That's all Folks...

I just completed my last final exam. I am finished. I am a college graduate. I am a working mom, who now, can tell her daughter that she has no excuse to not go to college. I am proud of myself.

I will miss the blessing of being surrounded by knowledge; I will miss the opportunity of being pushed out of my comfort zone. Most of all, I will miss the feeling that comes each time you work your butt off on an assignment and receive that "A" grade that you know you earned.

Things that won't be missed:
-expensive text books
-parking meter fees
-parking tickets:(
-busy work
-making Shiloh watch tv because I have to study
-2:00 am nights
-tuition!!
-lame professors
-3 hour long classes

I will be forever grateful to Chris, Shiloh and all of the wonderful people who gave me the confidence to push through even though there were plenty of "excuses" not to.

Thank you for helping me become a better person.

Fall photos

Breathtaking Portland

Adventures at Tracy Aviary.

After 20+ bags of leaves we were burned out, but the first few bags were really fun.

Halloween Highlights

Our #1 bumble bee

Preschool friends

"Check out my stinger"

Chris and friend Ryan
It's sad, I know, but neither of these mustaches were part of a costume!

Oregon=Green living, Tillamook cheese and Excellent restaurants

Hanging out at the Portland Art Market.

I admire the artists who commit themselves to a career of markets and fairs. I would imagine that it can be discouraging at times, but so rewarding to meet a person for the first time and be able to inspire them with your art to the point that they buy it on the spot.

Exploring the city and eating lots of treats was my favorite part of the trip.

How does a 2 year old know how to roll her eyes???

Eating pancakes, or in her case, butter was her favorite part.

Gelato... We went there twice in 4 days:)

Cannon Beach-Driving several hours to gorgeous Cannon Beach only to arrive at the same time as a mini monsoon. At least we were able to eat some fried fish and take a photo.

She thinks her parents are crazy!

Chris' Aunt and Uncle spoiled us, especially Shiloh. In one day they took us to the Portland Children's Museum and the Portland Zoo. Both were very cool.

Face painting at the museum. We learned a great tip, use Oil Pastels, rather than craft paint. Less of a mess and easier to clean off.

The water play area was our favorite, there were several very innovative activities that kept her entertained for awhile.

Riding the train at the zoo.

Feeding the parakeets nectar

She thought the cheese factory was fascinating. If you get a chance pick up a block of Tillamook's Vintage White Cheddar Cheese, you won't be disappointed.(it is available at Costco)

Tillamook ice cream was just what this little lady needed after a long drive. Too bad it is not available at my grocery store.

We had some excellent meals while in Portland. Here were a few of our favorites.
Best Fried Chicken this side of the Mississippi- Screen Door
Pizza that I am still dreaming about- Ken's Artisian Pizza
Exotic Thai food, you won't believe the flavors. PokPok

If you have not visited Portland, add it to your list of places to see before you die!

Little tip when baking with kids

As most of you know, cooking is pretty much my favorite pasttime. Recently, having Shiloh as my sous chef has made my hobby even more enjoyable.
She is at a point where she wants to help with everything, or in her words, "Shiloh do it". The other day, I thought of a way to make this more managable for both of us.
While she was napping I quickly pulled a Martha Stewart move and pre-measured all the ingredients into little bowls. When she woke up, everything was ready to go. She was able to combine the ingredients without any major mess, I was glad to have a reason to dirty so many little bowls and the best part, she was giddy with delight.

"I need my papa"

This is the phrase that I have been hearing over and over for the past 20 days. Chris(Papa) has been traveling in Africa for work. Shiloh and I have missed him immensely, we are so happy to know that he is half way home. Shiloh can't wait to go get him off of the "big airplane" as she calls it. Most of all, she is excited about the dresses that he has promised to bring home for her. Here are a few photos that he has sent over the last few weeks.

Dance Class

Shiloh is only in week 2 of dance and she loves it. She does tap and ballet with 8 other 2-3 year olds. The best part is, I get to stay and watch each class. I am so glad that she inherited some rhythm from the Peterson side, because everyone knows that she wasn't going to get that from me:)

They were asked to use the scarves as their butterfly wings and dance around the room.

Talk about a cheesy grin, I just love that little lady.

Notice the ribbon tied on her wrist. She totally came up with this on her own, she wanted me to make her a bracelet out of the hair ribbons. I think she might be on to something.

You can tell by her facial expression she is very serious about her "moves".

My TV Debut

I was filmed/interviewed for a local TV show last week. I had been asked if I would be willing to be filmed doing random daily tasks in an effort to capture a busy/working mom in “action”. However, the interview portion was unexpected and on the spot. I had not been prepped as to what the end in mind was, so it was all off the cuff. That part was extremely stressful, but in the end turned out to be a great opportunity.

You can check out the interview here: Studio5

After you watch the clip, those of you who know me well will most likely laugh out loud when you see that they filmed me doing my makeup as part of my "normal" routine. Since when has makeup been a part of ANY of my routines?? HAHA

Big day at our house!!

Yesterday was a very exciting day for Shiloh and I. Shiloh went to her first day of preschool and I started my first day of my very last semester of college!!

I will be graduating in December with a Bachelors in Sociology with an emphasis in Diversity. I have four classes this left, one of them happens to be during the day, which is quite refreshing. Usually my classes are from 6-9 in the evenings. I forgot the exciting energy you feel from all the young freshman as they are dashing to class, wearing "new school clothes" and looking so hip with their ipods. Even the professor's seem to give better lectures because they are not tired, nor am I, maybe that is the difference. Either way I am so grateful that I get to go to school, but I will also be rejoicing when December 18th arrives and I am a graduate!!

As for little punkie, she loved her first day. She did not even look back to say goodbye to me. When I went to pick her up she stuck her hand out to stop me from coming in to get her and said, "Mommy no go home"!! To be honest it would have been nice to feel a tiny sense of separation anxiety from her, but I can't complain I would rather that she feel completely excited and confident.

This is her in the morning in the special dress she picked for her first day. This is her using her arms to show me that she was SO BIG, and that was why it was ok for her to go to the "big kids school", as she calls it.

This picture captures my nervousness as she walked up the giant stairs to the big school. As you can see she was not threatened by the enormous building.

Scoping out the new class room and getting ready to put her back pack in her cubby.

Here is to a great first day of school!!!

"May you be content with yourself just the way you are."

Today, I received this quote from a dear friend. I instantly thought about how fortunate I am, I get to be a mom to her and a partner with him!!

http://jessieonealphotography.com/

"May there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us."