{How}

How did this happen?

Tomorrow Ryley will be 3 years old!!!I wish we had recent professional photos, but we are waiting for nicer weather, which means less rain. We are also waiting for a more cooperative boy! He is getting better, although the pictures below demonstrate we're not all the way there. Believe it or not, Ryley keeps asking me to take his picture all the time. It's a rather cheesy smile, but he has watched Maisey enough that he is warming up. Ryley is such a sweet little boy. He does exert his independence and has recently started pushing "buttons" and throwing tantrums some, but we know this is important for his development. Ryley seems to love everything! He has the best manners. He also loves his big sister and they enjoy their time together every night, getting rowdy before bed. For fun Ryley loves: bowling, swimming, playing outside, the zoo, the Children's Museum, Omsi, play dough, the library, games, and just being home. He is our biggest home body. He finally loves nursery (since the New Year when he moved to senior nursery), and he comes home each week telling us about his pictures and singing songs. Overall, Ryley is a blessing to our family. He is easy going, and reminds us to slow down and take in the little things.

{Black and White}

So, I realized I no longer care for brown (I was OBSESSED for a period in time a couple years back), and now I really like black and white. I wanted to make a birthday banner and I had such a hard time deciding on what colors would be great since I don't like primary colors or pastels. A friend and I both decided to do black and white fabrics.

Both rows have a black and white print I love. It is on the ends on the "Birthday" row. I noticed it matches other things in my house like a star and my ironing boards cover. I guess other people must like it too if it's being reproduced everywhere!

{Correction}

Today, I weighed in and measurements were taken. In 2 or so posts back (which I wrote last night), I said I lost 22 pounds. Well, today I was measured and I've lost 30.5 inches and 24.5 lbs. in 31 days! My goal was 25 so I did it (and, I didn't even know if that was realistic). I do not expect the same results next month, although I would LOVE them, but I am going to make a commitment to exercise, and so who really knows? I told the person measuring me that I outed myself and how it's weird to talk about with some people because weight seems taboo. Then she asked me "Why do you think that is?" It wasn't hard to come to a conclusion, people are afraid to fail. So, if this was one subconscious reason I shared this, you know that is really just me. I talk, share, and because I do that, others are more compelled to acknowledge who they are.

{Keep scrolling}

{Uncle}

I give up! We bought this t.v. stand a year ago and I recently decided our living room needed a makeover. Originally, I thought I might paint the living room a light grayish blue, but then I thought I would paint the t.v. stand instead.

It started out the nice robins egg blue (above). But then, the pillows arrived... And, they weren't the color I expected!

I hate shopping online because I never know what color fabric will really be. This happened with out last couch and I had to live with that for the last several years.

SO, the new paints looks like this (below).

I hate it!!! This color is terrible and Chad keeps teasing me that it will be darker when it dries! The picture below with the pillow right on top, may look pretty close, but for me, it's not close enough.

At least I love the pillows... And the steal we got on the new couch.

Warning: Never buy a big piece of furniture online unless you can return it!

{Wait, Weight}

This is a touchy subject for many, but, I am going to talk about- especially since I talk about nearly everything, with everyone. (Only this is a one sided conversation).

Now, I will use the disclaimer that this is a "touchy" subject to me because of all the stereotypes that exist about overweight people. I have heard and learned some terrible things about many perceptions that exist and it can be unbelievable. The real eye opener came to me when I took a Women's Studies class at PSU titled, "Body Image in the USA." I read numerous books which contained discriminatory practices in abundance. These behaviors are unfair and hurtful.

People can be overweight for one reason, or a combination of several. These reasons stem from the obvious overeating, under eating (yes, this was one element in my "journey") and hormonal imbalances which accompany so many factors and are often perplexing. (The term, which comes first, the chicken or the egg, is often the question when diagnosing health risks in my life). Tonight I made a comment about not eating in regards to metabolism and my friend replied, "You know the fattest people don't eat until dinner and are sumo wrestlers." I responded, "It's nice to know where I was headed."

Now, I've known how to be "healthy" due to a Public Health Capstone and other educational opportunities; however, I recently began to focus on "what" I was eating, not "when." There are many reasons I am on the "journey" I am now, and one happens to be because of the "when." Eating dinner each night and fasting throughout most days is a recipe for disaster. With that part of me revealed, I will also say I have begun a weight loss plan. My first, and my last. This past month I lost 22 pounds. A sweet friend made a comment referencing that her doctor would not say that is healthy. However, I have a lot to loose, and with the exception of vitamins and a lot of protein, I have passed on the plethora of supplements available to me. Sure, they are enticing, "Burn more quicker" (thermogenics and appetite suppressants), but they aren't the avenue I want to take. I wanted something I could follow for the rest of my life, with real food.

This is going to be along road but so far it has been habit changing. I am forcing myself to take care of me, and it takes time, something I don't have a lot of. But, I know it will give me more years to spend time with my family. Now that I am "out," I will keep a sporadic update going. I am excited about these changes and now I am struggling with finding time to exercises. The 22 lbs. came off without exercise, and I am prepared to work harder now that I've established some new habits like drinking 128 oz of water a day and eating meals!

Wish me luck!

{Conference}

I don't know what your husband "brought" home from the priesthood session, but mine brought me flowers. Conference reminds us all to be sweet to one another!

****

Now, every conference I usually have the chance to get together with friends while the men are away and we go over Saturday's talks. However, Ryley had a fever Friday night and I wanted to make sure he didn't expose other little kidlets. So, I am compelled to share a couple thoughts.

First, I loved the analogy about pruning "the" tree. (Forgive me because I never remember names until I read them in the Ensign, but I think it was Elder Pratt). Anyway, he talked about his qualifications for a promotion in the military. He also said he was passed over because of his membership in the church but that he later came to understand why and appreciated the "blessing in disguise."

I feel like I could relate (as many of us probably can in some aspects), but this especially resonates with my past experience with nursing school. Religion had nothing to do with anything in this case (although I feel this has been a recent factor in my professional career), but I certainly think about nursing school.

I was completely shocked when I didn't get into nursing school. I had spent 3 years completing all the pre-reqs AND required classes, and I expected an acceptance letter based on the fact I only had to complete clinicals. Well, that never happened and looking back now, I don't regret it. If I had gotten in I would be a nurse right now, and probably a CNM. As much as I LOVE childbirth, I also love listening to and counseling others. I also know I can be a part of that field again if I choose to take on births as a doula- something I've never had time to do much of. I know I am fulfilling my purpose in the field I'm in.

My favorite talk (as of this time) spoke about parenthood. Firstly, I LOVE being a mother. I cannot imagine my life without this amazing gift. I also love being a wife to a man who loves being a father.

Together, we are still far from the perfect set of parents, but we love our kids more than we love ourselves and we rely on the atonement to make up the difference. The speaker said if you have a something like a "easy" child, you've had a lesson in Parenting 101... But, if you've parented a "difficult" child, you've had a lesson in Parenting 505. I laughed, but only to relieve tension because I know this is true. The speaker said, "WE need these kids more than they need us. They are here to teach us," as they test us of course! My beautiful, strong, independent, intelligent, and sometimes very oppositional daughter tests me each and every day. But, I am fortunate for her amazing spirit and the love she brings to our lives and the lives of others. She will go far. And, again, I mention the atonement because neither of us are perfect. I will claim however we have a perfect mother-daughter love.

The talk also reminded us to focus on the "important" things like asking our children what Christ-like attributes they demonstrated throughout the day and how the child felt when doing so. I constantly try to be aware of the support I offer as to let my kids operate intrinsically.

I learned so many more things through the spirit this weekend and I cannot wait to read everything again in print! One surprising thing, the speakers choose, or let the spirit influence their subjects. I am fascinated by the similarities sometimes.

{Eggs-cellent)

Looks like the Easter Bunny needs to make an early delivery!

{Spring Break}

Ry LOVED looking at all the planes and boats!!! We stayed right on the Marina, right near the Sea Tac Airport. Perfect entertainment for a little guy! Maisey told me she had "the time of her life" while visiting Peyton.

(Obviously, I'm haveing computer problems right now... Darn Picasa).

{underground tunnels}

The wooden city that use to exist underground. This tour wasn't what we expected, but at least we got to learn a little more about Seattle!

The first skyscraper in Seattle.

{Relaxing}

We didn't hold back on relaxing while we were away.

Believe it or not, I slept double what I normally sleep. AND, I feel like sleep is over rated because I was more sleepy when catching 8 hours than when I function on my 4 or so during the terms.

The boys managed to cat nap here and there.

Relaxation isn't something I often look for... But I found it, and now I know what I've been missing!

GNO Beach Style

Missing a few ladies, but relaxing and enjoyable nonetheless.

Moms need breaks too!

As you can see, teh Tsunami didn't get us.

{Legos}

This boy just fell in love with the Lego store! Whenever we go to Eugene, he likes to tinker with the old ones I played with as a child. But, we never knew he was this excited about them until entering the Lego store. He admired and played with tons of Legos in every color and even I was excited to see ones in Pink and Purple. Ryley must have asked for every set in the store and now we know what to get him for his 3rd birthday in April!It turned into a family event when the set that said 4+ contained over 310 pieces! I decided Ry gets the bigger Legos (not mega blocks but the toddler Legos) because it was as many little pieces as Polly Pockets!
Chad and I each took his order and began building. He was so excited. Then I tool the remaining 150 pieces or so, and put them in a Rubber Maid and hid it in the kitchen.

Happy as a clam! He even slept with them tonight!

{Saturday}

On Saturday we went to the NW Children's Festival. It was pretty, what's the word, um, ghetto. But, at least the kids had fun! It was something to do indoors in the Winter and well, we like to try new things.

Maisey had a wonderful time doing a whole lot of petting!And of course this girl loves anything being applied to her face. Paint or make-up, what's the difference anyway? Ryley did a LOT of watching because he is still timid when put on the spot (workers staring at him and talking to him, heaven forbid).My favorite thing to look at was this 6 yer old 96 lb turtle who is expected to grow 4x it's size now!

Maisey also rode a mechanical bull... She loved it and stayed on the entire time but said her hands hurt afterwards. I guess that's what the gloves were for... I think she just likes to look like a cowgirl but she's no prepared for the real dirt of it all.

Ryley found happiness in the bouncy houses.

There was almost something for everyone...

{1/3}

This is probably about 1/3 of Maisey's Cookie order (some were already sorted and back out to the car, or delivered). She sold 152 so far and booth sales start this next weekend. Although it's Sunday, we did a bit of delivering because many people were anxious to have them before Valentines Day. Now we have to deliver the rest, and collect money. But, I am hoping people will also remember so we can collect when we run into them. Cookies sales are very time consuming, but they mean SO much to Maisey.

I think she's taking after me in her goal setting! She was such a help and wanted to hand me all the cookies while taking inventory. She also put rubber bands around many. See this adorable smile? Well, do you think she put this shiner on while delivering? NO! Sure she's was excited to deliver, but she is selectively quite and I cannot figure it out. She has a mind of her own and she gets a lot of her attitude from me... Enough said.She wants to do modeling right now, along with a million other things of course. Luckily, her schedule is full so I don't have to negotiate with her. She also thinks she needs a horse.

Yes, a horse. In the last month she has even shed tears over the fact I won't let her wear scrunchis (sp? And yes, they still make them) and equestrian clothes like the girls in all the books she keeps getting at the library. Oh, and it is so hard to say NO to this pretty little girl! But not that hard!

Kids and dreams!

{Excitedl}

The biggest news in our lives right now is that I will be going back to work. I am excited about this position, beyond words.

A job opportunity was open at LDS Family Services and I couldn't keep myself from applying. I was just offered the job and I couldn't be happier! I will work part time as an adoption caseworker which will be perfect for my busy school schedule and the rest of life.

Now, about school...

I don't think I ever "announced" what it is I am doing. I get this feeling because people keep asking me, saying they read it on my blog that I am in school, but don't know why. So, forgive me friends if you've heard it a thousand times and forgive me if I've been vague. I am earning a Master's Degree in Counseling online with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy. I hope to open my own practice after I am licensed.

School full-time, work part time, and EVERYTHING in between will keep all of us hopping.

I wouldn't have the opportunities I have without the strength and stamina my Heavenly Father has blessed me with. Also, I have to give credit to my dedicated husband. He tries his best to help me each and every day. Recently, (and by choice) he has started taking over some of my deep cleaning. We are both clean freaks, but I am more detailed so I usually do the deep cleaning. However, we continue to grow as a team and we are both sacrificing certain things as times change, like perfectionism. He even wants me to teach him how to cook! One step at a time.

Along with cleaning we are also working a little on grocery shopping.

This concludes the joy I wanted to share. I cannot wait to be back in the field working with families. These families will be a bit different than my DHS families and I already know I welcome the change!

{Round 2}

You may remember this room re-do from October. And, as much as I will miss that delicate little princess bed, a change was in order.

You see, Maisey got a roommate thus the need to reconfigure. If I had to "double up," at least I ended up with something I like after tons and tons of scouring every source for white bunk beds. I know I am picky but I cannot sacrifice what I think is style.
Maisey has decided her new favorite color is light blue. Yeah, and this is only 5 months after picking pink for her walls. What can I say, she is her mommas girl! I would still change my decor with the seasons if possible. Luckily, I outgrew that when we had kids.

This was the best I could do to work the colors in. Of course, the Shabby Chic will never cease.

Ryley even got to join the club with a light blue linen duvet cover. I also spent hours and hours searching for bedding for him and the prices were either unreasonable beyond compare, or the fabrics failed to fit the bill.

The room is still a work in progress. The wall on the side with the vanity looks a little bare.

I am also trying to find a Shabby bookcase. Wish me luck.

(Note: see the box fan? I have one too! What have I done to my kids? We need white noise to sleep, still! And, I only need it because they got me hooked! At least I can vacuum next to their heads when they sleep.)

So, you are wondering how the sleeping arrangement is going thus far, eh? Well, it's not really. Ryley has been staying up till the wee hours and when he does sleep, he wakes up repeatedly. I decided it is his thermostat. He likes a cold room like ours, not Maisey's. So, we shall test the waters tonight since I ended up getting him a lightweight down comforter. I hope it does the trick!

{Awkward}

My kids sleep in very awkward positions. Ry has started taking after Maise and so I decided to document his movement. They are both restless to say the least.

The kids in our bed when we got home from ward temple night.