BEAUTIFUL DAY

Mackay's Kindergarten Graduation

2009-06-05T09:03:00.001-07:00

Mackay receiving his "Promotion Certificate"

Mackay and Ethan (and a couple of others I don't know!)

Way to go Mackay! You finally did it! You graduated from Kindergarten! You had an amazing year! At first, you didn't want to go and fought every morning. Now, you ask when school is going to start again! You've lost teeth, grown inches taller, pounds heavier, made lots of new friends and have become more mature and grown up! I can't believe that you are growing up so fast. You are a special boy, Mackay! We love you! Congratulations on a great year!

Zucchini

2009-06-03T08:28:00.000-07:00

Amie, this post is for you. I should've checked my garden before I came over today. This is what I found when I came back to water my garden! Just to give you an idea, this is Grayci holding this large zucchini. I took a picture of it laying on my tile. My tile is 16". This thing was 17" long. I just cooked one last night that I thought was big. This one is even bigger! The fruits of my labor! I love it!

The Way I Want To Live My Life (Favorite Quote)

2009-05-29T11:41:00.000-07:00

I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good thing, therefore, that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not deter or neglect it for I shall not pass this way again.

Stephen Grellet

The Dishwasher

2009-01-22T16:38:00.000-08:00

Look at the lovely pile of dishes on my kitchen counter...

Now look how clean my dishwasher is!

This is what my 3 year old does...in her spare time! I was busy...reading a book and neglecting my homely duties, at least I think Grayci thought I was, and she, unknowingly to me. decided to empty my dishwasher for me. Of course, she can't reach where all the dishes go, so she lovingly placed them on my counter where I could get to them when I was good and ready.

This put a huge smile on my face and I gave her a big bear hug and told her thanks so much for being a big helper. This made her (and myself) feel so good.

Thanks, Grayci, for helping mommy when she is too busy reading a book!

I love you!

The Sweetest Email

2009-01-21T17:49:00.000-08:00

I got this sweet and simple email from my 10 year old son. It just made my day!

"Mom, thank you for being such a nice mom!"

That was all I needed to hear. I love this boy of mine!

The Man With The Funny Shoes

2009-01-21T10:11:00.000-08:00

Today I ventured over to Walmart. I do not like Walmart, I never go to Walmart. Well, my ways may be a changin' now.

I was carrying Grayci (my 3 year old daughter) from our car into Walmart. As we approached the entrance, a very rough looking (you know, long scraggly hair, long beard), elderly, big giant of a man came walking out. As he was walking towards us, Grayci noticed that he had "Funny Shoes" on. To her they were funny, because he had a prosthetic leg. She didn't know that wasn't his real leg, she just thought he had funny shoes. She started to point to him and say something. He looked at her at said "Well look who it is! (I don't think he really knew who she was, just making a comment) I have something for you." Now, I am very weary about taking things from strangers as my little sister who was 3, and I was 8, was almost kidnapped because of wanting to take something from a stranger. I digress. I figured that I was there with her, and she was in my arms, so we were safe. He started digging in his shirt pocket (I could hear the change jingling around) and I thought he was going to pull out a sticker or a penny or something of the sorts. He pulled out this gold coin. It is a Martin Van Buren 1$ coin. I just stood there, almost in tears (we were in the middle of the parking lot) not knowing what to do. He gave it to Grayci and said, "Go put it in your piggy bank ok?" Grayci said thank you and that she would.

Now, this is why I would go back to Walmart...my reasoning for not going is not because I don't like their goods or deals or have had bad experiences there. The reason I don't like Walmart is usually when I go, there are all sorts of odd people there. I get nervous when I'm around strange, odd people. I do my best not to judge, although sometimes I do in my mind. Today, I learned that each of us wear our own set of "funny shoes". It doesn't matter what is on the outside (which I've always known) but on the inside. I really learned a great lesson and feel blessed to have met the man with the funny shoes. By the way, Grayci now keeps telling me, "The man with the funny shoes gave me a gold coin!"

Temple Day

2009-01-17T15:54:00.000-08:00

This morning, Jay and I went to the Temple. It is our ward Temple day but we had to go earlier so my grandparents could go later and someone would be here to take care of Grandma Mackay.
I had a really great experience today. I did the work for my great grandmother's cousin. From what I know, she wasn't happy with things in her life and had a hard time so she decided to commit suicide. The spirit I felt, just by entering the Temple, was amazing. I felt the spirit confirm to me that she was happy her work was being done. Other amazing things happened that are too sacred for me to talk about. It was a wonderful experience. It makes me very excited to work on geneology. I don't know too much on how to go about it, but there are wonderful people in our Ward that know quite a bit, so I am excited to learn. Also, while there, one of the Temple Workers in our session was a girl I had grown up with for a few years and then moved away. Our families were very, very close. That was fun. The LDS community is getting so big, yet it is so small. I love being part of such a wonderful religion.

Mackay's 1st Book

2008-11-24T12:42:00.000-08:00

Today Mackay read his first book. He had never read these words before today. He sounded them out and read the entire book all by himself. The title of the book was A Bug Band.
This was the book...

1 bug
2 bugs
3 bugs
4 bugs
5 bugs
A bug band

Very short, very to the point and just perfect for a Kindergartner to start with. Way to go, Mackay! I am so proud of you!

Bathtub Sayings

2008-11-08T11:13:00.000-08:00

This morning I was brushing my teeth...yes I do that, and I was giving Grayci a bath. This is what I overheard her saying:

I'm not playing this game anymore! You better stop that right now! If you don't go to your room right now, you will get a swat when dad gets home!

I was busting up! I couldn't help but chuckle to myself. I also thought that I need to really stop and think about the things I say to my kids BEFORE I say them. I wonder if they laugh at me just as I was laughing when Grayci was saying it???

A Lesson in Forgiveness

2008-11-06T15:28:00.000-08:00

Halloween night our home and cars were vandalized. We were at our friend's house for the evening. When we returned, our "Yes for Marriage" sign was taken from our yard, shredded, broken and left in our driveway. We also noticed crude remarks on our Jeep and garage door. At first, I was a little distraught, not thinking that anything like this would ever happen to me. I really had to get over that little bit of anger when my 9 year old started feeling very angry. He went on and on and on about why someone would do that to us. That's when I had to take a step back and explain "We believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman. Others believe differently. It doesn't matter whether or not we believe the same things. We are all entitled to our own opinions. What Heavenly Father wants us to do is forgive those who do us wrong. We have to say the things they did to us aren't that important. If we were to get mad and say bad things about others or keep those angry feelings in our hearts, then we would be just as bad as those that did us wrong." So...to those of you that destroyed my sign and vandalized my home and cars...I FORGIVE YOU! I don't have any hard feelings anymore. I feel sorry for you because you don't know what I know. I really would like to share what I know to be true and what brings me true happiness. If you would like to learn what I believe, you know where to find me.
ON A SIDE NOTE...when we first put the sign up in our yard, I was explaining to the kids what it meant, that marriage is supposed to be between a man and a woman. Mackay, the smarty that he is and where he heard this, I will never know said "Yeah, because if a boy marries a boy, That's Gay!" Oh, if you could've seen my face!

2008-11-06T15:22:00.000-08:00

MORE HALLOWEEN PICTURES

Baylie was a Scarecrow

Grayci was a Ladybug.

We had a great time with good food (Thanks Heather!) Good friends and lots of trick or treators. We are so blessed to have such great friends in our area. I am reminded everyday of how blessed I am to be in this area at this time for myself and for my kids. There are such wonderful people that are so great. Thanks everyone we know!

Halloween

2008-11-06T15:12:00.001-08:00

HALLOWEEN PICTURES

Mackay was Darth Maul from Star Wars

JD was a mime

The kids did a great job at picking out costumes this year...I only had to buy 2 Mackay's and Grayci's. These are the boys. I will post the girls next.

2008-08-08T08:02:00.000-07:00

My kids started school last week. I always get teary eyed when they start again. I don't know if it's because I'll miss them, or if it's the hustle and bustle of everyday life again. Gone are the lazy days of summer. Miss B is growing up so fast. I can't believe she is in the 7th grade. She is such a beautiful young woman with a strong personality and lots of confidence. J.D. is in the 4th grade this year. Wow! Time flies! When we first moved out here he was just going into the 1st grade. Now, Mr. Mackay is in Kindergarten. This is where my heart starts to break. I was always a little sad when Baylie & JD started school, but they both had only 1/2 day Kindergarten. Mackay has an entire day of K. I miss him dearly. He can be such a handful sometimes, and at the same time, he has the best personality. He definitely knows what he wants and knows how to go after it. He will do great in school. I think it's been doubly hard for me knowing that I'm getting closer to the end of my kids being at home with me all day! Just 3 more years and Grayci will be starting her adventures at school as well. I can definitely wait for that day to come. I love you kiddos and hope for all the best for you during this school year. You three are so very special to me and I know you will succeed and accomplish many wonderful things this year!

Baylie 7th grade

Sista K

2008-08-07T21:22:00.001-07:00

For those of you who don't know...This really is my Sister...my youngest sister...12 years younger. I don't get to see her too much...as she's got her own little life to live...but as you can see, when I do get to see her...there's a lot to see. Yes...she has a mohawk...this is very tame compared to normal. Yes...she is tattooed from head to toe and everywhere in between...literally. And yes, she does have many piercings...a true freakshow in my own family. Just kidding...I love ya Kristina, no matter what!

FOOD ISSUES

2008-08-07T14:00:00.000-07:00

Okay...this is what I had for lunch today. It just sounded like it would taste sooo good in my mouth and boy did it ever...

Peanut Butter, Banana and Doritos...we'll call it PB&D. I've been having some major food issues the past few days, where nothing sounds good to me...NO, I'M NOT PREGNANT! Last night, my oldest came into my room because she couldn't sleep. She said Jay and I both woke up and Jay asked her what was wrong. I then commented "I just need to eat Apple Dumplings". Okay...I'm dreaming about food now. Though, if you've ever had The Pioneer Woman's Apple Dumplings, you'll be dreaming about them too. Anyways, just thought I'd share my yummy lunch with you!

Memory Game

2008-08-04T12:32:00.000-07:00

I saw this on Amie's blog and thought this was a fun idea. I'd love to hear the memories we share together!

The Memory Game

Heres what you do:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you.It's actually pretty cool (and funny) to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

YARD SALE CANCELLED

2008-07-25T22:13:00.000-07:00

Due to a pretty good chance of rain on Saturday, I decided to not have my garage sale. I am postponing it until the next Saturday, August 2nd. Sorry for all of you who had your heart set on my "junk"! (I'm really saying this to humor myself and will all those garage salers to my home).

!!YARD SALE!!!!

2008-07-25T14:52:00.000-07:00

Ok. I am posting this to make it official. I have been himming and hawwing (if that's actually a word) about having a yard sale, because I HATE clutter. If I don't post this some place, then it will never happen and our garage will become an overgrown toy/clothing/junk pit. I am planning it for Saturday, July 26th from 6 or 7 am 'til about 11 or when we get too tired. Anyone interested, stop on by. I will have 2 pack N plays (1 only used for 6 months and very nice) kids clothes (some never worn by my 11 year old daughter) some furniture (kids desk, 2 chairs) and whatever else we decide to put in. Nothing HUGE, just clutter to me, maybe a treasure to someone else. Hope to see some familiar faces!

More Pictures of Swim Lessons

2008-07-14T14:27:00.000-07:00

For some reason, I think because the files were too big...I can only upload one picture at a time. Here is Grayci jumping off the diving board at swim lessons. She jumps off and swims to the side. Today, she wanted to keep jumping off the side of the pool and wanted to keep swimming even when it wasn't her turn. Yeah...she is loving the water now...and not afraid! Bonnie...you're the best!

Swim Lessons

2008-07-14T10:44:00.000-07:00

Grayci has been taking swim lessons this summer with Mrs. Bonnie. She is an amazing teacher. This is Grayci swimming from Bonnie to the side of the pool after just 7 lessons. She is also jumping off the side of the pool and jumping off the diving board. Today she starts diving for rings. It's amazing how fast they can learn when it's not mom or dad

# 27

2008-07-12T08:53:00.000-07:00

Okay...I'm not computer savvy. I don't know how to go in and change or fix posts so I will do it here. # 27 on 100 facts about me came out in black letters instead of white or green or whatever color it is. # 27 is...I've never been to the Grand Canyon. I know, it's pretty crazy. I've lived in AZ almost my entire life and not once been to the Grand Canyon. Maybe one day.

100 FACTS ABOUT ME

2008-07-11T22:39:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed getting to know many of my friends and the wonderful things about themselves. I thought I would join in and give some facts about myself. I don't know if I will come up with 100 and if I do, hopefully someone will find them somewhat interesting. This really goes beyond my limits as I tend to stay within myself and don't offer myself willingly. Here I go...

1. I am a member of the LDS Church
2. I have 4 kids...ages 11, 9, 5 & 2
3. I am the oldest of 5 kids
4. I lived with my grandparents from 7th to 11th grade
5. I've never met my biological father
6. I would like to meet him someday
7. I was adopted by my stepdad when I was 7
8. and sealed to my parents when I was 17
9. I married the best guy ever...1 and a half months after we met
10. Played competitive baseball as a kid
11. My baseball coach was the JR High boys baseball coach
12. He wanted me to play on the JR. High boys team
13. I did...hated it....and quit....never played again!
14. Hate to admit it....I was a cheerleader for a year....(groan)
15. Now my daughter is a cheerleader....(double groan)
16. Competed in JUDO throughout high school
17. my entire family did (2 bros, 2 sis's and mom and dad)
18. I have a brown belt in Judo
19. I haven't been "camping" in 20 years
20. I am deathly afraid of spiders
21. I am a sucker for cute puppies (anyone want one???) just kidding
22. Then they grow up.
23. I don't know if I'm done having kids yet
24. I've only been married once
25. but have had 3 legal last names in my lifetime
26. My favorite color is ORANGE
27. I've never been to the Grand Canyon
28. I was born in Texas
29. I don't care for Ice Cream
30. I have a tattoo
31. It didn't hurt
32. I enjoy having pretty nails
33. I had my appendix out when I was 5 years old
34. I am extremely afraid of the ocean
35. Then I snorkeled in Hawaii
36. I am still afraid of the ocean...I can't see the bottom
37. I LOVE Dr. Pepper
38. I love to cook and bake
39. though I wouldn't say I was very good
40. I enjoy scrapbooking
41. Or at least collecting supplies
42. I hate clutter
43. and dirt on my feet
44. clean laundry and full cupboards make me feel rich
45. I have a sister who lives in South Korea
46. I'm glad I don't live there
47. Last week was my first time in Relief Society at Church in 5 years
48. My husband is the funniest person ever
49. I went to school to be an Interpreter for the Deaf
50. Never got my degree
51. I would like to someday
52. I am a clean freak
53. I enjoy decorating my house
54. and want to change it regularly
55. I am a definite people person
56. I worked under the London Bridge
57. I saved my little sister from being kidnapped (I was 8, she was 3)
58. I never had a pet until I was married (no, not my husband)
59. Never saw the latest Star Wars movies
60. My all time favorite movie is The Wizard of Oz.
61. I am a super speller
62. I took AP English in High School
63. I always wanted a baby with black hair
64. or any hair
65. Finally, my last baby had black hair...
66. Then it fell out and came in blonde
67. My favorite song is "Be Still My Soul"
68. I worked with mentally disabled adults when I was a senior in High School
69. I LOVE my Tempur-Pedic Mattress
70. and pillow
71. I was a Chiropractic Assistant for 7 years
72. I have a lot of friends
73. Only a very few close friends
74. I turned my papers in to go on a mission
75. Then I met my husband...the next day
76. I was married a month and a half later
77. I've never been on "MY SPACE"...and never will
78. I love going to the Temple
79. I don't like chicken...but will eat it sometimes
80. I love spending time with my family
81. Love having the missionaries over
82. I loathe...loathe..."popping zits"
83. I've been water skiing since I was 5 years old
84. I'm too fat and out of shape to do it now
85. My favorite flower is a daisy
86. I am an early riser
87. Not a night owl
88. I enjoy having company at my house
89. I love to meet new people
90. I can be a very reserved person
91. I ran over my son with full size pick-up
92. only broke his arm
93. I can play the piano...
94. but I have to practice for a long time first.
95. I enjoy learning new skills...and can pick things up pretty quick
96. My Great Grandma is still alive...98 in August
97. Her sister is alive at 103
98. I don't think I want to be that old
99. I would love to go to Scotland
100. I want perfectly shaped and perfectly white teeth

Okay...I did it. Whew! Thanks for humoring me!

FAVORITE FOUR

2008-07-11T22:26:00.000-07:00

So I've been tagged to do my favorite four....Here it goes...

4 JOBS I'VE HAD
1. Chiropractic Assistant
2. Secretary for Mentally Handicapped Office
3. Worked for my dad under the London Bridge
4. Office help for HMS Host Food Service Co.

4 MOVIES SEEN MORE THAN ONCE
1. 13 Going on 30
2. Pretty in Pink
3. Point Break
4. Lost Boys

4 PLACES I'VE LIVED
1. Lake Havasu City
2. Surprise
3. Mesa
4. Tucson

4 TV SHOWS I WATCH
1. Deadliest Catch
2. Intervention
3. Throwdown with Bobby Flay
4. Jail

4 PLACES I'VE BEEN
1. Hawaii
2. North Carolina
3. Mexico (Juarez)
4. Canada

4 PEOPLE WHO EMAIL ME REGULARLY
1. Jay
2. Tara
3. Baylie
4. Julie

4 FAVORITE FOODS
1. Mexican
2. Chicken Noodle Casserole
3. Steak
4. Dr. Pepper (Yes, I count that as a food)

4 PLACES I'D LOVE TO VISIT
1. Africa
2. Australia
3. New York
4. Nauvoo, Illinois

4 THINGS LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE NEXT YEAR
1. Growing our Business
2. My baby out of diapers
3. scrapbooking more pages
4. Going on Eagle Quest

4 FRIENDS I'M TAGGING
1. Tara
2. Julie
3. Carrie
4. Jaime P.

Celebrity Soulmate

2008-07-02T21:04:00.000-07:00

Okay...thought I'd be ambitious and post...well I started checking out blogs and after blogging with the entire world, I came across the celebrity soulmate so I thought I'd check it out...who would I be compatible with...ha ha ha David Beckham. He is a hottie, in some kind of freak fantasy world maybe...but for now...I'm sooo happy with my Jay Leonard! He's the REAL man of my dreams!

Mackay Graduates from Preschool

2008-05-27T10:09:00.000-07:00

Mackay has had the best preschool teacher for the past 2 years. Her name is Mrs. Barb as the kids call her. She is a lady in our ward who does preschool out of her home. Mackay has just loved her and all she does. He has made some really great friends in preschool as well. I have never been emotional when my other 2 finished preschool and moved onto kindergarten. For some reason, I am having trouble letting him go. Maybe it's because I'll only have 1 at home or I'll just miss him and his silliness. He is a very special boy and I am so lucky to be his mom. We are so excited for his new adventures and look forward to seeing him grow into a wonderful young man!

Baylie, the Cheerleader

2008-05-26T23:28:00.000-07:00

Baylie decided she wanted to tryout for the Cheerleading squad at her school. She was really wanting to do this for next year. She tried out and made the Varsity Squad for the next school year, which she will be in the 7th grade. She is really quite good and her gymnastic skills are still there! Way to go, Baylie! We are proud of you!

Grayci's First Haircut!

2008-05-26T23:20:00.000-07:00

This was after

This was during.

May 15, 2008...Grayci got her first haircut. 2 and a half years old and did not have a single hair cut from her head...until this day. Thank you Julie Rork...your Nat Nat inspired Grayci to finally give in and cut it off! Grayci refused to let me take her to get her hair cut. The only way I could do it was to go with Julie and her daughter Natalie so Grayci could watch Nat Nat get her hair cut. We went to Snip and Snaps and Natalie got her hair cut. Grayci's turn. She wasn't sure she wanted to do this, especially when the black cape came out. We had to do it without the cape. It turned out really cute.

It's That Time Again!

2008-03-27T21:32:00.003-07:00

My kids decided that it was that time again, yesterday. It doesn't matter to them that their lips and their toes turn blue. It doesn't matter that they shake and shiver for hours after the fun. It doesn't matter that the water is only 66 degrees and it's a little breezy outside. All that matters is that they are having fun and are able to finally get into the POOL! They were in the water for about an hour and yes the water was 66 degrees, warmer from a few days ago when they wanted to get in but couldn't bear it at 62 degrees. G's lips did turn blue and she shivered for quite a while after she got out and after a warm bath. JD, B, M and G enjoyed each and every minute of it, while mom's toes turned blue from the cold.

Vaseline Girl

2008-03-13T23:15:00.000-07:00

I was browsing through my pictures on my computer, which I haven't printed or done anything with since taking them, and I found this AMAZING picture of my baby. Isn't she just beautiful??? I remember this day very clear...as if it were yesterday. It was a Sunday morning, you know, the one where everything is going right, no one is fussing about Church and mom is almost ready thinking..."Wow...I might actually get to eat something for breakfast this morning." Well...that thought ran through my head for about 10 seconds before Grayci walked into my bathroom with a huge grin saying "fun mommy, fun mommy".

She had pulled the Vaseline off the bathroom counter (why it was there in the first place, no one knows) and hid in her favorite hiding spot (behind the rocking chair in our loft) and proceeded to lube herself with Vaseline. Yes...we still made it to Church, thanks to the proddings of my husband. She did have amazing hair that day. Amazingly enough, she had no loose strands. Each piece of hair stayed in her pony all day long and the next day and the next day. Yes...it took me 3 days to get this out. If you ever have a beautiful daughter who decides to have "FUN" with Vaseline... Here's the trick to get it out. Take a handful of OLIVE OIL and rub it in her hair really well. You may want to do this 2 times to make sure it's coated well. This is very important. I didn't do OLIVE OIL the first time, just thought DAWN dish soap would get it out, because it takes grease out of your way. No! YOU HAVE TO USE OLIVE OIL FIRST. Next, take the DAWN dish soap and wash her hair as you would with Shampoo. Make sure this all comes out. Finally, shampoo her hair really well with your favorite shampoo and conditioner. She'll have the moistest hair in Arizona, that's for sure!

First Time For Everything

2008-02-28T13:04:00.000-08:00

This is my first blog entry. I'm not sure what I'm doing or how this will look so bear with me as I journey down my newest quest.