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!