My Thesis, or Lack Thereof...

As many of you know, writing my thesis has really been challenging. I'm sure it is difficult for anyone, and with two little ones I am struggling to find time. I feel bad not playing with Nevie, and I feel bad not holding Tay, and I feel bad not working on my thesis. Through all of this, there are some things I have learned that I wish I knew before, or wish I had done towards the beginning of my Masters Program and I wanted to share them...

1. Pick a topic early on in coursework. That way you can choose classes that may help in your understanding of, and research for, you paper. You may even be able to use work from your term papers for those particular courses for your thesis. Also, by starting early on, you have the student mindset. Trust me, once you are done with your coursework, the last thing you want to do is write a 120-page paper in order to get your dregree. Do it as you go, if you can.

2. A tip I just got was to work on it a little bit EVERY day, no matter how much, or in my case, how little you actually accomplish.

3. Don't have kids until you are DONE! Just kidding. Designate certain time to work on it, when the kiddos won't be a distraction. I absolutely cannot do it during the day when one baby is breastfeeding, two are in diapers, and one is a smart, stubborn two-year-old. But at night, or even during nap time, I MIGHT get a chance.

4. Use CSUF Writing Center skills. I should definitely have been using these LONG before now. Those tutoring skills are not only for our students. Duh!

5. Have someone you can talk to about your thesis, and who is willing to dedicate some time to it, and you, by reading and commenting and suggesting.

Now, I am going to get back to it. Pray that I finish it. :-) Oh, and one that I should probably add to that... Don't get mad at your husband, or significant other, when he pretends to be mad that you aren't working on it...he's just trying to help get you motivated.

The Home Front

Well, Kaleb and I have really put a lot of time, energy, and money into our home. Our most recent improvement was to have some concrete work done. In fact, we got a nice, large patio put in the backyard, and a walkway from the back patio to the front driveway. It's so nice when we can afford to just pay someone to do the work for us! The only thing Kaleb had to do was to trim the gate to accommodate the height of the concrete as opposed to just the dirt ground. We are excited to have a landscaped backyard for the girls to play in, but decided to wait on the sprinklers and grass until next year. This'll give us time to save up, and really, with it almost being winter, they won't be going outside much anyway. Although, it has been in the high-70's, low 80's here, still!

We're still gradually working on organization-both in the house and the garage. All that matters is that we are making progress, and having fun in the process. Nevaeh loves her space. We find her in all the rooms of our home, with small toys left as her tracks.

Cute: Grandma took Nevaeh to a elementary school production of the Jungle Book, and now every day she says, "Ayeah (Nevaeh), Ally, and Mama go outside, see Jungle Book." Also, Taylor is laughing now...as soon as she lets me catch her on the video camera I'll share that with you.

Love,
Corie

Pismo Weekend

November 7-11 Kaleb, Nevaeh, Taylor and I went to the beach with my parents. We stayed a couple nights in the timeshare and the other nights in the RV. We had a lot of fun, although we were VERY sleep deprived when we got back. Nevaeh had a blast at the playgrounds, playing in the sand, running around the beach, and getting lots of yummy treats! We went to Solvang and walked around. Taylor enjoyed the stroller ride; Nevaeh enjoyed the candy and pastries. :-)

Nevaeh still loves holding "her" Baby Tay. But, she did admit that Taylor was getting heavier.

Happy Halloween!!!

Before leaving for the Fall Family Festival at my parents' church, Nevaeh gave her little Bee a kiss! Taylor had to be given her binkie because she was a pretty cranky Bee...not able to really stretch her 24in. body in the 0-9 month size costume. Yes I have giant children!

With her costume only half on, Taylor was much happier, showing her priceless smile to anyone who looked. Isn't she cute?

Mama is really loved by Taylor and Nevaeh! Pop-Pop walked around with them too, but I didn't get any good pics.

Mommy and her girls.

Nevaeh and some friends, Aiden and Tanner Marsh.

Nevaeh did not really understand the concept of Trick-or-Treating. She had no problem being given candy, but here she is taking our bowl of candy for the kids in our neighborhood away from the door-trying to keep it for herself!

We had a very fun night, and can't wait until next year when Taylor, too, is running around!