{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.

{Easter Day}

We spent Easter weekend in Hood River. Oma and Opa have the perfect yard for hunting Easter Eggs! My sister in-law Carey has color coded the eggs each year in fairness to all the different age groups. I love the idea and I see it coming in handy with my side of the family someday soon.Carey and Adam (Chad's middle brother)"The Folks"- aka Oma and Opa
Eliot, Ali, Tod (Chad's oldest brother) and Jill
The Grand kids

She's getting there!Egg Dying
Snuggling- this little guy thought he needed to stay up as late as the rest of us adults.

And of course it wouldn't be a family get together without "Just Dance!"

{#2}

Tomorrow is Ryley's 2nd Birthday! He is such a sweet little boy- and he gives us LOTS to celebrate. I am thankful to have a son.

Boy they grow fast!

{Craft Co-op}

A couple of my great friends decided a few months ago to join in on an idea I had- "Craft Co-op." Maisey is in, and has taken pretty much every kind of lesson you can think of so the objective here was something new! Each week six little girls and their mothers "host" a craft project for the rest of the group. They have made pendants (my first round), potato paint stamping, cookie decorating, wax shavings art, bath salts, and pillowcases (my latest turn).

The girls love it- and I LOVE not having to pay for another lesson. Maisey loves her Piano lessons, Tap class (she's getting ready for her Spring recital), Girl Scouts (she's stoked about Camp Yamhill), and Craft swaps!

(Jazlyn, your pillowcase is awaiting you when you get to feeling better!)

{Update}

My last post date was March 22nd. Since then we have been busy with Spring Break, family, Easter, more family, day-to-day life, working 50 hours a week, and job hunting! Since 3/22 I have applied for 18 new Caseworker positions (I am truly going to test this new online system my work has and my patience)! The only thing I have learned up to this point, it that it takes a VERY long time for them to even process the apps and add you to the "eligibility list." However, the nice thing is I can see what the status is like when it is reviewed. I am looking forward to change this Spring and good weather too. I've already begun working on my tan!

I just busted out the Bronzer and I went back to being a one-tone brunette (not pictured)!

{Church Easter Egg Hunt}

This year we were able to attend the ward Easter festivities. The activities committee planned a wonderful breakfast and an East Egg Hunt to celebrate our Savior.

It is pretty much impossible to get a picture of Ryley's face these days. As you can see, he did get the hang of the hunt.

Despite the fact Ryley is terrified in this particular shot, he did have a great time!

"Would you just leave me alone and get over the fact that I'm not going to smile for you Mom!"

{Visitors}

We ended spring break with a visit from my biological mother Christine and my Aunt Lisa. We usually see my mom once a year for a couple hours, but this visit upped it for the year. We were pleasantly surprised when my Aunt Lisa came to visit for the day too. Although we rarely see that side of the family, we know they think of us because they send us cards all year long.

Lisa (left) Christine (right)

We decided ahead of time to have lunch and spend the day at our house so the kids could just play. Ryley wasn't too sure of our unfamiliar visitors, but he enjoyed playing ball with them for much of the time.

{new swim}

Before heading back to work tomorrow Chad and I thought we would take the kids to a pool we've never been to (we usually drive to Clackamas to visit our favorite aquatic center). It was the perfect temperature in the "warm pool" and as usual, the kids had a great time in the water!

This little boy would not keep his tongue in his mouth. He even licked water off the drain on the floor in the family dressing room several times! Every time he did it and I lectured him he screamed and yelled- "No out Momma"- I'm sure the people waiting for the room thought I was beating him because of all his shrieking!

{Eugene}

We made our rather usual trek to Eugene this past weekend in lieu of Spring Break. It seems like we manage to get there every 3 months, if you count the increase during the summer and the "decline" during the spring. Out of nowhere Maisey surprised us all when she finally decided to stay the night at my parent's house alone. Afterwards she told me next time she plans to stay 2 nights, and then she will work her way up to 5 nights and then 10! I told her that may not be until she's a teenager, but I'm sure glad she decided it was time.

Her aunt Erin, uncle Chase, and his girlfriend Christina were kind enough to take her ice skating for the first time. I think Maisey's pretty much experienced everything out there in the world for her age, but ice skating was one thing I have put off. She had a blast, and now that we know she can stand up and skate on her own, we plan on taking her to a rink around here.

Just starting out.

We stayed with my grandparents and we are always thankful for their hospitality. We also love staying up with them until 1 AM playing Dominoes each night. When we're down our family always takes us to our favorite places to eat and they stuff us full of all their cooking. We seriously go into hibernation when we leave.

Another place we went this trip was Chuck E Cheese. Yes, my kids love the place, and although they get to go rather regularly up here, it was fun to see a couple different things at the one down there.I don't think Maisey likes the fact I barged in on her and Christina as they were beginning their makeovers. Maisey picked out face paint from pizza as a prize and they we're working on something when I came in!
My mom, sister, and I shopped and had some alone big girl time. Maisey is beginning to enjoy going shopping and out to lunch but she really isn't there yet- unless she gets her nails done in the mix of it all.

It was a perfect couple days and now the kids are ready for some daddy time around here while I work!