Valentines Day

I love holidays. I also love to have little parties for each one. I'm a sucker for all the little cheesy decorations, like this vinyl table cloth. Yeah, vinyl. I actually buy the vinyl, because I can't find holiday ones in cloth,and the kids usually do crafts or cookie decorating. I might just have to make my own... Anyway, the day before Valentines we had a little lunch with friends. Maisey plastered the wall with about 30 hearts she traced with cookie cutters, cut out, and hung on the wall. She's going to out due me someday soon.

The following day things were pretty low key around here. We went out for awhile during the day but we actually relaxed some. We've never been big date night people, but this year I really wanted to go out. We knew Ryley wouldn't like that idea so we put the kids to bed at their usual early time (7pm), and had a date night at home. We don't like to exchange gift either, except Chad got me three roses like last year, to represent him and the kids. My gift to him was chocolate strawberries, cider, and a hot pink bath, all to himself!I don't know what I was thinking when I bought heart shaped floating candles. It was a total joke. By the time I beckoned him the way was melting and he couldn't exactly bath with fire floating around him. However, it looked cool.

Maisey loved her school party and has since forgotten about the candy I hid away. We didn't do the candy monster this go round but she's use to it disappearing two or so days later.

I sure love my family.

{Random}

First and foremost I have to say how much I miss blogging. I am so consumed by other things right now (and no- I'm not on Facebook), that I never even know where my camera is. That little number representing my posts in my sidebar is pathetic!

Update: Lately things around here have been 'mellow' or uneventful.

Maisey:

Has school five days a week, several play date swaps, dance and girl scouts (BTW, she sold 100+ boxes), along with other random things we don't have scheduled. After last weeks sun she is ready for summer... Just come on by and you will catch her in summer skirts, swimsuits (a little over-eager) and flip flops. She thinks she can bring summer on sooner if she dresses accordingly.

Ryley:

Applauds all the time, army crawling his way into trouble, and trying to give up the bottle- despite our advice. You never know depending on the day if he wants a bottle, a cup, or nothing all together. Since he's pretty much always happy it's hard to tell when he's hungry. All he wants are solids and we are wasting tons of formula offering him bottles left and right.

Chad:

Played his first basketball game for our ward and enjoyed it. Had to miss Saturday's game for a long standing swimming day at the aquatic park, but "took one for the team." Has been working on Elders Quarum stuff and is excited to serve in a different area of the church for t he first time (outside of primary).

Me:

Last week (and the four before that), I was so consumed with my classes that I didn't even wear make-up or get "dressed" (like really dressed for the public eye) for several days in a row! I've forgone many social opportunities and my neighbors haven't seen me come and go 8x's a day as usual; however, don't get worried now. I am simply busy earning A's with my 16 credit load. I did manage to take the kids for many walks last week, and to a couple playground/parks. I got enough Vitamin D to recharge my battery for a couple days.

About school, I think I'm going to miss school when I'm done. I know it sounds crazy. Before college I only went to school to socialize (big surprise, huh?) and I didn't care about getting the very best grades I could. I was "average." However, a heck of a lot has changed since those days and somewhere over time I became this "Type A" overachiever. It's funny how when other people call us names we don't like it but when we say it, it isn't so bad...

I just hope my career is as rewarding as the quarter grades I receive because it's validation that all the sacrifice has payed off and it is worth it. I just took a midterm tonight, I have another tomorrow, and I'm so glad I only halve 5 weeks left until spring break.

It is that time of year when all I think about is Nursing school. This year will be the first year I am 'qualified' to but won't apply. I actually had a small interest in a couple schools but it was so small I missed the deadlines. Obviously, my interest wasn't big because I would never "miss" something like that. I have to say I am very discouraged with the level of education I do have at this time. All I ever wanted to do in life was be a CNM (Midwife). I am still amazed that I spent 4 years in school, only to apply with good grades, and not get in. I think it "knocked me off my rocker." I know everything happens for a reason and that reason will be one year old in April. That was what I really wanted. But, I thought after having him I would apply again and the truth of the matter is, I am just burned out with all the juggling. Yes, I am contradicting myself.

I will miss school deadlines, the acquisition of new knowledge, and long vacations, but I won't miss the juggling! Six years, and two babies later, I don't think I will ever want to go back to those science classes again. I know I will need grad school to get further, but I need at little break first.

{Baptism}

Two weekends ago (I know I'm really behind), we went to Hood River and The Dalles for Paige Sorenson's baptism. Paige is the first of of Maisey's close friends to get baptised and afterwards she couldn't stop talking about it. I'm glad the weather permitted us to go (you never know this time of year) and I'm thankful for the wonderful example she sets for Maisey who just idolizes her.

It was an emotional event because I felt many of the same feelings from my own baptism. I also think that was one indication it's been way too long since we've been to one. We were spoiled in our old ward since we had a font and we were able to attend them regularly. This time I hope we don't have to go another 18 months before we attend one.

I also couldn't get over how quickly she grew! Jenny and I get scared more and more each day with our girls and lucky for me Paige is first,and then Madeline. Madeline is 9 months older than Maisey and she has 2 boys under 3 so I've got my built in crisis line when and if I need it.

Someday these two girls will be as big as these girls.

****

Paige after her baptism.
Everything was sweet- just like this cake.

Ryley

In a couple days Ryley will be 10 months! I can't believe the time has gone by so quickly. He brings so much joy to our home and we are excited about each new day and the new things he will be learning and demonstrating. It feels like we 'skipped' much of the infancy stage around here because he was such a different baby than Maisey was.

• She slept in our bed until she was five- he only comes in for an occasional mid-night cuddle!

• She breastfed for nearly two years- he never-EVER liked it!

Just today I made the decision to let it go... This is the first day I haven't pumped in almost ten months; for some strange reason I'm sad. I guess it's because he didn't need me in the same way Maisey needed me. *Now all you psychiatrists/sociologists out there don't go labeling me!

We did everything we could to meet Maisey's needs. We were hardly ever apart. Although it seemed demanding at times, I felt like I was being the best parent I could. I relished all my time for reasons like today: when you know your baby is suddenly more independent than you want him/her to be. We just waited so long to have this little guy, I wanted things to last longer. I don't think we will be having too many babies so I've really got to treasure the time I have when they're little.

Now on to the 10 month (almost) post!Ryley loves food. He is eating more than his sister ate, and a wider variety of foods, than his sister ate at 18 months.

He such a healthy little eater. His faves are: Avocados, diced cooked carrots, green beans, cottage cheese, yogurt, pretty much anything you can name.

He loves playing with his big sister!

She hauls him from room to room and pulls him around the house on his Tonka truck.
He is such a big helper, and so independent he can even un-dress him self!

He is your typical sensitive baby.
He is determined.

He loves to pretend he's more developed.

He doesn't crawl yet, and we're not sure when that will be. However, somehow he still makes his way into the middle of everything (especially Polly Pockets), by twisting , rolling, and scooting. I call him Inspector Gadget because he can reach anything.

As we were playing tonight I realized I'm actually thankful because he has bought us some time. Everyday he reminds me I need to baby proof more and more.

Maisey walked at 8 1/2 months and Chad's wishful thinking for Ryley hasn't shone through. I always catch Chad posing Ryley in front of the walker push toy as he moves his feet for him like a puppet. It developmental honey, not something picked up from conditioning.

At his 9 month doctor appointment he:

Gained enough weight to put him in the %1o percentile

He stayed with his growth pattern for %50 percentile for height

Then and now he loves to:

• Give kisses.
• Clap his hands and play "patty-cake."
• Be sang to.
• Continues to cry for anyone other than Mom, Dad, or sister.

{Cookie Time}

Yes, it's that time of year. The Girl Scouts are selling cookies! If you're interested let me know and I will send a cute little sales girl your way.My faves-$4 a box

The girls are raising money for their troop. They are going to do something with the money that will make the world a better place like plant trees and flowers.

{MUST READ)

Even if you are well aware and outraged about the Consumer Product Safety Act and the devastating impact it will have on tons of people, you have to read this post!

I am so ticked off...

{Catch Up}

School started on Monday and my hands have been tied with work, family, fun, and work... 16 credits is going to kick my butt (or bottom as Maisey would correct me), but it will be over soon. I need tons of help right now and I'm thankful Chad is such a wonderful helper. If I wasn't such a clean freak! He gets mad because I won't let him do it...

For dinners I've been using a new crock pot cookbook I got for Christmas (which I love) and now I need to just figure out some one pot meals. So far I've made several great main dishes and I just have to do the sides.

Since things are busy I will try my best to stay on top of my "game" and find that balance I've always relished in.

{Quatama Pride}

On Friday night Maisey's school had a New Year open house. She had a blast jumping on the inflatable, getting her hair painted in stripes with the school colors, receiving a fake tattoo (which she had for an hour- I really hate those ugly things), eating cotton candy, and watching The Top Notch Cheerleaders (ages ranging from 6 to 13). It was probably the coolest school function I've been to, but then again I love watching little kids perform.

An awesome clown (who's face happens to be partially covered in this photo) tied the kids balloons.
Maisey's got Coyote Pride.
The worldly but "cool" hair color.

She wanted to jump and slide all night with her friend Sammy but since "Pump It Up" (see posts down) was the next day, we made her leave the gym and mingle.

{Is it working?}

I got these new window panels for Christmas (they are blue in case it's hard to tell0 and I'm still not sure if they're working with the rest of the room... I love the shine and the rod. I think they're Shabby Chic.
But does it go with the linens?

What do you think? Please, let me know so I can iron the darn things.

{Saturday Continued}

On Saturday after the birthday party we had a "party" of our own. It wasn't really much of a party (especially to me since I only made a couple dips) but we still had a good time. It was very laid back and relaxing evening with 11 other couples (this one was without the kids) and we still missed the other 12 that were unable to make it due to prior engagements, the lingering winter ailments, and childcare arrangements. Maybe next time...

Living in the city hasn't proven to be too bad since we benefit from the amenity of a full size kitchen and other entertaining spaces at our clubhouse.

{Pump IT Up}

On Saturday our nephew had his millionth birthday party at the BIG Pump It Up (it's located near Allen in case you didn't know it existed). He really only turned 6 but he has celebrated many of his birthday's there, along with his sister who's birthday is in March. For me it's like Deja vu all over only the kids get bigger and bigger in the pictures.

I think Chad loves getting the invite as much as the kids do.

The bunch.

Ready, set, go!
The rush after the big slide.
Ryley (in motion) even enjoyed the excitement or fear of the big slides.

It was another great celebration- Guenther style!

{Finally- Our New Year}

This post is certainly out of order but to special to be forgotten! New Year's Eve is always relaxing and uneventful, yet special. This New Years Eve marked our 3 year Temple Sealing. We consider the date to be our anniversary and we will never forget it.

To celebrate we went and visited Pittock Mansion. Oh, how amazing! I loved it! Many people don't know that at Christmas it is extra unique since it is full decked out in colors of the season. I love architecture and decor (note: my own style is not a reflection of what I truly admire) so it was two beautiful things in one- and everywhere! There were Christmas trees in almost every room and every one of these pictures is a different one.

Later that night we spent a couple quiet hours with 2 other couples and retired shortly after 12am. Which is kind of funny because that is early on a normal night for us but we were spent. Maisey made it to the New Year as we ended 2008 watching new flicks we got for Christmas. Last year ended peacefully and the new year began the same. Let's hope it's a good, prosperous one!

{Celebration: Wii love our Wii Fit}

Chad got a Wii fit from his folks for Christmas (he really wants to make it into his wetsuit this summer). I never would have thought I would want one too. But, I LOVE it! I think I am going to apply for a sales rep position with Nintendo- after the results shine through that is! We are really getting a workout on this thing and anyone who is curious (if you can brave the results of your balance test and BMI, should come have a try), you'll want one too!Here I am getting ready for another round of aerobics- it's my forte- hula hopping is not however! (That is Paul Sorenson in the background- he loves Triathlons! Crazy guy, I guess he's my motivation).

***********************

We had a wonderful Christmas dinner (ham, fancy jello and green salad, fattening sodium filled potatoes) for lunch yesterday and we are so thankful for the time we have together with family. I also made my first ever, and certainly not last, apple cobbler... It was perfect since I hate pies all because of the detail and delicacy of the crust!

*(I will post that on the recipe blog)
Ryley loved his musical activity table and hopefully he will have the desire to stand and use it!

Our holiday couldn't have been any better.

{Going for a record}

Ryley will be 9 months tomorrow and today he had his 5th haircut! It was so long, curly, and wild, and this cut has made him look too old! However, those cute curls will be back in 2 weeks and we will leave them for awhile. He hates getting haircut, or more like he hates stranger touching him, so I may have to save us all time (and money) and start cutting it myself! I do Chad's, and I've got the good professional clippers ($$$) but I don't want it buzzed until he's older. I love the texture now and I want him to look his age.

This is how sad he looked during the cut. They even asked me if he could have a sucker to quiet him- yeah right!!!

{Bowling}

Today we went bowling. I love to bowl but I am horrible. We only go every couple months, but I had really hoped the Wii bowling would have improved my skills (I guess 30 minutes a month isn't enough). Despite my record low scores, today was especially horrific. I didn't care much until these older 70 something experienced male bowlers joined in the lane next to us... Then I was plain old embarrassed! It was so packed because of winter break and I think I was too busy admiring to cool ally to focus on my game; Either that or it was Ryley and his unusually fussy demeanor because of his pestering teething. I exclaimed to one gentlemen we were there for the girl! He smiled and asked to take our picture. I hesitated because I am camera phobic but I appreciated the gesture and he snapped away. Maisey won't remember my score only the fact that I let her buy purple Skittles from a vending machine (a rare occurrence in this household).

Sunset Lanes is the nicest ally I've ever been too and I'm trying to tune out the fact that it may be cheaper somewhere else where they don't have comfortable sofa-style coaches for seating, flat screens, and ramps for the little kiddies to launch there balls down.

Maisey beat me out and next time I'm sticking with bumpers!

{Our Christmas}

We headed out Monday in the crazy weather only to make it down I-5 before they closed it for cleanup! It was a dreadful drive (we didn't exceed 20 mph but managed to fish tail across all three lanes) and I would never do it again- it was full of excitement, or fear to say the least. We arrived safely and the fun with family began.

We spent Christmas eve at my Grandpa's and Grandma's house ( a life long tradition) and we spent Christmas Day with my parents. After the big eve with all the Clark's (28 of us), Christmas morning gifts from Santa, and Christmas Day gifts from my parents, we have had our fill of Christmas. The kids got way too much stuff and we informed Maisey that she won't be getting any gifts on her birthday in 6 months- from us anyway (no joke)!

*I went to town deleting pictures too soon and so some are missing, but below you can see a recap of our holiday. As always, it was magical and we hope yours was too!

This is one stretch of magic from my Grandma's Christmas collection!

She has many, many, many Dickens villages and some are pictured in this post but I deleted the whole village from her third room. One reason I love Christmas in Eugene is because of all these beautiful decorations!

Now we can't wait until next year! We came home Saturday and since then the house has been stripped of it's festive decorations. It looks like we're moving and I am trying not to think about how quickly the holiday came and went... I seriously get depressed when Christmas ends. You won't find any more Christmas movies playing or hear the 6+ hours of seasonal music coming from our radio; it's time to get ready for spring! And after the snow, I think I'm OK with that.

{Passing Time}

It may not be the most beautiful Gingerbread House you've ever seen, but it sure helped us pass the time away during the "big" snow on 12/20! We were going to forgo this "art" project this year, but when the snow didn't let up, I thought helping Maisey make another one of these might not be so bad!

This year Maisey did all of the decorating herself-except the frosting!

{One Week}

Today's weather makes it 1 whole week off of school, and 1 whole week to make-up! I had no idea snow days had to be made up but apparently this missed week will be tacked on to the end of the year! Hopefully not interfering with travel plans...

We have enjoyed the days off, trapped inside half the time. We played many games, one new game in particular called Ned's Head. The game is for the senses and the object is to feel around inside Ned's head through his nostrils or ear and pull out disgusting things that are on your game card like Ned's lunch (vomit), a dirty diaper, a dirty q-tip w/wax, etc,... Maisey loves it and she deserved it since she has been sleeping in her bed a whole week now!

Her daddy was willing as usual to help her get through this stage so he camped out on an air mattress for 3 nights... I think he liked being out of our room because he wasn't disturbed by Ryley's waking schedule. After a couple nights she said she could do it on her own and she has. Unfortunately, she still wakes and comes into our room at least once a night and we have to tuck her back in, but again, it's progress!

{One Thing}

Do you remember the corner Maisey "backed me into" when she only asked Santa for one thing last year? Before hand I pleaded with her to ask for a couple things so Santa would have wiggle room... Well, this year, again, she only asked for one thing. Luckily, Oma and Opa bought her that gift and so she will be pleasantly surprised when she opens it after Christmas. She did remind me however, as she cupped her mouth immediately following her visit, "Remember I still have that list though" with a big smile on her face! She said she didn't have time to tell him anything else (there were only 2 people in line including us), but I think she is just so delighted to be in his presence, she forgets about her requests (I don't have any complaints about that).

Ryley wasn't digging Santa, but the picture was worth it!

{Tradition}

A couple holidays a year (Valentines Day, Easter, Halloween and Christmas) I make sugar cookies for us (and friends) to decorate. It all started with Christmas cookies a couple years back when we lived 3 hours away from my family. My Grandma has hosted a cookie decorating "party" every year of my life (with all of her 9 grandchildren) for as long as I can remember- it's tradition. Now, as much as I hate making the cookies, I like the fun of watching the kids decorate them with ample amounts of frosting and sprinkles. This year Maisey spent a good hour plus on hers... She is pretty meticulous with her creations.

83 regular size sugar cookie and I don't remember how many mini cookies Maisey made!

We missed our little sick friends that couldn't make it and we will catch them another time... Tis the season!

Metal cookie cutters are also great for cutting out sandwiches, other food, and play dough!

We love this season!