birthday heirloom signs

I commissioned my incredibly talented friend, Tina, to make birthday signs for my kiddos. We've been friends for over 12 years, meeting that long ago at a Bible college in Estes Park, Colorado. She is an incredible mom, wife, and friend, and is very artsy, though she is remiss to admit it. :) Tina had made similar signs for her two kiddos and when I saw the pics, they instantly struck a chord with me. I really wanted one. Badly. And I LOVE the idea of hanging up the sign every year on their birthdays--the kids will learn to anticipate their birthday and enjoy seeing their special sign decorating the living room. I love her handwriting and she said she created a stencil for each sign.

If anyone is interested in one, let me know and I'll pass along Tina's info!

rainforest cafe

On Saturday, we went to the Rainforest Cafe to celebrate Maggie's birthday as a family. She LOVED it, all the animals and sounds. We sat right next to the elephants and at first, she got a little freaked out when they'd stomp around, but then she liked it. I think she liked the huge alligator the best. She devoured her meal and polished off her free birthday sundae!

maggie is 3!

Last Friday, December 11, Maggie turned 3 years old. In most ways, I really CAN believe she is this old, but in others, it is hard to believe that she is already 3. We kept things simple for her birthday part: a few friends over to play, lunch, cupcakes, and presents. We did a "red" theme, as her favorite color is red: red flowers to decorate, red fruit, red velvet cupcakes, red decor, and well, I think that's about it. I will admit the party did not go as I had planned: I had to run to the store that morning to get an ingredient for the cupcakes and I had my first OB appointment that morning, and thus, was actually LATE to her party! I was just an emotional wreck before it even began. You know that feeling of just being totally spent, of feeling emotionally raw? That's how I was going into her party and I hated it and I prayed about it and tried to embrace and finally, I was able to, but it took many hours. I'm not sure why I was so spent, I have to attribute some of it to being pregnant and just feeling very, very sluggish. It takes me for.ever these days to get things done. I think I was just running amok that morning and it left me feeling raw. I hate to run amok (and yes, that is the correct spelling for that word!). But, at the end of the day, the party was a huge hit and I'm most assured the kids liked decorating their cupcakes the best. Thanks to my friends who came, loved on our sweet Maggie (and me!), and helped us celebrate.








I love Maggie's face in the background!

our mama has a...

...baby on the way! Baby McKay #3 is due July 26, 2010. We are thrilled (albeit totally surprised). I went to my first sono appointment today (Monday) and saw and heard the heartbeat! 7 weeks along today. Would love your prayers!

christmas photo sneak peak

My talented friend Lindsey took some Christmas pics for us and ILOVE how they turned out! Here are a few teasers; not sure which ones I'll use. There are too many choices! We shot on location at Saddleback Church's youth center called "The Refinery." It was everything I hoped for: a place with great textures and backgrounds. THANK YOU, Linds. If you live in the area, she's *thinking* about starting a business and is starting to work on her portfolio.

Cookbook I'm hoping to win

Go here and enter to win this book, "The Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook" courtesy of the blog "The Wannabe Chef." I have been interested in this book for the better part of this year and have yet to buy it. I hope I win. You should enter. Not too many entries yet, so the chances are GOOD.

http://abetterwaytocook.blogspot.com/

wordless wednesday

I've had a rough couple of weeks on a variety of fronts--ongoing lonliness and settling in back here in CA, sleep issues with Curren most of which are resulting from having broncholitis (not bronchitis) and having to give him breathing treatments 4-8 times a day, and after having some *amazing* weeks with Maggie, we've had some massive uphill battles in the last 2 weeks, including fighting going to bed and naptime. Plus, we are just wrestling with a potential new job in a local church and what our role will be, as well as trying to decide how to finish school! God is faithfully leading us; but life is often overwhelming. Some outdoor fall play cheered our spirits last week.

faces by lindsey

I wish you knew how many of my good friends are very gifted photographers (in no order): Elicia, Tina, Laurie, Bethany, Shey, Erin, Linds, Allison, my sister, Nicole. I hope I'm not leaving anyone off! If so, tell me and I'll make an addendum. These friends have the *best* cameras (Allison, that was for you!). No, really, they have the best eyes for photographing life around them and capturing the moments that happen. Lindsey took these shots last week of my sweet kiddos. She is also taking our Christmas pics. I can't wait!

little punkin'

it's *probably* time to buy the double stroller

We just LOVE our jogging stroller; it's the best we've ever seen or used. But, Curren is getting a little big to stay in the Moby wrap on my chest (how I usually carry him when we go on walks), so on a walk last week with a friend, I put the kids in the jogger together. It was fun---for awhile. Then, C was too squished and Maggie was loving it a little too much and was smothering C with love. :) I'm ready for a double! Phil and Ted, here I come.

first pumpkin carving intended for Maggie, but finished by Aron

wordless wednesday

Aron walked in the bathroom last week to find Maggie like this!

Check out this giveaway!

I'm hoping to win something from Erin's Haute Tots, giveaway hosted courtesy of The Benner Daily. The Dupioni Peasant Top with Ruffles and Bling is a favorite. And how cute are her little girl crocheted hats?!

pumpkin patch

A must every year is a visit to a local pumpkin patch. And even more fun, cousin Jacob joined us!

miscellanities

Things I'm loving right now:

1. This blog, all about living simpler and becoming a more stress-free and productive mama (but anyone can benefit!). She's a believer, too. I especially loved her recent post on getting a grip on your email inbox (and how to delegate the time you spend in front of your computer) and her current weekly series, "The 12 Weeks of Christmas" which is dedicated to helping you enjoy a more relaxed holiday season. Excellent tips so far.

2. Curren (9 months) standing more often on his own and officially, taking his first steps this past weekend! I also love his ongoing obsession with blowing zerberts and raspberries and bubbles with his mouth, saying "mama," and kissing himself on the door of the dishwasher or stove.

3. Maggie's growing curiosity with all-things deep-thinking. After listening to one worship song, she asked me, "What does that mean, 'let your glory reign down?'" During bed times, she inquires about things ranging from, "Why can't I see Jesus?" to "What does that mean, 'I need you Jesus to come to my rescue,'" (song lyrics). It's amazing to walk alongside her as she begins her spiritual journey. She is also very much into creative, imaginary play and I'm not sure I've blogged this yet, but for almost the last year, she LOVES when we do imaginary voices for her. Whether we are an inanimate object (a water bottle, a fork, a napkin) or a toy from "Cars" or "Little Einsteins," our days are filled with conversations back and forth between her and "them." It's really quite entertaining, although I had to tell her on Sunday, "The Little Einteins went out for coffee and bagels. They'll be back soon," because I just *couldn't* do another minute "Little Einsteins." :)

4. This handy drain cleaning tool that totally works and will save you from ever calling a plumber again (unless you have some major plumbing break-down). Bought it at Target for $10.

5. This handy facial cleaning tool that really and truly made my skin feel softer and more vibrant after one use (it didn't hurt that I had a coupon for $3.75 off).

6. Wanting to see this upcoming movie on motherhood.

7. This creative-mama blog. Totally inspiring ideas!

8. Starting to volunteer with a non-profit called iSanctuary, which works with girls in India who've been freed from the sex-trade. They empower the girls (ages 12-19) to learn how to make a living, through jewelry making, and helping to give them an education. I'm also talking about doing some research and writing of grants for them. This has been a long time in coming; I'm eager to get started!

7. The leaves are slowly turning here and it has been cooler..then it warmed up...then it grew cooler...then it warmed up (you get the idea)...here's hoping that fall arrives in full swing SOON.

9 months

Today marks Curren's 9th month of life. And he is a ball of fun with the best laugh ever. He loves, loves his sister, as so many siblings do at this age.

last water play of the summer

A few weeks back, this is what we did...

mischief

Yes, he climbed up there himself!