{Baptism}

Two weekends ago (I know I'm really behind), we went to Hood River and The Dalles for Paige Sorenson's baptism. Paige is the first of of Maisey's close friends to get baptised and afterwards she couldn't stop talking about it. I'm glad the weather permitted us to go (you never know this time of year) and I'm thankful for the wonderful example she sets for Maisey who just idolizes her.

It was an emotional event because I felt many of the same feelings from my own baptism. I also think that was one indication it's been way too long since we've been to one. We were spoiled in our old ward since we had a font and we were able to attend them regularly. This time I hope we don't have to go another 18 months before we attend one.

I also couldn't get over how quickly she grew! Jenny and I get scared more and more each day with our girls and lucky for me Paige is first,and then Madeline. Madeline is 9 months older than Maisey and she has 2 boys under 3 so I've got my built in crisis line when and if I need it.

Someday these two girls will be as big as these girls.

****

Paige after her baptism.
Everything was sweet- just like this cake.

Ryley

In a couple days Ryley will be 10 months! I can't believe the time has gone by so quickly. He brings so much joy to our home and we are excited about each new day and the new things he will be learning and demonstrating. It feels like we 'skipped' much of the infancy stage around here because he was such a different baby than Maisey was.

• She slept in our bed until she was five- he only comes in for an occasional mid-night cuddle!

• She breastfed for nearly two years- he never-EVER liked it!

Just today I made the decision to let it go... This is the first day I haven't pumped in almost ten months; for some strange reason I'm sad. I guess it's because he didn't need me in the same way Maisey needed me. *Now all you psychiatrists/sociologists out there don't go labeling me!

We did everything we could to meet Maisey's needs. We were hardly ever apart. Although it seemed demanding at times, I felt like I was being the best parent I could. I relished all my time for reasons like today: when you know your baby is suddenly more independent than you want him/her to be. We just waited so long to have this little guy, I wanted things to last longer. I don't think we will be having too many babies so I've really got to treasure the time I have when they're little.

Now on to the 10 month (almost) post!Ryley loves food. He is eating more than his sister ate, and a wider variety of foods, than his sister ate at 18 months.

He such a healthy little eater. His faves are: Avocados, diced cooked carrots, green beans, cottage cheese, yogurt, pretty much anything you can name.

He loves playing with his big sister!

She hauls him from room to room and pulls him around the house on his Tonka truck.
He is such a big helper, and so independent he can even un-dress him self!

He is your typical sensitive baby.
He is determined.

He loves to pretend he's more developed.

He doesn't crawl yet, and we're not sure when that will be. However, somehow he still makes his way into the middle of everything (especially Polly Pockets), by twisting , rolling, and scooting. I call him Inspector Gadget because he can reach anything.

As we were playing tonight I realized I'm actually thankful because he has bought us some time. Everyday he reminds me I need to baby proof more and more.

Maisey walked at 8 1/2 months and Chad's wishful thinking for Ryley hasn't shone through. I always catch Chad posing Ryley in front of the walker push toy as he moves his feet for him like a puppet. It developmental honey, not something picked up from conditioning.

At his 9 month doctor appointment he:

Gained enough weight to put him in the %1o percentile

He stayed with his growth pattern for %50 percentile for height

Then and now he loves to:

• Give kisses.
• Clap his hands and play "patty-cake."
• Be sang to.
• Continues to cry for anyone other than Mom, Dad, or sister.

{Cookie Time}

Yes, it's that time of year. The Girl Scouts are selling cookies! If you're interested let me know and I will send a cute little sales girl your way.My faves-$4 a box

The girls are raising money for their troop. They are going to do something with the money that will make the world a better place like plant trees and flowers.

{MUST READ)

Even if you are well aware and outraged about the Consumer Product Safety Act and the devastating impact it will have on tons of people, you have to read this post!

I am so ticked off...

{Catch Up}

School started on Monday and my hands have been tied with work, family, fun, and work... 16 credits is going to kick my butt (or bottom as Maisey would correct me), but it will be over soon. I need tons of help right now and I'm thankful Chad is such a wonderful helper. If I wasn't such a clean freak! He gets mad because I won't let him do it...

For dinners I've been using a new crock pot cookbook I got for Christmas (which I love) and now I need to just figure out some one pot meals. So far I've made several great main dishes and I just have to do the sides.

Since things are busy I will try my best to stay on top of my "game" and find that balance I've always relished in.

{Quatama Pride}

On Friday night Maisey's school had a New Year open house. She had a blast jumping on the inflatable, getting her hair painted in stripes with the school colors, receiving a fake tattoo (which she had for an hour- I really hate those ugly things), eating cotton candy, and watching The Top Notch Cheerleaders (ages ranging from 6 to 13). It was probably the coolest school function I've been to, but then again I love watching little kids perform.

An awesome clown (who's face happens to be partially covered in this photo) tied the kids balloons.
Maisey's got Coyote Pride.
The worldly but "cool" hair color.

She wanted to jump and slide all night with her friend Sammy but since "Pump It Up" (see posts down) was the next day, we made her leave the gym and mingle.

{Is it working?}

I got these new window panels for Christmas (they are blue in case it's hard to tell0 and I'm still not sure if they're working with the rest of the room... I love the shine and the rod. I think they're Shabby Chic.
But does it go with the linens?

What do you think? Please, let me know so I can iron the darn things.

{Saturday Continued}

On Saturday after the birthday party we had a "party" of our own. It wasn't really much of a party (especially to me since I only made a couple dips) but we still had a good time. It was very laid back and relaxing evening with 11 other couples (this one was without the kids) and we still missed the other 12 that were unable to make it due to prior engagements, the lingering winter ailments, and childcare arrangements. Maybe next time...

Living in the city hasn't proven to be too bad since we benefit from the amenity of a full size kitchen and other entertaining spaces at our clubhouse.

{Pump IT Up}

On Saturday our nephew had his millionth birthday party at the BIG Pump It Up (it's located near Allen in case you didn't know it existed). He really only turned 6 but he has celebrated many of his birthday's there, along with his sister who's birthday is in March. For me it's like Deja vu all over only the kids get bigger and bigger in the pictures.

I think Chad loves getting the invite as much as the kids do.

The bunch.

Ready, set, go!
The rush after the big slide.
Ryley (in motion) even enjoyed the excitement or fear of the big slides.

It was another great celebration- Guenther style!

{Finally- Our New Year}

This post is certainly out of order but to special to be forgotten! New Year's Eve is always relaxing and uneventful, yet special. This New Years Eve marked our 3 year Temple Sealing. We consider the date to be our anniversary and we will never forget it.

To celebrate we went and visited Pittock Mansion. Oh, how amazing! I loved it! Many people don't know that at Christmas it is extra unique since it is full decked out in colors of the season. I love architecture and decor (note: my own style is not a reflection of what I truly admire) so it was two beautiful things in one- and everywhere! There were Christmas trees in almost every room and every one of these pictures is a different one.

Later that night we spent a couple quiet hours with 2 other couples and retired shortly after 12am. Which is kind of funny because that is early on a normal night for us but we were spent. Maisey made it to the New Year as we ended 2008 watching new flicks we got for Christmas. Last year ended peacefully and the new year began the same. Let's hope it's a good, prosperous one!

{Celebration: Wii love our Wii Fit}

Chad got a Wii fit from his folks for Christmas (he really wants to make it into his wetsuit this summer). I never would have thought I would want one too. But, I LOVE it! I think I am going to apply for a sales rep position with Nintendo- after the results shine through that is! We are really getting a workout on this thing and anyone who is curious (if you can brave the results of your balance test and BMI, should come have a try), you'll want one too!Here I am getting ready for another round of aerobics- it's my forte- hula hopping is not however! (That is Paul Sorenson in the background- he loves Triathlons! Crazy guy, I guess he's my motivation).

***********************

We had a wonderful Christmas dinner (ham, fancy jello and green salad, fattening sodium filled potatoes) for lunch yesterday and we are so thankful for the time we have together with family. I also made my first ever, and certainly not last, apple cobbler... It was perfect since I hate pies all because of the detail and delicacy of the crust!

*(I will post that on the recipe blog)
Ryley loved his musical activity table and hopefully he will have the desire to stand and use it!

Our holiday couldn't have been any better.

{Going for a record}

Ryley will be 9 months tomorrow and today he had his 5th haircut! It was so long, curly, and wild, and this cut has made him look too old! However, those cute curls will be back in 2 weeks and we will leave them for awhile. He hates getting haircut, or more like he hates stranger touching him, so I may have to save us all time (and money) and start cutting it myself! I do Chad's, and I've got the good professional clippers ($$$) but I don't want it buzzed until he's older. I love the texture now and I want him to look his age.

This is how sad he looked during the cut. They even asked me if he could have a sucker to quiet him- yeah right!!!

{Bowling}

Today we went bowling. I love to bowl but I am horrible. We only go every couple months, but I had really hoped the Wii bowling would have improved my skills (I guess 30 minutes a month isn't enough). Despite my record low scores, today was especially horrific. I didn't care much until these older 70 something experienced male bowlers joined in the lane next to us... Then I was plain old embarrassed! It was so packed because of winter break and I think I was too busy admiring to cool ally to focus on my game; Either that or it was Ryley and his unusually fussy demeanor because of his pestering teething. I exclaimed to one gentlemen we were there for the girl! He smiled and asked to take our picture. I hesitated because I am camera phobic but I appreciated the gesture and he snapped away. Maisey won't remember my score only the fact that I let her buy purple Skittles from a vending machine (a rare occurrence in this household).

Sunset Lanes is the nicest ally I've ever been too and I'm trying to tune out the fact that it may be cheaper somewhere else where they don't have comfortable sofa-style coaches for seating, flat screens, and ramps for the little kiddies to launch there balls down.

Maisey beat me out and next time I'm sticking with bumpers!

{Our Christmas}

We headed out Monday in the crazy weather only to make it down I-5 before they closed it for cleanup! It was a dreadful drive (we didn't exceed 20 mph but managed to fish tail across all three lanes) and I would never do it again- it was full of excitement, or fear to say the least. We arrived safely and the fun with family began.

We spent Christmas eve at my Grandpa's and Grandma's house ( a life long tradition) and we spent Christmas Day with my parents. After the big eve with all the Clark's (28 of us), Christmas morning gifts from Santa, and Christmas Day gifts from my parents, we have had our fill of Christmas. The kids got way too much stuff and we informed Maisey that she won't be getting any gifts on her birthday in 6 months- from us anyway (no joke)!

*I went to town deleting pictures too soon and so some are missing, but below you can see a recap of our holiday. As always, it was magical and we hope yours was too!

This is one stretch of magic from my Grandma's Christmas collection!

She has many, many, many Dickens villages and some are pictured in this post but I deleted the whole village from her third room. One reason I love Christmas in Eugene is because of all these beautiful decorations!

Now we can't wait until next year! We came home Saturday and since then the house has been stripped of it's festive decorations. It looks like we're moving and I am trying not to think about how quickly the holiday came and went... I seriously get depressed when Christmas ends. You won't find any more Christmas movies playing or hear the 6+ hours of seasonal music coming from our radio; it's time to get ready for spring! And after the snow, I think I'm OK with that.

{Passing Time}

It may not be the most beautiful Gingerbread House you've ever seen, but it sure helped us pass the time away during the "big" snow on 12/20! We were going to forgo this "art" project this year, but when the snow didn't let up, I thought helping Maisey make another one of these might not be so bad!

This year Maisey did all of the decorating herself-except the frosting!

{One Week}

Today's weather makes it 1 whole week off of school, and 1 whole week to make-up! I had no idea snow days had to be made up but apparently this missed week will be tacked on to the end of the year! Hopefully not interfering with travel plans...

We have enjoyed the days off, trapped inside half the time. We played many games, one new game in particular called Ned's Head. The game is for the senses and the object is to feel around inside Ned's head through his nostrils or ear and pull out disgusting things that are on your game card like Ned's lunch (vomit), a dirty diaper, a dirty q-tip w/wax, etc,... Maisey loves it and she deserved it since she has been sleeping in her bed a whole week now!

Her daddy was willing as usual to help her get through this stage so he camped out on an air mattress for 3 nights... I think he liked being out of our room because he wasn't disturbed by Ryley's waking schedule. After a couple nights she said she could do it on her own and she has. Unfortunately, she still wakes and comes into our room at least once a night and we have to tuck her back in, but again, it's progress!

{One Thing}

Do you remember the corner Maisey "backed me into" when she only asked Santa for one thing last year? Before hand I pleaded with her to ask for a couple things so Santa would have wiggle room... Well, this year, again, she only asked for one thing. Luckily, Oma and Opa bought her that gift and so she will be pleasantly surprised when she opens it after Christmas. She did remind me however, as she cupped her mouth immediately following her visit, "Remember I still have that list though" with a big smile on her face! She said she didn't have time to tell him anything else (there were only 2 people in line including us), but I think she is just so delighted to be in his presence, she forgets about her requests (I don't have any complaints about that).

Ryley wasn't digging Santa, but the picture was worth it!

{Tradition}

A couple holidays a year (Valentines Day, Easter, Halloween and Christmas) I make sugar cookies for us (and friends) to decorate. It all started with Christmas cookies a couple years back when we lived 3 hours away from my family. My Grandma has hosted a cookie decorating "party" every year of my life (with all of her 9 grandchildren) for as long as I can remember- it's tradition. Now, as much as I hate making the cookies, I like the fun of watching the kids decorate them with ample amounts of frosting and sprinkles. This year Maisey spent a good hour plus on hers... She is pretty meticulous with her creations.

83 regular size sugar cookie and I don't remember how many mini cookies Maisey made!

We missed our little sick friends that couldn't make it and we will catch them another time... Tis the season!

Metal cookie cutters are also great for cutting out sandwiches, other food, and play dough!

We love this season!

{Blogger Blogger What Do You See...}

I see Rachel's 200th post looking at me! According to my computer, this is my 2ooth post (I'm not sure if that counts the 5 or so I've deleted) and it would have fallen on my 1 year blogging anniversary (Saturday), but the time slipped away from me. Since Christmas break started on Friday (for me that is) we've been busy with some seasonal Christmas activities such as:

-A babysitting swap so our friends could go to the temple.

-Had pizza for dinner. Pizza is every one's favorite food in the Guenther house (and I can cook)! Growing up we had pizza every Friday and we (along with many other friends who do the same) have tried to keep this tradition (unless we can't wait until Friday and we get "off" schedule).

-Baked and baked all the way till Sunday. We made Peppermint tarts, 59 Peanut Butter Blossoms, and 59 Orange Drop Cookies (Chad's late Grandma's recipe).

-Strung popcorn garland for the first time.

-Went to a wonderful Christmas pageant put on by our ward. Maisey ( a real stage lover) was bummed she wasn't in it since her friend Sage was, but I told her maybe next time. I guess the might be the "Thespian" of the family!

-Contracted another nasty cold therefore only Maisey and Chad played in the snow. I love to look at the snow, but as for playing in it, I am just fine with watching anyway.

-Built a fort and played in it for way too long.

-Had friends for dinner.

-Enjoyed the slow pace!

Thanks to all my viewers who make it fun!

{I wonder...}

I wonder if my children will ever sleep through the night? I have reason to be slightly impatient on this one (at least with Maisey) because she wakes up several times a night before rising at 5 am! Ryley, well, he still eats 3 x's a night and since he is mostly just bottle feeding now, we have to get up and make 3 bottles. I am a night owl (it's a good things since I have school work) and so I go to bed around 1am. Let me do the math, Ryley usually wakes up at least 3 times before 5am and two of those times (2 and 5am) are for food. "Come what may and love it" you say? I know they will only be little so long and someday I will wish I had babies again, so I will make the best of this time. But for now, I will still wonder when and if the day will come that I can get a full nights sleep!

Maisey does 360's half the night before coming in and crashing on our floor- a bad habit we are trying to break over my Christmas vacation!

*The kids do go to bed by 7pm and I've tried putting them to bed later so they would wake later but they are like little alarm clocks.

{Where's the Merry?}

A couple of nights ago we went in search of festive home lights and lawn decor for this special season... However, we struck out (as we did last year)! I guess we will have to wait until we get to Eugene since they have the best neighborhoods for lights I've ever seen!

{$20.00}

Upon finishing my last fall final on Thursday I made out a check to my school... Let me just say it was the best check I've ever written (thus far anyway). Twenty dollars is what it costs to file your graduation petition at PSU and mine has now been submitted!

{No Sew}

You too can make this easy no sew tutu! Of course this is another homemade Christmas gift. They are so cheap on the wallet, which makes it more than practical during these rough times! I used about 7 yards of fabric ($1.49 a yard), but I had 50% off Joanne's coupons from my e-mail. If you want it really full, use at least 5 yards for your ballerina! I use to sew these things and it was not fun... So much bunching and so much work! Mix it up for the holidays (my favorite was for a 4th of July parade once, in red, white, and navy) and get ready for birthday parties to come! Just be sure you have chatty company or a good flick!

{Zoolights 2008}

Last night for FHE we went to Oregon Zoo with four other families. The temperature outside was perfect. We usually freeze or get rained on so it was a pleasant and welcomed change. After conning 21 people into buy train tickets, we were quite disappointed. Many of the strains of lights weren't lit, but the ride in itself is always fun if you ask me. Afterwards we took a walk around the grounds and the babies all fell off to sleep. The other children if they are like mine, probably nodded of before reaching the on ramp. It was a beautiful sight- both the peace in quiet in the car and the lights all together!

{If YOU hear about it...}

Recently, a friend an I were talking about inclusion. She told me her daughter has always lived by the saying, "If you hear about it, you're invited." I think this is a friendly way of including people (which I already try to do), so I have decided to proclaim this as my personal motto. So, if you hear about something going on, just remember these "official" words: you are always welcome!

{R.S Christmas Enrichment}

For Enrichment this month we held the traditional Christmas program and dinner. We watched the Reflections of Christ slide show (http://mabrystudios.typepad.com/reflections_of_christ/) and put on a great meal.

Ciara (the newly called R.S counselor) spruced things up by borrowing her mother-in-laws table linens from her rental company. It was so festive.

JoAnne Hadley borrowed my camera and captured some photos.

It was a great evening and we have a great committee. Thanks guys!

{What do you...}

What do you buy a girl who's had everything but still doesn't really like toys? You don't buy anything. OK so we're not really taking it that far, Santa is going to bring her some things, but I on the other hand am making her a few things.

Remember these cookies I made for Christmas?

Well, I thought they needed more so I made these to go with them.A table cloth for her little table and a cute little apron she can bake in. Little girl stuff is so cute!

{Taking it Easy}

This past couple of nights have been quite enjoyable. Because I only have one final to go, Chad and I have been able to watch a couple of movies. I have also been spending some time with my very neglected sewing machine... Oh, Christmas break is going to be so much fun!On Saturday our niece and nephew came for the day. We spent our time doing crafts, baking cookies, and playing board games. Colby and Peyton also got to feed a "real" baby- which they loved.At first Ryley wasn't sure what to make of all the extra help but he was hungry enough and so he ate.

{Spirit}

Chad's not going to let city apartment living stop him from showing his Christmas spirit. Seriously, he got the lights out 3 x's because he wanted to do more but I shut him down. When we moved here and before we knew we would have a garage we sold all of our yard reindeer and candy cane rows or else he would have those flooding the patio too!

{Classifieds: Available: Stubborn Little Girl}

I think today was one of the worst days I have had as a parent. To magnify the challenges, we were at church and so many other people behind us (I'm sure) probably witnessed the frown upon all of our faces- and ill emotions! I love Sundays. I love going to church with my family and listening to all of the lessons taught there. However, today I wanted to flee for home during the first verse of the of the first hymn! I feel so embarrassed of the feelings Chad and I had for our five year old- she really got us ticked off. I felt far from Christ-like. All I could do was rub her back and pretend (after I told her how disappointed and upset I was) I had forgotten all about it. Maisey has always, always known what she wants and so this contributing factor is nothing new. I keep trying to find the good in it and all I've been able to rationalize is that she should be successful because she is particular, stands up for herself, and knows exactly what she wants- a recipe for success right? Well, I sure hope so, but things aren't looking too promising these days.

It all started with a wedgie. Her tights were bothering her and pressing on me! She would not leave them alone, she kept pulling at them, and so I finally took them off- as they were passing the sacrament! Problem solved. Nope, not hardly. We had to leave and go sit in the primary room with the speaker on for at least 15 minutes. She wouldn't quit sighing and rolling her eyes, and complaining. Finally, I sent her back in to the pew and I went on to meet Ryley's needs. He eventually fell asleep for a 20 minute nap (which made his tiredness worse- he was cranky all afternoon) and we went back into the chapel. Chad had smoke blowing out his nostrils. He rarely gets upset but Maisey has him wrapped around her finger- and it has back fired. Our hearts ache because we are in disbelief that a child can be so demanding. She is usually very good and rarely needs a punishment, but we must be in a horrible stage! We are so worried it won't end... There are moments she is Super Nanny material but usually she minds (me at least). We do not know what to do and I am horrified when I look down the road. If a child is raised with the gospel, raised with love, and adequate, appropriate discipline, she will eventually be reasonable right? Honestly, I just don't know and all I can do is pray for our patience.

I told her I may send her to Grandpa and Grandma's (they've been asking since she was born), and as much as she loves them she does not want to go overnight. But seriously, we need a sanity break. I wouldn't ever do anything like that, against her will, but I sure wish she liked stay overnight with family! Needless to say we all stuck it out and she spent much of the time after church in her room. I hope tomorrow is a better day- it has to be.

Vocabulary

I have a love/hate kind of relationship with language. My own prolixity (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prolixity) is not half of what I hope it to someday be. Did you know to help with this very problem or aspiration you can take a vocabulary class in college? Last I knew it was lower division, but nonetheless it was a class about learning and using new words. Sometimes I think about sitting down with my old friend Dic-tionary, and seeing what we can do. But then I remember, I like to think of myself as simple, and I hardly have the time. I do however find the most joy in reading blogs such as "The Bui Bugle" and "Psych Mom" because of the highly entertaining verbiage. Maybe someday, six months from now when I don't have any text books to read, Dic and I will get reacquainted. Not that the simple art of reading for "fun" (which I've never liked to do, unless related to medical or parental subjects), wouldn't also hurt, or help! In the meantime, keep the inspiration and laughs coming Nancy and Alie!

{Christmas Pressure}

I feel so much pressure at the holidays to buy that one special gift Santa is suppose to bring. Maisey, like most kids who are five, and like most kids who watch Saturday morning cartoons, wants everything. Never mind the fact that she's had or has everything (as far as Chad and I can see), there is always more. She especially love infomercials with cheap, cheesy, and spendy toys. Back to my point, what do you think of parents like me who feel like they have to buy those special gifts? You can be honest you know. All Maisey wants this year are new dance shoes- tap and ballet. That is all she is asking Santa for. I will never forget how her request went down last year. We went to see Santa at the mall and I was building her wish list up. I told her not to ask for only one thing because he needs more ideas and he may not be able to deliver. I thought we had an understanding but I was wrong. She sat on his lap, and only gave him one request, a Cabbage Patch kid with glow in the dark hair. When she was finished I asked her why she didn't ask for more, and as sweet and polite as it may sound she said, "Mom, I didn't want to be greedy!" Things have changed this year and she longs for everything, but Santa is already done shopping. I don't know what to do... I KNOW she will be disappointed. Do you think she will still believe if he doesn't deliver? If you were five again what would you think?