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!

"Hair Fun"

I just discovered (thanks to Jamie) that there are many hair blogs out there in the cyber world. This past week Maisey and I (mostly me) have had some fun discovering them. Here are a couple of things we've tried so far.

Four Braids Crossed. This picture doesn't do justice to this style because after taking the picture we pinned the top ponies down. If she had longer hair we were suppose to curl the hair that wasn't braided or straighten it. It later looked like this:

*This is not Maisey though!

Two french braids pulled back into a pony.

"Patience Braids" with 4 French Braids on the side.

After the "patience braids". This was a fun style for soccer (when braided) and very practical because we didn't have to do her hair for 2 1/2 days.

She's Off!

On Saturday we took Maisey to the church parking lot to teach her to ride her bike (I actually cheered and Dad did the initial pushing). We were so surprised when she rode on her own after the first push and we wish that we'd tried earlier this summer. She was (and still is) so proud of herself (as are we), and watching her took me back to when I first learned to ride a bike. My dad followed me around our cul-de-sac until I really got the hang of it. It was so sweet to watch Chad do the same with Maisey and she was especially "lovey" (appreciative) afterwards.

She is such a sweet girl and she has such a loving, playful daddy.
This picture was actually "take 2" because the first time she tilted her head and it looked a little "x" rated. She said she wanted it to be romantic. Where in the world do kids get this stuff? Certainly not in our house.

Take 1: Listen for the shrieks near the end... It was pretty humorous.

Take 2: She's getting the feel of it!

Momma and Baby

Last weekend we were crazy enough to go to the zoo on a Saturday (we always go on weekdays). However, it wasn't too bad since we were there around 9:30 am. The kids did so good while we waited in line 35 minutes to see the newborn baby elephant. We agreed it was worth it and we are glad we made it there as a family before it's no longer a baby (Chad hadn't been in some time).We were so close, if only it weren't for the big pane of glass. Maisey had a great time using her new zoo key that we finally paid 2.25 for. She would turn the info boxes on in English, then Spanish, and again in English. Was she actually listening though? I'm still not sure but I am sure she had fun.We did more walking this particular day than usual, sort of in circles (I mean more circles than the regular route), but the weather was cool and comfy for my liking, so we stayed much longer than usual. Afterwards we would have liked to relax (similar to what this Polar Bear is doing) but it was off to a birthday party, the grocery store, and other Saturday duties!

They Did It!

The makers of Pantene really did do it! Have you noticed my hair lately? I don't mean when it is pulled back and crazy but when it's down. Well, when I'm not using salon formula, color preserving shampoo, I alternate with "over-the-counter" stuff. And there is a great new shampoo on the market, that really helps with frizz (I don't even have to use any product before I straighten-though I probably still should)!Just look for the new Aqua Current Science.

If Only...

If only I had time to take a 45 minute bubble bath whenever I wanted!

A Day of Firsts

Yesterday was Maisey's first day of kindergarten. She thought she would be shy (which means she was planning on it because sometimes she is and the majority of the time she's not), but when she sat at her name tag a familiar face from our pool was her table mate. Once she made the connection, (which was immediate) she asked me if I could leave. Today, as we walked in the school she was giving me a little "coaching" and asked me once again (this time before we even entered the class) if I could leave quickly. I guess we don't have to worry about any insecurities at this time, and she always amazes me at her adaptability in each thing she does. 1st DayMaisey picked out her outfit (which is always our battle- even down to the hair bows). Today I proposed that we take turns every other day, but I may still need to use a little persuasion on her days (today she wore a pink skirt, pink shirt, white church shoes, and blue tights- not to school though)!

I just finished this digital scrapbook and it arrived in the mail the day before school started. I wasn't really sad that she was beginning school (I hadn't even really thought about it as anything other than exciting- until I read the book I wrote to her that was). It made me realize how quickly the last 5 years went and how she will (hopefully) be in school for at least the next 17 years, etc,... Babies grow up so quickly!

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The same day Maisey started school Ryley "started" baby food. He is 5 months now and we don't intend to feed him food regularly for awhile, but I was eager to see what he thought of it since he's always watching us when we eat and grabbing at our food. We don't want to fill him with grain yet since he still has a sensitive GI Tract, so we went for staining-orange carrots.

The anticipation.

During.

Household Duties

I use to love to iron believe it or not- that was until I had a husband whose wardrobe was mostly easily-wrinkled cotton! Now, I have a "little man" whose wardrobe also consists of button-ups, many of which have cuffed sleeves! I guess I need to find a love for a new kind of fashion or teach a class in the home on ironing!

*I know Ryley's shirts are small (some are pictured above), but I can just see the future. There's a price for fashion, manual labor- and I mean literally!

Little Helper

The other day I decided to re-organize my closet and Ryley was fascinated with all the hangers (at one time he even buried himself in a big pile that he kept grabbing at). Although he tried putting every different curve in his mouth without much luck, he still had fun and managed to "help me" get the job done through laughing!

Note: I really do make my bed but in all the pictures I take it appears otherwise... These down comforters are just so fluffy!