{Saturday}

On Saturday Maisey sang Christmas carols with the Girl Scouts at a nearby retirement home.

Afterwards we walked door to door in the pouring rain to collect food for the homeless.

We didn't have much luck... Only about 30 cans!!! The girls looked so miserable in the rain, but they were true Girls Scouts.

We went to Roses- my favorite bakery!

Chad's monster doughnut. He LOVES doughnuts!

Then we went to look at Christmas lights in the area- West Linn.

Our favorite house. This is only a teeny angle of the house due to the privacy wall.

{Thanks}

I made these hair clips for Maisey's Girl Scout troop for Christmas and to say thanks for all their hard work.Thin Mint Cookie Fabric. They definitely aren't made from the cutest fabric, but the girls will love them, and they are perfect for cookie selling.

WHICH, by the way, is coming! Hold out for us, it will be worth it. Our cookie meeting is next week. I haven't asked Maisey what her goal is yet, but I am expecting at least 200+.

P.S. Kristy, thank you for cutting. I figured you cut 72 cirlces, all while entertaining 3 kids and holding one of them!

{Zoo Lights}

Every year we visit the Zoo for "Zoo Lights." We usually go 2 or 3 times but this was our first trip of the season. It always looks the same, and it's always so pretty. We went at the perfect time! Wednesday night, at 5 PM and it was 59 degrees out (wet, but no rain). When we left at 7PM, it was getting SO crowded. Maisey brought a friend. The girls toasting with their hot chocolate.The train ride.Ryley refuses to pose for pictures (one reason he has been pretty absent from my posts)! In this family picture Maisey seems to be the only one having a good time. Which, is not the case, but I have to get into character to take a good picture (seriously, every picture you probably see of me yields at least four retakes! If it was up to me, I wouldn't take pictures at all but my family wants me in the albums too).
I realized afterwards I didn't take many pictures of the lights, but you will have to check them out for yourselves!

{the trick}

For the last several months (at least 2), I've been looking for a "prayer rock." Just when I thought I was going to have to be inventive, or ghetto as I see it, and paint one myself, I found this token.

It stays next to the bathroom sink since I'm really bad at remembering my own personal morning prayer (although I manage not to forget family prayers). I will admit, I am reminded to pray every time I see it and I'm starting to feel schizophrenic (no offense- because I am good at remembering all the others throughout the day)!

It doesn't say "Pray" rather, "Live Simply." It reminds me of the basics every time I see it.

{sew easy}

I love these fabrics. The bottom one is a gift Maisey is giving to someone with matching earrings.

(I like the inner fabric better on that one and I'm not sure why I didn't put it on the outside).

{Pittock's Northwest Christmas}

It wouldn't be the Christmas season if I didn't get to take my annual stroll around Pittock Mansion. I love to see what the tasteful designers do each year. This year's theme was "A Northwest Christmas." Above: The back and entrance.

I won't bore you with tons of pictures (which you may have seen here or in other posts in previous years) but at least look Multnomah Falls. This year Maisey counted pillow like stars in every room. She (We) came up with 186. At the end of our visit she got a certificate, despite the fact there were 224 hidden stars.
A view of the front which overlooks the city. Obviously, not the original view from 1909 when the grounds were broken. the house was first inhabited in 1914. A side view. This was the first year we've ever toured the groundskeepers home. It's hard to tell, but it was 4 stories. Originally, the chauffeur lived there before the ground keeper and his family joined the family. This home had such an interesting layout, but neat nonetheless.I love traditions- and dates! Wrapping up the date with Baskin Robins.

{whatever}

Yeah, I don't understand it either... Maisey has wanted to sleep on her floor for the past 3 nights. Tomorrow she is going to her first Girl Scout overnight camp and I'm not sure if this will pass once she gets home, but whatever.

It is still difficult to get to sleep in her own room and so I'm not fighting this one.

P.S Chad is watching Super Nanny while I craft (and blog right now), and there is a LDS family on. I saw the proclamation and a "Y" in the background... Chad said, "See honey, other people have sleeping problems with their kids too!" Me: "Duh!"

Ry's toddler bed is in our room right now, but he crawled in next to Maisey and went right to sleep next to her on the floor. Thanks, Ry, I was able to get some crafting done which isn't something I'm doing much of with all the crazy time restraints right now.

{Nutcracker}

On Saturday Maisey and I went to lunch with one of her girlfriends from school and her mom. Afterwards we went to the Nutcracker. It was a wonderful date and I can't wait for the next. I suspect it will be at Pittock Mansion since it's December! One of our favorite places!!!
We trimmed the tree the night before, so this was a great kick off to Christmas!

{Thanksgiving}

On Thursday we went to Independance, Oregon to visit with my biological mother's parents, two of my aunts, their husbands, and two of my cousins. It was a nice relaxing day, and we were excited at the opportunity to see them all together since the last time was 2.5 years ago.

(Julia and Sarah, my cousins, with Maisey)

I failed to take more than 2 pictures, but there wasn't much to document other than the blessings we have throughout the year!

I made a traditional list of the many blessings I have in my life and this is what I'm thankful for:

- My family. My husband, children, and extended family (mine and Chad's). Parents, grandparents, and siblings.

- My testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

- The gift of the Atonement.

- Prophets.

- Temples.

- The scriptures.

- Agency. Life.

- The Holy Ghost.

- Prayer.

- The Priesthood.

- Visiting Teaching.

- Missionaries.

- Callings.

- Trials and the lessons that come from them.

- Hymns- All time favorite, "Because I have been given much."
- Motherhood, and fertility.

- Friends, all of them.

- Shelter.

- Electricity and heat.

- Food.

- Clean water.

- Clothing, stylists and seamstresses.

- Cars.

- Education. My undergraduate and graduate.

- Teachers

- Technology, phones, computers and Internet.

- Books (text, scriptures, relationships, and all the rest-although I don't read much else).

- Freedom

- Doctors and specialists.

- Health for all my loved ones.

- Love.

- Encouragement.

- Patience.

- Forgiveness.

- Strength.

- Hope.

- Stores and shopping.

- Music.

- Restaurants.

- Beauty products such as make-up and flat irons.

- Sleep.

- Time.

We hope you had a great holiday too!

{bosom buddy}

This week my bosom buddy moved to Idaho. Despite the fact I've known it was coming for months, it doesn't make it any easier.In anticipation for this day (which was actually yesterday), I have been going solo and crafting a little on my own(without my buddy)- or rather with my mini sidekick Maisey!

Maisey and I found some crafts for her (you know what they say, when you're down, serve), so I helped her jump start the holiday. Chad put up lights, we had egg nog and holiday cookies, and we worked on these little projects.

Half of a garland made from cool holiday candy, and cling wrap.
And, a Christmas tree of mints for her teacher.

I will miss "My Jamie" (I sound like the Church kids), but I know we will always be kindred spirits!(Halloween 2010)

{down time}

A little over a week ago a bad cold hit our house and wiped some of us out. Ry had a terrible cough and an inverted ear, Chad and I had sore throats and sinus, and I went through 5 boxes of "Kleenex" which each contained 130+ in each box, depending on the size (I know, TMI), but it really got me! And Maisey, she escaped it and even got her flu shot!

However, I enjoyed the down time. We didn't leave the house or barely get dressed for two consecutive days, and Ry was literally going crazy and begging to go to the grocery store- or anywhere we would take him.

We read lots of books, spent about 6 hours between 2 days looking for my new cell phone (it must have gone out of the house with my bag of Kleenex because it's the only thing that left the afternoon it went missing)- thus re-organising closets while Ry played in the dryer and laundry basket. Since then, every organizational basket has had it's contents expelled so it can be used as a bus or some other mode of transpiration.

10 days later and we were finally better and able to enjoy the weekend!

{Madeline Brooke}

On Saturday we attended Madeline's baptism. We've been friends with this family for over five years now.

It's weird how "fate" works sometimes. We met them in Hood River, then they moved to Dufur, then to Salem, then back to Dufur. Next, we moved to the city, and since then they purchased a new home in Forest Grove. I don't know how long they will stay here once Paul is done with his PhD, but it doesn't really matter because we will always be friends at heart- regardless, of how often we see eachother. Maddie and Paul Maisey is so excited to get baptized in 6 months! She still hasn't quit talking about Paige's baptism (Madeline's big sister- above) which was a year and a half ago. It's so fun to watch kids grow up. I have pictures of these girls at bbq's, the swimming pool, in the bath together, and at the blessings of all the siblings to follow. Between the two families there are 3 girls and 4 boys.
Jenny and I. Jenny is the person who inspired me to learn to bake. We use to say we wanted to own a bakery together- we are a sweet combination... We both LOVE to entertain! Maisey and I before we left. Unfortunately, Chad had to stay home with Ryley who was sick. I'm so glad we were able to share in this special event. Maisey was beaming the entire time. We are excited for June and Maisey is already thinking about what kind of dress she wants for the occasion, of course!

Below: A couple old pics of the girls, but not too old since I don't remember where to find my really old pics after I've scanned them into my computer!

I love photos and the stories they tell.

{Mom's Retreat}

This weekend my good friend Naomi invited some ladies and I to a sweet resort at Seaside. I had been so excited for this night with my very favorite girls for the last three months!!! I had NEVER left my kids over night so you can imagine how giddy I was. I made the most of my girl time by staying up till 5 Am (I have always been a night owl). It was so nice to go to dinner without kids, swim and hot tub without someone having to go to the bathroom, and shower without kids interrupting. I love being a mom more than I love doing anything else, but it was truly a wonderful 24 hours away! I am also thankful for wonderful girlfriends who weather the storms of life with me each and every day! Really, how many women have a group of BFF's this big (and 1, Kristy is missing)? Really? Ones you have play dates with, girls nights with dancing and secrets till 2 Am, callings, faith and religion, and an overall deep, deep bond of sisterhood? We are each so lucky!!!After checking out and doing some shopping some of us had lunch before heading home. We got home at dinner and my family got up from the table to hug and greet me, with some tears. Can you guess who from?Everything was all in perfect timing. Thanks Na for the invite and sorry I snored the 3 hours I slept!

*And, my computer is working!

{Okay}

So, I have been posting more lately and my counter is rising. It is likely my sudden interest in blogging will soon slow due to upcoming scheduling, or loss of interest. So, please, leave me a comment (regardless of whether or not I know you) if you want to make my day.

And for the heck of it, here is tomorrows "day."

6:00 AM Rise, shower, read scriptures

6:40 AM Wake the girl

7:35 AM Get the girl on the bus

9:30 Play date and help a friend with fabric covered jewelry and jewelry repair

-Next, go to Costco

12 PM lunch

12:30 PM Ry nap

-Interim: take care of household responsibilities

2:15 PM leave to get M from school and take to dance

3:00 PM M's Hip Hop

3:45 PM Drive M to Girl Scouts

- Interim: Go home and start dinner

5 PM- Chad pick M up from Girl Scouts

5:30 PM Dinner

-Interim: Homework/ family scripture study

6:15 leave for PTA meeting

- ?: Home

- Pack for Friday

It's true, I take M to two lessons on this days which isn't typical, but all my days are jam packed. It's a good thing Ry isn't school age!

Simplify. I am working on it and things do run like a well oiled machine- most of the time!

{I guess...}

...I'm not the only one who loves this bag- or "boat.!" This kid entertains me all day with his active imagination!

{Top Seller}

Thanks to family and friends, Maisey earned a limo ride to lunch at the Old Spaghetti Factory this week. In case you're wondering where your cookies are, Chad will be by with the first attempt delivery on Friday afternoon.Maisey posing with Lexie. The girls were so excited to be going together. The 2Nd group of 3. The kids raised a lot of $$$ for their school and they definitely deserved the lunch. Maisey spent about 6 hours selling because we didn't want to burden many friends since Girl Scout cookie sales are coming up- where she is another big seller.

I hope all this soliciting doesn't turn her into a sales woman.

{The Real Thing}

Every year for Halloween we spend the evening with Chad's cousin, her family, and friends. She loves Halloween just as much as Chad- which is a TON!

She comes up with a new theme each season, and she graciously allows Chad to take part in her vision. Whenever we get in the car after celebrating Chad already begins to count down the days until next year. Here is a group shot with the exception of Ryley. He was pretty done with Halloween by this point in the holiday season. Here is SCAREcrow Chad with Maisey. They spent most of the night on the porch scaring kids.