Mackenzie & Foster: Adventures Together

and then there were 4

2012-01-10T14:56:00.001-06:00

Somebunny is in LOVE

2012-01-10T14:53:00.001-06:00

with being a big sister.

an important announcement

2012-01-10T14:49:00.002-06:00

Introducing the newest member of our family, Maxwell James. Maxwell joined our family on December 28, 2011 at 9 lbs, 6 ozs and 20.5 inches long. Contrary to the picture shows, Max is a good, content baby but he does have a hearty head of blond hair and some strong lungs, when he chooses to exercise them. Our hearts are full of joy as we welcome Max and get to know each other.

2011-11-05T16:33:00.002-05:00

We might not be around on the blog so much, but when we do make our appearance - we do it in style. Halloween 2011 style, as pictured below with our western themed family members.

"I am not your mom. Wrigley ate your mom."

2011-09-02T22:55:00.002-05:00

I am hoping I can find a picture to upload to enhance this wrigley/mackenzie interaction. Mackenzie has recently fallen in love with Barbies and plays with them frequently. Alas, this means that there are often Barbie's laying around our house. And this leaves plenty of opportunity for a certain orally fixated dog to engage in some munching on Barbie. Therefore, we have an overly abundant population of "special need" Barbie's in our car. Barbie's that are missing one or both arms and/or legs. And every time another Barbie suffers a major catastrophe, they are mourned by a certain little girl. Loss of the one and only Ken doll - aka her boyfriend, "Justin Beaver" warranted crying ourselves to sleep one night. However, all Barbies are still loved and played with around here and therefore lead to overhearing the sound byte conversation of one Barbie to another: "hi mom!" "I am not your mom - Wrigley ate your mom. I am your aunt."

sweet feet

2011-08-22T18:55:00.001-05:00

a sneak peak at the cute little toes of newest member of our family, set to arrive this winter.

This is specially for Val....

2011-08-21T10:07:00.003-05:00

So rewind with me a few monthes back, to spring time preparations.....Grandma Jane decided to try her hand at an Easter egg color schemed tutu. In attempting to perfect the final product, she needed a model.....see photo. The opportunity to march around in a tutu is reminiscent of the classic movie Ace Ventura, as in the touring the mental hospital facility when he plays foot ball with himself, then yells "halftime!" and goes to take a nap on a bench. Parts of that may have been reacted during the tutu finalization......
Fast forward to this past week, when Ace Ventura quotes have been flying around rampatently. Many of the world's problems could be solved simply by quoting good ol' Ace - "if I am not back in 5 minutes.....just wait longer!"

change in domain name??

2011-04-17T20:34:00.003-05:00

Introducing Wrigley,
aka Wrigs, Wriggles, Mrs. Wrigglesworth, Wrigley Rue, Damnit NO Wrigley.

We will not be changing the domain name, but it is important to note we have welcomed Wrigley into our family with open arms. Wrigley is a 10 month old pure bred German Shephard and came to us with a unique story.

Solider returns from Middle East in summer of 2010, decides to adopt dog with brother, who he lives with - gets female German Shepherd puppy. Names her Wrigley, due to their allegiance to Cubs baseball. Fast forward a few monthes and brother gets deployed, leaving one brother in college and living college life to tend to well loved and adored Wrigley. However, enough hours in the day do not allow for adequate focus on puppy Wrigley and school studies, so new home was sought. Enter Jamey. We had given some distant thought to getting another dog "someday". Jamey has always loved German Shepherds. We are quite content with Foster and our busy lives, but when email reached me about German Shepherd puppy needing a home - I forwarded it. Jamey and Mac were the first people to call about WRigley and first to go and meet her. And they were smitten with her immediately. Including Mackenzie praying that night for Wrigley to come live at our house. :) Foster and I went to make introductions and Wrigely joined the family. Adjusting to life with a puppy, albeit a large one, is a bit of a challenge, especially because we have become so spoiled by what a mellow, laid back, low maintenance and EASY dog Foster has grown into. Wrigley has most certainly "puppy-ed up" the Fos-man!! We joked about the alpha battle raging upon her entry into the family and too bad she is trying to battle Foster, who is Zeta, the farthest thing from the alpha. Jamey and I are learnign how to deal with the nature of the German Shepherd breed, which is a learning experience. Especially for the cats. And when we introduce Wriggles to the new electric fence (and shock collar) later this week. :) I would be amiss to not point out that the animals in our family now outnumber the people by one. Proof positive we are animal lovers, but we are done for now!!

I do NOT need a reminder about just how long it is has been since I posted anything. Blogger took care of that for all of you when they wouldn't let me in my account due to long period of inactivity. But have no fear, we are back!!! And if you are a facebook friend, you know we are doing just fine around here, simply busy. But the blog, aka digital scrapbook for busy mom, needs to be updated to reflect the current happenings in our family. See above. The other good news is that I am doing really well and enjoying my graduate classes (knock on wood), which are the main interuption to blog service. :)

Happy Halloween 2010

2010-10-30T22:19:00.002-05:00

she shoots, she scores

2010-10-30T22:10:00.000-05:00

A new boyfriend

2010-10-28T23:01:00.005-05:00

So hopefully you all remember Mackenzie's "main man", aka the local meterologist. Well, come this October - he has some stiff competition. Meet Mr. Bones - the newest boyfriend. Mackenzie had originally told Grandma Jane that she needed to buy a skeleton to "freak Grandpa out". Ask and ye shall receive, young little Jane - as Walmart had a wonderful 3 foot one in stock. (And we all know how Grandma Jane LOVES Walmart.)

So next time Mackenzie visits - true love is born. Mr. Bones is incredibly well loved & cared for, and can even makes phone calls to me!!

Grandma reports that the young lovers ate a nice private dinner together, sharing some quaint conversation, then Mr. Bones sat on the stool to watch Mackenzie take a bath before they snuggled in for a quiet night in bed. The next morning, the adventure continued - including some driving lessons. (One lesson did include how NOT to be the roadkill)

Apparently, Mr. Bones is quite a delicate fellow,as so much love for him did cause him some leg break.

But a quick kiss (& return trip to Walmart) fixed it.

That Mr. Bones - what a chap! Only sorry I didn't get pics of Mr. Bones posed in teh chair, wearing a hat - courtesy of Grandpa.

a whole bunch of favorites!

2010-09-28T22:35:00.003-05:00

It is that time of year again!! yes, I have gone away and been locked away scrapbooking all weekend!! Which means I have finished products to showcase for my scrapbooking friends & other interested parties, but that also means I make you play my idea of a fun game. I will tell you a little bit behind each of the challenges presented to create the following layouts, to help you better judge them. I will also tell you that there was one selected winner in the bunch. I am curious as to what YOUR guess is re: the winner!!!! Without further adiu.....

not really a challenge, but 2 of the pages I created to showcase Mackenzie's Gma Jane tendicies.

The "mystery" challenge included having to use a mystery item - which turned out to be the large red heart doilie you see as the photo frame. On the small coordinating page to the left, the large red heart is also cut from the inside of the doilie that I carefully removed to make the photo frame.

a layout about love that does NOT use traditional love colors

dust off your stash - no using of anything new to produce a 2 page layout - must be items from your stash. I even broke out the old cutting system. :)

Not so ordinary usages for items - use items in a unique way, such as the snow flake as the letter "o". Use of the word "snow" for "so" may also be argued....

"All you need is Love" - a page incorporating this title and theme

Line it up - straight lines are key and must include 6 chipboard letters, 5 buttons, 2 journaling spots and 3 pictures.

Author inspired - a page borrowing a quote or line from a favorite song or author.

I will be anxiously awaiting your guesses!!! :) - Cara

"Eye Donut No"

2010-09-15T22:10:00.002-05:00

I don't know where she comes up with these things, but here are a few of my personal faves from the past week.

**Mackenzie offered me one of her mini donuts for breakfast. I politely declined and explained that donuts are not a regular part of my diet. She responded "only the donuts at the gas station are on your diet." Yes, she is speaking of my addiction to Casey's donuts, that I didn't think was that obvious (especially because I can't remember the last time I had one!!!!)

**When Grandma Jane bid her farewell, she commented "I sure enjoy having you around Mackenzie". To which she received teh response "I know - it is because I don't die much" Thank goodness for that, although part of me wonders where she got this idea.....

re-enrolling

2010-09-03T22:52:00.002-05:00

Oh my - I know it has been a while since I forgot the password to log in to the blog. :( But have no fear - we are all re-enrolled and ready to go. And not just for blogging either!! Grad class for me is in full swing and keeping me busy busy busy on top of the other daily responsiblities of life, work & family. Adding to those responsiblities was "re-enrolling" Mackenzie in daycare, after she decided to UNENROLL HERSELF - including telling all of her friends good-bye!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Suffice to say, that one was a shocker. However, everyone does get a good chuckle out of the story and have I been told I need to document it to make sure to have it for later - so here-in a perfect blog entry is born......

Awhile back, Mackenzie accompanied me to drop some things off at her former daycare provider (and my friend)'s house and was in 7th heaven. We stayed, chatted, etc but resumed normal daily activities, which included the super busy start to back to school for me. Due to that and the previously noted graduate classes - Grandma Jane has been getting LOTS of quality time with her blond girlfriend. This does include some drop-offs and pick-ups at daycare, depending on my schedule. One such morning, I was calling in to daycare to report a later drop-off from Grandma Jane when the conversation turned to the "well....I was hoping we could talk about this in person", where Mackenzie's current (& wonderful) day care provider inquired as to our current level of satisfaction, then making mention of Mackenzie's impending move from her car.

?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!??????????????????????!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

That pretty much accurately sums up my thoughts upon hearing that and I inquired what she was refering to, while deeply fearing that we may be being asked to leave. :( After some discussions, we learned that dear little Mackenzie had taken it upon herself to inform everyone at daycare of her intent to depart their company and return to her previous provider. Sadly, she did not consult any of the powers that be in that decision - but did wisely bait & switch her current provider by saying "my mommy says she will talk to you about it real soon". Which played in perfectly with my overly busy schedule and could help explain my lack of appearances at daycare. So after a few minutes of discussions - this was all cleared up and Mackenzie was assured to maintain her current daycare placement while we all had a few laughs. However, her father & I SHUDDER to think that she attempted to drop out of daycare before she is even 4!

Meet "Smarthy'

2010-08-02T22:50:00.002-05:00

You may remembe him by a different name, but in Mackenzie's world - he is Smarthy. and she loves him. Mac & Smarthy became acquainted awhile ago when she fell in love with a rhinestone studded shirt with Smarthy's picture on it and HAD TO HAVE IT. Guess you could say it was love @ first fashion. :) Hoping to get a pic of Mac in said shirt soon as well to share. Until then, enjoy Smarthy.

Once in a lifetime: zoo experience

2010-07-26T17:21:00.000-05:00

"Look at the turtles wrestle! I think they are fighting."

During our trip to the zoo in Des Moines, we were all a little surprised to witness the turtle wrestling and listen to the accompanying turtle moaning. But it was an educational experience, as up until that point, I was unaware of the reproductive procedures for tortoises. And it definitely made its mark on Mackenzie, as not pictured is her ACTING IT OUT for Grandma Jane, complete with sound effects.

Camel Toe

2010-07-25T17:19:00.002-05:00

"Aunt Kate's favorite part of the camel is it's toe. And I rode on a camel that had one hump." She has no idea the hidden meanings that can be gathered from these statements.

Incognito

2010-07-06T10:55:00.000-05:00

Yes, I imagine after delay in bloggging you suspected we were incognito around here.

Not really - just busy but now back to blogging.

Some of the incognito words overheard from Mackenzie recently:

"My daddy GLITTERS all the time." - no, he does not sparkle and shine but instead not get his trash into proper recepticales.
"Someone had dropped a GOOSE." - reported from a recent trip to the men's room with her father - there was not a literal goose in the toilet, but a #2 sometimes referred to as a deuce.
"I wish I had SKUNK beds like Gracie." - I suspect Gracie's bed smells fresh and clean but Mackenzie is instead referring to a set of beds that sits one on top of the other, aka top & bottom bunks.

thanks for holding

2010-07-05T10:49:00.001-05:00

"Parents hold their children's hands for a little while, and their hearts forever." (One of Grandma Jane's fave quotes)

"Ham-some"

2010-06-07T17:14:00.000-05:00

"Girls are bootiful & boys are ham-some." Mackenzie emphasizes her natural beauty with lipstick, sunglasses and funny faces.

M is for Mackenzie

2010-06-06T17:11:00.001-05:00

"I writed my name so Grandma would know it was me". On the back of her dance recital pics - all of them.

careful what you wish for....

2010-06-04T19:16:00.000-05:00

ver since Mackenzie's moustache sprouted up, Grandma Jane has been quite envious. Everytime she sees Mackenzie, Grandma inquiries as to where is Mackenzie's moustache. It has gone so far as I receive text messages that instead of saying "with bells on", Grandma Jane says she will be there "with her moustache on". (anyone who knows Jane is not surprised by this in the slightest). So driving home from a Memorial Day party, Mackenzie and I had to make an emergency potty stop in an area of town we do not usually go to. On the way out, Mackenzie notices they had moustaches available in their vending machines, so we "must get one for Grandma Jane because she has been wanting a moustache like mine!!" Thank goodness for small miracles and I actually had enough change to make the purchase. We met Grandma Jane for lunch the following day, specifically to give her the present....I don't know who was more delighted - Mackenzie, me, Grandma Jane or Great-Grammy Jean!! We all certainly had a lot of laughs, which have continued this week on facebook, as I have shared Jane's new look with her friends. Next up - pictures of my favorite moustaches girls together, with their moustaches on!! I will keep you posted.

"Grandpa's Pickle Picker"

2010-06-03T19:27:00.000-05:00

Silly grandpa gets so confused, but here is Mackenzie showing our berry good haul from 40 minutes in strawberry fields, weighing in at 16 lbs. Send us your best strawberry recipes because she wants to go back already!! Thankfully, we have had just as much fun delivering berries to friends and family to enjoy - including Mackenzie EXCITEDLY taking them to share with her day care friends.

hello summer!

2010-06-02T19:07:00.000-05:00

friends

2010-05-28T15:59:00.001-05:00

our ballerina star

2010-05-23T09:11:00.002-05:00

the dance recital videos 2010

2010-05-23T08:51:00.002-05:00

in this one, Mackenzie is the backwards ballerina:

the ending of the performance:

a story with no pictures

2010-05-17T10:24:00.000-05:00

So anyone who knows me knows that I am a huge news junkie and make sure I always watch the morning and late night news to stay in the know, but especially for the weather. So I was not surprised when Mackenzie started to show interest in watching the weather. However, it has come to light that her interest is not from a meteorology standpoint. She has a crush on the morning metereologist. This goes so far as me being "shh'ed" by her because she "just HAS to see this" when his weather report is on. And I will give her credit - he is a nice looking individual, as I have been informed he is QUITE popular with the female viewers in the area. So fast forward a week or so, and Mackenzie ends up at the news station with her daddy and guess who is working......from what I have been told, it was fate and love at first sight. "Oh Daddy - look over there, it is MY weather man" as she is waving at him. He eventually came over and from all reports, Mackenzie was 100% UN-SHY with him - introducing herself, telling him she watches him alot, how old she is, etc and then inviting him to come to her upcoming dance recital. Yes, our 3 year old asked the local meterologist out on a date. Sadly, due to the impromptu nature of this budding romance - no pictures were taken of the young couple. However, you can ask Mackenzie and she will tell you all about "her weather man".

Groucho Marx-Kenzie

2010-05-15T22:18:00.002-05:00

After Ava & Mackenzie purchased moustaches out of the vending machine (and Mommy's cracked up) - Mackenzie happily told me "I had been wanting a moustache!" Add it to the list of things she has been "wanting": a new cat, a bra and now a moustache. Even more priceless then these pics, was the look on Jamey's face when Mackenzie walked up to him at work with her moustache on. (she was getting lots of comments from passerbys as we walked in, too).

the handiwork of a budding pedicurist

2010-05-11T18:26:00.002-05:00

Mommy's Barney or Grimace inspired toes, courtesy of the resident pint-sized pedicurist. Since purchasing her own bottle of nail polish last week, someone has been all about painting everyone's toes. Sadly, she is not understanding why Daddy keeps turning down her offer.

happy mother's day 2010

2010-05-10T10:37:00.000-05:00

the apple of my eye, looking cute on Mother's Day 2010. She was very into Mother's Day this year - including picking out presents for people (scrapbooking tape for Sarah), telling me what my present was not even an hour after she went shopping with Jamey and taking $1 to Grandma Jane for her present at brunch.

go fly a kite

2010-05-09T18:26:00.001-05:00

Mackenzie tries out her kite flying skills, which at some times were more similar to dog walking skills with the way she drug the kite behind on the ground....but she sure had fun!!

cindy lou whoo

2010-05-04T10:26:00.000-05:00

Mackenzie's newest mini-bun hair-do is reminiscent of Cindy Lou Whoo.

Foster goes to the dog doctor

2010-05-03T13:30:00.000-05:00

Being a polite boy, Foster shakes the doctor's hand upon meeting.

just have to get a few vitals here...

"Oh no, is my blood pressure too high?"

and now I will listen to your heart with my creative stethoscope

You can tell Mackenzie had some experience going to the doctor this past week.....thankfully, Fos-Man passed his check-up with flying colors.

Goalie of the Year

2010-05-02T13:08:00.002-05:00

So Mackenzie has been sick this past week, but was still super excited for soccer - so we went. However, once there - her excitement quickly dropped off and she was more interested in sitting on Grandma's lap and playing with the big kids. So the big kids lured her over to actually participate in the soccer game as the goalie.....
We are hoping next week will be better. But Mackenzie was quite happy to hand out the snacks and drinks we brought for her teammates at the end!

soccer - week #2: the video

2010-04-25T19:43:00.001-05:00

soccer - week #2

2010-04-25T19:19:00.003-05:00

another great week of soccer - LOVE the look of "oh no - there are my parents, taking a zillion pictures of me again!" Aunt Myra did get some videos, that I will hopefully be able to upload as well....

Knock-Out

2010-04-25T19:17:00.001-05:00

perfecting her punching skills during garage clean-up - gardening gloves give her that extra edge.

roller derby queen

2010-04-22T19:07:00.001-05:00

ah the joys that springtime brings and the opportunity to try out so many fun outside activities. :)

our soccer star is born....

2010-04-20T20:40:00.003-05:00

after much anticipation on her part - Mackenzie finally gets to try her foot out at soccer. Since the first game, it has been ALL she can talk about - including having Daddy build her a practice goal in the front yard - where she, Foster & Daddy play.

Hoppy Easter

2010-04-02T10:15:00.000-05:00

And yes folks, it is a Hoppy Easter for us, as this is the first time in 2 years there have not been tears when visiting the Easter Bunny!!!

april fools

2010-04-01T12:13:00.000-05:00

Monkey see, Monkey doo.....seems fitting for posting on my favorite holiday.

So back in the hotel room after the rehersal cruise, dinner & lua party - I took the opportunity to moon Sarah (because you can take the girl out of college, but you can't take the college out of the girl. On a side note, I learned all about mooning from my father - who I am sure will give me grief for this fine example of parenting)Shortly thereafter, Mackenzie imitates me. And I of course take a picture of it. She comes by it naturally.

our little character

2010-03-31T12:31:00.000-05:00

Mackenzie dressed up as Princess Belle for her dinner with the Princess. We took these pictures outside the hotel on our way and she was so darn funny!! She had met some of the characters earlier in the day and as soon as we got her in the grass, she started posing and acting like one of the characters. You will notice how she took my hand and talked nicely with me.....she even asked "would you like to have your picture taken with Princess Belle?" as you can, I obliged. :) As we got in the car, she said to me "Mommy, I am a character now!" Quite possibly one of my favorite memories of the whole trip.

worth every penny

2010-03-30T10:05:00.000-05:00

in order to ensure Mackenzie's dreams came true, we took her to have dinner with the Princesses. Bear in mind, this was one of the big incentives we used to potty train her a short time ago. Jamey and I both commented that it was worth every penny we spent on it and the experience was priceless!!!! Mackenzie was AWE-STRUCK with each Princess, although she did start to warm up later in the evening. She told Snow White that "her grandpa is Grumpy" and told Ariel "I love you. But I forgot to tell the other Princesses that." Ariel nicely offered to tell them for her. :)

the happiest place on earth

2010-03-29T09:55:00.001-05:00

yes, we did it!! Mackenzie was introduced to the magic that is the mouse on a day trip to the Magic Kingdom.

beach - the aftermath :(

2010-03-28T09:49:00.004-05:00

we were SHOCKED at how much sun we all got from our brief time on the beach.

Life's a beach

2010-03-26T21:53:00.004-05:00

Life's a beach, and Mackenzie is our beach babe!! Seen here on her first beach experience in Destin, Florida. Suffice to say - she loved it. :)

blog service interupted by fun memories in the making

2010-03-23T19:36:00.004-05:00

I apologize for the blog service interuption - but as you can plainly you see.....we were out on an adventure.

An adventure so good Mackenzie had to taste it. Requiring a plane ride, some magic, a few dolphins, a whole lot of fun and even more pictures!!! Hang with me as I upload the 2 memory cards full of memories up and assure you I will try to share them on the blog as soon as I can. :)

that is one happy kitty

2010-03-16T13:23:00.000-05:00

Much to Squirrel's delight and amusement, Mackenzie plays the cat is her baby.

twin-kies

2010-03-15T13:12:00.001-05:00

Mommy & Mackenzie share many things - the same hair do & matching boots, to illustrate just a few of them. (boots are so similar, minus the size difference, that Mackenzie inadvertenly puts on one of hers and one of mine)

Best of Friends

2010-03-14T13:32:00.001-05:00

"Chance made us family - we made us friends"

Best of friends - kindred spirits.....Siena & Mackenzie

She's ALL that - plus a little more.

2010-03-14T12:44:00.002-05:00

Our starry eyed cutie celebrating Gracie's birthday in rock star style

a new day of the week!!!

2010-03-06T16:39:00.001-06:00

In Mackenzie's world - it is now called "toots-day". Please adjust your calendars accordingly.

Overheard.....wise Mackenzie quote

2010-02-22T23:05:00.003-06:00

"Sometimes, when my nose itches, I scratch it. "

2010-02-20T13:03:00.001-06:00

To quote Mackenzie Jean -

she told her dad "I just do what my zhu zhu pets tell me."

Hopefully the zhu zhu pets offer her words of wisdom.

cheezy

2010-02-19T13:59:00.001-06:00

Mackenzie's McDonald's order:

"a cheeseburger with cheese"

This is almost as comical (to me, at least) as the time she attempted

to order a sandwich & pop while at the drive up window of the bank!

THE comment of the year

2010-02-18T09:37:00.000-06:00

"Mommy, I love you like fruit snacks."

out-dorked

2010-02-17T09:33:00.000-06:00

it takes alot for us to be out-dorked in regards to our love for phototgraphy...but it happened over the weeekend, when we went to watch the eagles on the river. We were quite obviously the amatuers - no tripod, no 36 inch + lense, no camoflauge anything (including camera).

Officer Mac on the scene

2010-02-16T09:17:00.000-06:00

don't tell Officer Mac,

but I think these sunglasses have been stolen from one of her Build-A-Bears.

Daddy could not be more thrilled with her sunglass choice -

i think he was sad they were too small for him!

Cocoa Bean

2010-02-15T08:11:00.000-06:00

So Aunt Kate's cat, Cocoa Bean, is staying with us for awhile Cocoa Bean is not known for her social personality, however she is warming to everyone here with the exception of Foster. Mackenzie could not be more thrilled with the addition of Cocoa Bean to our family - many evenings have been spent sleuthing out where Cocoa Bean may be hiding (possible options: INSIDE the box spring of the spare bedroom bed, in the ceiling in the storage room...you get the idea). When Aunt Kate & Will brought Cocoa Bean over a few weeks ago - Mackenzie took one look at her and excitedly announced "i had been wanting a new kitty!", much to Mommy & Daddy's (insert sarcasm here) delight.

Happy Balentines, 2010

2010-02-13T17:04:00.002-06:00

Another year later, and we are still celebrating "Balentines" with Mackenzie. Unfortunatly, our cute blond balentine has been under the weather the past week, which has hindered the celebrations.

Hard work went in to creating her valentines, but no party participation - instead opening at home with Mom & Dad and a heart shaped pizza.

Need boxes?

2010-02-13T16:56:00.003-06:00

You see the darndest things somedays.....

Like your niece, in a Uhaul box.

Shorty Wardrobe was quite embarassed when she realized papparrazi were on the scene.

if you need boxes, we do have a recommedation....Siena, not included.

dopplegangers:our family's celebrity look-alikes

2010-02-03T20:13:00.002-06:00

Mackenzie

Jamey

Cara - curly & straight

following the current facebook trend - here is our family in dopplegangers.

this is our life....

2010-01-27T22:37:00.002-06:00

just an ordinary evening with two very good friends enjoying a toy together

icy adventures

2010-01-22T15:49:00.000-06:00

so as the weather created impromptu ice skating conditions throughout the land the past few days, we utilized the day off from work to introduce Mackenzie to the wonderful winter sport of ice skating.

Mommy dusted off her old skates and we set out on an icy adventure.

As you can see, Mackenzie LOVED it and actually took to it quite well. (Minus the part where she attempted to crawl off the ice - but no pics of that b/c it had started to rain too hard for cameras)

Even when she would fall, she would laugh and quickly get herself back up.

Grandma Jane's girl: more so everyday

2010-01-21T21:39:00.003-06:00

Awhile ago, Mackenzie couldn't hear the difference between the names "Jane" & "Jean". And this resulted in her thinking her middle name was "Jane" - much to the delight of some grandparents. Since then, Mackenzie has learned her middle name is in fact "Jean", but she has SO MANY Grandma Jane tendancies - I am beginning to think it would be a more fitting middle name. As evidenced here, channeling Grandma Jane - outside in a snow/ice storm in her jammies, with bed head and winter coat on while borrowing someone else's shoes. For some reason, this reminds me of Jane taking me to high school back in the day. And I suspect Jane wishes she could still get away with dressing like this all the time now, as well. :) Except of course, for the whole going out in the snow/ice bit....Jane would rather be locked up then brave it.

having snow much fun

2010-01-18T13:56:00.002-06:00

Observing MLK Jr day lead to this impromptu play date in the yard for two good friends....

isn't it ironic....

2010-01-11T20:22:00.000-06:00

Please note the animal on the boots and
the name of the game she is playing (written on the rifle butt).

just your regular family fun @ one of Daddy's fave pizza spots in Dubuque.

new big girl haircut

2010-01-10T20:06:00.002-06:00

Mackenzie got her hair cut recently, with the addition of bangs and layers around the face. I think the effect is very big girl, which matches her CLEAN & DRY big girl panties too. So much growing up going on.

welcome 2010 - celebrating in super hero style

2010-01-01T11:04:00.004-06:00

gauging from Mackenzie's choice of attire to ring in the new year, I would say we could expect super great things to happen in 2010!!

Even if the initial costuming was a bit sideways.

With her super hero boyfriend...

Ringing in the 2010 with a super sweet kiss for her favorite super hero.

blast from the past: sledding

2009-12-27T23:15:00.002-06:00

Mackenzie experienced her first sledding adventure today and LOVED it.
As she said later, the best part was the hot chocolate after. :)

However, she was also treated to a special sledding adventure with Grandpa Richard that has become a family tradition....a ride on the sled being pulled by the tractor.

Ironically, the only thing that has changed in these pictures from the first time it happened 29 years ago is the little girl riding on the sled. Same tractor, same sled, same driver. And same rider too, but no pics of that.

I don't know who enjoyed it more: Richard, Jane, Mackenzie or me.
Maybe a combination of all of us.

ho ho heaven

2009-12-25T21:54:00.003-06:00

Hope your enjoyed the heavenly joys of the holiday season today,

such as the chocolate before breakfast - a la Mackenzie Jean.

And dressing festively - cars and cousin Eddie included!

not snow funny

2009-12-14T15:30:00.001-06:00

the caption on this photo is "Oh,no - I just peed my pants!!!!"
I guess the first snowfall of the year can do that to some people.

12 days of Christmas

2009-12-13T21:19:00.004-06:00

On the 1st day of Christmas, technically being Dec. 13, my mother gave to me....a lighted Christmas tree @ her house!!

With a little helper from her favorite helper as well, during our sleepover during the recent storm (and resulting power/water loss at our house).

And this is a big deal because Jane is known to take FOREVER to get her tree up and decorated, usually with much prompting and assistance from me. Her goal is usually to have it up by my birthday - so to have it up a week beforehand is a BIG deal. :)

I have offered her the assistance of Mackenzie, who LOVED decorating our tree, and have joked that between the two of them, they would be able to fully decorate the bottom half of the tree, then I would do the top. ha ha.

shiny little nose

2009-12-13T21:12:00.002-06:00

A cute picture of my own personal reindeer with the "shiny nose".

This is 100% Mackenzie's idea - I am just glad I was able to get a picture of it.

Snow Cute

2009-12-10T21:12:00.001-06:00

Mackenzie is quite excited with the first measurable snowfall of the season at our house. Too bad it is too cold to actually go out and play in it yet. Hopefully someday soon.....

I did it myself!!

2009-12-07T19:52:00.000-06:00

While I took my shower, Mackenzie prettied herself up with some of my make-up. If you look closely, you can see she actually did a decent job of getting on her eyelashes. So pretty.

giving back

2009-12-06T20:39:00.001-06:00

trying my hand with some new digital scrapbooking software...this is a product of that experiment.....

"It's not big, it's just full"

2009-12-06T20:01:00.002-06:00

]
We headed out in our 4 wheeled sleigh to look for the spirit of the Griswald family christmas tree. We did remember the saw, though. A few false alarms by Uncle Jon, but no squirrels were found. And even though we are not Griswald's by name, I think our ability to quote the movie does qualify us for it. And in the end, we ended up with a nice tree for Grandma's house (who did not get run over by a reindeer while we were out today). "It's not going in the front yard, it's going in our living room!"

a story....

2009-12-05T20:35:00.000-06:00

So Mackenzie was spending some quality time with Grandma Jane earlier this week, while Mommy worked late at school. When I came to pick her up, Mackenzie wanted me to be her baby and put a bib on me. The "bib" turned out to be a pair of Grandpa Richard's underwear that she found in the thankfully CLEAN laundry basket. No photos were taken of me with my father's underwear around my neck.

Deputy Mackenzie

2009-12-04T20:26:00.002-06:00

Much to her Daddy's delight, Mackenzie proudly displays her "honorary" Sheriff's badge and tattoo.

Thankful

2009-11-25T07:55:00.002-06:00

So Mackenzie & I were discussing the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday and after I told her what I was thankful for, I asked for what she was thankful for. Her response: "Candy, Rainbow blankie & my kitty because she is my friend, she hides under my bed, she is so cute and furry and she likes to play with me."

celebrate in style

2009-11-23T20:31:00.001-06:00

Mackenzie's dinner of choice for her birthday - Happy Joes. Seen her enjoying every last bit of her special birthday sundae.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Mackenzie Jean.

2009-11-23T20:13:00.002-06:00

Three years ago today, at 9:35 am (and after a long overdue wait) - our lives were forever changed for the better when Mackenzie Jean entered the world. Today, we celebrate how much you have grown, learned and changed over the past year and how much more you will in the coming ones.

The birthday girl is seen here on the big birthday bicycle from Grandma Jane & Grandpa Richard, with the perfect footwear courtesy of Great Aunt Sue.

It's a hard knock life

2009-11-22T11:03:00.000-06:00

Mackenzie helps out in the preperations for her birthday party this weekend.....

There are some rewards to the hard work, such as licking the bowl....

All the hard work paid off, as she went to bed after the party - she remarked "that was a good birthday party!" :)

2009-11-22T09:22:00.002-06:00

Just wanted to see if anyone else noticed the big sleeping theme from the past few posts this week....I do promise we do more then just sleep around here - those have just been the most blog worthy events lately. But with a big birthday weekend....I am sure we will have some more excitement to report on soon. :)

sisters

2009-11-21T23:00:00.001-06:00

Mackenzie and her choosen "sisters" (aka cousin Siena & Foster) have an impromptu slumber party one evening.

heartwarming

2009-11-21T08:36:00.001-06:00

a girl and her dog - best friends.

If only everything was as uncomplicated

as the pure love and adoration between little girls and their dogs.

Daddy's girl

2009-11-20T17:33:00.001-06:00

You can imagine Jamey is thrilled with someone's love of football, if for nothing other then to cuddle with at bedtime... I

my Fair Mackenzie

2009-11-19T17:30:00.000-06:00

Our fair lady, Mackenzie, rides into town on her stallion with parosol in two.

conversations with Mackenzie

2009-11-18T20:44:00.000-06:00

While shopping in Walmart this weekend, we were in the girls (not toddlers) aisle looking at tights. Mackenzie notices the bras and underwear. She tells me "mommy, I need a bra". I respond "no, you do not. Your boobies are too small." She tells me "I will ask Santa for a bra." (good luck with that, I think). Few minutes later, she climbs out of the cart and begins shopping through the bras and proudly announces to me that she had found a little bra to fit her boobies. Ahh - the joys of being a girl.

2009-11-17T20:42:00.001-06:00

In Mackenzie's words: "We are a Hawkeye family". :) Looking cute, our "shaker girl" sports some cute Hawkeye gear. And anytime she sees football on TV, she cheers "go Hawks".

in her words:

2009-11-06T18:44:00.000-06:00

Earlier this week, Mackenzie informed me that "AcDonald's and Aunt Karree make

her smart"....seen here, cuddling with one part of that "smart" equation.

in a harmonious blend of holidays...

2009-11-05T18:41:00.002-06:00

Ladybug Mackenzie is seen here, telling the Uhaul Santa (aka Uncle Jason) what she wishes for her upcoming birthday and Christmas. #1 on that list (per Uncle Jason's suggestion) - a toilet brush. And I am being serious.

buzz worthy

2009-10-31T21:46:00.002-05:00

flyin' on outta here to trick or treat - our two cute little bugs.

Foster can thank Mackenzie for his costume this year - she was insistant he dress up and finding a large dog costume can be tricky - I happened to find the last "large" sized one @ Old Navy, and it was conveniently a bumble bee - which worked well with hers.

Don't know who loved the trick or treating more - Mackenzie or Foster. Jamey reports that Foster was quite popular in the neighborhood and got LOTS of pets while they were out.

crazy face goblins

2009-10-31T21:38:00.002-05:00

my two fave trick or treaters practice their spooky faces before putting on their costumes....

Merry Halloween - Shitter was Full!

2009-10-31T09:22:00.004-05:00

"That there is an RV, Clark. It's a good lookin' vehicle - but don't you go fallin' in love with it, caus' we are taking it with us when we leave here next month."

You can imagine the response he got going out in public like this....one family at the gas station even brought him a piece of candy for trick or treat since they loved his costume so much. He also received his first beer for free at the bar, courtesy of the bartender. Cousin Jamey reported that he got many interesting looks when he ventured into the grocery store.... However, his biggest fan probably was Richard, who did take him (and the rest of our good looking group) to trick or treat a neighbor.

2009-10-29T06:52:00.000-05:00

Creating Art

2009-10-25T21:29:00.004-05:00

So this weekend was Vicki and my annual scrapbooking getaway , which means lots and lots of creating. And as promised on facebook (and because I don't know if I can wait to show Sara until we see each other again) - here are some of the page/challenge highlights. One was selected as a winner submission for that category - which one do you think it is??? Regardless of winning status, it is always nice to get so much quality scrapbooking time and progress on projects! And be forewarned - I will HAPPILY show you all 40 pages I completed this weekend when I see you - just ask! :) (Blogger hates me and my scrapbooking pictures, so please pardon the wrongly orientated pics. And you can see the details better if you click on the pics to make them bigger, fyi.)

Challenge: a page about a special trip taken somewhere.
Challenge: a "shiny and sparkly" layout that uses the phrase "Good time was had by all..."
Challenge: a page about some PLACE you love
Challenge: a return to the basics, using only paper, pens and stickers.
Challenge: the whole kit'n caboodle: must include 8 buttons, 5 brads, 3 flowers, 2 journaling spots and at least 7 chipboard letters.
Challenge: page using "Happiness is...." as title

she comes by it naturally....

2009-10-21T21:55:00.003-05:00

Randon Grandma Jane fact: she has to eat her morning cereal with the biggest spoon, usually a soup spoon. Why I remember or know this, I don't know. But now you know.

And as you can see, Mackenzie has apparently inherited this habit as well. Yes, that is AN ICE CREAM SCOOP that she is using to eat cereal.

Grandma Jane was so impressed with this ingenuity that she too has begun to use an ice cream scoop to eat her cereal.