maisey: "Mom, it's really raining!"

Me: "Yeah, You need your umbrella for sure!"

Maisey: "No Mom, I like the earth and I don't want to hurt the rains feelings. Plus, the rain does lots of good things like water the...!"

Me (thinking): Is she going to be a tree hugger or just conservative with her resources?

Rejoice for Me!

I am so happy and relieved this morning. After a long night of anticipation for this mornings registration time, I was able to get the classes I wanted for next term. The best part is, 2 of them are online! There were only 4 classes available online that fit into my major and the first one I tried was full. I was so nervous because Seniors register after Masters students and I was thought they would fill the 'web' classes. Majority of the time online classes are full before I even get to register. I am so thankful for how things always work out- even if I didn't love my classes this term!

I only have Winter and Spring to go. Winter term, like all the others will be very busy. However, life will be easier since I have the flexibility to learn and study on my terms! There are cons to online classes- they cost more $ and they actually take more time (from my experience). You wouldn't think they would consume more time but instead of sitting in class lecture for 4 hours, you have to make up for that, plus the 2 hour study rule per a credit (which is fluid and is really gaged on the class and person).

What will I be doing aside from those 2 online classes- a community research project (volunteer work). In order to graduate Portland State requires students to spend one term in a community project. Most of them involve research and program implementation in the community. PSU wants to give back and the beneficiaries must be so thankful because it is a great help to them. Now, I am not 'promoting ' the program enthusiastically. Amongst the 15 or so projects you can choose from, nearly all are quite liberal and a little different. However, I am excited I will be doing mine with the older population (seniors). It is called 'Linking Generations.' I am very excited because I have had many great friendships with older people, my grandparents especially, and also with previous jobs I've had.

Oh what a relief, I only have to register 1 more time and I only have 27 credits to go! Many burdens have just be lifted. Once again, I feel so blessed that I have the stamina to 'endure to the end.'

Investiture

Maisey is an 'official' Daisy Scout now. Last Thursday she recited the Girl Scout Promise and was presented with her Daisy Scout Pin. I think this is such a great program and we are so excited for her. She loves service projects, and in large groups with chatty girls especially. Because she can tie now, last week she was the designated knot tier for the big fleece blankets they made for a Linus project. She had so much fun and is still so proud of herself that she can tie things. If you need your shoes tied, just flatter her by asking for help. She's been able to help many kids at school, even big kids!

A Whole New World

+
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and more of

Enough said.

{3 Strikes}

I have been sick 3 times already in the past 6 weeks since school began! I'm not just talking about a little sniffle either. I've got the scratchy throat, sinus pressure, and nose issues. Do you have any recommendations that don't include more rest or anything that involves more time for that matter? I HATE anything you have to drink- those things like E-mergency that claim to prevent the cold from coming on in the first place. I do need a boost however of some kind. I feel like such an idiot because each time I thought it was an allergy or sinus infection- non-infectious! And I want to be a nurse... I really didn't think I had a cold because for several days I sneezed and due to the fact that I just got over a cold, and another! I really am apologetic if I exposed you to any of my germs. As of right now, Maisey is following my suit (slightly, but unfortunately) and the boys have just been symptom free and healthy- luckily!

{First}

This was the first year our family dressed up as a theme and it was Ryley's first Halloween. Maisey wanted to be a witch last year but she changed her mind and I ended up returning her costume... However, this year she decided to go for it and be the meanest greenest witch around. Recently after viewing The Wizard of Oz, she decided to assign us our costumes too! It was more fun than I thought it would be and we were able to pull it together will very little money. We are already thinking about next year... And, judging by the rash on Maisey's face, it won't be something involving face paint. We spent the Halloween evening with many of the Guenther's at the Stone's (Chad's cousin's house). Chad and Marlissa are both obsessed (NO joke) with Halloween and they would love to own a Halloween business. In the meantime, Marlissa spends each year going all-out making sure EVERYBODY has a good time. Pictured below you will see all the cousins.
This year the Stone's chose a pirate theme. Marlissa loves a party and a good scare. She and Chad always plot out strategies to scare. After Chad played the scarecrow, he suited up as a dead pirate and lied on the porch (looking like one of the many props) so he could grab people's legs and scare them. Collage Left to right:

Row 1: Ryley and Aunt Carey, Cousin Marlissa (the hostest with the mostest), Cousin Ruby (Herminy) and Aunt Jill (Herminy's mother).

Row 2: Cousins Ruby, Miranda, and Peyton (a gum ball machine), Candy Corn sisters Michelle and Miranda, Maisey's stash.

Row 3: Maisey displaying her ripped candy bag- a sure sign she did well, a small view of the doorway (it does no justice this wrap-a-round porch which was decked out with chainsaws, headless people, etc,...), and Cousin Ruby looking brain washed in the cage.

Trunk or Treat at the church.

The tired Guard

We found Glenda the good witch!
Scooby Scooby Doo, Where are You (Matt, Wendy, and Bryce)?
Scooby Doo's trunk won the contest! But,
there should have been two winners because The Williams' trunk was awesome!
Ryley had a relaxing first Halloween. The rain kept away and we were all content.
Until next year, "Happy Ween" (a term Maisey coined her first year trick-or-treating)!

{Finicky}

Tomorrow is Halloween and Maisey has opted out on participating in the class parade which will travel throughout the school. The school rule is that the children must wear their costume over their clothing, and only wear it during the parade. Because they aren't permitted to wear them all day, there was no way I was going to paint her face up, but I still encouraged her to join in. She turned my pleas down and when I asked her why, her explanation was "I just don't like the style!" She thinks it's ridiculous to wear clothing under the already perfect apparel she has in mind.

This past week a friend of mine commented saying, "Ryley is pretty finicky isn't he?" Yes, this is true and he is no different than Maisey. At times we recognize his pleasant differences such as the fact that he will lay in a crib and nod off to sleep within a few short minutes (as opposed to Maisey who never slept in a crib). However, in most instances we realize these kids know exactly what they want and when they want it! Sure there are moment they can seem demanding, frustrating, uncooperative, stubborn, (and on and on) but hopefully they will stand up for themselves throughout their lives and be who they really are.

More to Come

In the near future look for more! I am the least photogenic person in the WORLD and no matter how cute my family is, they can't help me. I ruin almost every picture. But, this photographer http://courtneybphotography.blogspot.com/ is wonderful and I think we got ourselves a Christmas card somewhere out of the 300+ shots.

Tied Up

This past week we were "tied" up with new things. Maisey started Girl Scouts (she is a Daisy Scout) and she also learned to tie her shoes (during stake conference)! I was beginning to wonder when she would ever learn to tie her shoes, because aside from her soccer cleats and basketball shoes, she doesn't wear or own any others. Shoes that tie just aren't the "in" style right now! Although we have frustrating moments because of her strong willed spirit, I do have so much watching her grow and being there along the way.

Pumpkin Carving

My husband LOVES to carve pumpkins (he got himself two this year)! And me, not so much. I enjoy it some but it sure wasn't fun trying to explain again and again to Maisey that 5 year-olds aren't quite big enough to use big knives, to cut into their big pumpkins, and so on. So, I don't really enjoy doing two pumpkins (Maisey's and mine), and I especially don't enjoy the power struggles. But, we did get our pumpkins carved and lit! We did have fun, and as usual, they turned out pretty satisfactory. Chad used a pattern as he poked out the design, but then he couldn't make sense of all the dots so he went with what he could see. We decided Frankenstein has a bad case of acne! Maisey named her pumpkin Casper. She loved helping me drill holes around my branches with Dad's electric drill. Now all we have to do is remember to light them (we forgot last night)!
I found this cute idea on the Dining as a Domestic Goddess website (found in my favorites). You make the treats as usual, except you add orange dye to the marshmallows before packing them into the pan (or bowl in this case- for the pumpkin shape). Next, refrigerate for a couple hours, extract from bowl, and add a little frosting to garnish the Jack 'O' Lantern. He's ready to eat!

Old Town

Last Thursday night my mom and Grandpa took us out to dinner at Old Town Pizza in the Pearl District. The pizza place was built back in 1880 as a hotel. It is said to be haunted and Maisey (although we didn't tell her), was freaked out by it. She didn't want to stay for dinner and she said next time she wanted to stay home. The building stands above the Shanghai Tunnels and at night was a little spooky. Most of the tables were only lit by a little tea light but we managed to find a semi-lit spot to eat under the since Maisey didn't like the darkness. This establishment was featured on The Food Network (Rachel Ray paid it a visit) and Jay Leno also ate there and talked it up. Find out more http://www.oldtownpizza.com/.

TOFW

Last Saturday I went to my first (and certainly not my last) Time Out For Women. I only stayed half the day (until lunch) because I am gone enough during the week at school, but I was still glad I went. If you're wondering what TOFW is, it is a two day presentation put on by Desert Book and it is so uplifting. Want to know more, check out http://deseretbook.com/time-out/about . The hours were filled with music and wonderful presentations from hilarious and moving speakers (I LOVE Emily Watts)! It was nice to attend it with new friends from our Beaverton ward and to see old friends from the Hood River Ward. One presenter spoke about pain and heartache, and it was rejuvenating. Our trials were analogized to a wheel, which isn't unfamiliar to me. In philosophy I'd heard about "the wheel of suffering" and again it was being used to demonstrate life and the ups and downs that come with it. It is nice to know that if we are at the bottom of the wheel and we are struggling, eventually things will turn around and we will see the top again. The concepts and information presented wasn't new my any means, but it was a big boost to my outlook on life- something I needed right now.

Let's Talk About...

... teeth. Teeth seem to be the focus around here lately and I am beginning to think Maisey might become a Dentist. Ryley has 3 bottom teeth coming in all at once (however, only one has pushed through, the others are visible). I cannot for the life of me keep Maisey's fingers out of his mouth! If her fingers aren't on his teeth, you can probably bet she's touching her own. Several times a week she comes to me asking me to feel her "loose" tooth and then I have to break the news to her that she doesn't have any. She is so obsessed with teeth she begs us to let her brush our teeth. I always turn her down but I know her Dad has given in a time or two. I guess she really wants us to maintain a white smile. I wonder when she will notice I need braces... For now I think she still believes I lost a tooth, when really she has the same inherited gap. Sorry Mais, I will get you braces, after I get mine!

Relieved...

I am relieved that during this last family visit with "Grandma Eugene" and Aunt Erin Ryley was cooperative. He was more than cooperative, he was his super charming self- full of smiles. My mom had a conference up here in Portland for three days and since there was no school on Friday, she brought my sister. I didn't realize they hadn't seen the kids since the first weekend in August and boy was everyone missing each other during that time. We're sorry that time and travel hasn't been on our side because we really miss Grandpa and Uncle Chase too but we look forward to seeing them soon.

I think Ryley is gradually getting better and I only hope he isn't timid for long. Maisey was the same way (except we never tried leaving her anywhere until 18 months or let anyone hold her really), and obviously she came out of that phase independent and securely attached. She was so "shy" until 3 and like Ryley, would not smile for anyone or show her "true" colors. Ryley will even let other babies look at him now and he tried to touch one on Sunday in the Mother's room... Now that's progress.

* We were so caught up in catching up this visit that I forgot to take pictures.

Happy Birthday

A couple of us girls just celebrated Kristy's birthday (last week) and Jamie's birthday (at the end of the month) over lunch. Ciara (not pictured) coordinated a "lunch date" in conjunction with my school schedule which was super cool. Everyone has been so busy with school (we have six girls between us and four boys) that we haven't been able to catch up or see each other in a group lately. It was a nice afternoon of much needed adult conversation (despite all the little giggles from our girly's in the background) and we wish Kristy and Jamie a Happy Birthday and a Happy Year!

Jamie, Me, Kristy, and Melissa (and Clark)

Doing My Part

Nearly two weeks ago I switched to cloth diapers. I tried them when Maisey was a newborn (diaper service was a much appreciated gift from my in-laws), but I didn't have much success with the wraps and all. However, a couple of friends, the environment, and the economy, all inspired me to try them again. So far, it hasn't been bad at all. If Ryley gets the flu or something, my story may change, and during those times you may catch me using disposables. I have to use the diapers for at least four months to "break even" and hopefully we will want to use them through his first birthday. I read many reviews and these "Bumpkins" all in-one's are great! Chad really appreciates not having to take the time to fold them since Ryley is beginning to squirm more when he's at the changing station! We bought two six packs through non other than Costco. Who knew they sold cloth diapers (online that is) for a major diaper company.

We have the "boy" prints on the bottom... Aren't they cute?

6 Months and Well Child Exams

Can you believe this little boy already passed his six month marker! I still feel like I had him yesterday (and look like it), but that is not the case! Time really does fly... I really don't get excited (ever) about well child exams. I don't like being there holding the kids down for shots, it breaks my heart. Ryley got the usual four injections and one oral this last visit so he's sportin' Tas Manian Devil band aids. On top of shots I always get concerned about what percentile they are in and for what. Ryley dropped to the 5th percentile for weight this time but I'm not too worried because Maisey was also a tiny little gal. Now I worry about her and the other extreme; it's just as hard.

Ryley just tried baby cereal for the first time yesterday and liked it, as he does his other foods. Hopefully, he will do me a little favor and make me look good by gaining some weight before his next month visit when he will get another dose of the flu shot. If not, I will stick to my story, my babes eat what they need to sustain them and not much more-despite their frequent newborn-like eating patterns.

Everything

What have we been up to you ask? Everything. I haven't been able to blog much because there aren't enough hours in a day. I know it sad, I don't even have 30 minutes to unwind and veg. out. I wish I could say that we were so busy having nothing but fun, but that would be a lie. Between kindergarten, Maisey's homework, my full-time school schedule (particularly my two Neuroscience classes that are keeping my overstimulated as if I'm not already thinking enough), soccer, Chad working evenings, housework, errands, and everything in the middle, we are trying to keep our "heads above the water"!

My sister in-law gave this sign to me one year as a gift and it adorns our laundry area. It was a nice thought but I hope I never remember these days. In fact I'm trying to forget them already.

What keeps me going?

Faith, Family, and Friends!

Christmas and Goundhog Day

Maybe you've heard me say it again and again, but my life feels like the movie Groundhog Day. Now, I haven't seen the movie but for some reason or another I know the same day happens again and again. In our life, other than Saturday's that change according to who's having what, each Monday is the same around here, and Tuesday, and so forth. So, when I plan the calendar, instead of the repetition of writing the same things over and over, I have turned to the "Highlighter Method". Now, I only write what isn't something daily in our lives like Doctor appointments, etc... This looks pretty old school (pen and paper) and I think my overly full brain needs something electric...A palm pilot may be just what I need for Christmas. What do you think? I cannot afford one with the "depression" and all (oh, wait that is how feel about the recession) but do I at least deserve one?

Conference

I love conference weekend. I love the fact that we don't have to go anywhere, and that we can look as horrible as can be. All I do is shower and relax. I think I sit on my couch more those weekends than I do in a whole month!

During the break(s) Maisey entertained us! *I now know you cannot film with a vertical lens.

And Ryley, well he was the most entertained when the choir sang.

Halloween Fun

Peyton and Colby stayed the night over the weekend and we took advantage of the night and turned into a Halloween "party". OK, so I wouldn't exactly call it a party, but the kids always have a blast together. They get along great and always enjoy each others company.

For the first time we made our own candy! I'm exaggerating with the word "made" because all we did was melt and mold chocolate into suckers. Despite the level of difficulty (there wasn't any), we had fun and I will definitely be making some fun festive treats from now on.
The kids did their 'usual' thing. They spent some time painting festive and spooky (see Colby below) wood cut outs. *I really should invest in an electric saw since we consume and overly abundant amount of these tacky little things!

We topped the night off with a scary flick, Mary Kate and Ashley's Halloween movie. You heard it, we own all of their cheesy little movies!

Fall Treats

I've always wanted to make Carmel apples and I finally did it. My Dad just loves them and I wished I could have taken the three hour drive just to give him one. My niece and nephew were coming over for the evening and I like to try new things when they're here to keep things fun.
Colby got really excited when the apple wiggled him his second baby tooth!

Peyton (such a sweet little helper) loves to get her hands in and try anything new- especially hair do's.

Maisey just likes the camera- and the sweetness of the treat of course.

What an fun, easy, FHE treat that everyone could help with!

5th Annual Guenther Oktoberfest

We left Dufur to head to the Guenther family Oktoberfest. Everybody had fun and the weather was especially kind as it held the rain back. There were a couple of games and contests going on at all times which mixed things up a little. Every year there is more and more and Maisey always spends much of her time at the kids craft table. You can come mingle, eat German food (i.e, brats, pretzels, German salads, dessert), dance, or play games. This year Maisey and Ruby both tied the kids "Yodelling" contest... I didn't think she would do it but she does love the stage and any microphone she can get her hands on!I did such a horrible job remembering to take pictures! This year we didn't get any group photos of the Guenther family. Being out there with Ryley-boy changed things up a little since I left the party to feed him and meet his needs, but at least I got a couple pictures of the kids.

Here is a video of Maisey warming up before the crowd got out there to dance. As the night goes on, more and more people dance.

We had another great year and we hope the family understood that we were on "baby" time. We weren't much help (or any) and we came as guests.

The Sorenson's

This past weekend before settling in Hood River we passed on through to Dufur to spend a night with our best family friends, The Sorenson's. We hardly get to see each other these days with our busy schedules and the 2+ hour drive, but we sure enjoy hanging out when we do. The kids sure grow a lot between visits and so it makes our visits seem even more spread out. However, through blogging, e-mail and cheap long distance rates, we can still talk daily (which our schedules don't hardly permit anymore) and time never feels like it is passing by as quickly as it really is.

We had a great time eating all of the fresh food from their garden, or Paul's garden. Since they moved out to the country Paul has become more and more "Organic". He grows many, many things in their BIG, big garden. He made us calzones for dinner after making his own pizza sauce (all from the garden), we stuffed them with their fresh basil, broccoli, tomatoes, cilantro, green onions, and who knows what else. While we were there he also canned peach preserves and I can't wait to make them on my own next time.

Thanks for the fun visit Sorenson's! We can never get enough of you!!!

Who's Fault?

Who's fault is it really? Is it the caregivers fault who feeds the baby or the baby's when baby food manages to "travel" over every centimeter of skin and clothing? I try to be so careful and "clean-up" as I go, but this little boy still has to be changed after each feeding, even with a bib! I've had enough of the mess and I made a vow with myself to 'strip' him down before each feast in order to save on laundry and in the long run, time. Hopefully he won't become a nudest because from now on he's eating naked!