Beauty in the Chaos

Gweny's 5th Birthday

2012-01-23T09:13:00.000-08:00

She wanted a Minnie Mouse party at Kangaroo Zoo this year...

LJ was fascinated by the balloons.

I'm not sure if Minnie Mouse is supposed to be sunbathing in a flower meadow or if this cake is more reminiscent of that song by The Band Perry.

If I die young

Bury me in satin

Lay me down on a bed of roses...

Snow! Snow! Snow! Snow! Snow!

2012-01-23T09:00:00.000-08:00

The girls had a blast building this lovely snow lady. I love that my kids love to play in the snow.

Gweny Had Another Dance Recital

2012-01-23T08:52:00.000-08:00

Thanks for the great photos, Poppa Rog!

True Story

2012-01-08T09:44:00.001-08:00

The end!

LJ Today

2012-01-03T10:09:00.000-08:00

Here is what LJ looks like today...in case you were wondering.

Santa Came to Our House...Weeks Ago

2012-01-03T10:02:00.000-08:00

The kids were pretty good this year, so Santa stopped by one Saturday morning. He was in the neighborhood, making sure that his reindeer could still land on the roofs after half the houses in the neighborhood lost shingles in the crazy wind storm. LJ was excited, but not enough to actually sit on Santa's lap. He was content to observe from far away.

The girls were excited and gave Santa long lists of toys they wanted.

Santa even brought some early Christmas presents. We had a great Christmas this year. I feel so blessed to have such an amazing family. I love my kids and my handsome husband.

We Love Curls!

2012-01-03T10:00:00.001-08:00

Curlformers are awesome! They are a little bit expensive for curlers, but worth it for perfect curls EVERY TIME!

National Adoption Month

2011-11-21T21:58:00.000-08:00

The fall leaves were beautiful this year. The warm weather and impending smells of winter lasted longer this year than in years past. But, both the leaves and snow have begun to fall, which means that November is in the air. November brings a time to reflect upon our blessings; a time to remember the gratitude we feel, but often forget to express. For me, November allows me to truly express the gratitude I feel for my children because someone appropriately chose November to celebrate National Adoption Month.

I love my kids and my husband. I love being a wife and a mother. I also love the perspective on motherhood that adoption has given me. Mikayla was placed in my arms over 7 years ago. I will never forget the moment that I first held her tiny, five and a half pound body in my arms, and felt the weight of the world on my shoulders. Standing in front of me were a courageous girl and boy, trusting me to care for the baby I held. I realized then that she was not my child. She was not their child. She is a child of our Heavenly Father and He, too, trusted me to care for her and teach her the things she needs to know in order to return to Him.

As a mother, I am not entitled to my children. They are children of Heavenly Father. It is only my job to care for their mortal bodies, teach them how to be kind and responsible, teach them how to pray, kiss their necks and praise them. I love being a mother. I am grateful that one day, perhaps a long time ago, I volunteered or was asked (or whatever happened before we came here) to be a mother.

I am grateful also for all the birth parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles that have shown kindness to our little family. You have all touched our lives in your own ways and we are thankful for you.

To Mikayla’s: We think of you often. Mikayla is AMAZING! She’s smart, kind, talented, and so, so good. She told someone the other day, “I don’t have to sit on the naughty stool very often.” And it’s true. Mikayla usually does things the first time she’s asked. She’s helpful and works hard.

To LJ’s: We love him. LJ is busy. I don’t think that we will ever have to worry about LJ being an idle sort of person. He loves his sisters and all animals. Even though he runs a million miles an hour during the day, he stops every once and a while. He remembers that he’s still a baby and needs to sit on my lap for a minute. He offers kisses without being asked and he knows all the actions to Popcorn Popping. He also sat still, with his arms folded and his head bowed for the ENTIRE family prayer last night.

And to Gweny’s (Josh): Thanks for having a Gweny with me. She’s the cutest little handful I’ve ever had the pleasure of disciplining.

I have so many things to be grateful for. I love my kids. I am grateful for eternal families. I am so grateful for each of my kids and the unique ways they came into my arms. I love being their mom. I’m grateful that I am able to stay home with them. I know that that truly is a blessing and often hardship on our family. I am grateful for adoption and the many, many ways that it has blessed our lives.

I've posted a little video of each of the kids below. The pictures aren't new, but the songs are great. Sometimes, I think its better to let other people tell you how much I love my kids.

LJ - In My Arms

2011-11-21T21:52:00.000-08:00

Gweny - Luv-a-Bye

2011-11-21T21:47:00.000-08:00

Mikayla - A Thousand Years

2011-11-21T21:39:00.001-08:00

Gweny's Little Accomplishments

2011-11-17T09:01:00.000-08:00

Mikayla and Gweny have recently discovered that they are the stars of their very own website. So now, they frequently say to me, "Take a picture of this and put it on the blog!" So here you have it...the latest. Gweny's BendaRoo Christmas trees! I love my little girl!
I love how proud she is of her little accomplishments. At the general Relief Society meeting of conference this year, President Uchtdorf gave a talk about the forget-me-not flowers and he said "...be thankful for all the small successes in your home, your family relationships, your education and livelihood, your Church participation and personal improvement. Like the forget-me-nots, these successes may seem tiny to you and they may go unnoticed by others, but God notices them and they are not small to Him. If you consider success to be only the most perfect rose or dazzling orchid, you may miss some of life’s sweetest experiences."
I hope that my children always know that I am proud of their small accomplishments and they should be too. So here's Gweny and her messy hair, dirty face and filthy sweatshirt...and one of her little successes.

He Found a Marker

2011-11-17T08:52:00.000-08:00

Perhaps he was trying to draw himself a beard? Kids are so eager to grow up these days...

Scary Little Drummer Boy

2011-11-13T20:47:00.000-08:00

He's scary for several reasons, just look at those teeth. And trust me, you do not want to be anywhere near the end of those drumsticks. Its a whole new kind of scary...

Go Utes!

2011-11-13T20:35:00.000-08:00

Josh and I went to the University of Utah football game last night, thanks to a good friend who gave us his tickets. It was FREEZING but so much fun. And, the UTES WON!!! They beat UCLA 31-6. GO UTES!

Another Gymnastics Injury and a Trip to the Dentist

2011-11-02T19:57:00.000-07:00

It was a dislocated pinkie toe this time. Mikayla handled it like a champ and gets to stay home from school tomorrow. The doctor "relocated" it right there in the InstaCare. She was more terrified than she was hurt. I'm so glad it wasn't more serious. I'm proud of my brave girl.

Gweny also had her first cavity filled today. We found out that she that she has a tiny cavity in one of her molars about 2 weeks ago when we went in for our cleanings. The next day, Gweny went to play at her friend's house and told her friend's mom "You have to be really careful with me...I have a cavity." So, we went to have that cavity filled today. The dentist didn't numb her up or anything; he just drilled away and she handled it like a pro. Brave girl.

Halloween 2011 - Starring A Spider Witch

2011-10-31T16:16:00.000-07:00

I LOVE this girl!

Halloween 2011 - Starring Minnie Mouse

2011-10-31T16:11:00.000-07:00

Minnie is having a rough day. Today, she's afraid of grasshoppers, flies and that the sun will scorch her through to her insides. Oh well, she's still adorable.

Halloween 2011 - Starring Superman!

2011-10-31T16:00:00.000-07:00

This is one HANDSOME Superman.

Sometimes, even Superman feels a little blue. Or just downright angry!

LJ's New Hiding Spot

2011-10-31T15:37:00.000-07:00

The cover of this book should say, "I canNOT read."

Primary Program 2011

2011-10-25T19:49:00.000-07:00

The girls had their primary program a few weeks ago. They both did a great job with their parts. Gweny was so excited to speak at the microphone and memorized her part. She said it like this: "Moses Chapta one berse forty-nine says:Fo beho, this is wook and my gory, to bing to pass the immortality and maternal life of a man."

Mikayla had one of the longest parts of the program. Hers was "When I was a little baby, my mom and dad took me to the Salt Lake Temple to be sealed to them. My mom told me that I was calm and peaceful while I was in the temple. Last year, we took my baby brother, Lucas, to the temple to be sealed to us. I got to go into the Salt Lake Temple to watch the sealing. It felt good to be in the temple. I am glad that my family can be together forever because of the temple." Her sweet little voice moved me straight to tears.

LJ still loves nursery more than he loves coming home with me. People keep telling me that this is good news. Why, again...?

I just had to take pictures on this according to Gweny, TOO-SUNNY morning. It was so beautiful and my girls looked so pretty and my little boyfriend looked as handsome as ever. I love these kids!

Costume Birthday Party

2011-10-25T19:45:00.000-07:00

Gweny got to go to a special birthday/costume party for her best buddy Boston. She was so excited to get to wear her Halloween costume a whole week early. Her baby Minnie and Minnie Mouse purse completed the look and she had a wonderful time at the party! Now I just have to figure out how to scrub the orange cake frosting off before Halloween.

When Josh Came Home...

2011-10-25T19:40:00.000-07:00

Josh went to get an oil change and came home with one rose for each of his girls. He's such a cool guy.

Girly-Girls

2011-10-25T19:34:00.001-07:00

Playing with Barbies on a lazy Saturday afternoon...
Mikayla got this great Barbie house for her birthday and she bought the pool with her own money from her birthday and the tooth fairy.

I love these little girly girls.

LJ Goes to the Fire Station

2011-09-29T10:47:00.001-07:00

LJ had a lot more fun at the fire station than Gweny did. He absolutely loved the big trucks and all the firefighters. When the firefighter went down the big pole for the kids, LJ tried to run up the stairs so he could give it a try.
Before we left for the fire station, we were waiting for Gweny's class to come out. LJ said "Cheese."Then he saw a cat.He just kept looking and looking. He loved the big tires and just couldn't get enough of the trucks.

The nice firefighters let him drive the truck too.

He started crying when the firefighter tried to take him out of the truck. The firefighter set him gently on the ground and LJ was upset, so the captain firefighter guy came up behind him and put him right back up. It was cute.

The captain followed LJ around and then said, "Don't worry so much mom. He looks like he'd make a great firefighter. And our mama's our proud of us." I'm sure they are proud of their boys.

Gweny Goes to the Fire Station

2011-09-29T10:33:00.003-07:00

Gweny and her cute little pre-school class took a field trip to the fire station today! She was so excited! Here she is with a really cool old fire truck in the lobby of the fire station.

She's getting ready to listen to the firefighter who came to talk to them.Driving the fire truck.All the other kids were looking at the truck. Gweny was looking around and whispered, "Mom, this garage is a lot bigger than ours."

She was a little scared of the firefighter when he put all his gear on. She kept taking small, slow steps away from him.But then got up enough nerve to go up and touch his arm.

Gweny's Bad Dream

2011-09-29T10:28:00.000-07:00

In Gweny's exact words...

The hair cut person was cutting Clifford's (the big red dog) whole body into a fish. She used the big scissors and was cutting his body all the way through his tummy through his back. She was chopping him up and putting him in a fish bowl. Then, she tried to cut off my foot, then she tried to cut off all my hair. Scary, huh?

Sheesh, no wonder she crawled into bed with me last night.

LJ's Goes to Nursery

2011-09-29T10:13:00.000-07:00

LJ loves nursery. He doesn't just tolerate it, or like it a little, he L-O-V-E-S loves it. The first time we dropped him off, we were a little nervous, but he marched right in, picked up a ball and threw it at another kid's head. He did great for the entire 2 hours and then, when we went to pick him up, he threw himself on the floor in a giant I-am-not-leaving sort of tantrum and we finally dragged him out. He's loved it ever since! I have to say, I'm glad he likes it, but couldn't he just have one little look back for his mother? Just one....that's not too much to ask.
Here he is on his first day of nursery - looking all curly haired and cute. And hansome, just like his daddy.

9/11

2011-09-11T16:11:00.000-07:00

I got this idea from a fellow blogger (Thanks Amber). It’s been ten years since the terrorist attacks and I have never really recorded what that day was like for me. So, here it is.

Josh and I worked together for a company called Lexis Nexis. He worked on the second floor, I was on the third. We had arrived at work at 6:30 that day because our bosses both allowed and encouraged us leave to attend college classes during the day, as long as we worked our required 8 hours. I was sitting at my desk, had just turned on my computer and my desk phone started ringing. I picked up the phone and my early-bird mom was already at work and told me that one of the towers had been hit by a plane. I quickly found CNN and watched as the second plane hit. I ran down to find Josh because I was so anxious and worried. I slowly wandered back to my desk and every computer in every cubicle was on some sort of news station. No one was working. I sat down at my desk and cried and watched CNN until Josh came at 10:30 to get me for class.

Josh and I took a history class together at the community college. We did everything together for the first few years we were married. It was so fun. We walked into our history class and our instructor, instead of teaching us the lesson he had planned, talked about his father in WWII and talked about the Nazis and the evil of the world. He brought the gauge from his father’s plane. Then someone pulled the fire alarm.

I tried not to panic as we were all evacuated and told to go home. Josh and I went back to work and found all our co-workers gathered around a small TV in the lobby of the building. After standing there, trying to see the TV and being sad and anxious, we were all told that we should just go home; no one was working anyway.

Josh and I went home and watched CNN all day. Then, we went to see Josh’s step-mom. She was alone that night because Josh’s dad was on the East coast and was trying to get a flight home. She was feeling anxious and so were we.
We lived close the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. We were used to the sounds of airplane engines filling the air. That night, Josh commented to me that it seemed weird that there were no planes flying overhead.

I remember the feeling of overwhelming sadness that I had never felt before. It was something bigger than me...something bigger than I could even comprehend.

Yesterday, Josh and I (we still do everything together), went to Walmart to get new tires. Josh and one of the mechanics went outside to look at the van while I stood at the counter. I overheard one of the other mechanics talking to a bunch of his co-workers. He said, “I don’t care about the firefighters and police officers who died that day. I pay them to do that. That’s their job.” I stared at him. I was shocked and so, so disgusted and maybe he could see it on my face. He looked at me to agree with him, but then turned around and left. I wish I had thought quickly enough to respond to him before he walked away.

I will always remember that day. The thing I will remember the most is the overwhelming sadness and fear I felt as the towers collapsed before my eyes. There are images and lines that will haunt me for the rest of my life. Someday, my children will ask me, “What were you doing on 9/11?” So here it is…what I did the day of the 9/11/01 terrorist attacks.

Happy Little Dude!

2011-09-03T12:11:00.000-07:00

This is one happy little man! He's our favorite little guy!

Gweny's First Day of Preschool

2011-09-03T11:57:00.001-07:00

My little Gweny is so ready for another year of preschool. She's a little older (but not much bigger) this year, a little more articulate, and a little more brave. She loves her new teacher and her new friends. Here she is with one of her long-time best buddies.

The sun was really, really in her eyes.

She came home after her first day and was happy and excited to go back. I'm sad that she has to go, but its only for a few hours a week. She loves being with her friends. It makes me happy to see her happy.

Birthday Boy!

2011-09-03T11:48:00.000-07:00

Our wonderful husband/daddy turned another year older. Here is how he felt about it...We finally got him to smile for the camera.
I wish I could describe how we feel about this guy. We just love him so much. I love him more and more everyday. He's a wonderful father and an even better friend and husband to me. Happy Birthday, Josh! We love you!

First Day of Second Grade

2011-08-22T08:35:00.000-07:00

I was silly to think that the first day of school would be easier for me this year. I thought that it would be easier because I still have Gweny and LJ here with me, but it is still so hard for me to send her away for most of the daylight hours and to trust that her teachers will take good care of her. I keep hoping that I have taught her to make good decisions. It's hard for me to let go of her. My little girl is in 2nd grade. 2nd grade sounds like such a big kid thing. She is SO excited. I'm so happy that she loves to go to school (for now, at least).
We parked a few blocks away from the school and walked over a little early so that we wouldn't feel rushed. The school was already busy and we waiting in a huge crowd of people for the bell to ring. She was looking around for her friends and she got a little nervous when she didn't see her new teacher, Mr. Paget.
So, we followed the huge crowd into the school and found Mr. Paget. Mikayla is so excited to have a male teacher and she tells me that he never yells when he gets mad.

Despite her eternal humiliation, I couldn't resist getting a quick picture of her at her desk. Someday, I'll stop embarrassing my kids. Yeah, I don't think that will ever happen! Just wait until she goes to college...

Mikayla's First Gymnastic Injury

2011-08-19T14:00:00.000-07:00

I'm sure it won't be her last. Poor Mikayla was standing on the trampoline at gymnastics and absorbed the bounce of a fellow gymnast and sprained her ankle. After two days of her refusing to walk on it, we decided that she needed to see a Dr. It's definitely sprained, but he also suspects that her growth plate is fractured, though he isn't sure. She gets to wear this nifty little brace so that she can start school on Monday, which she is very excited about.
She is sad that she won't be able to go to gymnastics for a long time - at least a month, and then she'll have to wear the brace for about 6 months when she goes. Heartbreak for our little Kerri Strug.
And here is Gweny, being just as supportive and lazy as she can possibly be.

My Kids Make Me Laugh

2011-08-19T13:39:00.001-07:00

I have really enjoyed my summer with these kids. They have certainly been a great source of entertainment. LJ tries to do sommersaults, like the girls do. But he does it so, SO funny. He leads with his head and kind of does a head dive with a twist and ends up rolling on the floor. Someday, I will get a video of that badly described yet incredibly daring act.

Gweny was watching me pour a huge can of baked beans into my crock pot to take to a big family dinner. She leaned towards me and said, "What IS that?" Instead of answering her, I showed her the baked-bean-covered wooden spoon. She said, "Oh, cat food!"

Gweny said to Mikayla, "I wish your name was 'Sorry' for reals."
Awesome Auntie Leeann came to babysit the other day. Mikayla was measuring Leeann's foot with a measuring tape. She held it up to her foot and said, "OK, six inches...Wait, its supposed to be a foot!"
After she lost her second tooth, I said to Mikayla, "ooh, I hope the tooth fairy comes." She said, "Me tooth."

Mikayla got shampoo in her eyes in the shower. She cried and yelled, "I think my eyes are going to throw up!"

First Haircut!

2011-08-13T13:05:00.000-07:00

Not! I'm never going to cut his hair. Not ever. Never! Because he's going to stay my baby boy forever and he's not going to grow anymore and he's going to have adordably blonde, curly hair forever and ever. (If you try to leave comments that remind me that these things untrue, I might cry...)

Old, but Good

2011-08-11T12:55:00.001-07:00

These are old pictures. Old as in, I thought my camera was broken, but was feeling incredibly desperate about taking pictures of my kids, so I BEGGED my wonderful and handsome husband for a new camera, but then I that my old camera works just fine. What does that equation equal? Two good cameras for me!

I love pictures of my kids all together. I don't even care if they are all looking at the camera. I love to capture their genuine interactions with one another, complete with 3 distinct personalities. I love these kids.

I love the I-fell-asleep-in-the-highchair pictures. Mostly because a kid who falls asleep in the highchair is content and happy enough to stay there long enough to fall asleep.

17 Months

2011-08-11T12:30:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since I've done an update on this little man. He is getting so big. He loves to run and climb, yell "NOOO!" at his sister and bully them around a little. Here is running down a long, long hallways

Getting closer...
A little closer...
A little closer...

Hi mom!
Happy and hungry from all that running...

He loves to watch the garbage trucks go by.
He is very good at climbing up and down stairs. And up on tables, and the girls' bunkbed, and out of his crib...
We love our handsome boy!

Summertime Sisters

2011-08-10T09:42:00.000-07:00

Today, we went to visit Josh's grandmother. We love that lady. She's such an amazing woman and I'm so happy that she is part of our lives.

These little girls have had such a fun summer together. I'm so happy that they are such great friends.

Lagoon

2011-07-23T15:23:00.000-07:00

Because of a very dear friend of ours, we were able to take the kids to Lagoon twice this summer. We had a blast both times we went! Mikayla and Gweny loved most of the rides and LJ only loved the train. Gweny calls it "Gagoon," just so you know.

What Time is it???

2011-07-04T19:48:00.000-07:00

Summertime!!

We got this little beauty of a swing set from Josh's sister for FREE!! So far, it has been a pirate ship, a store, and a garage, but has spent most of its time as Rapunzel's tower.

Most days, the girls can be found in their swimming suits in the backyard, playing in the water and sliding down the water slide.

Family Reunion!

2011-07-04T19:42:00.000-07:00

It was so great to see all my aunts, uncles and cousins and all of their families together for the first time since we were kids. We had a great time at Bear Lake.

Mikayla with her Grandma and Grandpa

Great Grandma and Grandpa with all the MacCabe cousins. (Except for LJ, who was having a much-needed nap)

Bear Lake!

2011-07-04T19:35:00.000-07:00

We had a big Brinkerhoff family reunion at Bear Lake last weekend. The kids and cousins had so much fun playing in Bear Lake. The weather was beautiful, the sun was out and the sand was hot. I love spending time with my siblings and their spouses. We are great friends and I love them so much!

Daddy's #1 Fan

2011-06-27T12:29:00.000-07:00

LJ LOVES his daddy! When Josh mows the lawn, LJ stands on the deck and watches. He follows Josh around all day. LJ's first words were "Thank you." But the second word he said clearly was "DADDY!!" I'm grateful that LJ has such a great daddy to teach him all the boy things he needs to know. This little boy and his daddy are already best buddies.

A Bunch of Animals

2011-06-27T12:12:00.001-07:00

We went to the Denver Zoo with Jennifer and her kids and Leeann and Jay. We had such a great time and uncle Jay was such a great sport and dragged all the kids around in a wagon all day. It was a great day!

Brynn, Mikayla, Gweny, Beck, Ainsley, Eli and LJ

LJ was not a fan of the lions...or he was ready to get out of his stroller.

If Gweny met a polar bear...my money is on the polar bear.

Santa's Workshop

2011-06-27T10:39:00.001-07:00

We love taking the kids to Santa's Workshop when we go to visit my family in Colorado Springs. Unfortunately, LJ didn't get to come with us this time. The little amusement park is built on the side of Pikes Peak, so strollers and a boy who doesn't want to stay in a stroller and doesn't know to sit down on rides and things all adds up one big ugly ordeal. He got to play with his Auntie and Uncle instead. So, here are lots and lots and lots of pictures from our fun adventure!

A very orange picture

Even though they were the only ones on the ladybug ride, they chose to ride together. Cute sisters.

The whiplash inducing roller coaster. Gweny wasn't quite tall enough to ride by herself and she wanted to go twice. TWICE!

Mikayla was chosen to help the magician in the magic show. She was so excited! Gweny did so much better this time. Last year, she wouldn't ride any of the rides and this year, she did all of them. Even the scarier ones. Good job! She also knocked over a huge santa display in the gift shop. Before the big santa even fell over, she ran away crying and yelling, "I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" I think the shop workers felt bad because she was so upset. And, we were even because the face paint girl sprayed blue paint all over Mikayla's clothes. It didn't come out. Oh well. Adventures!!!

Next year, LJ will be able to come with us. Thank you, mom and dad, for the super fun day!

Nightmares Come True

2011-06-27T10:28:00.000-07:00

For her, it was a dream come true. For me, it was a glimpse into my future nightmares coming true.

She'll be driving in 9 years. Seems like forever away, but I know its right around the corner.

Then, she'll be gone. "Bye mom. Thanks for feeding me and stuff. I'm outta here!"

LJ's Silly Mistake

2011-06-20T17:58:00.001-07:00

LJ loves baths. I mean he L-O-V-E, loves them. Don't even think about running the bath water without him in the bath. If the girls are taking a bath without him, he sits outside of the bathroom door and cries the whole time. If you aren't paying close attention to him when the bath is filling up, this happens...(bad picture quality...I didn't want to leave him in there to grab the camera, so these are cell phone pictures)

Mikayla and Gweny spent a lot of time helping their daddy paint the deck this last weekend. They came in completely covered in paint. I started the water and told them to get undressed right next to the washer so that we wouldn't get paint all over the house. Sheese, I turned around for approximately 12 seconds and he climbed right in. He was happy as could be. Silly boy.

Mikayla's Last Day of First Grade

2011-06-03T07:58:00.000-07:00

Remember this? The first day of first grade...

And here she is today, on the last day of first grade. She's not too happy about it. I'm sure the time will come very soon when she can't wait for summer vacation, but for now, she said that she will miss her friends and her teachers.

I told her to throw her arms in the air and yell "Woo-hoo!" like other kids are doing today, on the last day of school. She said, "I don't feel woo-hoo today."

Then, I completely humiliated her because I wanted to take a picture of her getting on the bus. She'll get over it.

Mikayla, you did such a great job in first grade. You are a super reader, a good friend to others and such a responsible girl. I love you!

Gweny's Last Day of Preschool

2011-06-02T12:30:00.000-07:00

Today was Gweny's last day of preschool with Miss Dana. She has loved preschool this last year and it has been so good for her. They had a little graduation last night. The kids performed a play that they wrote themselves. Gweny had the part of one of the princesses. It was adorable!

Gweny and her beloved Miss Dana.
Way to go, Gweny! We love you!

California Fun!

2011-06-02T12:08:00.000-07:00

We just got back from a fun family reunion trip in San Luis Obispo, California! The kids had a blast playing with their cousins. We went to the beach, played in the sand, watched some sea lions and wandered around the Strawberry Festival. LJ and Mikayla loved the ocean. The water was FREEZING but that didn't stop Mikayla at all. LJ also took the opportunity to run straight into the ocean while my back was turned. Thank goodness Aunt Stacy was paying attention and saved him before he got swallowed into the ocean.

Mikayla's End-of-year Program

2011-05-24T16:36:00.000-07:00

I got to be a special guest at a rehearsal for Mikayla's end-of-year program today! We are actually going to miss the program on Friday because we are leaving for California on Thursday, so Mikayla's awesome teacher let me come to a rehearsal. It was very, very cute. Mrs. Thompson has been a great teacher for Mikayla this last year. She loves school and I think that Mrs. Thompson has been a big part of that.

Sleep-up Friday Nights

2011-05-24T16:32:00.000-07:00

The girls love the MacCabe family tradition of "sleep-up" (appropriately named because when we were kids and all slept in the basement, sleeping upstairs in the living room was indeed "sleeping up"). They get to have a special treat, make beds on the couch or floor and watch a movie on Friday or Saturday nights. And, just like my mom used to do, I threaten them regularly that they need to behave or they will lose their sleep-up privileges. Thanks, Mom and dad, for the great traditions!

Crazy Hair Day and Book Reports

2011-05-24T16:21:00.000-07:00

Gweny's preschool had crazy hair day. It made Gweny cry...and cry...and cry. She absolutely did not want her hair to look crazy. She wanted it to look beautiful. Then, she realized that her teacher would have crazy hair and she cried some more. Then, she realized that her friends would have crazy hair and she cried even more. I eventually talked her into letting me do this to her hair. Not crazy. At all. Then, on the way out of preschool, I picked her up and gave her a hug and she whispered "Crazy hair day isn't so bad." Silly girl.

Here are pictures of Mikayla doing some book reports.

New and Interesting Things

2011-05-17T19:33:00.000-07:00

LJ is learning new things everyday. He is starting to notice things that he used to ignore. He's starting to figure things out and is getting to a point where he will sit and be interested in something for about 30 seconds.

LJ has become very interested in Jasper, the cat. It's a good thing that Jasper is tolerant and de-clawed.

He is also VERY interested in our Iphones. He sent his Aunt Leeann a text message that said "OpepeprorsIAmdlxp.,8 ooo_," Then he called her and chatted with her for a few minutes while I was busy not paying attention to him.
He has also developed a very special relationship with his sisters. He freely gives them hugs and kisses, without them asking for them. He sits on their laps and cuddles up with them. He gets excited when Mikayla gets home from school and seeks them out to play when he hears them in another room. I wish I had a picture of him with Mikayla, but I only have one of him and Gweny.

Speaking of Mikayla, I feel bad that I haven't blogged and posted a lot of pictures of her. It makes me sad, but she's just gone all day. ALL DAY! I miss her while she's at school. There just isn't time during the morning flurry before school and then, by the time she walks in the door at around 4:00, the camera is put away and homework/dinner/bath time/reading time/bedtime begins. New goal: Take more pictures of Mikayla...even if its inconvenient.

My Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-11T10:40:00.000-07:00

I had such a great Mother's Day this year. Mikayla bought me flowers and made me a beautiful ladybug pin at school. She made me breakfast in bed all by herself again this year. And just like last year, we sat on the bed as I ate my delicious chocolate muffin and we talked about nothing in particular, but its becoming a tradition that I very much enjoy. Gweny planted a bright yellow flower for me and bought me some delicious chocolates. She said, "Happy Mother's Day!" and gave me hugs all day long. LJ gave me lots of kisses and snuggles.

I always appreciate Mother's Day. I know that most moms probably do. But for me, it isn't about the "day off" or needing to feel appreciated. I remember back to a time in my life when Mother's Day rolled around and even though I celebrated and appreciated my own mother, the absense of children in our home left me crying through Sacrament meeting and eventually, avoiding church altogether on that day. I remember one Mother's Day, I stayed home because I simply couldn't bear to go to church and watch all the happy mothers with their home-made gifts and smiling children. A sweet sister in our ward, Wendy Myers, remembered me and brought over a bouquet of flowers and let me cry on her shoulder for a minute before she said, "Give it time. Heavenly Father has a plan for you."

And boy did He ever! I have 3 very different children, who came from 3 sets of parents. Each one is so necessary to make our family whole.

Mother's Day for me is a reminder of how blessed I am...How very, very grateful I am to get to be a mother...How lucky I am to have such wonderful children...How blessed we are to be an eternal family. How blessed am I to be able to experience motherhood! I love my life and my children.

A Conversation with Gweny

2011-05-09T08:40:00.000-07:00

In the car a few days ago:
Gweny: Mommy, when am I going to get married?
Me: When you grow up.
Gweny: So, like, tomorrow?
Me: (Long pause) uh, sure. Who are you going to marry?
Gweny: Daddy
Mikayla: You can't marry daddy, Gweny. He's already married.
Gweny: No, not when mommy dies.

Feel the love....

Friends

2011-04-30T08:21:00.003-07:00

I'm very grateful that these two little girls are such great friends. I have always had a special relationship with my sisters. I hope they always stay close. Sisters are the best!

In Honor of the Royal Wedding

2011-04-30T08:17:00.000-07:00

We've had Royal Wedding fever around here. How often do 4 and 6 year-old girls get to see a real prince and princess get married? Even LJ dressed up for the special occasion.

The Dr. Will See You Now

2011-04-30T08:05:00.001-07:00

More Easter Pictures

2011-04-29T09:01:00.001-07:00

Thanks Amanda, for letting me steal these pictures from your blog. It was great to see you and Bob and Olivia last weekend. We don't see you often enough!

LJ and little cousin Olivia sat together and played with the empty plastic eggs for a long time. I think Olivia finally taught LJ how to sit still for more than 6 seconds at a time.

Nap time!

Fancy Easter Clothes

2011-04-26T14:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter! Thank you Mom and Dad for the beautiful Easter dresses. We love them!

It's a little too bright outside, but we wanted to get a better view of the dresses.

We had such a fun Easter weekend. The kids had a crazy fun Easter egg hunt on Saturday at their Grandma Pat and Poppa Rog's house. They gots lots of candy and dyed lots of beautiful eggs. Then, on Sunday, Mikayla sang her first solo in Sacrament meeting. Our little family sang "Teach Me To Walk in the Light" and she did SO great!! I was so proud of her. Then, the kids had another Easter egg hunt at Grandmother and Granddad's house! We (I) will be eating candy for weeks!

It's Electric

2011-04-25T14:54:00.001-07:00

LJ's Great Words of Wisdom

2011-04-25T14:29:00.000-07:00

A few things LJ has learned in the last 13 months...

Cake is delicious.

I'm cute. There's no other way to say it.

Instructions for killing a vampire and the importance of a get-a-way vehicle.

This face will get me hugs, kisses and chocolate. (And my parents don't know how to focus a picture)

Sleep, it's what's for dinner.

The sun is bright. My mom is not.

Sisters are friends, not food.

Bears are nice. Well, some bears.

Just Because

2011-04-20T10:03:00.000-07:00

One random picture of each of them...just because.

Meow!!

2011-04-20T09:59:00.000-07:00

The Things I Learn From My Children

2011-04-11T07:42:00.000-07:00

So, a few months ago, the card reader thingy that I have to use to get the picture off my camera was broken in two by a couple of little, chubby, baby boy hands. So I found a cord to transfer the pictures. It's gone. I really don't understand! Where did it go? I think someone sneaks into my house once or twice a month and takes some random thing out of its permanent place just to drive me crazy.

Anyway, this is a long, pictureless, just-for-family-history-purposes kind of post, so ignore it if you don't feel like reading about how incredible my children are.

LJ is at THE HARDEST church age. He can walk, so he doesn't want to sit on my lap or anywhere in the chapel. He can run, so he doesn't want to play quietly in the hall. Yesterday, I was wrestling with him in the hall and trying desperately to listen to the Testimony meeting. He either wanted to run back into the chapel or close the chapel doors. I was becoming so frenzied and distracted and didn't notice the older gentleman, Brother Green, from our ward had sat down in the chair across from the couch we were trying to sit on. He's sort of an unapproachable, gruff old guy. He shuffles when we walks, has a permanent frown and doesn't talk to people very often. LJ noticed him. He toddled up to Brother Green and held his arms out to be picked up. Brother Green looked at him and frowned and then looked away, trying to ignore him. LJ stood in front of him and babbled something in his cute little baby voice. Brother Green didn't look at him. LJ turned around and backed himself up to stand in between Brother Green's feet and put his hands up on his knees. He smiled a little at the back of LJ's head. LJ turned around and said something else to him. He smiled again and this time, when LJ held his arms out, Brother Green picked him up and put him on his lap. LJ snuggled against him, played with his tie, touched his face, then quickly wiggled away. After church, I saw him in the hall and he asked, "What's his name?" I said, "Lucas." He said, "I haven't held a small child in over a decade." Then he touched LJ's hair and tearfully said, "Thank you," then quickly shuffled away. I sometimes think that babies are more in tune with the spirit because they don't have so many distractions. LJ is a pretty friendly boy, but what made him persist until Brother Green picked him up? Yesterday, LJ's compassion reminded me of the lessons I've learned all my life, but sometimes get too distracted to act on.

Gweny is becoming such a caring little spirit. She has really good manners and I don't ever have to remind her to use them. She wanted to start her own bath the other day and got frustrated because the water was too cold. I asked her why she didn't try to make it warmer and she said, "Mommy, I'm just a little tiny girl. I don't know everything." It made me laugh.

The number one rule in our house right now is to keep the baby gate at the top of the stairs closed at all times because LJ is fascinated with the stairs. Both girls are so, so diligent in following this rule. The kids I babysit sometimes are not. One day, I heard Gweny and LJ both crying and screaming. I ran to find that LJ was desperately trying to make his way toward the wide-open staircase. Gweny was grabbing at anything she could, his hands, his feet, even his hair, to keep him from getting at the stairs. He outweighs her, so this must have been a struggle for her. She finally tackled him and wrapped her arms tightly around his tummy. She was crying and was so upset and was holding on to him and yelling "Close the gate! Close the gate!" Later, when it was over, and she had calmed down and LJ had not fallen down the stairs, she said, "Hey, I'm a hero!" It's true. She was a hero. She could have ignored him to go play with her sister and friends, but instead, she engaged in the wrestle of her life in order to save her baby brother from falling down the stairs.

Mikayla is also a very compassionate little girl. Josh went out of town for a few days and she said, "Mommy, I know its hard for you when daddy's not here, so I'm going to be really good, " and of course, she was very good. I even found her doing the dishes without being asked. When I tell her to keep an eye on LJ, she actually does it. She usually does not need to be asked to do things twice. She does it the first time.

At church a few weeks ago, her teacher found me after Primary and told me that Mikayla was the only child in her class that day. She asked Mikayla several times if she wanted to go to another class with her friends, but Mikayla wanted to stay with her own teacher. Later, I asked her why she didn't want to go to another class and Mikayla said, "I thought it might hurt her feelings if I left for my friends. I just wanted to stay with my teacher so that she knows I love her." She's thoughtful and caring that way. She smiles easily, shares hugs and kisses and plenty of "I love you's" with those around her. She is truly a caring person.

I learn so much from watching my children. They teach me new things everyday. I love you, little ones.

Happy Birthday, Baby Boy!

2011-03-14T19:39:00.001-07:00

Our baby boy turned ONE last week. I am in complete shock and utter denial. What happened to the last year? I look back on each and every month where I posted pictures and gave a little update on him and I say to myself, "No, that wasn't 6 months ago, that was 6 days ago."

New things for this month:
-He always has either a car, or a basketball in his hands. Sometimes its both. He loves them.
-He also got a football for his birthday. He doesn't like it. He only wants the basketballs.
-He remains in the 95th percentile for weight and height.
-He is supposed to be drinking milk at this point. He really loves his formula, so we'll see how that transition goes.

I can't believe that in a few short months, he will change and become a kid instead of a baby. By this time next year, chances are he will no longer sleep in a crib, his mouth will be full of teeth and he'll be talking. He'll want to play basketball and play with his trucks and he won't be too interested in electrical outlets and he won't constantly TRY to fall down the stairs. I can't believe my baby is a year old. We love you, little dude!

Gweny's Sad Moment

2011-03-14T19:26:00.001-07:00

I don't know if its the messy hair in the face or the single tear slowing rolling down her cheek, but something about these pictures makes me want to gather this little girl in my arms and never let her go.

Just a small, momentary reminder of our fragile human emotions.

I'm a Princess After All

2011-03-08T10:37:00.000-08:00

Music is a big part of our family. There always seems to be a lot of singing and dancing going on.

Gweny singing a self-composed version of "It's a Small World After All."

Mikayla and LJ dancing and singing together. I just love the way he looks up at her so adoringly.

Laugh With Us

2011-03-08T10:19:00.000-08:00

Our new favorite family show is "Phineas and Ferb." We all laugh, sing and dance together when we watch it. The girls found this particular episode especially entertaining. It's just fun to watch them laugh.

Happy Kids!

2011-03-04T09:15:00.000-08:00

I love to hear my kids laugh and play together. I wish I could tell you that LJ is usually wearing a shirt, and not drooling. And Gweny doesn't usually hit the cat or push him down the stairs. And there usually isn't a Huggies diaper box in the living room with a piece of garbage next to it. But those would all be big fat lies.

LJ in a Very Cool Hat

2011-02-28T19:25:00.001-08:00

We saw this hat in the store. We loved it. But did we spend 8 dollars on it? No, of course not. Who would do that? Just take a picture! Cheap? Yes, yes indeed.

Stories by my Girls

2011-02-26T15:05:00.000-08:00

I asked each of my girls to tell me a story. Enjoy their little imaginations! I do!

Gweny's story:

Once upon a time there was a little girl who sneaked in a bears’ house. Then, the bears were not home, they were at the store. And then she was hungry and she said, “I want to eat someone’s pot.” Then she tried the poppa bear’s one and she said, “Too hot”. Then she went to the mommy’s and said, “Too cold.” And then she went to the baby bear’s and she said, “This one’s just right.”
She ate it all then she said “I wanna watch tv.” Then she tried the poppa bear’s chair. She said, “This one’s too comfy.” Then she tried the momma bear’s one and said, “This one’s too cold.” Then she tried the baby one’s and she said, “This one’s just right.” And she broke the chair. And she was too tired. And she went to the bedroom. The end.

Once upon a time, this one isn’t the same, but it’s another girl.
Not Belle.
Sleeping Beauty. Not Sleeping Beauty.
Dora. Dora saw the fairy. Then she said, “I want to be a fairy.” She’s not magic. Don’t you know Dora’s not magic? That’s the last story.

Mikayla's Story:

Her hair is absolutely magnificent today.

The Unicorns and the Giant
Once upon a time, there was a giant and a unicorn and they did not like each other. The giant wanted a rainbow, so he told the unicorn to make a rainbow for him, but she couldn’t. She needed rain and sun at the same time, so she didn’t make a rainbow. And so the giant was angry. He said, “A real rainbow. Not a pretend rainbow. I want a real rainbow!” He said in anger and so he said “Um, you are not the right person to ask.”
He met a new unicorn with a shiny rainbow tail. He said, “I want a rainbow” and she said the same thing as the other unicorn. She said, “I need rain and the sun.” So it rained and the sum came out and she brought a little rainbow out. The unicorn was a girl. Then the giant did the same thing as the first one. He angered because he wanted a big rainbow.
So he met a new unicorn and she said the same thing as the other two. And so she said, “I need sun and water.” And so the rain came out and the sun did too. And so a big rainbow came and he said, “No, a bigger one! I just want a nice big rainbow.” And so he angered again. He said, “I want a bigger, bigger rainbow, not just a big rainbow. “ He angered. So he did a frown at the unicorn and said “I’m going to find a new unicorn that can make a bigger one. “ He found a new unicorn that was better than the others. She said, “I need sun and water,” the same as the others. So she did a frown at the giant and she went on and she got the rain and sun, but it did not make a bigger one, just the same thing, just a big rainbow. He wanted a bigger, bigger rainbow, but there was just big rainbows. And so, he angered, angered, angered. He went on. “I’m just angry. I want a bigger, bigger, bigger rainbow.” And so he angered again at the unicorns. He did a growl this time, so he went on and on. The end.

And here is a picture of Jasper, just because he was sitting there looking creepy, disturbing and hairy.

It's My Party and I'll Cry if I Want to

2011-02-16T13:25:00.000-08:00

cry if I want to,
cry if I want to.
You would cry too if it* happened to you.

It=turning 30. Ugh!

11 Months!

2011-02-13T16:22:00.000-08:00

Our little dude is 11 months old! He's a super walking champ (walks more often than crawls), still only has 2 teeth and outweighs Gweny by 3 pounds.

Here are a few things he learned last month...

-He mimics a lot more. He holds to phone up to his ear and grunts into it, "talks" to us, brushes the girls' hair and his own hair, and is beginning to notice the world around him.
-He has high-pitched, squeaky conversations with the cat.
-He loves yogurt.
-He loves to shove Cheerios in other people's mouths.
-He loves to dance and sing along with the Phineas and Ferb Soundtrack.

-He can't walk with shoes on - We're working on that...

Disneyland!

2011-02-11T11:37:00.000-08:00

We had such a great time at Disneyland! The girls had a blast. We left our little LJ home and we missed him, but we were able to cram a lot more into 3 short days without him. We had fun meeting the characters, and trading pins, which we had never done before, but Mikayla got a nice collection of princess pins and Gweny kept trading for Minnie Mouse pins. She ended up with 8 Minnie Mouse pins.

Gweny was fun to go on rides with. She LOVED the Dumbo ride and the Merry-Go-Rounds. She tentatively rode the Matterhorn with Josh and was terrified, but then tried it again and loved it. She also loved Thunder Mountain Railroad. She felt brave for not holding on and screaming as loud as she could. She got to wear a birthday badge with her name on it and people kept saying, "Happy Birthday, Gweny!" She would smile huge and say, "Thank you!"

Mikayla was our brave little discoverer. She wanted to try ALL the rides, even if she thought they were scary. I took her on the Tower of Terror and she was really, really terrified. She just sat there shaking. She didn't cry until we got off the ride. I felt bad. But she loved Space Mountain and the other roller coasters.

Our favorite ones to ride together were Soaring Over California and Toy Story Mania. Josh and I each even sneaked one last ride on California Screamin' before we left. We had perfect seats for Fantasmic, which was my very favorite thing.

We had a great time. It was the perfect way to celebrate our 10th anniversary! We can't wait to go back (someday)!

Here are lots and lots and lots of pictures.

This Ariel was sweet to Gweny. She bent down and whispered "I hope you have a special birthday and remember that this is a magical place."

10 Years!!

2011-02-03T09:39:00.000-08:00

Dear Josh,
We've been married for 10 years. TEN! Can you believe it? Think back on all the adventures we've had - college, grad school, adoption, child birth, new homes, fun vacations, adoption again (the list goes on and on). We've done it all together and each new thing has only strengthened what we have. Thank you! Thank you for letting me stay home with our kids. I know what a huge sacrifice this has been and you've never complained about having to work extra hard so that I can be home with them. Thank you for being willing to search high and low for some of our kids. We both know that adoption is a difficult journey, thanks for taking it with me. Thank you for laughing with me. My favorite and funniest memories are with you. I love you so much. Here's to falling...and never landing.

February 2, 2001 - Wow, we look so young.

pssst...

2011-01-25T14:26:00.001-08:00

We're going to Disneyland on Saturday! I'm so excited! See that little anniversary ticker on the right hand side down there...Happy 10th anniversary to us!

Preschool Outing

2011-01-25T14:20:00.000-08:00

Gweny's cute little preschool went on a field trip to the grocery store today. They went on a special little tour and saw all kinds of cool stuff. Who would've thought that kids would be so interested in the world of fresh produce? They got to see all the "behind the scenes" places, like the huge refrigerators and the ovens where they bake the big cakes and they even saw the big meat grinders and slicers. They had a blast!

A Very Special Date

2011-01-20T19:25:00.000-08:00

It is a very rare occasion when I blog and usually when I do it is a very special event. Tonight, was such a great and wonderful experience. Mikayla and I had a date. We went to her school and saw John Schmidt, who is a wonderful piano player. We had donuts and we laughed a lot. She is such a cool little person and I look up to her goodness. Mikayla, you are my hero. LOVE DADDY!!!

Mikayla with John Schmidt.

This was a very cool song that John Schmidt did. It is Taylor Swift's (who Merilee loves) "love story" and "Viva la Vida" by Coldplay(Who is one of my favorite bands). Watch, the cellist. He is way cool.

Here is a video of John playing upside down. Mikayla got a big kick out of this.

The Destructions

2011-01-18T09:30:00.001-08:00

Gweny just said in her most frantic voice, "Look mom! LJ has the destructions!" I'm pretty sure she meant INSTRUCTIONS. But sadly, she does not how right she is. LJ certainly has the destructions. I think its something that all 10-month-olds have. They have the desctructions.

Trying to grab the camera.

Mikayla has the day off of school for a teacher work-day today and is taking advantage of Gweny's under-the-weatherness. Gweny got a coveted game-learning system for her birthday and Mikayla couldn't wait to get her hands on it.

My Gweny is 4!

2011-01-18T09:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to Gweny! Today is her 4th birthday and I can't believe it. She is such a special part of our family. Here are some of my favorite things about Gweny...

--She is the most cuddly person I have ever met. I love her need for physical touch. If she is sitting close to someone she loves, she wants to snuggle, hold hands, or have her back rubbed. She reminds me everyday that it is important to show my children physical affection. I love her for that.

--It is easy to make her laugh. Gweny laughs a lot and reminds me everyday that it is important to find joy in the little things in life.

--She is so sentitive to the things around her and while she laughs a lot, she also cries. A LOT! But I think that someday, her overwhelming sensitivity will project out of herself and she will be able to sense the needs and feelings of others. She reminds me everyday of how important it is to show love and compassion for others.

--She is such a great sister. She often whispers to Mikayla, "I love you, sister. You are my best friend." She spends hours playing with LJ. She calls him "My little stinker-pie."

--She is still so little. She silently crawls in-between Josh and me most nights and sleeps cuddled up against her daddy. Once, when I got up to take her back to her own bed, Josh quietly sang, "Let 'em laugh. Let 'em giggle. Let 'em sleep in the middle. Let them be little."

So, Gweny, be little. I love that you are 4 and you feel like such a big girl, but to me, you still look and feel and act so little. I learn new things from you everyday. I love you Gweny! Happy Birhtday!

We had a small party for her last night. She was so excited about her "My Little Pony" cake.

Here she is today. She's not feeling very well.

A Note to my Siblings

2011-01-18T09:05:00.001-08:00

Be afraid. Be VERY afraid.

The Important Things in Life

2011-01-18T08:57:00.000-08:00

The girls asked me if they could borrow my camera for a few minutes. Mikayla told me that they wanted to take pictures of "important things."
So, here are Mikayla's important things - Some school papers, a creepy-looking doll, some pillowcases and a very dirty window.

And Gweny's important things - her favorites of the day.

10 Months Old and On the Move!

2011-01-09T15:38:00.000-08:00

Our little man is ten months old. In the last month, he has

-decided that baby food is for the birds. Bring on the people food!

-taken his first steps

-outgrown all his size 12 month clothes and some of his size 18 month clothes

-started wearing shoes

-tasted and loved marshmallows

-started playing with cars and trucks

-lost at least 16 socks

-learned how to wave and is working on blowing kisses

We love you, little dude! You look so handsome in your little suit! (These pictures have weird colors. I don't know why.)

Here he is taking a few steps. Soon, he'll be off and running, catching footballs and kicking soccer balls. My little guy is growing up too fast.

My Sweet Sisters

2011-01-09T15:25:00.000-08:00

My family came for my Grandma's funeral last week and it was fun to see them, although I do wish they visited under happier circumstances. I love you all.

Gweny Gets a Clue

2011-01-07T14:50:00.000-08:00

Gweny said...

"Wait. Hannah Montana is Miley? Wow! That's...amazing."

Welcome to 2011, Gweny. It's a crazy, confusing world.

Christmas!

2011-01-05T07:54:00.000-08:00

We had such a wonderful Christmas this year! We celebrated Christmas Eve with a nice dinner with Leeann and Jay. (Why didn't we take pictures?) Then, we spent a lot of tine with Josh's family. I love his family so much. I'm so lucky to have married into such a great family.

P.S. I didn't take any of these pictures. In fact, I blatantly stole them all from the family website.

LJ and Cousin Eli

With Poppa Rog and Cousin Olivia. Aunt Molly made Mikayla's cute hat. I want it.

With cousins Hazel and Bella.

Just like old times. Take it outside, boys!

In Memory of My Sweet Grandma

2011-01-03T07:43:00.000-08:00

My grandma passed away on Friday. It was rather unexpected, but I have felt so blessed to have her in my life. She was an amazing woman, or as my Uncle Eric put it, "a difference maker." I have so many wonderful memories with her- nature walks with water bird whistles, books, her laugh, Phoebe Draper Palmer Brown, the question "Who loves you?" and the reply "Grandma does!"She knew so much about so many different things. I remember thinking that she wasn't afraid of anything. She and my grandpa served 8 missions. She travelled the world with my grandpa's military career and was brave enough to raise her children in many different foreign countries. She was an inspirational woman who gave so much. I can only imagine the army of people that were assembled to welcome her home.

I have a memory of her and my grandpa that will always be a part of me. I remember when they used to come to visit when I was a kid and one or more of us would have to move out of our room for a few days. One particular time, they stayed in the room that Katie and I shared. It had big wooden bunk beds and when they left, I found a note on my bed. It was written on one of those old gray drawing boards, where you lifted up the two tops layers to erase it. (I know you know what I'm talking about. Unless you were born after 1985.) It said, "I love you" and I cried and cried because my grandparents had left and because I didn't want to erase that note.

(That is probably not explained very well, but at least I know what I'm talking about)

She will be missed by so many and I am so grateful that I was able to be there at the hospital to say goodbye to her. She was an incredible woman. I hope that my obituary has so many things to say about me.

Her obituary...
Joyce Ann Kartchner MacCabe (81) peacefully died on December 31, 2010 of causes incident to age.The remarkable earthly life of Joyce began on September 8, 1929 in Douglas, Arizona. She was the first of three children born to Dr. Wayne Elisha Kartchner and Leah Haymore Kartchner. Some of her happiest childhood memories were summers spent living in Crater Lake National Park, Oregon. Joyce Graduated from Brigham Young University in 1951with a degree in Education and did post graduate work at Clark School for the deaf at Smith College in Massachusetts, the University of Hawaii and the University of Alaska. She was also a certified Sensei (teacher) of the Suigetsu School of Ikebana flower arranging. During her life she taught elementary education classes, deaf children, English in foreign countries, and early childhood development in both public and private schools. She was married for eternity to her husband, Van MacCabe, on the 21st of August 1951 in the Salt Lake City Temple. Both were raised on the San Francisco Peninsula. She joined with her husband as he served for 28 years in the U. S, Navy and traveled the world with him. During her lifetime she lived in numerous cities in California, Virginia, the Island of Guam, the Island of Cyprus, Maryland, Japan, Hawaii, Florida, Alaska, England, Amman Jordan, Illinois, and New Zealand. Joyce was a lifetime active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served wherever she was called. Among her many callings she served as a Seminary teacher, a Ward Primary President, a Ward and Stake Young Women's President, and a Ward and Stake Relief Society President. One of her later assignments was as a member of the Sunday School General Board. With her husband she served eight missions. The first was when he was Mission President of the Salt Lake City South Mission. The second was when he was President of the England Missionary Training Center. This was followed by a mission to Jordan, in the Middle East, where they were Church representatives. These were followed by missions to Nauvoo, Illinois and New Zealand where she was the assistant to her husband who was the Executive Secretary to the Pacific Island Area Presidency. The remaining three missions were served in Military Relations in San Diego, California, Military Relations Division at Church Headquarters and in Hawaii. Joyce had many talents and interests including bird watching, knitting, flower arranging, travel, gardening, family history, entertaining and camping. She served for many years on the Board of the Festival of Trees and was a very fervent BYU football fan. Above all Joyce loved her family. She loved being in the temple with her loved ones. She adored her husband Van, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Joy was a part of her name and she brought Joy to so many others throughout her life. In her journal she wrote; "Knowing of the Father and the Son helped me to feel a warm sense of belonging. That's just the way it is. Families are special and I've always known I was a child of God." Joyce is survived by her loving husband Van and her five children, Wayne MacCabe (Diane), Kris MacCabe (Gail), Lisa Ensign (Eric), Bret MacCabe (Rita), and Eileen Larsen (Grant), 29 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren, and her two sisters Wynnette Card (Darrell) and Beverly Hayes (Howard). A viewing will be held Wednesday evening January 5, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 pm at the Jenkins-Soffe funeral chapel, 1007 West South Jordan Parkway (106th South) South Jordan, Utah. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday January 6, 2011 at 11:00a.m. at the Granite 8th Ward Chapel, 9045 Quail Run Drive (2330 East), Sandy, Utah with a prior viewing at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be in the Utah State Veterans Cemetery, 17111 South Camp Williams Road, Bluff Dale, Utah, immediately following the service. The family would like to express a sincere thanks and appreciation to Sandy City Emergency Medical Services, the Sandy Alta View Hospital Emergency Room staff and the Sorenson Heart and Lung Center at Intermountain Medical Center for their most kind and professional assistance.

A Christmas Poem for You

2010-12-20T12:55:00.000-08:00

'Twas the night before Monday
When all through the house
The kids were all quiet
And watched Mickey Mouse.

We sat and we waited
Cause Josh and I knew
That Santa was coming!
The kids hadn't a clue!

Then just as the kids
Were all getting sleepy
(It's a good thing we knew
'Cause this would be creepy!)

The door flew wide open,
We heard jingle bells sound
And a loud "Ho Ho Ho"
Filled our home all around.

Mikayla jumped up
Gweny started to cry.
Santa had scared them
That big white-haired guy!

But soon was all right
As they sat on his knee
And he gave them all presents
Right there by the tree.

They hugged him but still
Little man wasn't sure
That Santa was someone
That he could endure.

He told all the kids
That they'd better act right
To be on the nice list
Come Christmas Eve night.

Then he stood, took his bag
And he said "Time to go!
And he left with one last
Great, big, loud, "Ho Ho Ho!"

Sweet Sisters

2010-12-20T12:42:00.000-08:00

I heard some whispering and giggling, so I grabbed the camera sneaked around the corner. Mikayla and Gweny were cuddling and talking about the presents, Santa Claus and the christmas tree. I have felt this year that I am seeing Christmas again, really, through the eyes of my children. I get feel the excitement and wonder at the lights, the trees, the snow, the birth of our Savior all over again and I am loving every minute of it. Especially because I look at my little Mikayla and sadly realize that she is getting to the age where this might be her last "believing" Christmas. I hope she has a few more years, but I will treasure every minute this year, just in case.

Something Funny

2010-12-15T09:17:00.000-08:00

Do you want to read something funny? Click here. You won't regret it! I promise! My sister is a story-telling genius. She should be winning all kinds of awards.

9 Months and Oh So Big!!

2010-12-13T15:12:00.000-08:00

This little man is 9 months old! His sweet little smiles bring us so much joy! You just have to smile back! He will be walking before we know it. He loves to smack his lips together, click his tongue, eat everything he sees and give very wet, slobbery (often French) kisses. We love this little man!

Enough with the flash!

Love those teeth!

Some Stuff

2010-12-13T14:55:00.000-08:00

We've been busy around here! Josh is busy with his basketball team. He's a great coach and they have already won 3 out of 5 games! Go Pirates!

Mikayla has looked like this
for the past several days. High fevers, bad headache and sore throat are the yucky symptoms of this particular virus. Not much fun for her. And while Mikayla is laying around, Gweny does this

She loves putting gum drops on this little tree and then eating them off and putting new ones on. Silly girl.

On a side note, this is just one of those things I have to write down so that someday, when my kids are all grown up, we all will remember just how cute they used to be and this is even more important because its Gweny's great grandma.

Gweny was sitting on a bar stool at my grandma's counter and they were talking to each other. Gweny noticed a picture of Jesus on the wall behind grandma and very excitedly said, "Hey, that's Jesus!" Grandma said, "Yes. Did you know that Jesus loves you?" Gweny said, "Yes." Grandma said, "Do you love Jesus, too?" Gweny clasped her together and said, "Oh yes, He's just my favorite boy!"

We are excited to be done with finals and school for everyone this week. Then the Christmas festivities can begin!

Life's Little Unsolved Mysteries

2010-12-06T10:09:00.000-08:00

Don't you enjoy life's little unsolved mysteries? Things that make you go, "Hmmm."

Like these footprints I just found in the snow in my yard on my way to the mailbox.

Hmmm.

Perhaps it was a pterodactyl.

Mikayla Meets Elvis

2010-11-22T08:10:00.000-08:00

We had a chance to see Josh's play a few times last week. Those kids are incredible. Its quite a production. The guy who plays Elvis the pharaoh is really amazing. At one point, he comes into the audience to flirt with some lady and gives her some cheesy pick-up line. Josh strategically bought our seats for Saturday and talked to the pharaoh so that he would come and talk to Mikayla. She was so excited. He knelt down next to her and in his most awesome Elvis voice he said, "Hey there pretty little mama. Does your mama feed you Campbell's chicken noodle soup? Because baby, you look mmm mmm good!"

It was so cute! She loved it. She was so so smiley and felt very special. After he swaggered away, she smiled at me and said, "That boy is wearing lipstick!" He was so nice to do that for her. He even saw her in the foyer after the show and knelt down to talk to her for a minute.

It's been fun to see Josh in the play. He's been having a lot of fun with it and the girls love to go see their daddy on the stage. He is so dedicated to his school and his students. We love you, Josh!

Mikayla and Gweny Meet Cosmo, the Camel

2010-11-16T10:21:00.001-08:00

Josh's school is doing a production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" (Josh is actually in the play. He's Jacob, the father) and they have a real camel to come on stage for part of it. I hurried over the school yesterday because the nice owner of Cosmo said that the kids could come see him before the rehearsal started. Gweny was terrified at first, but after Cosmo gave her a sniff on the bum and licked her shoe, she warmed right up to him.

Laughing Baby

2010-11-16T10:07:00.000-08:00

This video isn't very good, but I love his funny laugh. Mikayla makes him laugh so hard and then Gweny starts laughing because the baby is laughing. How I love the happy sounds of my children!!

8 Months!

2010-11-15T13:44:00.000-08:00

This little man is 8 months old! I can't believe how big he is! He just keeps growing and growing...
He is still such a good baby. He has one tooth. He can clap his hands and cruises all around the living room. He and Gweny love to wrestle and he likes to pull the cat's tail. Mikayla can make him laugh harder than anyone else in the family. He loves peas and oatmeal and dances when he hears music. We love this boy!!