{BirthDAY Bowling)

Maisey wanted to go bowling on her birthday while in Eugene. Our kids love to bowl, and they get it from their dad (Chad use to be on a league and is still a good bowler). The bowling alley didn't have ramps. Needless to say, Ryley didn't last as long. He had just as much fun pretending to shoot guns at an arcade game. Us

{Saturday}

Saturday, as you may know if you live in the Portland Metro area was BEAUTIFUL!

We spent 3 wonderful hours at beautiful Rood Bridge Park for Maisey's annual end of the year Girl Scout picnic.

(I'm sorry about the pics, I cannot get them to rotate once I go beyond a certain point)

I guess I was so distracted by the sun that I forgot to take pictures of the troop. But then again, they were to busy playing on the toys anyway. Maisey was given some end of the year patches she recently earned and now I need to sew them on (oh, the joy)!
Maisey HAD to have a sash when she saw it instead of the traditional vest. We soon found out it is more of a supplement to the vest when the vest is full. SO, we will be getting a vest by fall when things start back up. She is quite the little earner.

***

Afterwards Maisey and I took a jaunt up the Gorge to see Ruby in her recital.

She was a beautiful ballerina and watching her got us really excited or Maisey's next week! Maisey loved going out for frozen yogurt afterwards... And Elliot loved it too! The boys stayed home.

***
Today was another warm day and we had a great family bike ride after church.
Oh summer, I can't wait!

{So BIG}

Doesn't this little girl look SO old?
She definitely thinks so!
She LOVES to shop (for herself), and she is constantly changing her earrings, doing her hair, painting her nails, and driving me crazy!
At least she looks perky, right?
Just kidding... But, she definitely tests my (and Chad's) patience every day!!!

{Wavering }

6 weeks ago I made Maisey an appointment for a haircut. Today was the day and I wasn't sure what way we were going. She kept wavering back and forth on whether or not she was cutting it all off to her ears in an a-line, or whether she was going to get a trim.

Regardless, she was getting a cut because my hair dresser doesn't do kids (with the exception of Maisey), and we weren't going to mess it up by cancelling when the appointment was made 6 weeks out.

She kind of went for the middle of the road. It seems so short to us because it was to her bum. Along with curling it, see previous post, she was also started braid it. Now the possibilities are a little limited (don't even ask me how I am going to get all the layers into a bun for her upcoming recital), but I think it will be for summer.

I miss it already, although I wanted her to go shorter. And, you should have seen all the hair on the FLOOR. It was crazy!!! Luckily, the hair dresser is good with her razor and took TONS off!

{Curls}

I refuse to curl Maisey's hair (although I will give my time and straighten it everyday), because it is so long and heavy that it falls out immediately.

So, she now puts her own hair in sponge curlers some nights!

On rare occasions I've gotta love her style! She is trying to grow up a little too fast, and asks for make up EVER DAY. 99% of the time the answer is "No," but occasionally I spring for blush and clear mascara.

I can't blame the girl, I wore the same plastic nails at this age that she loves to buy (only they didn't have peace signs on them- another thing we don't agree on)!

{Sunshine}

We have had some beautiful weather lately.

The kids have been loving the parks and are excited about the water fun this summer.

As I've mentioned, it is nearly impossible to get a picture of this boy!But, he is warming up to the camera and trying to give me something other than a cheesy grin!

I just wanted everyone to know we still have our sweet little Ryley!And, this little girl sure looks sweet!And, she definitely keeps us on our feet!

Nearly 8, going on 14!

{Fishing}

Maisey was out of school two days last week and she jumped at the opportunity to go fishing with her dad!

Chad only uses a fly rod, but it made him want to try a spinning reel.

Maybe some day but spare time isn't a word we really know right now.

{Slim Pickings}

Part of the process is this... (Now vacant due to a 44lb weight loss)

Slim pickings and a very limited wardrobe!
If you know me and fashion, this literally kills me!
Needless to say, I have been able to give a lot of clothes away, and I am hoping to sell some. Although I am not sure how or where. I would like to get a little return on them.
I don't claim to have the best style, but you better watch out by the time I'm done... JK:-)

{Rainforest}

During end of conferences Maisey's class put on a super cute performance about the rainforest.

The kids did so good with all their lines and songs and we love watching our little performer!

{37/37}

People have been inquiring...
As of week ago (my two month mark), I had lost 37 lbs. and 37. " It was a pretty frustrating month since my first month yielded such big numbers (24.5 lbs and 3 clothing sizes), but I am not very patient so I am learning some things, or at least trying! I'm anxious for May because this is kind of fun at times.

This is how I am doing it.Salad and tuna.

6 days of broccoli.

3 days of eggs, depending on if I choose fish for dinner. I eat a TON of fish. And, I was afraid to eat eggs before. I would only eat them every 3 months while in Eugene.

Planning ahead (one thing going for me at least) and tons of discipline are getting me closer.

My goal, to lose 171 lbs.

I know, it's a lot, and I don't know if I will get that low seeing as how I am 43% muscle.

I was ticked when I found that one out, but then my memory was refreshed as to how muscle can work for you, and I am learning to accept it for now.

But, these giant calves and feet better shrink a whole lot more if I'm going to be content.

One thing shrinking that I'm not happy about, my entire top half, belly button up. It is a little scary some days and I already know where all our future savings is going

{Mothers Day}

Today was a wonderful Sunday. Mothers Day is my favorite day of the year. I love being a mother more than anything, despite challenges which arise such as a little girl who thinks she's 15, and a little boy who survives off oxygen, and chooses to skip nearly every meal.

And, everything in the middle of course!

I got a new cut, went very dark (it's close to black), and bought some BOLD hot pink lipstick.

The family spoiled me with some super fun stuff.

My favorite thing, a 12qt. pot with 2 colanders inside (1 for pasta and 1 for vegetables for example).

The things that tickle us as mothers!

We were risky and braved the temperamental weather to get in a family bike ride. We got rained on but the kids still had fun!

I hope your day was fun too!

{Easter}

We were blessed with beautiful Easter weather!

The weekend started with a sweet breakfast at church and an Easter egg hunt with 1100 eggs!

Ryley was really sick for the last week, and although he was on the upside, it definitely showed through the weekend. He skipped the ward festivities (he opted out so I could spend it with him outside the building while he tantrum-ed). He was selective the rest of the weekend.Needless to say, there was a LOT of playing!And egg dyingAnd egg hunting. Each kiddo had 30 eggs (specifically colored) to hunt for over Oma and Opa's property. The perfect hunting grounds.

Ryley decided to join in. Once he got into it, he had a great time. We were beginning to wonder igf he was going to have an Easter at all...

He slowed things down a bit because he had to open every egg before moving onto the next but at least he participated.The kids at breakfast. A family picture without the son. Another picture, the cousins, with the uncooperative boy crying on the side lines.
Ruby (recently 13), Maisey (almost 8), Colby (just 8), and Peyton (just 10)

Another lovely holiday full of gratitude.

{Hood River 2}

Chad spent several hours here and there fishing while visiting with his dad and oldest brother. He landed this beautiful steel head which was awesome since he just got his license the day before. Unfortunately, it was a wild so he had to throw it back (his family uses catch and release every time anyway). And the tradition in the Guenther family, you must kiss the first fish of the season!

{Hood River}

This past weekend was dry in Hood River, thankfully. We took advantage of the the weather and flew kites while picnicking with Oma, Opa, Tod, Jill, and Ruby.

We also went out to celebrate my and Ry's birthday's (1 week a part).Believe it or not Ryley had fun but he did not want his picture taken.The girls making use of the kites we loved and used often when we lived there. Me trying to stay warm in my new birthday scarf (thank you Jill). It was COLD! It warmed up later at the house and we got to enjoy some rays. Ryley let Opa take him on a tractor ride before leaving for home.The kids played back and forth between Oma and Opa's and Jill, Tod, and Ruby's.Maisey had a blast (as usual) with cousin Ruby (13). She was such a big sweet cousin at a time when I expected her to be "too cool" to play with someone going on 8. Maisey loved staying the night and being her every shadow (something which has never changed since Maisey could walk)!

Our time was relaxing and over due.

{Simple}

Although I planned Ry's birthday MONTHS ago (in my head), I decided last minute to just keep things simple. Honestly, I knew he would love anything as long as he was with family and his best friend Herbie. I decided I will save the theme for next year. The "cop out" was Chuck E Cheese and hosting 2 playgroups this week. It was simple (perfect for a work day and all), and he thought it was a lot of fun. Mission accomplished.

We also celebrated with family in Hood River this weekend.

Ryley and Herbie (1 year a part, but Ry's best bud) Maisey, the jackpot winner. Honestly, she always wins and I hope it doesn't turn her onto gambling!