Take it a day at a time.....

The most amazing woman you would ever meet!!!

2010-08-09T18:54:00.001-07:00

I cannot even begin to tell you how great my Nana was!! She has been the PERFECT role model for all of us in our family!! She was an amazing grandmother. She loved the Lord with all her heart and she is in heaven with him. She had been sick on and off so many times, and this last time, I just had a feeling she wasnt going to pull through. My grandfather and her had drove from florida to massachusetts, to visit family. When she was up there she was having difficulty breathing, they ended up calling for an ambulance, and being admitted to Hyannis Mass hospital, on Cape Cod. My mother, Olivia and I decided to take a flight out late tuesday night. I was hoping to get there in time to say hi to her before she was admitted to ICU. She was diagnosed with pneumonia, had heart failure, kidney problems and many other issues, that complicated everything. Unfortunately we did not make it there before they had to put her on the vent, which if you dont know, basically is a tube down your throat and your hooked up to his machine that breathes for you. The first time walking into her room and seeing her, broke my heart. I could tell she was so uncomfortable and just looked so awful!! They had her on lots of meds, to keep her semi out of it. Sporatically opening her eyes, moving her arms and even having tears roll down her cheeks at some points. It was so amazing, she was as if she was "sleeping" as you were talking to her, and then she would peep open her eyes, look at you with a glazed stare and a tear would drip down her face, it was bittersweet!! I talked to her and told her how much she meant to me. Thanked her for showing me how to be such a great mom and wife. My grandparents have been married for 66 wonderful years!! that is something to be sooo proud of :) She was a strong woman of God and lived for him everyday of her life. She would even call me in february to say Happy Rebirth day, the day that I accepted christ into my heart, now you cant get any better than that!!

We spent everyday at the hospital with her. At one point the doctors tried to take her off the vent but her body was not strong enough on her own, her labs and xrays were not getting better, and she could not fight much longer. On sunday morning, we had to leave and head back to texas, this was the hardest goodbye that I have ever had to do. I lost it.... deep down, i knew that it was goodbye for a while. I got a call sunday afternoon that they removed the vent, meaning that she was not well. They wanted to do blood transfusions on her amongst other things, and it was probably going to be to much for her. It was her time to go be with the Lord. Alot of the family was with her, singing hymns and praying for comfort and peace. I know that she is healed and running free in heaven!!! I am so blessed to have great memories to cherish for years and years to come!!!

Nana, Mackenzie, Me and Grandpa-florida 2009

Visiting the ICU, they were so great allowing us to see great nana

for the first time!! Olivia was waving and saying HI, HI, Hi!!

My favorite picture.... For obvious reasons, this was the only four generations

picture i could take. I know i will cherish it forever!!

She meant the WORLD to me....

I took this picture, reminding me of what it is to be an amazing

wife, and to stand by your husband through everything, til the day we part!!

Debbie and Nana

Mom, Grandpa and Me

Such a great picture... He never left her side!!

Nana,

I cant even begin to thank you for showing me how to live a perfect life. You were an inspiration to so many. You were an amazing mom, sister, grandma, wife, friend amongst so many others.
I will never forget all the great times we had together, trips in the RV, to and from florida, disney, baking apple pies, making your famous fudge, living with you in Gilmanton, you living with us in Loudon. You were there for so many life changing times in my life, graduations, dances, my wedding and you were here to see my children!! I am so greatful for everything you taught me and showed me. You are a legacy and I pray that I make you happy with everything I do and say!! I love you so much and I am going to miss you more than words can ever explain, but I know one day I will see you again!!

Love,

Melissa

Family and The Beach- part 2

2010-08-09T18:29:00.000-07:00

You can only keep twin 8 month olds and a 14 month little girl, at the hospital for so long!! They were the most perfect angels, but we had to break away and get to the beach for an hour and clear our heads!! Jack and Vinny are my cousins identical twin boys... they are the most precious little boys ever :) they were so great!! And when I say Identical, i mean Identical!!! One of them has a darker vein on their head, but pretty soon thats not going to help, and one has a little rounder face, so brenda marks their toes!! I think I have it down by the clothes that they wear :) Jack is in blue and then Vinny gets the other color!!! Its sooo confusing ;)

Jack and Vinny at the hospital

Boston Redsox and Celtics!! Too cute :)

All our second cousins.... Olivia, jack, Vinny, Adam and Claire

Falmouth Beach

Hanging Out!!!

Digging in the sand...

Love Them!!

Me, Livie and Jack

Vinny

Toes

Brenda and her boys!!!

A Quick Trip Back Home- first part

2010-08-09T17:45:00.000-07:00

This past week I got a phone call that my nana was rushed to the hospital, because she could not breath well. My grandpa and her were up visiting family on cape cod, mass. She has been sick in the past, struggling with pneumonia and has had heart failure, which lead into her receiving a pacemaker a couple months back. Nana was in the hospital for a couple days and she wasnt doing well at all, her pneumonia was really bad, along with other issues, heart,eating and kidneys to name a few. A few months back she was really sick in florida, and we did not think she was going to make it. I passed the opportunity to go and see her, hoping and praying that I would see her one day again!! When I heard that she was not doing well this time, I knew this could be my last opportunity to see her again. I struggled all day on tuesday, looking at flights, rental cars and went back and forth with going and not going. It was not going to be cheap, no matter which way I went!! One reason I wanted to go back was to have nana meet Olivia, she was the only one in the family that she had not met yet, and I really wanted that 4 generations picture, like I had with Mackenzie!!

I dont think I have ever packed so fast..... I talked my mother into going with me, through clothes in a suitcase, literally, and was almost about to run out the door, with less than an hour till our flight took off!! I was pretty much walking out the door when i thought, what am i doing??? I turned and looked at thomas and said I have to take livie!!! so i ran in, grabbed her clothes and a couple of diapers and was out the door, in less than a half hour!! It was the biggest whirlwind ever!!

We flew into boston tuesday and landed at midnight. Drove an hour and half to the hospital, was there til about 345 am, with livie and then headed back to my cousin Brenda's house!! I have to say she was the best host ever!! We stayed up til all hours of the night chatting, after being at the hospital all day!! It was a great time catching up with family!! Here are some of the pictures from our trip.....

Olivia was super on the flight!!

Grandpa and Olivia

Me, Grandpa and Mom at our "home" for the week!!

Debbie ("my big sis") me and mom

grandpa and two of his three girls (aunt judy is not pictured)

Gramps and livie

2nd cousins, brenda and Olivia

Debbie and Vinny

Uncle Bob and Olivia

The humidity was great on her hair!! It was sooo curly!!

Dunkin Donuts!!!

A breakaway to the beach to stick our toes in. This is Nauset Beach, in Orleans, Cape Cod.

This beach brings back so many memories of us when we were younger, we "lived" here during the summer!!

Me...

Debbie

LOVE HER!!!

It was soooo cold it hurt!!!

She got soaked!!!

To be continued......

Attached....

2010-08-02T10:22:00.000-07:00

I want to say that livie is attatched to two things!! One is her big sister and the other is her "luvie". She is at that age... where sis is, she is!! And i love it !!! Olivia is loving to learn everything her mackenzie will teach, good and bad!! The best one is that she LOVES giving kisses, and doing the mmmmmm sound to give them. Her is morning kisses to her big sis....

And here is livie with her favorite luvie's!!! I always wanted kenz to be attatched to something other than a binkie, but unfortunately there was never another "thing".... So we passed down this luvie on the right and livie is attatched, the one on the left is backup and i am soooo excited because there is no binkie!! whahooo!!

Please Pray!!!

2010-07-26T19:19:00.000-07:00

Family is the most important thing in my life!! I LOVE my family and grew up so close to my aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents!! I still consider us really close, although we are spread throughout the states, from california, texas, florida and up to massachusetts. Early this evening I got a phone call from my mother... I always know something is up when she calls sporatically during the week!! My uncle Glenn has been complaining about leg pains. They thought that it might be blood clots or something to that extent, but they just found out that he has bone cancer. Not really sure of all the details yet. I believe they are waiting to see if it spread to anywhere else in the body. I am asking for prayers first off for my aunt, she is such a strong woman, but I know she could use prayers for strength!! And of course prayer for my uncle, prayers of healing and comfort. They have three kids, they are all around my age and I know it is extremely hard for them, please keep them in your prayers also :) Here is a picture of Aunt Judy and Uncle Glenn.... They came to colorado last year with us!! I just love them.. xoxoxo

I LOVE THESE GIRLS!!!

2010-07-15T19:27:00.000-07:00

Fun Picture's of The Girls!!

Mackenzie's Day Golfing with Daddy

4th of July 2010

2010-07-06T11:35:00.000-07:00

This year we decided to have some people over to enjoy the holiday with, about 30!! It was such a great weekend!! My sister and the girls came up and then we just had a mixture of friends, old church friends and then work friends!! It was such a great time!! I think my pics are in reverse order... but oh well!!

Thomas and kenz enjoying fireworks from the park in our neighborhood, so convenient!!

This is the only picture i took of the whole party :( pretty bummed, but atleast

you can see my nice flag fruit pizza!! It was so yummy!!

My baby girl and I enjoying the quick parade!!

My family!!

The girls loved this horse because it was wearing the same headband

as them!!

Snowie bus!!

Taking it all in :)

My favorite part of the parade!! I love the bikes :)

Cousins!!!

My sis and the girls

I say this in every picture.... the bestest of cousins!!

making faces at daddy/uncle thomas!!

The bestest sister and best friend in the world!!

and the craziest neice :)

Miss homemaker :)

My little firecracker.... finally a healthy snack!!

New toy from auntie!!

Sisters!!!

Happy 4th of July!!!

Happy 5th Anniversary!!!

2010-07-06T10:56:00.001-07:00

On June 18th, 2004 I met thomas and we started dating!! At first I was unsure of the whole thing, but as time went by I knew that I could not live without him!! We got engaged 6 months later and then June 18th 2005 we got married, exactly a year later :) This day is by far the best day ever.... and then June 18th 2006...lol, we started a family!! I am so happy that my life has been so great to this day!! I look forward to spending many many years with thomas and the girls!! For our 5 year anniversary we decided to do a quick little get away to prepare the girls for our week away in august!! (going to mexico for our"real" 5 year anniversary get away) We headed out friday afternoon to go to san antonio... the hill country!!! It was beautiful out there...

Enjoying a nice adult beverage!!

Relaxing.....

JW Hill country Resort

It was so nice for couples and families!!

view from the room

5 years together!!

Taking a walk around the property...

They had an awesome little waterpark, slides, lazy river and adult pool...

Toasting smores friday night

Thomas pretending he likes it!!

Every year we give each other gifts that have to do with the contemporary or

traditional gift idea. This year was wood!! We have enjoyed camping,

so thomas being creative got me things for the woods...

hence why i have an axe, a mess kit and a picnic table clips!!

I got him a wood magazine rack and some wine!!

Yes... its chocolate wine!! yummy!!

Saturday!!!

Lunch on the river walk!!!

Off to enjoy the waterpark!!!

such a beautiful view, from the adult pool!!

view of the golf course!!

Going to dinner!!!

Enjoying dinner at ruths chris!!!

Happy Anniversary Thomas!!!

The girls....

2010-07-06T10:48:00.000-07:00

I hate that i have not kept on blogging, let alone writing down important things that the girls have accomplished!! So this post is to try and get myself going on marking down when the girls accomplish things!! Olivia is my strong willed child, I really thought that she would be walking at the same time as kenz, which was right at 10 and 1/2 months!! not so much, she started taking steps right before her first birthday, and is walking so great now, by 13 and 1/2 months!! I am so proud of her :) she is saying so much, ball, this, dada, mama. she is trying to say kenzie, its real cute!! She is able to drink froma straw, from about the age of 12 months!! She loves to give kisses and love her lovie blankie bear!! She has 8 teeth and is only 18.2 pounds, she is a peanut, but can eat sooo much!! Her favorite foods are chicken nuggets and string cheese. Until I think of anything else .... thats it :)

We get to go to work with daddy

2010-07-06T10:07:00.000-07:00

I thank God everyday that i have such a wonderful husband!! For those that dont know, thomas travels ALOT for work, especially through the summer. I am so thankful that he has such a great job, even if we dont see him every day!! Its really tough on the girls, especially kenz, since she knows whats going on. I am so lucky and feel privileged that I get to stay home with the girls, I know i should consider myself extremely lucky!! and I do!! SOooo on that note, we try and travel with thomas as much as we can :) this year has not been so much, since livie is not a huge fan of her car seat. But we decided to take the plunge and drive all the way to corpus with thomas. The beach, hotel and great food..... who can complain!! not us!! Daddy does have to work, but gets alot of time to play too... even though he hates to admit it!! he has a fabulous job ;)

So Excited to travel with daddy

Happy in the car, i held my breath all week!!

Some co-workers of thomas live right on an inlet to the ocean, so we

got to float in the ocean!! it was extremely relaxing!! even livie

loved it, but we didnt get pics of it, i was bummed!!

Enjoying the Texas Aquarium in corpus

A very hot day, but we could not miss the dolphin show

Kenzie is our little photographer

Petting a little crocodile!! so cool :)

and little stingrays....

Livie wanted in on the action!!

this shark was so awesome looking!!

Oomie goggles!! this was kenz and bree!! bree is the

daughter of thomas's side kick at work!! we are

so lucky, they are always up for the trips too!!

science lesson from daddy

checking it out!!

Super day!!

Our great kiddie pool at the hotel

hanging out waiting for daddy!!

View from the room...not to bad!!

The ocean!! I am so happy that livie and kenz love the ocean!! I grew up on the east

coast, and lived at the ocean during the warm seasons!! I am

just so happy that my girls get to experience it too, i just wished we

lived closer!!

icecream and keylime pie!!

Enjoying a wonderful day at the ocean with some friends!!

christmas 2009

2009-12-12T10:24:00.000-08:00

Trying this Again!!!

2009-04-09T18:56:00.000-07:00

After a little bit of convincing.. I finally am going to try and catch up on some old posts... So much has happened since January. We have been so busy. Sooo here we go... January brought a very important day... My hubby's 31 st birthday!! Of course he was traveling that week so we went when he was home on the weekend to Waters Creek, it has some of my favorite restaraunts!! My inlaws, kenz and I brought him to PF Changs, its so yummy :) oh ya... thats where we went for my birthday too!! Thanks again girls :) It was a little chilly, but we put on some warm clothes and got to walk around the little stream and pet some fake ducks!!

Father inlaw, Thomas, Mackenzie and Mother Inlaw

mackenzie petting the ducks :)

Daddy opening his presents :)

ON A ROLL!!

2009-01-09T10:43:00.000-08:00

Well I figured I would keep on going since I am on a roll.... Last weekend was absolutely beautiful here in texas, almost 80 degrees in January!! We decided to take advantage of it and spend some quality time outside. So with all our new toys from Christmas, we had a great time!!

Mackenzie and daddy spent some time riding kenzie's new bicycle from grandma and papa!!

Kenz trying it out by herself.... sometimes she can pedal alittle, she needs to grow longer legs.
Taking a break...

Relaxing with lollipops!!!

Using side walk chalk....

and blowing grape smelling bubbles...

I cant wait for the spring... i wish it was in the 70's year round!!!

Finally.. Christmas 2008

2009-01-08T06:37:00.001-08:00

I am finally getting around to posting about Christmas. Its not that I have been really busy, just pre-occupied I guess!! I am still watching the two little girls, Keseana and Kyndall, and they have become a handful, I know some of you cant believe it, but they have, and with kenz it makes it triple the "fun". So I have been busy with them, trying to spend more time with them before I start school again... which I am sooooo excited for :) I have my microbiology class left to take and I am in the process of getting everything put together for applying, which is due January 31st... I am super nervous, but if its right, then I will get accepted, right?? Anyways, and Thomas is starting to travel alot again!! He is scheduled to be gone almost 4 weeks this month, alot .... and over whelming at times, but I pray that I make it through :)

Back to Christmas time..... we had such a great time, it just keeps getting better each year!! I just absolutely love seeing Mackenzie's reaction after santa comes!! We started out the morning of course a little early, kind of funny, but Thomas and I were up before kenz. I am a little kid still and never can sleep the night before anything exciting!! We always start with stockings, everyone gets one, including the dog, which loves it. He starts tearing into packages because he can smell what in store for him!! Then after stockings we have a little breakfast. In my family its a tradition to make fried dough!! For those that dont know what it is.. we take frozen bread and let it rise over night. In the morning you pull it apart and make little circular shapes, similar to funnel cake, but way better. Its fried and then we put melted butter, confectioners sugar and cinnamon on it, its so yummy and very healthy!! Then on to presents... Mackenzie loved it!! I think she actually understood that she got to open a present and then she had to watch someone else open one!!

Through all the caos of opening gifts, I managed to get a great dinner going!! We had a baked spiral ham, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, rolls and much more!! We invited my parents, my sister and nieces and some good friends over to have dinner and hang out!! It was so nice to see family and friends over the holidays. Here is a bunch of pictures of our wonderful Christmas....

Mackenzie's new kitchen from Santa

One of my favorite gifts, from my parents!! They are the one's from cracker barrel!!

My little chef loves to cook with mommy!!!

Kenz you have so many careers ahead of you!! My little doctor!!

Can you tell she loves pink, or its mommy's fault!!

Another tradition... lifesaver book in our stockings.

Jasper finally relaxing.

Ripping into his gifts.

She loves stocking time...

Good morning... (yes they are out of order) just waking up and pointing out what santa brought.

Kenz and Mommy

Our friends Anthony and Susi

The bestest cousins, kenz and Gabbi

The guys enjoying a little foursome of tennis...

cousins again...

Sisters... Heather and I

Heather and Alexis

Mackenzie opening gifts from alexis and gabbi

Heather excited about her new red crockpot...

Pre Christmas Fun!!

2008-12-29T07:15:00.000-08:00

Our family has alot of fun traditions at Christmas and I have kept pretty much all of them going for Mackenzie and Thomas. The first one is to bake Christmas cookies for santa and put carrots out for the reindeer...

Here is Mackenzie sampling the cookies..

Daddy and Mackenzie in there new Christmas PJ's..

Mommy and kenz....

Mackenzie and her baby on Christmas Eve..

This is another family tradition that I always looked forward to when I was little and even until I got married, my parents still did it for us!! We would all get to open one gift on Christmas Eve and it would always be PJ's... It was so much fun and so i do it now with my family :) Mackenzie really gets into it!!

This year we had michael and sherry over and played games and opened a gift together...

Sherry...

This was December 23rd, an early Christmas with Papa and Grandma, Thomas's parents because his mom had to work on christmas (she's a nurse, and is well needed on these days!!)

Mackenzies new bike.....

We had a couple of date nights this month!! Whahoooo. This was with Thomas's customer from work. They brought us out to the bobs chop house at the shops at legacy, it was so yummy and a very nice night out with adults!! I am about 17 weeks Preggo, finally the belly is popping out and not just chunky looking :)

This was another date night... Thomas work Christmas dinner. We went over someone's house for drinks and apps andplayed a little WII and then went to waters creek and had a little mi cocina!! It was also very good, they are a such a great group of co workers!!

Date night...

Mackenzie helping decorate the tree...

Mommy and Mackenzie

Daddy and Mackenzie...

Christmas picture are coming.... but it might take about another month!!

The past month...

2008-12-29T06:13:00.000-08:00

I know that I said this in my post a month ago.. but we have been so busy :) So I am going to do a quick run down of the past month, so I can hopefully post about our wonderful Christmas!!

1. As almost everyone knows, Thomas travels alot for work!! Which most of the time is ok, but when we get to go along, its great!! So on december 4th Mackenzie and I packed up and headed to Florida to hang out and tag along, and hopefully get some sun!! It was a rough little trip getting there, long flight, delayed, had trouble landing, along with a welcoming comittee of ambulances and fire trucks. It was great :) but we made it. We got to the resort and it was beautiful. It was called the marriot world center, in orlando. It was so big that we had to take a shuttle to go get our car. Anyways, we had a great time, hanging out around the hotel and swimming in the pool. Daddy was really busy... ya know the typical meetings that his work has, magic kingdom, universal and the list goes on!! I wasn't jealous, just because we got to be in florida, with not a care in the world. Thomas was so busy that we packed an overnight bag up and headed north to ocala, to see my wonderful grandparents that are about 83 and my aunt and uncle and family. I also got to enjoy my 30th birthday with my grandparents which was so nice, we just hung out and had a lot of chinese food, so yummy!! you cannot find good chinese food in Texas....Here are some pictures from our vacation....

Me and Mackenzie with the best granparents in the world!!

My cousin Jenelle, My aunt Debbie and I, yes... I am one of the tallest in my family!!

Cousin Jenelle and Mackenzie playing ball.

Spending time with great grampa and grandma.

Just waking up, wondering where she is!!We went to see a Christmas parade in Ocala.

Nana and Abby

Debbie and her gang!! Gabe, Josh, Caleb and Abby

Debbie and Kenz, Nana, Grandpa, and Gabe

We went to the park because it was so nice out, This is what happens when you play with 3 boys!! So much dirt!!

Playing games.

2. Another journey this past month was going to see santa!! Mackenzie kept saying "i see santa, i see santa" so i had a little hope, not that much, that she might like it... After standing in line for over an hour, i did not care if she smiled, laughed or screamed, i was getting the picture. Of course after thomas had heart failure that i was spending 16 dollars on a horrible picture!!

This was last year, her first Christmas, 2007, she did cry though after she saw where she was!!

And this was this year, 2008.. not so great, but i am determined to get a picture every year!!

3. Mackenzie turned 21 months this month, and has become such a sweet little girl. Kenz you are the best gift ever!! I cannot imagine our lives without you. You are starting to really like jasper, giving hugs now instead of pulling tails!! You know when you have hurt feelings and say sorry all the time and I think you mean it!! You know that there is a baby sister in mommy's belly and give kisses and want to see my belly all the time!! I hope you are that sweet when baby sister comes!! You are singing happy birthday, since we have had so many birthdays lately. You are starting to learn colors and learn numbers, but are kinda stubborn when doing it!! Anyways, I love you Kenz-a-roo!!!

4. This is Mackenzie and cousin Riley, on thomas's side of the family at Thanksgiving. We had a great time with thomas's side of the family...

5. On December 22nd Mackenzie took a huge step... she went potty on the her big girl potty!! Yes i took pictures of it, but did not want to grace you with the presence of it!! :) We had just got out of the shower and she will not go potty in there!! so she will be stubborn and hold herself and say diaper. Well on this particular day, mommy was alittle more stubborn. I was not going to put a diaper on so i could turn around and change it!! So long story short she finally sat down and hesitated and then just went!! Yay.... and then got a big cookie at 830 in the morning !!! so her initial fear of going is hopefully over, we'll see if she decides to do it again in the near future!!

So proud of herself....

6. As for myself, I finished school this semester, with a strong B in Anatomy and Physiology II, which I think is great!! I was so proud of myself since I had been sick alot, it was a long drive (over an hour each way) and i was watching kids, which makes it hard to study!! I now am going to take Microbiology spring semester and have to take my pre entrance exam to apply for nursing school. I am applying to Grayson and Collin county, for nursing, respiratory and radiology. I am praying to God that he helps make it in, this is what I really want to accomplish and I feel like its been such a long road and I am almost there. I wouldnt mind if I didnt get in until spring semester, just because the new baby will be so little, but if i get in in the fall, even better, right?? I am 18 weeks along, and am finally feeling great!! I get sick a little here and there, and have the typical headaches, but nothing to really complain about. I have had alot of energy, thomas says that i am already nesting, I really hate that word, but i thinks its a great description of what i am doing!! I have another appt on January 7th to make sure that parts haven't changed, so thats about it!!! Iwill definelty try and keep up with this a little more so i dont feel like i am writing a book next time!

It's been a long time...

2008-11-28T18:16:00.000-08:00

We have been so busy the past month, and when we are not busy, I just want to lay on the couch!! This post is going to be a bunch of misc. stuff!!

1. I went to the doctors on wednesday and its 95% a girl !! I went to a maternal doctor that my doctor suggested. They did a finger prick to check my blood and did some measurements of the baby, to check for downs and other things. She said that my second little angel looks perfect and healthy, with an adorable nose!! I am almost 14 weeks, and the doctor says that I am measuring about 5 days ahead.. which makes sense, according to my LMP!! I asked the doctor why they could tell so early and she said it was basically her sonogram machine, it was very high tech and the screen was huge.. a big screen and so you could see everything as clear as day :) I am so excited to have another little girl, they are the most precious things!! I grew up with a little sister and loved it.. atleast most of the time!! and I know that Mackenzie and her will make great memories also!! Love you Mackenzie and "Lil Sis"

2. This week we had my inlaws here getting ready for Thanksgiving, so of course I put them to work!! My father in law always helps out around the house. Thomas always told me that when we had kids that we would put lights up outside... so we did, or atleast they did. They worked and worked and Mackenzie and I ate popcorn and drank hot apple cider and watched :) yummy!!

Here is what they look like, alittle blurry with the camera, but they look pretty!!

Mackenzie in her PJ's checking out the lights....

Mackenzie during the day, watching them put the lights up!!

3. I cant believe how fast the past two years have gone!! Kenz, you are almost 21 months!! You are becoming such a beautiful little toddler. You are getting so big and learning so much. Mommy and daddy are working on colors with you. The first one that you actually know is blue... what happened to my pink little girl?? Today Grandma bought you your first big girl panties, your favorite, Dora !! They are a little big, but you'll grow into them :) We are going to let you run around the house in them and hopefully start to use the big girl potty. We'll see how that works out for us!!

Almost 21 months

4. And lastly.... We cannot wait to go to florida!! We leave thursday and come back monday. While daddy works, We are going to see my grandma and grandpa and then my aunt and family and a bunch of cousins!! yay, I cant wait!!

Well... that was the past month in a nutshell..... I will hopefully keep up a little better now that school is almost out :)

HALLOWEEN 2008

2008-11-01T12:34:00.001-07:00

I just have to say... we had such a blast yesterday!! I forgot how much fun it was to get dressed up and go get candy!! I was never a fan of halloween, still am really not, but its all in good fun when your 20 months!! and almost 30 years old!! I think I enjoyed it almost as much as Mackenzie!! Here are some pictures of our wonderful night with friends....

Here is mackenzie, prepping....

Checking out what the heck her mom did to her.. I think she thought it was neat :)
It was flourescent!!

"Ma... I have two empty buckets... Lets get going !! "

This was downtown Mckinney's scare on the square!! I would recommend this to everyone that wants lots of candy, it was so much fun!!

We ran into some cute lil friends..... Missy and Jess

Kenzie's little prince, Grayson

Grace and Mackenzie got to hang out for a minute!!

After having a hershey kiss from grandma, she started to get sleepy, but not for long!! all the sugar started to kick in and she was for the rest of the night!!!

Relaxing with her daddy....

Another friend... Grace

Her first experience real trick or treating in Mckinney!!

She did so good... even going to the houses that have scary grave yards and fog machines!!

Our favorite stop of the night!! Seeing our friends bam bam and Pebbles....

This is what 5 months of marriage will do to you!! Doug, put the stick down!!!

We had such a great night!! Mackenzie you did so good all the way through, that we even got to stop and trick or treat at daddys bosses house!! I cant wait for next year, although I think I will probably have to fight you more for the better candy!! Happy 2nd Halloween my little punk rocker!!

FLASHBACK TO HALLOWEEN 2007...

2008-11-01T12:25:00.000-07:00

OH MY.... How things have changed since last year :) Mackenzie, you look soooo different and now you hate to get your picture taken!! Last year you would smile and smile all day for the camera!!

Mackenzie loving to be a little zebra...

Hanging out at the pumpkin patch...

Just got back from our community halloween party...

Dallas Arboreteum

2008-10-25T16:43:00.001-07:00

Today we managed to get off the couch and head down to the Dallas Arboreteum. There was so many people there, that we had to park two miles away and then get shuttled in by buses!! So Mackenzie got to take her first bus ride... what amazes me.... is what makes a 20 month old so happy :) she loved, it was a coach bus, so i think it reminded her of an airplane!! Here are our pictures from a nice relaxing day...

Mommy and Kenz in the pumpkin house

Her face painting

Waiting in line.... This was a hot commodity here :)

Her first trick or treat experience..... As a Kansas State Wildcat Cheerleader!!

Loving the animals

Sitting so still getting her face painted!! I told her it was makeup :) she was all for it!!

Daddy and Kenzie

Florida... here we come!!

2008-10-21T15:58:00.000-07:00

Mackenzie and I are soooo excited!! We just booked our trip to go to florida with thomas. He is going to orlando in december for work, and it happens to be on my 30 th birthday... so what better way to turn 30 !! I refused to be ditched on a birthday, especially such a big one!!! aaahhhhh...... Anyways, we are leaving december 4th and coming home the 8th. We are going to be able to see my nana and grandpa, and then my aunt and her family and one of my cousins!! i just cant wait, it also means school will be done!! whahoooo......

Things I have to have today...

2008-10-19T09:48:00.000-07:00

Lately I have noticed that I am craving more and more things..... Here they are:

Snickers... i know what your thinking missy and michelle :) not funny!!!
On a healthy note, Steamed broccoli... yummy, with a little bit of of garlic on it
Along with grilled chicken and a baked potato... i could eat this meal every night
jolly ranchers and dum dums, keeps my mind off of wanting to yack....
squeezy cheese and wheat thins... yes i said squeezy cheese, its amazing!!
taco dip... no olives no guacamole
banana's and sweetened banana chips
stir fry type meals... i think its the rice, but pf changs, orange chicken from ccf....mmmm i am hungry!!
and lastly..... capri suns!!!

I am sure this will all change in about a day, but as of right now, it all sounds yummy!!!

Dallas Stars

2008-10-11T06:34:00.000-07:00

Last Night was opening night for the Dallas Stars. Mackenzie is usually pretty good at games, she really gets into them and is very involvolved, clapping and yelling!! So we took her with us!!

The start of the game.....

Watching the game with daddy
so sweet...
Yay Dallas!!!! clapping and yelling with daddy...

Mackenzie has a secret....

2008-10-10T12:55:00.001-07:00

I dont really think its much of a secret anymore... but Mackenzie is going to be a BIG Sister!! Actually I have only told a few friends and our immediate family until now!! I am about 7 weeks, give or take a day. I wanted to go to the doctors before I said anything, to make sure that everything looked good. I am due the end of May, I have not gotten the official date from the doctor yet, hopefully on wednesday, I have another doctors appointment then!! I really wanted to wait alittle longer this time to say anything, but as alot of my friends know... I get a little sick when I am preggo and its starting to hit me this time already!! Stinky, so I really cant hide being pregnant!! Oh well!! I am really hoping for a sister for mackenzie, but alittle boy for my dad and thomas, I know that they would love to have one!! Or one of each would be great :) Yes, I know, I am crazy, but i would love twins!! Right now the doctor says there is only one... so no need to worry everyone!! Unless the other one is hiding... hehehehehe.... Well keep me in your prayers, that I wont be sick this time around because having kenz and being in school, there is no time for toilet runs!!! yuck!! xoxoxox PS... Kenz, I cant wait for you to meet your little sibling, I know its far away still, but you are going to love it. Actually right now you are practicing rocking your baby doll!! Your going to be a great big sis!! I love you baby girl xoxoxo

Pumpkin Patch Number 2 !!!!!

2008-10-10T12:23:00.000-07:00

We all love the fall!! Today we all packed up and headed to flower mound to run around the pumpkin patches and take pictures, or atleast beg and plea to our littles to take them!! It just seems harder the older they get. I remember last year you would plop them down and they would just smile away. Not so much anymore, so here's what we got!!

Peaking through the pumpkin....

We got a great one, with almost everyone in it... thanks to a hubby that came along
Some of us got lost in the hay maze and others got out ok!!
Some wanted to go to jail.....
The one and only picture that she sat through!!
Trying to decide where to go....
Great Chaos.....
They look alittle confused!!
Pumkins and pumpkins

We had such a great time with our friends... Cant wait til next time!! xoxoxox

Pumpkin Patch Number 1

2008-10-07T18:07:00.000-07:00

Since it has finally started cooling down, Thomas and I decided to take advantage of it and go to the pumpkin patch in Celina. He didn't have the chance to go last year, so I really wanted him to go and enjoy the time with Kenz. We invited our friends Doug and Kayce, because I knew she wanted to go, she is an big kid at heart!!

Here is kenz feeding the longhorns....

Walking in....
Taking some fall pictures on a big truck!!
Kayce, Kenz and Me
Enjoying the day....I just love it when kenz wants to hold both our hands...
relaxing on the tractor ride..
Watching the pumpkin patch from the tractor ride

some more family pictures

Doug and Kayce My cute lil pumpkin...
I like this picture because i have one of the 2 of us last year in the same spot!!
driving the tractor....
We had such a great time and look forward to more pumpkin patches, that are coming up!!

Flashback for me...

2008-10-01T18:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday after school, I decided to pack Mackenzie and I up and head off to see my family that lives south of Dallas. My neice is 8 and she plays softball. This just brought back great memories of my sister and I when we were younger. My sister and I played for years growing and up and it was special because my mom always coached us. So Alexis's team has coach pitch and my mom pitches for them!! It was a great time with the family and I just loved seeing Alexis play, she's great at sports....

Waiting for the game to start with Mackenzie and Cousin Gabbi

Gabbi and Alexis

Alexis batting and Nana pitching

Warming up...

Finally she holds Bumpie's hand..... She is always timid at first....

Congratulations Alexis... You played a great game and won 10 to 8 .... I guess I will have to come down more often...... Love you!!!

OCTOBERFEST

2008-09-27T15:49:00.000-07:00

I know its only September 27th.... but I guess you can always celebrate Octoberfest a little early!! Today we headed to downtown mckinney to enjoy a little bit of the German culture. Watched a little bit of the dancing, saw a bunch of weiner dogs, and thomas drank a little german beer.....I really wished it was a little cooler... but in do time it will be in the 60's!! It was a nice relaxing morning.....

We watched some german kids dance... very cute!!

Hung out with daddy and people watched!!

And we got to pet some cute little animals.... I just love pigs and my little kenz does too!!

How sweet......
some goats..... and there were also bunnies....

Plano Balloon Festival 2008

2008-09-21T10:16:00.000-07:00

What a great time with family and friends!! We had such a fun time yesterday at the balloon festival. We packed up and hiked to the festival, to get there in time to walk around, get some great fair food, watch the balloons take off and to stay for the balloon glow!!

Daddy's with there little girls!! Trying to cool off from the heat!!

Lisa, Adam, Grace and Emma
Kenz still hates her picture being taken!!
Seeing some of our other friends, Josiah and Mackenzie hugging!!
Enjoying family time!!!
One of the fun looking hot air balloons....

The balloon glow, it was really pretty
giving 5,5,5,5
Balloons setting up.... yes my pics are out of order!!

Sky divers... These were really nice, they were landing to the national anthem

more.....
Taking it all in.....
So fun!!

18 month check up

2008-09-17T17:44:00.000-07:00

Mackenzie had her check up today and the doctor said she was doing great, talking and learning and eating good, just a little picky sometimes !! She is in the 5% for weight at 21.2 pounds and then 90% for height!! Tall and thin... o ya, with a big head :) 90% she has alot of smarts up there. The doctor asked if she was sharing and playing well with others and then I told her that we are learning and working on it!! She also asked about those notorious temper tantrums, I laughed, what we dont have those !! ha ha ha!! I guess I am doing the right thing by starting time outs and ignoring her when she starts to be a toot!!

My baby is growing waaaayyyy to fast...

2008-09-08T17:45:00.000-07:00

18 Months...

September 7th, 2008

I cannot believe that Mackenzie is 18 months old. I say this every month, that she is growing so fast, but she really is!! It just seems like the other day that I was snuggling with her and rocking her to sleep. Now, you are soooo independent, and it feels like you dont need me for anything :(

so sad.... Anyways, happy 18 month birthday Roo, I love you, and you will always be my little baby girl!!

Another fun trip....

2008-09-08T16:41:00.000-07:00

It was another great trip to Kansas!! We went there for thomas' sisters wedding reception, and got to see most of his family. On the way there we stopped in Wichita to see our bestman that was in our wedding. We had a great time catching up on our families and played some cards and grilled out. They have 2 little boys one thats five and then another one that is 2 months older then Mackenzie, they were so cute together!!!

Here is Mackenzie and Matthew sharing snacks....

He is just adorable, Mackenzie's new boyfriend :)

The weather was amazing, but a little cold, like 56 degrees cold!! But that did not stop us from going outside :) We headed to the zoo and had a great time, kenz just adores animals and has so much fun....

Watching the zebra's
the only family picture... we were in the south america and australia part, it was great, birds flying around in there natural habitat and walabees running next to you, it was so much fun!!

Mackenzie and Daddy feeding the ginormous goldfish.....

This was the best part, it was a rainforest... it was exactly like being in a rainforest, not that i have been there, but it was cool!!
the rainforest....
I thought he was going to walk out and get us.... kinda scary... thats all that seperated us, a little ditch...
mommy and kenz

It was a little raining one morning, so we headed to pump it up. Mackenzie and I have been to the junior one, and this one was so much fun!!!

Even daddy enjoyed it....
This was the funnest slide ever.... I didn't realize how fast it was until I went down and wiped out a little kid!! It was hysterical, he didn't know what hit him!!! lol....
enjoying time with mommy and daddy...

WORD WEDNESDAY......

2008-09-03T08:22:00.001-07:00

Well instead of wordless, this is going to be full of words!! I have been sooooo busy already this semester with school and everything else going on, so I have not been very sociable. I am taking three classes, AP 2, which i absolutely love my teacher, she is just great, patient, understanding and very organized!! Then I am taking 2 online classes, Art Appreciation and History 1!! They are just alot of busy work since they are online classes... time consuming I guess!! And right now I should be packing because we are leaving for Kansas tomorrow when I get out of school, around one. Thomas's sister is getting married in Vegas and has a reception on saturday, so we are heading up there for a long weekend so thomas can spend time with old friends and his family. I love road trips, so i am very excited once again!! We will be back on sunday, so our life will start to settle down after these long weekends the past couple weeks!! I will be ready for some mommy and me time with everyone next week, maybe wednesday or friday :) Anyways have a great rest of the week if I dont talk to everyone and We'll see ya next week!! Oh ya... A really BIG Thanks to my friends that have offered to help me out and watch kenz while i am in school, so i dont have to put her in daycare :( I hope you know how much it means to me, you are all such amazing friends :) xoxoxoxox

It brings back memories....

2008-09-03T08:09:00.000-07:00

So when I was a little girl, I remember going to our town parades, on ever holiday possible!! I loved it and had always hoped that my little one would like it as much, probably more because I am such a kid at heart. Anyways Monday morning I got up and decided last minute that I was going to a parade :) So I called some friends and off we went to Garland. It was so much fun and I really think kenz enjoyed all the action, loudness and of course the candy :) yummy!!

Labor Day with Daddy

With mommy
So into the parade with Sherry
Kayce and Grace watching the parade
Kenzie scored BIG... Candy and a necklace!!!
All done... Sherry and Mackenzie, so sweet
The gang.... Sherry, Kenz, Susi, Grace and Kayce!!

You know what labor day means???

2008-09-03T07:53:00.000-07:00

Yup!!! Fall is coming, meaning sweaters, pumkins, turkey and maybe even a little snow!! HA!! So we started off our Labor day Weekend with a little walk in the park!! The three of us and Sherry and her nephew, Brady, AKA Kenzie's other boyfriend, went to Wilson park to feed the ducks and scary geese!! Mackenzie just loves any type of animals, its great :) We have so much fun when we go down there!!

Brady, Sherry and Kenz

Brady, Thomas and Japser (he loves it here because he sees all sorts of exciting things)
Feeding the ducks and turtles
This is before she fell off the 3 big steps!! Yup... she has no fear!!

A LITTLE PRAYER!!!

2008-08-21T18:15:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow one of my bestest friends in the whole world is having a couple tests done, so I want to say a little prayer for her that everything comes out great!! Love you and if you need anything, let me know :) xoxoxoxoxo

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2008-08-20T19:57:00.000-07:00

Emma 5 mths and Grace 2 1/2 (sisters) Averee 5 mths, Grayson 12 mths, Grace 20 mths and kenz 17 mths......

I know it is suppose to be wordless.... but how flipin cute are they ??? they all looked scared out of their witts!! you would understand why if you saw all five moms cooing and screaming and trying to get them all sit pretty for 18.5 seconds while did the photo opt... not to bad huh?? no but really they were scared to move !! lol.....

Finishing up our trip!!!

2008-08-20T19:44:00.000-07:00

Saturday night we went out to dinner with everyone, to celebrate Betha going to college!! Betha is a great kid and student... she graduated high school early and then went to Peru for 3 months to volunteer her time. She is now going to Kansas University and is entering in already as a second semester sophmore... Congrats Betha xoxoxoxox

Kenz and Ian playing (excuse the purple pants :)

Betha and her dad
visiting KU in a K-state cheerleading outfit :) per daddy, but i really felt like i could get jumped at any point, they are big rivals :) nice huh???
snack time ???

DAY 3 !!!

2008-08-20T19:32:00.000-07:00

The Blueberry Train

Logan
Kenzie driving
walking to the patches
almost there.....
picking "blue" berries... kenz was really learning her colors today...
such a long walk!!!
picking black berries!!

On saturday I decided that I really wanted to be outdoors since it was like fall in kansas!! I would have love to bring mackenzie apple picking but we were a week early :( so I opted to go blueberry and blackberry picking..... still alot of fun, but it takes forever to fill up a bucket of blueberries compared to apples!! kinda depressing... oh well we had a great time, it was just extremely warm out....

Deanna Rose Children's Farm

2008-08-20T19:19:00.000-07:00

Logan and Mackenzie (cousins)

Feeding the goats with a bottle, alittle over whelming
Dairy farm
more goats....
cousins.. betha and mackenzie

***** DAY 2 Continued*****

Whats better then the zoo, the farm, the playground or the arboretum??? The answer.... Deanna Rose Childrens Farm, thats FREE!!! O MY!!! It was the greatest place on earth for little one's..... It is a petting farm, flower and vegetable garden (like a mini arboretum), dairy farm, fishing pond, playground, pony rides and wagon rides.... admission free :) Its crazy, it was so much fun !! We need one in texas.... Better pictures to come, I had thomas's neice take some and she took 272 !!!

Stairs......

2008-08-20T06:24:00.000-07:00

Can I tell you how much I hate stairs, well without gates!!! I cant tell you how many times she fell and almost fell down those things.... aaaahhhhhhh........

A visit to Papa

2008-08-20T06:07:00.000-07:00

******* Day 2 ********

On friday morning we decided to stop and see my father inlaw at his job site... and I must say it was really interesting. It's one of those things that you really dont think about everyday. How do they do it??? Anyways, I thought it was really neat :)

Kenzie and Papa

I thought this was so great that they put the flag up :)

Mommy and Mackenzie

This is how they do it....

Watching the big trucks...

We made it home!!!

2008-08-20T05:45:00.001-07:00

Yay!!! We finally made it home :) We had such a blast in Kansas. On thursday morning I was debating on whether or not to send Mackenzie to Kansas with my mother in law. I was just nervous that she would be a burden!! It was going to be my mother inlaw, and thomas's nephews that are 10 months and 15, so it woud have been a hand full with kenz..... So I was thinking since I really do not have a life that maybe I would tag along!! I thought and pondered, there was alot of pros and cons as you could imagine :) But last minute I packed my suit case and I was ready to take the 8 hour roadtrip!! I think that roadtrips are better the younger they are, its just hard to keep and almost 18 month entertained for that long, so try and schedule is around naps!!

******** THE FIRST DAY ******

This is my dog jasper, I felt really bad, he knew we were leaving and wanted to tag along too!! Little did he realize that daddy and gracie (my mother in laws dog) was staying home too!!

She was so excited to get in the car, she obviously didn't realize how long the trip was!!

It rained a little bit in oklahoma, and then we got to see a rainbow....

Still doing good after about 3 hours.....

That night we decided to only drive 6 and a half hours to where my father inlaw is staying. He is an inspection person on a road construction project in Kansas, about an hour and a half from where we were going in kansas city area!! So we figured if we grabbed a hotel room there, we could get up and see him in the morning and have a nice breakfast and then get on the road again!!!!

Last minute.....

2008-08-15T16:01:00.000-07:00

Kind of random.... but mackenzie and I decided last minute that we would go to kansas with my mother in law, and 2 nephews!!! We left yesterday (thursday) and will leave on monday to come home.... it was LONG trip, but well worth it so far :) so I will talk to everyone when we get home and post lots of pictures !!! Have a great weekend!! xoxoxo I hope everyone is feeling good or atleast better.. (Grace and Emma xoxoxo)

Theres never enough play time!!!

2008-08-14T07:50:00.000-07:00

We have been so busy the past week playing with our friends.... that I have not taken any good pictures, and that means that I have not been blogging!! I just hate blogs without the visuals. So the randomness of photo's are horendous!!! And I never blogged about kenz and my very good friends :) This past weekend we went to Grayson's first birthday party and kenz had a blast!! I got to see some old friends from CCF and kenz got to help break in some new toys!! Sorry grayson and thanks for being a great sharer.. we are still working on that, as everyone can tell :) And some of us got together yesterday for our wonderful friend Michelle's birthday... It is alittle chaotic with all of us, but thats alright, i think we enjoy every last minute of it :) so here are some random pictures and I really am going to try to work on this a little more !!

The three amigo's ... they give each other a run for the money ....

precious baby averee.... she is just an angel!!

Baby Emma.... and she is amazing, always so happy these 2!!
And I had to take this picture..... the baby bergade!!! how weird.....

Thank you girls for such a great week!! We have had a blast hanging out with everyone... you are all such amazing mommies and I feel so honored and blessed to have such an wonderful group of friends. A special thanks to michelle for introducing me to everyone :) love ya, xoxoxoxox

What have I gotten myself into today???

2008-08-07T14:31:00.000-07:00

THIS IS MY LIVING ROOM!!!

WHO DID IT ???

Keseana

Kyndall
JO-JO
Kenz

and this is where they should be......

This is an example of my wonderful and eventful life, and I wouldn't trade it for anything!!

I can hardly believe it...

2008-08-07T14:15:00.001-07:00

We made it to 17 months!! So much for getting nice posing pictures on her "monthly birthdays", we kinda have to just go with the candids!! Sooooo.....

Here is kyndall and kenz today after swimming, eating popsicles.. outside :)

And then since we attempted markers the other day, I decided to attempt finger paints :)
Not to bad for 17 months!!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-08-06T15:02:00.001-07:00

Another Game....

2008-07-31T20:52:00.000-07:00

Tonight we went to another roughriders game.... Mackenzie really enjoys being outside and is very interested in the game.

Kenz watching the game

watching the entertainment

A group called the zooperstars performed

Here is one of the zooperstars.... They were actually really cute and funny!!

Mackenzie's first time.....

2008-07-31T20:41:00.000-07:00

No... not eating peanut butter and jelly, but using Markers!!! You can see that went over well!!

Wordless Wednesday....

2008-07-30T07:54:00.001-07:00

Thanks girls for a GREAT Night.... xoxoxoxo

A little more fun this weekend....

2008-07-28T06:38:00.000-07:00

This weekend was full of fun and adventures. To top it off, Thomas had some family in from Kansas so we packed up all the kids and headed to Hawaiian Falls. It was a great time, with the twelve of us. Kenzie got to hang out with 5 of her cousins and 3 of her aunts and her grandma. We floated down the lazy river, flew down the slides and ran through the spray area's..... Kenz did great, even missing her afternoon nap and being in the 107 degree weather!!!

Kenz relaxing in the water, after eating that oreo on her lip...

Logan and Riley

Kenz and Logan

Riley Roo and Kenz a roo on the slide....

I wish I got more pictures... but its hard to take them at a water park :( should invest in a great water camera.........

Happy Birthday Gabbi....

2008-07-27T18:49:00.000-07:00

Gabrielle, my neice turns 3 tomorrow, so we decided to bring her to chuck e cheese on Saturday. We had such a blast, I think thomas and I had more fun then the kids :)

Cousins Gabbi and Kenz

My Dad, Gabbi and My sister, Heather

Yummy Cake.....

Taking a break for a picture....

Thomas and I

Heather and the 2 girls, Gabbi and Alexis

Nana and Gabbi

Heather and Dad

Enjoying the rides.....

These are the top three reasons to have a girlie girl...

2008-07-26T15:53:00.001-07:00

PINK TOE NAILS...

PRETTY TUTU"S.....

#3
PIGGY TAILS.....

I LOVE YOU MACKENZIE !!!

Just as a reminder!!

2008-07-18T06:59:00.000-07:00

Two of my favorite things that kenz does these days....

#1 My favorite one lately is that when she wants something off such as her shirt, she'll back up into you and say up, up, up until you take whatever off that she wants off!!

#2 Another favorite is she'll come over to us and shake her booty and say baaabbbieee!! What this is, is that we always kinda in a singing voice, I know scary huh, say "naked baaabbby" and shake our bootie. This means we skin her down to her birthday suit and let her be naked baby for a while!! its just funny to me because she asks for it!!

Helping Mommy...

2008-07-18T06:46:00.001-07:00

This morning I was "working" :) around the house doing dishes and laundry, and I found myself having a little helper. Its crazy how in the past month how kenz has changed. She loves to push the dishwasher rack in and help me put soap in the little dispenser and turn the nobs. Its amuzing how they turn into little girls over night!! She loves to help put clothes in the dryer and she thinks that the little button inside the door is how you turn it on, i guess essentially it is but doesn't get the whole concept yet :) Crazy...... even when a sock fell out of the dryer, she said suk, suk... I was like yay kenzie!! clap clap clap!!

Kenz turning on the dryer!!!

Trying on daddy's undies....

All by herself, she did this...

If its not one thing.... Its another!!

2008-07-15T15:05:00.000-07:00

As everyone knows, kenz got tubes in her ears about a month ago!! Wha hooo yeah so exciting!! No more ear infections and trips to the doctors!! Ya right. Ok, so Kenz hasn't been eating very well and has been a little testie. Last night she was up like every hour making noises, crying and so on. So when We got up this morning we noticed that she had a fever, alittle over 101. Not to bad. I figured it was her teeth and so i gave her tylenol and rested. She was very clingy and whiny and fell asleep on me!! I had to take every chance and cuddle with her while she would let me. So we snuggled for an hour and a half and awoke to a sweaty little girl. So I dialed the doctor and headed on in to find out that she has strep throat!! So for all you mommies out there, if your child is cranky, beware it might be a little strep, the doc said it was going around again!! So fun.... so again if its not one thing, its another!! Kenz you must really love the doctors!! The past two weeks you have been saying "Doc tur" in the cutest lil accent!! I love it!! So you are back on some antibiotics, we are going to try the cheapest thing out there this time, amoxicillin, and see if you dont get another diaper rash, which is always a side effect!! Ok, get better Kenz, you are no fun as a crabby paddy!!! xoxoxo

I need advice!!

2008-07-10T12:21:00.000-07:00

I am so torn on what to do with Mackenzie!! For those that I have scene the past couple of days, you know where I am coming from, but I think its getting worse!! Kenz has this problem where she swats at anyone and everyone. Dogs, babies, mom, dad... and even strangers. Its so embarrasing!!! She has just started doing it the past 2 weeks or so. Last night she did it to thomas and he put her in her crib, kind of like a time out... i guess it worked for a minute, but it came back :( I need any and all the advice that I can get. I dont want the mean bully kid. Its not like she hasn't been around kids, like she doesn't know how to share toys and stuff. I dont know why she does it !! Help me.....

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2008-07-09T11:24:00.000-07:00

Happy 16 Month Birthday Mackenzie!!

2008-07-08T15:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Mackenzie turned 16 months, she is growing so fast and learning more and more each day!! She has a great vocabulary and can show you about 14 body parts!! She has taught herself how to climb on the couch and dining room chairs, such a little dare devil :) notice the nice boo-boo on her nose, its a daily routine to get one, this one is falling at the pool!! Mackenzie you amaze me everyday, and I love you so much !!!

Finishing up the weekend

2008-07-06T13:59:00.000-07:00

Saturday we headed to downtown Mckinney again to have some good ole fashion ice cream!! It was the annual ice cream crank off, our second year to go.... it was absolutley crazy, so many people, but that didn't stop us. Kenz loved trying all the different flavors, cappacino, watermelon, moose tracks and even cucumber mint... yuck!! People get very creative because its a competition!! So we had a great mostly layed back long weekend!! Relaxing!! I hope everyone had a nice one too!!! Happy 4th!!

Enjoying time with "aunie"Sherry

Kenz waiting patiently for icecream.... that didn't last long!!

yummy......

Enjoying time with maddy, she thinks she's big cuz she can hold her:)

July 4th weekend

2008-07-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

Michelle, Grace, Kenz and Me watching fireworks

Daddy and Kenz waiting for the airshow to begin

Grace and Kenz
Mommy and kenz
watching the air show
all the cool airplanes

We started off our weekend, on thursday with an airshow and fireworks in Addison. We had a blast with Michelle and Grace and Missy and Grayson and there great families!! Thanks girls for inviting us :) Then on Saturday we went to the car show downtown mckinney and headed to the pool and had some fajitas. Later that night we watched more fireworks from our driveway over the soccerfields in Mckinney, with Michael and Sherry!!

Mackenzies first trip to the library.....

2008-07-02T16:48:00.000-07:00

So now that I am back from vacation.. I realized that I had another week of vacation!! I thought I was going to have 2 of the kids I watch, but they are staying with there grandma for another week!! Whahooooo..... So kenz and I made plans all week to do things with our friends, that we miss sooooo much!! Monday we had a blast at the frisco athletic center with missy and grayson, michelle and grace and some of michelle's friends. Kenz loves the water and had a great time with everyone!! Tuesday, Michelle and grace invited us to go to the frisco library with them for story time. It was so much fun, kenz loved it. We sang songs, had a puppet show and read a story, and the high light of it was getting a blue stamp on the way out of a zebra.... we then headed to the mall to meet up with the girls and have some lunch!! I miss you all so much and it was great to hang out with you and the munchkins xoxoxoxxo......

Kenz and Grace reading

Getting smarter by the minute :)

And the final excursion....

2008-07-02T16:20:00.000-07:00

So leaving right from san antonio, we headed to chicago for my cousin justin's wedding!! I was so excited to see my family, we are such a close family and its so nice to see everyone!! We had family from massachusetts, california and florida come to celebrate in the glorious day!! Here are some picture's of our time in Chicago......

This is my daddy, Bumpa to kenz, sharing a reeses!! yummy!!

Amy, my closest cousin, i love and miss her so much!! we are only 3 months apart, and are so much a like!!

My favorite picture.. finally a 4 generations picture, kenz, me, my mom and her mom

my mom, me and amy

my wonderful mom and me

welcoming Miranda to the family, we like to show a little leg in our pictures, even my 85 year old nana!!!

enjoying the metra train going into chicago

downtown, me and amy

this is a big day.. kenzies first dunkin donuts donut!! the best donuts in the world!!

This is my mom and dads ride.... they rode from texas on it!!

me and my daddy....

My wonderful lil family...

Miranda and Justin (my cuz)

The Wilson family (moms side) that got to make it to the wedding!! We are missing atleast 30 of us :(

Second part of our trip!!

2008-07-02T16:04:00.001-07:00

SAN ANTONIO....... We literally stopped by the house for about 7 hours on sunday night, enough time to do a load of laundry, get 3 hours of shut eye and grab kenz, and off we were again!! This was another semi work trip for thomas and of course we tagged along for a fun filled adventure!! We stayed at the Omni, on the riverwalk and so it was super convenient!! We enjoyed dinner with some people from thomas' work, all other families were there also, which was nice , went to sea world and to the botanical gardens and strolled around the riverwalk...... here we are....

Watching the sea lions at sea world.....

Kenzie enjoying some gummy worms....

Learning to smell flowers at the botanical gardens... a little boring for someone her age!!

Enjoying lots of kisses.....

We got to see marissa, a long lost friend from Cheesecake

Enjoying time on the river walk

Making wishes with daddy

feeding the dolphins....

Swimming at the waterpark with mommy

Vacation is over :(

2008-07-02T15:00:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, Thomas and I just got back on Sunday from one of the longest vacations that I have ever been able to go on :) 12 wonderful days!! It started on June 18th, which was our three year wedding anniversary. We kinda just hung out and spent time with Mackenzie, since we were leaving her for four ..... which I was nervous about!! The tears started when I had to put her to bed for the night, which of course I kept putting off as long as possible!! She did great though, and so did mommy and daddy!! On thursday the 19th, Thomas and I woke up at 300, by our loving alarm clock, mackenzie, just an hour early then we were suppose to get up. It was so weird, it was like she knew we were leaving, which made it worse!! I guess she just wanted to say good bye one last time!! Thanks kenz..... We were off to the airport and finally got to key west around 330,.. so about 12 hours later!! This was an off site work meeting for Thomas, and spouses were encouraged to come, everything paid for hotel, food, excursions and drinks!! all we had to pay for was my flight.. it was a nice little anniversary trip for us, and this is what happened.... not in the right order though.... I am still trying to get this blogging thing :) sorry!!

We felt right at home at the cowboy bar :)

the southern most point in the continental USA, 90 miles to cuba

At the hotel, it was beautiful

our snorkeling trip......

floating in the ocean after our snorkeling....

we saw, huge fish, colorful little ones, and even a shark!!

Our sunset cruise... thomas's boss is in the blue shirt behind us!!

the amazing sunset... from the boat

the last night at jimmy buffets margaritaville

trying to get to key west the first day

view from our room...

dinner, the first night

getting ready to go parisailing, we saw a sea turtle, and some huge fish

another night out...

We also went jet skiing... it was crazy!! I got out there and turned back around after only 5 minutes because a shark, only about 3 feet big, was attacking a sting ray!! no joke, my hubby even saw it!! I hauled butt in and jumped on his, I was all set with tipping over and getting eatin by that little guy :)

We had such a blast and can't wait for my next vacation!!

One more thing!!!

2008-06-18T15:46:00.000-07:00

Kenzie did it !!! June 16th, 2008.... 15 and 1/2 months.... She said "ice Beezzz" yeah two words together!! Kenz always asks for ice, but she usually stands at the fridge and says "beezzz", for please. Tonight thomas and i were cooking and she came over to us with her hands up and said "ice beezzz" ohhhh i loved it, she is learning so quickly!! yeah Kanga!!! good job!!

I love my family !!!

2008-06-18T15:30:00.000-07:00

So three years ago, pretty much at this very minute I was walking down the aisle to marry the man of my dreams!! I came to texas over 5 years ago to potentially meet the man of my dreams, I guess I believe that dreams do come true. I met the perfect match for me and my family. Thomas is such an amazing man, as a husband and father and could not ask for anyone else to complete me!! It has been such an amazing journey already for us. We started dating June 18, 2004, got married June 18, 2005, and I got pregnant June 18, 2006 !!! Wow.... Now thomas and I dont get to close on this date, LOL.....So on our 3rd wedding anniversary we celebrate our life together, our love and the laughter we share between each other and our perfect little family.

Tomorrow we leave our little miss mackenzie to go to the florida keys, kinda for thomas's work, but the spouses were encouraged to come because everything is paid for except my flight!! Whahoooooo!!! So needless to say I am super duper excited, but scared to death to leave my munchkin!! She is in great hands, my mother inlaws, and i know she'll be fine.... but i never leave her!! The tears are already starting..... Breath mommy she'll be fine i say :) ok...... well we come back on sunday night, to wash clothes and get kenzie and head back out to san antonio and from there to chicago for a wedding!! How exciting.... I cannot wait to relax and be a tourist :) I love doing the touristy things, i am a big dork!!

ok.... so kenzie!! I know you'll be well taken care of, and will have so much fun with grammie and papa weyer!! I love you more then you will ever know!! I cant wait to come home already and give you big hugs and kisses, and leave to go on another long vacation with mommy and daddy!! Take good care of jasper and your lil fishies!!! and mommy and daddy will be home soon!!! xoxoxox

Finally posting!!!

2008-06-18T15:24:00.000-07:00

Loving ice cream......

So I haven't posted in almost a week!! Wow!! I missed fathers day :) I remebered it but didnt take pictures or blog about it!! We joined out friends susi and anthony and there little baby grace, and our friends doug and kayce that just got married, for a nice cookout!! It was relaxing and always nice to get together with friends and family around the holidays!!

Now I am officially on vacation ....... Whahoooooooo!!!! No kids for 12 days, except mine :)

My little angel !!!

2008-06-12T20:04:00.001-07:00

I have been anticipating today for so long!! Thomas and I were just waiting for the doctors to tell us that Mackenzie needed to get tubes in her ears. She had gotten 8 ear infections, most of them being double, in the past 7 or so months, not fun for a little one, much less her helpless mommy!! We awoke this morning around 530 to head off to medical center of mckinney, which we had to be at at 630!! Yuck, i was just hoping that we could get there and get going before she realized that she was hungry, because as we know kids are not happy campers when they dont get there morning juicy and blueberry pancakes:) Everything went really well at first, they were right on time, went very quickly and kenz even took her medicine greatly!! She loves the drugs!! They gave her something that sounded like verset??? not sure of the spelling. anyways it makes them act like a drunk adult, it was hysterical!!! She didn't even care when they took her from us, I was so strong and didn't even tear up. Off she went, and it was over in about 20 minutes. As we walked into the recovery area we could hear her high pitch cry, how horrible!!, this is when i got teary eyed... That lasted a good hour. She was in and out of consiousness for the first 15 minutes. The medicine makes the kids feel really confused and not sure of whats going on, where you cannot even console them, they will be kicking and screaming and pushing you away, it makes you feel awful as a parent!! finally she started to come out of it and had 3 popsicles :) she was content for about 10 minutes then!! As we headed home with her screaming, it seemed as if she was ok, just very angry!! I am so sorry "kanga" for today, mommy loves you so much and I thought this would help you in the long run. Maybe you wont get the ear infections anymore and you can be a happy baby all the time xoxoxox, so we got home, you wouldn't eat your favorite breakfast and we opted to go cuddle in bed, just me and you, like the good old days!! You fell asleep on mommy's chest and I just layed there for a while and watched you sleep in my arms!! Then mommy decided to get some needed shut eye too, 4 hours later we awoke and I had my super happy baby back!! How exciting, its like nothing ever happened this morning!! Wow... i think it was worth it, as long as you dont get anymore ear infections!!!

To all of my great friends and family members... thank you so much for the love and support you have shown me !! Love you xoxoxox

Time to catch up!!!

2008-06-12T19:55:00.000-07:00

Its been four days!! My how time flies..... Lets see, what has happened??? Thomas went out of town for work monday and got home late last night!! That left me and kenz here again, but grandma was here with us!! She has been really cranky lately so it was nice for me to have someone here to back me up when things got out of control!! Before thomas left he told me that I could go but a lap top, how exciting :) I have such a great husband, so of course, who could pass up that offer... shopping :) so I got it and cannot get of it .... it is so convenient!!! I was always annoyed using our desk top, or waiting to use thomas' computer when he got home from work... Anyways, so that was fun!!

15 Months !!

2008-06-08T06:08:00.000-07:00

March 2007

15 months later...... June 2008

Well Mackenzie, you turned 15 months yesterday!! It is so amazing how time flies, when you are enjoying life so much. We spent the day with your grandma and grandpa weyer. Grandpa came down from kansas to visit us and grandma is here to work for 9 weeks, as a traveling nurse. We went shopping and spent daddy's money and then had one of your favorite meals, and mommys too, fajitas!! You have learned so much in you short little life so far!! Here are some of your accomplishments.....

Your favorite words are mommie, daddie, bumpa, nana, bubsy (thats what we call jasper our do), no-no, mine (thats a fun one), hi, bye, ball, dog-dog and so many more
You love to eat ice and will stand at the fridge and scream when you want some!!
You love to dance and shake your bootie when music comes on
You have learned where your nose, eyes, ears, belly, toes, and mouth are
You love to feed your baby and pat her on her back and so ooooooo!!!! mommys favorite
You know what a monkey, doggie, kitty and lion say
You have learned that you can climb onto the couch
You have learned where the potty is and has sat on it three times, no potty yet though!!
You love to turn off and on the lights

Everyday I thank God for blessing me with such an amazing and wonderful child. You make me so happy even through the toughest day. You make mommy smile and laugh like I never thought was truely possible. Thank you for being such a great little girl for mommy. I hope you know how much mommy and daddy love you !!

Thank God for mother inlaws!!!

2008-06-05T19:09:00.000-07:00

I never thought that I had a bad gag reflex until I met this little girl named Ki !!! For those that dont know, I watch her during the week, she is 2 months older then Kenz, so about 17 months. The past couple of days I have noticed that she has been very, whats the word?? inquisitive??? and her hands have been "everywhere" !!! If ya know what I mean :) So I go into get her from her nap and almost passed out from the horendous smell of poo !!! She had it everywhere.... when I say everywhere, I mean everywhere.... hair, face, fingernails, I was disgusted!!! But my super mother in law, the nurse that she is, came to my rescue and showered her up for me :) Thank the Lord!! I dont know what I would have done without the extra hands!! So that was my exciting day!! I thought all my blogging buddies needed to know!! and then I told her mom and there was NO I am so sorry, NO can i help clean anything ... nothing, a big fat laugh in the face :) nice huh??? Thank you kenz for being such a little angel, well for the most part xoxoxox !!

Ear infections!!

2008-06-04T17:48:00.001-07:00

I am so over them!! My kid just got back from the doctor, i thought that she might have strep throat since one of the other kids had it... nope, a big fat number 8, ear infection that is!! I cannot even believe it!! I thought that hopefully one day I would bring her to the doctor, and they would say nothings wrong with her, you are just being an over protective mommy!! Nope I haven't heard that yet :( So she is heading in on the 12th of June, next thursday for her tubes. I am a little nervous, but know that it should hopefully make this a little better for her :) Love you kenzie and i hope these will help you not get sick so much xoxoxo!!

Marriage is a beautiful thing!!

2008-06-03T13:39:00.000-07:00

The handsome groom, Doug and my baby Kenzie!!

The happy couple, Doug and Kayce Scheffler

The hot ladies :) Teresa, Susi, Angela, Kayce, Me and Sherry

My Beautiful Family

Enjoying cream puffs!!

What a great weekend!! My mom headed up here on friday night to spend a couple nights with us to help with kenz!! Thomas was in a wedding and I was helping out alot with random things for the wedding!! So Mackenzie hung out with her Nana on friday night while Thomas and I went to the rehearsal and then we got to have a mini date night. I have been dying to go on the motorcycle since its been so nice at night!! and noone has designed a snugli for kenz and the bike yet!! (I need to invent that :) Anyways, so we took a little joy ride and relaxed a little without the munchkin.

Then saturday was a whirl wind!! what a crazy day. We woke up early and helped set up for the wedding, which was just perfect for them. It was at Myers park in mckinney, kinda a little country place, which was nice for Doug and kayce, fit them perfect.

Since my mom was here, we took advantage of that and decided to have a date night with some of our close friends. My mom was up for the challenge of having Mackenzie and then baby grace, Susi's little one that is 6 months. We went to dinner at Bj's brewhouse, since i was craving their bruschetta and then headed off to wizards for a little bit of pool. It was so nice to hang out with our friends and know that the kiddos were in great hands :) Thanks Nana for everything!! Love you....

Sherry, Susi and Teresa

Angela and Melissa

Date Night.....

Pool Sharks....

This is what happens after a long weekend!!

2008-06-03T13:31:00.000-07:00

She was absolutely exhausted from such a long weekend that she passed out after eating dinner, atleast she ate right!!!

Sunday Night :)

Silly Mackenzie !!!

2008-05-29T14:08:00.000-07:00

So I came out of my kitchen to go check on my kiddos..... This is what I found. I think she would have fallen asleep in there if it wasnt for the others trying to annoy her!!

Memorial day weekend !!

2008-05-28T15:19:00.000-07:00

The boys going biking !!

Me, Angela, Sherry and Kenz, My mommy, My sis

and nieces Gabbi and Alexis

Hanging out in the pool...

Susi and another baby grace!!

Ok... so yes this is my second post in a month!! Im sorry!! I am really going to try and keep up with it this time. I figure if I can be nosy with whats going on in everyone else's life, then they can be nosy with me :)

I love 3 day weekends.. although the week tends to go by alot slower after them. This was such a great stepping stone weekend for me. For those that know me even a little, know that I am never without my precious baby girl Mackenzie!! Not even for like an hour. Its very seldom that I go out anywhere. So on that note please next time anyone goes out, where ever that shall be without kids... make me go :) that was a side note. Anyways, my great friend sherry, decided that I needed to practice having kenz away from me for a night. (thomas and I are going to the florida keys in 3 weeks, and she is not going with us, my mother inlaw is staying here with her, so i am super nervous!!) so on friday night she spent the night there, and did great, and so did mom :) i was so tired that i think i didn't really care at that moment. So now I am prepped up for our wonderfulk getaway :)

Monday was fun and relaxing with family and friends. My husband and 4 of his friends decided to start the day out at erwin park and head out for a great ride. They only got one flat tire and one that went over the front of the bike... they all made it back, with a couple cuts and bruises. While they were gone I had the greatest time with mackenzie and one of my great friends little girl grace. For those that don't know grace, she is such an amazing little angel. Completely opposite of my lil munckin. So sweet and quiet!! I would love to steal her from michelle!! So anytime you need to get away, she is all mine :) I have dibs everyone !! After that we grilled out and headed to the pool for some sun and fun!!

Here it goes!!

2008-04-18T11:40:00.000-07:00

My beautiful baby girl enjoying vacation
An example of what my life should be called!!
So amazing... the gorilla is throwing up and eating it , over and over again!!
on the tram, so scary... and thats the royal gorge bridge....
enjoying family time.....

Garden of the Gods
The zoo in colorado springs

Ok... here it is day one :) Lets see if I can attempt to keep up with it as great as everyone else does !! I need some pointers on here :) I just got back a couple of days ago from a great short vacation. Thomas travels alot for work and I wanted to attempt to go with him this time around. Soooo we headed off to beautiful colorado for four days. I chose to go there with him to see my cousin which I hadn't scene in 15 years!! We had a blast.... We started out at the Garden of the Gods which are beautiful rock formations that you walk around. And then we went to seven falls, which is in the mountains and you hike up about 300 steps to the top.... yes I found out that I sooooo out of shape!! as i sit here and eat my butterfinger :) Guess its not bothering me that much!! Then the next day we headed off to the royal gorge, the highest suspension bridge in the world and then ended the day with the zoo!! Its so amazing how Mackenzie interacts with all the animals, she absolutely was estatic!! Seeing my cousin there was great... she is actually 6 months pregnant so maybe I can get her on this also!! Ok... so the first day is done!! whahooooo lets see if i can keep up with all you bloggers!! :)