{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?

Happy Birthday Chad

Tomorrow, December 1st is Chad's 34th Birthday! He sure doesn't seem that old but he has aged in the 8 1/2 years we've been together. I don't have any baby pictures of him as a baby but I got a picture with my camera of this one his mom had in a frame. I love him so much and I hope he has a great birthday. Here is a list of reasons why he is so special to me:
He is always supportive.
He is a kind, respectful, loyal person.
He loves his family- both fatherhood and being a husband.
He loves his faith.
He is temple worthy.
He's not afraid to cry.
He always has hope.
He thinks I'm a Queen.
He would do anything for anyone.
He eats anything I cook.
He hardly ever murmurs.
He loves to clean.
He loves to shop-especially for toys and electronics.
He likes new ideas and new things.
He's never silent.
He will try his best at new things.
He will wear anything I buy him.
He's always willing to volunteer.
He is playful.
He always, ALWAYS, has a sense of humor.
The list goes on but these are just SOME of the many things I love about my husband!

I love you honey!

Saturday

While I worked on finals Saturday Chad made his first trip out with both the kids. Sure he watches them regularly but taking an excursion with a sassy five year old and a baby who hates the car to the zoo in overcast 50 degree weather is pretty brave. Thanks babe for your dedication and support. Maisey had free reign with the camera and this is just one picture she captured. Yeah, that's my baby in front of the big black bears!

Our Holiday

Our holiday with Oma and Opa (Chad's folks) was nice and relaxing. This year things were pretty quiet since it wasn't the whole crew... Adam, Carey, and the kids stayed in Beaverton and we will miss the fact that we won't see them for the holidays this year. We will be in Eugene for Christmas and they will be in the Hood. Luckily, we live near by and we can try to catch up at the end of the football season.

We spent lots of time in front of the "big" cozy fire while the girls played I don't know how many games of Twister. *Excuse the mid-drift.
Tod did some fishing and caught two steel head. He sent us home with plenty and I can't wait to cook it. This picture was taken in Oma and Opa's back yard on the Hood River. *Chad's oldest brother Tod.Maisey watched Tod clean the fish and she decided she never wants to catch one. Nice getup huh? For both of them!
Ryley was happy he got to spend plenty of time with family. He especially likes cousin Ruby. She is an idol in our family amongst the kiddos.
Ruby trying to rock Ryley to sleep. Chad was the camera man for this shot and didn't catch everyone.

Friday we walked around the local shops with Tod and Jill before our drive home.

Fortunately, we weren't caught in a snow storm and we made it back in time for a busy weekend of homework. Which was successful.

But, before all the work came on Saturday we managed to decorate our Christmas tree Friday night. I didn't want to waste any time and I wasn't in the mood to cut the holiday short by jumping head over heels into neuroscience.

Isn't it pretty?

Thanksgiving Feast

This past Tuesday Maisey had a Thanksgiving Feast at school before the holiday. They had "Stone Soup" ( a thumbs down I've heard), popcorn, beef jerky, and pumpkin pie. Chad took these pictures since volunteered that day. He said the moms did most the work and they didn't need him so he's decided to only volunteer for field trips. She looks real excited... They all do.

{"Pretty" Cute}

A couple of Etsy lovers scouted these out and we sat down to make them one night. At first I was slower than a slug at sewing the beads on but after a little practice my speed improved. After six I had my fill of fun and now I am just waiting for the arrival of a JoAnne's coupon. Next I'm off to buy fabric to sew a cute little table cloth, napkins, and a matching apron!Don't these sugar cookies look edible?

{Forbidden}

After turning on the wrong oven burner for the millionth time I'm forbidden to purchase and use these once silver $15 burner covers. I have done this so many times I could have bought a new stove by now instead of taking stock in these 'old school' covers.

About 6 weeks ago I did the same thing and melted our Bumbo (turqoise) to the stove. I was in a hurry, I only needed one burner, and we were carving pumpkins on the kitchen table.

{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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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)!