{Sand in the City}

We were excited for another year of Sand in the City (click to see pictures of last years sculptures), especially Maisey since she's old enough to remember the past three years we've gone. The themes varied but we liked the featured Toy Story and Alice and Wonderland. There weren't as many sculptures this year, which was kind of nice because it was easier to walk through. While Maisey got her face painted and played in the sand, Ryley tip toed around (he wasn't keen on the crowd or the wet sand. I think he was hung up on how it got in the middle of Pioneer Place. Chad noticed the reptiles immediately and wanted to see if Ryley was as crazy about them as he is. The answer was NO! And, if I could have only caught the other faces of terror he made...

It was very crowded, so we were quite surprised when we ran into our ward missionaries (in suits), in the heart of down town!
We love this annual tradition, and if you haven't been, you should check it out next year. Along with face painting, sand playing, sculpture viewing, reptile petting, and eating, there are also other educational kid friendly booths.

Within the last couple days I've been down town and discovered (thanks to friends)

and

.

Since having children we've really just been hanging in the burbs. I have to say, Portland is weird (you know the saying, "keep Portland weird," but it's also a little fun when you take away the traffic)! I seriously planned out places I want to go with only Chad for the next five years... If only we dated more than 1 x a year!!!

{Summer Days}

The summer weeks are flying by! We've been enjoying our days swimming, playing in fountains, playing with friends, sewing baby stuff for my friends new store, and keeping up with the important things.

Video games at the Family Fun Center in Wilsonville (is he a boy or what? Just wait until he finds out my opinion of boys who play video games! We do have a Wii, but I really dislike this time waster. And, I hate TV too!!!

We are lucky to have so many awesome fountains all around us!

Boating, before my camera got wet and quit working for 4 days!
I think we have managed to "mold" Maisey a bit this summer... I couldn't be prouder of her! Since Chad and I are both neat freaks, we clean up the kids' messes before they even notice them. I made it a vow that I would put a stop to this before she got even bigger- and Chad is actually trying to let her "stand" on her own too (he's a big softy)!

This is how her day goes:

Wake

Make Bed

Eat Breakfast

Do 4 pages of school work- she's still about a year ahead and I don't want her to be part of the "summer slide!"

Spend up to an hour with media (although she's too busy to care)

Practice Piano

Eat lunch

PLAY, PLAY, PLAY (she really does a lot of this)!

I won't say EVERYDAY goes according to planned; however, she is almost completely on target at sticking to her routine!

I loved having a bit of cool weather early this week and I hope it's not too hot on Friday when I plan to be indoors sewing, and baking for Saturday's Garden Brunch!

{4th}

We spent the 4th in Eugene this year. The weather was the perfect temperature. Sometimes it is wonderful to get away from all the hustle of our everyday lives up here in the city; but I will say right now, it can be a catch 22! My kids are so use to running from one thing to the next, that they can't enjoy the down time. We (or shall I say Chad) spent TONS of time (and gas) driving Ryley around. He always wanted to go somewhere, and he wouldn't sleep until at least 11 PM every night (which led to our coming home on Sun. night- well, it was 12:30 AM) rather than MonDAY. While we were there we roasted marshmallows. *Tip: DO NOT use the BIG marshmallows for consumption. They are just too big and messy!We spent most of the 4 TH with family at a friends home (or their yard rather), before returning back to my grandparents for fire works. During fire works Maisey managed to lose a tooth and she was very excited (as usual) to cash in. However, the tooth fairy that visits this house isn't very good at tracking the rate of lost teeth. And, Maisey reminded me this morning the tooth fairy has paid less for her teeth since the first initial loss. Maisey is sharp, and now I make a vow to find out the going rate and stick with it!

What do you think is fair?We were exhausted upon coming home but we had a great time! Isn't that funny- you can be MORE tired the less you do!!!

It was great seeing the family we were able to.

{Typical}

It's typical that I put up with the hassle of growing my hair out and then I change my mind... What do you think?

My traditional a-line cut or the longer hair I'm sportin now?

{8}

Yesterday, June 29 Th was our 8 year wedding anniversary. We hope to celebrate this weekend when we're out of town, because things just weren't going our way... I had a long work day, Maisey stripped the finish off the dining room table, I contracted an eye infection which presented itself as pink eye, Maisey vomited from 11-12 PM, and the remaining events aren't worth mentioning.

However, I will mention the fact that I am married to a wonderfully patient man who puts up with me. And, he said knew he was in it for time and all eternity... He is crazy!

Valentines 2009- I dislike the camera and this is what I came up with.

{Tapper}

Maisey is the best little tapper! We are so proud of her.

{Patience}

The other day at Costco an adorable little boy I know was really testing my patience. After trying to buckle him in a cart outside the entrance, I carried him to the car, crying uncle before I even made an attempt to visit the store. I placed him back in the car so he could "do his thing." As he smiled at me while pretending to drive I decided he should be buckled up. Come on, if he was going to punish us by keeping me from entering the store, he needed to know this wasn't a game. Once I finally got him buckled up I decided I would make an attempt to physiologically soothe him (raise his blood sugar).

So, I opened a brand new bag of trail mix and before I could distribute any

I dropped the whole bag!

Rather than get huffy about it, I just took a picture. I practiced being patient and less dramatic- something I am consciously working on each day.

Ryley got the point, "Don't mess with Mom or you don't get a snack!"

{Entertainment}

Today started out with Maisey's tap dress rehearsal. She is performing on Thursday (don't get me started on the day of the week, really). She will perform in the first of 4 recitals. Since she is performing on a Thursday, rather than the usual Saturday, she will not have a big crowd of out-of-towners to cheer her on. However, Chad and I are her biggest fans, and we are probably enough!

Maisey loves to perform, and it is super fun to watch her. One reason she loves the stage is because she gets to wear mascara and red lipstick!

*The theme this year is "Think Global, Dance Local."

The music was very cool, in all different languages and styles.

This song is from Lilo and Stitch: "He Mele No Lilo."

Maisey looks a little ahead here; however, she was right on watching the back stage instructors while everyone else was slowly copying them. I am not sure how to tell her to slow down in order to fit in for the final performance.

***************************** After we ran home for a quick lunch we picked up the boys for a movie first. I really thought Ryley would sit through a movie (although he's only 26 months), but I was wrong! I am still really surprised he wasn't interested since he will watch other Toy Story movies and Cars (I do not condone media in any way, but I am not always home and Chad is)! Since this was a kid-friendly "Father's Day" outing, I spent at least half the time in the lobby watching Ryley drive car and snow mobile arcade games.

Initially he was happy to be there!

And I'm almost embarrassed to say, but I am excited for this!

{June 13, 2003}

Seven years ago after 52 hours of labor, this beautiful little girl changed my life forever...

I was elated when I found out Maisey was a girl, especially since I spent the second half of my pregnancy in denial (I made the technicians "double check" each time I had an ultrasound which averaged to be at least one a month).

Each day I give thanks because I am a mother and because I have a daughter. There are many people out there who don't experience the joys and pains that come from motherhood and I feel sad about that. Being a mother defines me- and I am proud to be in this role.

Maisey is a strong spirit, and I hope she always stands for truth and righteousness. Maisey teaches me new things every day as she enriches my life. I know she will always be a good friend and example to others. She is such a special girl!

We started our Saturday morning with a scavenger hunt in search of her big birthday gift (which we decided to give to her a day early since the weather was so gorgeous, and since her birthday falls on the Sabbath.

This is what she found- a new bike. She said she thought it was going to be an I-Pod. She really does seem years older and I have no idea what she will be "in to" when she actually is. She has never been into toys much, despite the fact she's had everything. We were out the door for a bike ride by 8 AM. It was gorgeous and we even woke the ducks up! It was a Saturday.Maisey wanted me to take this picture and capture a small fraction of the beauty at this nearby park; plus she just finished studying everything about frogs and habitats at school.A couple hours later we packed everything up, cake and all (she pleaded for a homemade cake despite the fact I wanted to buy a beautiful one), and headed to the ice skating rink. Somewhere along the way with feeding 9 little girls and 1 little boy, I failed to get group pictures. But, here are a couple of Maisey's friends.SageAaron and Ana (without Aaron's steady feet and help all the girls' would have been crying due to crushed ego's; only two girls had ever skated on their own).

Lexie, Maisey, Zoe

Maisey, Hailey, Chaney

* I failed to get pictures of Peyton, Colby, and Alexis but they are just as cute as the other kids!

So far it has been a great birthday weekend. Today we have church and Oma and Opa are coming to visit and have dinner.

{Bridging Up}

This past weekend Maisey became a "Brownie" after two years of hard Daisy work. Troop 40401 celebrated with a "Bridging Ceremony" at beautiful Rood Bridge Park. The march to the bridge.
The girls reciting the Girl Scout oath and Pledge of Allegiance.Ryley was Maisey's biggest fan. He kept running up to the girls to line up with them.

The conclusion before the fun at the park began.

We are so thankful for Maisey's dedicated troop leader. The amount of time she spends with this troop does not go unnoticed!

{first}

Today Chad took Maisey fishing for the first time. She even used her own money to buy her rod. We want her to see how fast it goes, and really, she thinks we have an endless supply (she even thinks the ATM gives it to you for free)! So, we are going to work on economics around here. Browns Camp
We also went "Shooting" for the first time! Thanks Williams' for the invite. We are lucky to have patient friends who share their talents and hobbies with us!

After 5 hours, I even have a little sunburn... Most likely a tan tomorrow!

It was a nice Memorial Day.

Today is also my Mom's birthday- so I couldn't help but think of her!

{love 'em}

Cloth covered button earrings.

{Catching Up}

It's been a whole month since I last blogged. Although everyday is busy in this house, nothing too exciting has happened. The 'big' events we've attended are without pictures.

***

Mother's Day weekend we visited with old friends on the Guenther side at THIS beautiful vineyard to celebrate the life of a good friend who passed too young. We almost got married at this vineyard back in the day and the serene beauty around us made me wish we had. But, it was about location and Dallas, Oregon is not central to anything. The kids stayed with my parents the entire day in Eugene. It was the first time we left Ryley for that long but he was having so much fun with my parents he didn't care.

***

Maisey recently went to an all day Girl Scout camp, Camp Yamhill, and we missed her tons. It's odd when a member of the family is missing.

***

Chad has been fishing again. He put this hobby on hold for many years and now he's enjoying his "Me" time. I also enjoy having alone time with the kids. Maisey just got her first pole and Chad is taking her fishing on Memorial Day.

***

As I write this post I am getting over the flu bug. It started with Maisey, then the boys, and now me. It was nice and short, although it's pattern of victimization skipped a day between. Tomorrow will make it a week since Maisey came down with it. This was Chad's 3rd time with the flu since last August. It has been rough to say the least. But, I do appreciate my great friends who always offer to help bring in dinner, run errands, and ease any burdens possible.

My friend's at hostess Adrianna's tea party. I had to miss this one but I had to post it because these ladies are so beautiful- inside and out!

***
Maisey just had teacher conferences and it was such a "Joy" to attend them as her mother. All I ever hear from other teacher/instructor like adults is, "How wonderful she is" and "What a joy it is to have her around and to teach her." Maisey loves to learn and she loves to socialize. She is truly a special girl. Right now she is working on her second science experiment before the year wraps up. This past week I took some time out to sew. I love to tinker around and I wish I could do more. Someday, when things aren't so busy (probably when I have grand kids, right?), I hope to learn more about sewing. This is what I made. The receiver of this project was actually with me when I purchased it. It is almost complete, minus the buttons on the straps. It is going to be an exterior car seat cover to block out wind and sun this summer. The circle pattern is the inside and the circle straps will be attached to the outside print. I love these textured fabric together.

{Seaside}

Last weekend- rain and all. These seals splashed a ton if you didn't feed them quick enough. I couldn't believe Chad was touching the sick "fish" food. I stood way back and warned him if he got fish water on him, he would not be riding home with us!
It was too ugly to enjoy the volley ball nets, soccer goals, and swing sets scattered about the beach (this was just one set close to downtown)!
Please think of us if you're heading that way- we need to plan some beach games!
The aquarium

Ryley called the fish every time they started swimming "his" way. It was very cute- even though I didn't capture it until he was ready to leave.

{Brave}

I thought we were brave (or stupid) to go to The Children's Museum on a Saturday when it wasn't agreeable outside. Surprisingly, aside from Ryley spending 90 minutes in the water exhibit- it wasn't too bad. Gotta love 2 year olds- and their tantrums!* For Ryley's birthday we got him a water table, and he always ends his play session with a hug fit. Here is a picture of him the other day before the tears came rolling.

His face says it all- the water is VERY cold!

{Remember}

Remember these ?

More recent generations have learned, nobody carries coins anymore. And I understand, I once told a bum I only had a Visa Check Card on me... I know, times have changed!
**I had to buy this lemonade 2 x (out of pity). Once at the grocery store and again on the sidewalk!

{not this time}

For all my "fans" who've been waiting for the news, I found out tonight that I didn't get the job. I am feeling a little discouraged, especially when I hear it often takes 15 interviews and a year to two sometimes of "in agency experience" before obtaining a job in this department. For now, I am just going to focus on being thankful for the position I have. I will have a chance to volunteer with the department I want to get in to (Alie, I always think of that story of your brother who volunteered for like a whole year unpaid doing his job, while supporting 6 kids, hopefully I'm getting some of the details right, before he was actually hired). It is almost harder being 2 nd- or 3 rd (I'm not sure which this time), than being number 1200. In the midst of all this, the very best thing is, and I mean best, is I get to see my own kiddos more! It can be hard not to think of my own kids sometimes when I'm with clients.

{semi unprepared}

Dear Bishop,

I love how you've tested us with yet another week long food storage challenge.

I even love how many of my semi-dormant fears become active when I least expect it- it is humbling.

I know we have a lot to work on in this department and I love how you get the point across.

Maisey sat in sacrament as you made your request from the pulpit and said, "Mom, We need food" (We cleaned out most the perishables the day before).

Our FHE tonight was on being more prepared and what a perfect time to teach such a lesson when there are so many calamities occurring all around us simultaneously.

Thank You Bishop.

Sincerely,

Doomed

P.S. I hope to update you on our status in the near future.

{3 out of 1200+)

Today I found out I am "Top 3" out of over 1200 applicants for this new job in another city not too far from here... The anticipation kills and I will soon have an ulcer if I continue to wait for DHS to make my "dreams come true." I am trying to act like my boss didn't tell me this so that I can move on- for now.