{Eugene}

As soon as my term ended ten days ago we headed to Eugene. It had been 3 months since our last trip down (very unusual for summer months but a result of my summer attendance). Maisey enjoyed coloring a canvas with water color markers which she later painted (I should post that another time).

The kids loved playing with my parents' dog Chloe. And to go along with camping in the big 5th wheel, my grandparents planned smores one night. Ryley thought we were camping and we all enjoyed being together in the 5 wheel, over being in separate bedrooms in the house.
It was the most relaxing trip home- ever!

{New Chapters}

This week has been rather exciting for the kids. Maisey started Activity Days (something she has been looking forward to since she was a preschooler when I was a leader) and Ryley, well he started preschool on Tuesday. He has been excited since Spring when he toured the school and we registered, but had cold feet the morning of. I actually think the morning would be better described as hot and cold. He woke up and didn't want to go, then 30 min. before leaving, he was hanging on the door handle begging to go. Then, he cried when we dropped him of (hysterically), but only for a minute apparently, and then he had a great time, until he was picked up, where he cried because he didn't want to leave!

Oh, his 3 year old emotions make us feel like stories we've heard of the "terrible 2's," but really, he usually always a sweetheart!

This was taken in one of the moments he was ready to go!

{Black Bear}

Chad and I took Ryley to a special lunch date to commemorate his first week (5 hours) of preschool.

We took him to the Black Bear Dinner because it's been featured in the Metro Parent for being kid friendly. Really, there were crayons (typical), a juke box, and this old little car and mailbox outside. Despite the fact Ryley is super hungry and exhausted after preschool (he has been passing out afterwards although nap time was eliminated nearly a year ago because he was going to be too late at night we he napped), he enjoyed the little "kid friendly" gestures. Some strangers car he requested a picture next to (it's not very good because I got nervous when he leaned on it).

{Still Excited)

It's been a week since Maisey's baptism and she is still so excited. All week she's been making and leaving her daddy pictures like these in random places. We just threw this bunch of flowers away, but the journal in this picture is something she will have forever. Our bishop gave it to her and she loves it!

{Labor Day at Oaks Park}

Recommendation: NEVER go to Oaks Park on Labor Day!

Regardless of the number of people, the kids still had fun of course!

There's my big girl helping her brother on and off of rides (he wouldn't go unless we did too) and his cheesy smile!

{Time}

It took me far to long to label this post. Why? Because it is hard to emphasize the way I feel right now. I wish I felt as 'happy' as I look in this photo; however, that would not be true. I acknowledge my efforts, and for that I am 'happy.' However, it is time for an update, and that does not make me 'happy.'

I skipped the 5 month update because I was unhappy with my results. But, I am ready to share. At 5 months, I was at 72 lbs.

Now, at 6 months, I am at 75 lbs.

What happened? Well, I showed myself I can maintain my weight. We were gone on vacation a lot, and I ate on my program, although I made a few exceptions over the month (a brownie 1 week, a smore the next, etc). It's not very promising that I gain 3 -4 lbs from a small 'liberty' but that is how it is, so there's not point in whining about it. I am down at least 3 lbs. and that is 'progress.'

My plan this next couple weeks it to wean off the protein I've been supplementing with and settle for something new and less expensive from Costco.

I know I can do this because I've developed great habits and I have support.

And, I am also very uncomfortable where I'm at which should help me get moving again.

I'm ready for new clothes and I can't justify buying more when I went down so many sizes so quick.

A question people keep asking about or assuming, involves exercise. The answer is, "NO!" If you know me personally, you know I have NO time. I do not exercise, and when I start to get impatient, I just remind myself this is without that 'push' and so I need to be realistic.

So, there is the update. Although it's uncomfortable to discuss this halt, it is important for people to see the reality of this journey. It's definitely something to be excited about, but it's not easy, it's only worth it!

{Baptism}

Today was Maisey's big day. The entire week has been so exciting and as the day drew nearer we could hardly stand it.

Each morning Maisey would say, "I can't believe I'm eight and I am getting baptized!" She was more than joyous to say the least, and it was very touching.

Maisey wanted to see a song, and then changed her mind last minute, but it was hard to stay composed when she practiced the first time through at home.

We are so proud of her for making her first covenant with her Heavenly Father! She is the first in our family to baptized at the "age of accountability," 8.

Ryley was tired and did not feel photogenic at all. He just wanted to be with his friend Herbie the entire time, and I pretty much let him since I was busy with Maisey.

Simple centerpiecesThe touch of color we got to bring home.We spent some serious time decorating 90 cookies, and then we had half left over... I guess the primary will get some tomorrow!

Half way through (about 3 hours in) I realized I was crazy for placing pearlized edible beads around the dotted border of these all white "M" cookies.

At that time I began to wonder why in the world I love to have parties and make things all the time!??? I can't even figure it out and I spend most my time analyzing and diagnosing others. Do you know, other than that I am crazy- or fun depending on how you look at it! I failed big time at getting pictures of the little details, like the cakes before they were eaten. But, the colors as you can see were white and gold, perfect for a baptism! My grandparents came up from Eugene to be a part of this special day. It was so wonderful to have them their because I remember my baptism like it was yesterday and they bought my cake and helped me prepare.

My family has always been so supportive of me and my faith. The Sorenson's all grown up. It's so fun to watch the kids grow- especially when I look back at pictures from when they were toddlers and preschoolers! We've known them for about 6 years and it's always a joy to be around them.

Madeline, Maisey, and PaigeSome of Maisey's friends

Paige, Maisey, Madeline, Leila, Erika, Katie

There were many who could not make it due to life (and nap times, the holiday weekend, etc.) but we love and appreciate everyone who came!

My mother and father in-law have a lot of pictures they will give me so I am sure you will see some pop up in the "picture of the week" section. Ruby my niece was a great little photographer!

{Headed Home}

Before heading home from Salem we had to stop at the Cupcake Cafe. The name caught my eye; however, the shelves were bare! We waited for the cupcakes to come out, and it was well worth it!The two that "take the cake:" chocolate peanut butter (above) and ginger chi (below). They were so good, and worth the pounds too... I think anyway, but ask me in another day!

Maisey's rainbow cupcake wasn't anything special, although we thought it was deceiving.

****

After stopping a "Dessert Book" to let Maisey pick out her scripture case, we stopped at the temple and held family home evening. It was a great evening to do so, and perfect with Maisey's upcoming baptism (this Sat)! But really, when isn't it "perfect" at the temple?

We cannot wait for SATURDAY!!!

{Daddy-Daughter}

Since Maisey and I took our horse ride, Chad and Maisey needed to spend some time together too. Thus, Chad took Maisey to play her first game of Laser tag! She LOVED it, and can't wait to do it again.
Look at Chad's game face- so serious and funny! I know he loves when his girls enjoy the same activities as he does- and we enjoy it to!
The other day Maisey said, "Dad, we are due for another date, but you can't get your nails done or shop, so what are we going to do?" I reminded her, Dad loves to shop, and I even admitted she would probably have more fun with him because he wouldn't care what she bought- well almost. Let's just say we don't always agree on fashion around here.

{The MOST Beautiful Carousel}

After our horse ride, we had to take Ryley for his ride, and we visited to most beautiful carousel I've ever seen (and that's after living near a Carousel museum in Hood River). A tile view from the bathroom.A covered wagon for the non-riders. If you're ever in Salem, visit this museum and it's fun park and splash pad on the riverfront!

{Riding}

Maisey and I took our 3 hour ride the other day. And, days later, I am still reminded. I feel like I was hit by a semi, but at least I felt good when I was on the horse. And boy, was it a horse! I rode a 1/4 horse, and I hope I never do again. It was too big. And the horses, they were too temperamental. I had fear written all over my face I am sure, and if I didn't, it was evident due to the fact I had a guide. Yes, a guide. Someone led me, the horse lover, the entire time. After the first 30 min, I thought I would take the reigns on my own, but then the horse in front of me kept getting mad at my horse Chloe, for trying to take the lead. Many I think the 7 horses on the ride were all too temperamental for my liking.

But, this day was long coming. 72 pounds of work, and between the horse and I (and you I guess), I was still a few pounds off from my goal. But, that is another post which should be on in a week. The "big" update.

Maisey was a pro on Sasha. I think it would be smart to say, she may have a horse someday!

{Enchanted Forest}

We made our end-of-summer trip to Enchanted Forest this week. We do it because it's fun, and for the memories, but we also use it as a reward for Maisey's academic diligence all summer. She does an hour of homework each day to keep up with routine. I went here as a child and I can never get enough of it- reminiscing on old memories and making new ones.

It's so fun to watch everyone get bigger (or smaller in this case) every year!

{the last walk}

On Friday we went to the specialist again for Maisey's foot.The last week of the four with the cast on felt like a year in itself. But, we soon got the news it was 80% healed! 4 more weeks out of activities and then she should be able to resume her life as a school girl. We are sad she has to miss soccer this season, but we are grateful she can swim again! The silly thing, we were all praying her cast would come off, and I was planning on it, but I still forgot to pack a shoe!

We had a celebratory swim planned 10 minutes after we arrived home! And a great weekend followed!