Miss Maecee Mac.......

My cute baby is getting so big! (17 months old). She is also getting very mischievous and daring! She gets hurt so much because she's always climbing on or diving off things! She keeps me on my toes. She has just finished up going to "the infant/toddler lab" at USU. It's the one you have to sign up for when they are born to get them in. Obviously I did that, pretty pathetic I know! She was funny because at first she was terrified of going and would do this fake scream/cry. Then she would get to the point that she was basicly running to get in there. The last week she was quite nicknamed the "flour girl". They are all about letting kids get their hands in and play, play, play. They have a water table that has an assortment of stuff in it. Well on Wednesday it was flour. I missed seeing it, because I had a funeral to go to, but I guess she was throwing it up, smearing it in her hair, and putting it all over her face. She thought it was great. I guess she would wait until the teacher looked away to drop it, or throw it on the ground, or someone else most likely! The last day (thursday) I went and watched (in case your not familiar the parents sit behind one way mirror so the kids can't see you). Well they had paints that day...... She would of course be a little angel while the teacher was watching. Then when she looked away, the paints went in the hair, on her shirt, everywhere! I just had to laugh! She kept doing it and they kept saying "paint on the paper" and she'd do it for a minute, then go right back to her hair and face when they looked away. Finally, they gave her wet wipe bath and changed her shirt. She was not impressed by her playtime being interupted! Wonder where she learns these things from????


Next picture is the pink, puffy snowsuit! That is our neighbor Audrey by her. Last Saturday it snowed and the kids were outside and wanted to take Maecee out. She was so excited about being included w/her big sis and bro. They pulled her around the block and to the park in the backyard. I kept watching her trying to stand up and walk and then just falling back down. She wasn't too impressed that she couldn't move around and be on the go. She lasted about 10 minutes and then came in freezing and got in the bath. Fun times here at the McEvoy house!

Date Nights

First I have to say that my %*#@ flippin' camera is broken and I am going CRAZY!!!! What is a post without pictures to look at.........ok I have that out of my system, now back to reality.
Reality is that that I'm going to have to break down and go buy a camera before Christmas! I asked Brett if that was ok and he said, "you know it doesn't matter what i say, you'll do it anyway!" OOOOOPS! Bad wife, actually it broke right before Halloween and i still haven't bought one..... That's something to be proud of!

Ok back to the purpose of this post. Every year my grandma used to take us to The Nutcracker Ballet. Even though it was long and i didn't really understand what was going on, i always loved it and was fascinated by it.

Well I took McKenna to it about 3 years ago and we've talked about going back every year, but never make it. So, this was the year we went. It was a BLAST! I decided on the very last day to go so it was a last minute thing. I had to pick McKenna up early from gymnastics and brought her a whole stack of clothes to change into. Never know what that girl will wear??? Something special about it was a girl in our ward was the Snow Queen. She just had a baby six months ago and you never would have guessed! She looked beautiful!

I had actually asked Brett if he wanted to go and he said "I don't do guys in tights, I'll stay home with Ethan and Maecee :)". Well we get to the first guy in tights and they're pretty loose fitting and black----not to bad, but the little girl sitting next to us said "Mom, why is that boy dressed like a girl...". McKenna and I laughed and she understood dad not dying to see the tights thing. (p.s. I am NOT knocking these guys, they are AMAZING!) Back to the good part. Act II comes and there is a very professional male dancer in this ACT. He is in the TIGHTEST, WHITE tights I have ever seen. You should have seen McKennas face. I wish I could have taken a picture of that! I was laughing soooooo hard! He came out and she looked at me (I'm sure you can picture her facial expression), then gasped (he was turned sideways), she covered her eyes and tried to whisper "MOM, HE HAS A BUMP" and it wasn't in the back! I slid down in my seat because I didn't want to cause a commotion. Then he turned around!!!! Whoa it was like he had nothin on at all! Big gasp and eye cover for McKenna again!! Oh wow, it was hilarious! The first male (in blackies) came back out and stood behind some other dancers and McKenna said "thank you for standing in the back! You know her, say it like it is McKenna----no holding back! We did have a great time and will remember that one for a LONG time! Just watch, McKenna will grow up to marry a guy in white tights.......

The saddest part of the whole evening was having to leave my Eth. He was so upset that he didn't get to go on a date too. So I promised him one for that Friday. He got to chose and his first choice was golfing, of course. That doesn't work when it's frieking cold and gets dark at 5, plus that's a dad date! So next choice was bowling at the fun park. We had a blast. We played 2 games and he was all worried about me getting my shoes, and ball. He would hand me my ball almost everytime. Then returned my shoes for me. We bowled by some teeneage kids and they were laughing at him because during the last half of the second game he would lay on his tummy and get a good look at where he was going to aim it (just like golf). I had to explain to the teenagers what he was doing. Then we played some video games there, got some food, and then rented a game for his Playstation. It was a great time! I love my kiddies!

photo via flickr

My Family

Look at how cute my little family is??? I know I'm biased but they are an amazing bunch! During this time of year is when we reflect on the things we are grateful for and I am so, so, so grateful for them. What or where would I be without them!

I'll start with my hubby because this little family wouldn't exist without him of course, and he is the pillar of strength to all of us, especially me! He is so incredibly patient with his crazy, old wife that has to dye her gray hair to look like I can be close to his age! He puts up with my shopping habits (which drive him nutty), my messiness, my flitting from here to there and most of all my crazy health issues. He's the one that explains what I'm trying to say to other people because he's probably the only one that understands what I'm trying to say (understand?). It's crazy to think that I could love him more today than when I married him, because we've grown up so much and supported each other through a lot of trials! I seriously love you Brett McEvoy and don't tell you enough!

My kiddies-----they are so fun! You think that as the parent you are supposed to be the one that teaches them, well not the case in our family. They teach me unconditional love, patience, spirituality, and what to be grateful for. They are headstrong little leaders, and I love that! When I'm having a bad day they are there to tell me to pray, to make me laugh, and just to support me! I say I need a break from them and the second (or maybe a few seconds :)) they are gone I'm wondering what and how they are doing. They are so amazing! I love you Kenna, E.B. and Maecee Mac!

My Celebrity Look alikes

http://www.myheritage.com/collage

This is FUNNY! The funniest thing is that the first two pictures I put in the people I looked most like were 1-Katie Couric (she's how old???) and even better 2-Jackie Kennedy Onassis (even older!!!). Even worse a few men or should I say boys (Fred Savage) came up! Pretty scary! I could play with this for hours!

Butterfly Kisses

I have found a new something out about my little Maecee Mac. She LOVES buterfly kisses. When I give them to her she goes into this trance and has actually fallen asleep twice during the "kisses" . It is soooo sweet!
It reminds me of a couple of things. 1) is the song Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle. I looked up the words to this song and when I read them I cried. That song is so tender. Maecee is such a daddy's girl and most of us know that I am too. I actually gave that song to my dad as a present awhile back because it reminded me of him and I. Here are the words:

There's two things I know for sure:
She was sent here from heaven and she's
daddy's little girl.
As I drop to my knees by her bed at night
She talks to Jesus and I close my eyes and
I thank god for all the joy in my life
Oh, but most of all
For butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer;
sticking little white flowers all up in her
hair; "Walk beside the pony, Daddy, it's my first ride."
"I know the cake looks funny, Daddy, but I sure tried."
In all that I've done wrong I know I must
have done something right to deserve a hug
every morning and butterfly kisses at night.

Sweet 16 today
She's looking like her mama a little more everyday
One part woman, the other part girl.
To perfume and make-up from ribbons and curls
Trying her wings out in a great big world.

But I remember
Butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer; sticking
little white flowers all up in her hair.
"You know how much I love you, Daddy, But if you
don't mind I'm only gonna kiss you on the cheek this time."
With all that I've done wrong I must have done
something right to deserve her love every morning
and butterfly kisses at night.

All the precious time
Like the wind, the years go by.
Precious butterfly.
Spread your wings and fly.

She'll change her name today.
She'll make a promise and I'll give her away.
Standing in the bride-room just staring at her.
She asked me what I'm thinking and I said "I'm not
sure-I just feel like I'm losing my baby girl."
She leaned over...gave me butterfly kisses with her mama there,
Sticking little white flowers all up in her hair
"Walk me down the aisle, Daddy-it's just about time."
"Does my wedding gown look pretty, Daddy? Daddy, don't cry!"

Oh, with all that I've done wrong I must have
done something right.
To deserve your love every morning and butterfly
kisses-I couldn't ask God for more, man this is what love is.

I know I gotta let her go, but I'll always remember
every hug in the morning and butterfly kisses.

So sweet! The second reason is something Salli reminded me of yesterday. When McKenna was little her Grandma Mac would tickle her arm and she would go into the same trance. Elaine told Salli to watch McKenna while she tickled her arm. To this day McKenna still loves her arm tickled.
Some things you just don't want to forget about. How boring life would be without memories to look back on. This blog will hopefully help me in documenting some things that I don't want to forget! :) I really need to start being a better blogger, because I will forget!

McEvoy Bear Lake Reunion

Here are some great pictures of the fun we had in Bear Lake for the McEvoy Family Reunion. We stayed in the Laketown Lodge in good old Laketown. It was a serious small town. We woke up one morning to the loudest MOOOOOOOOO ever. Later that day (and the next day), to the kids excitement, we got to see a whole parade of cows being herded down the road. Just taking up the whole road like they owned the place It was pretty funny actually!
So what did we do there? Just hung out and played. This place was amazing, for lots of reasons! It had 3 floors. The basement was house to a THEATRE (like the real thing but better, reclining couches). Also it had pool table, air hockey, foosball, and shufflepuck. Also a playroom for the smaller kids with a play house under the stairs. So that is where all the kids hung out almost the whole trip.
The main floor was beautiful. It had a huge kitchen and eating area, a big screen (which housed the very popular Wii game-very fun), and was also the place for playing all the different board games Salli brought. This is the floor that had the master bedroom ----which really means the master of no sleep room-because big people stay up late, and little people get up early :).
The upstairs was where the bedrooms were and where either people were battling out guitar hero, or watching sports. All the girl cousins slept in the room that had 3 bunkbeds (yep, 6 beds), there was another room with bunks that the boys (Brenden and Ethan) were going to sleep, but Eth ended up in the room w/mom and dad. Then pretty much everyone slept in the other rooms except for some who slept on couches :).
I don't think we could have had more fun, or been at a more perfect spot. All of the 10 kids were there with their families (except for Tiff, she's on bed rest and can't be too far from a hospital). Thanks so much to Roger and Donna for the perfect spot, and for Erin for being the planner of all food, etc. We will all be talking about this trip for a long time! Actually my kids are already begging to go back.............

Elder Mac #6 is back!

Here is the clan at the airport on September 26, 2007 in matching shirts welcoming back Elder Mac!!!! This is the sixth out of 6 brothers that have gone and returned (thank goodness) from missions. The shirts have a picture of Alan and say The Final Elder Mac is Back. "Elder Mac VI".
It's been a busy two years since we last saw him, and we are soooo glad he is back!!


In picture are (L to R) Kim, Heather (holding Maecee), Brett (holding Ethan), Tiff (holding Porter), Carrie (holding baby Malia?) Lainey, Jim (in back holding Trey), Terry, Mckenna, BIG AL, Alli (holding Teddy Bear), Kyra, Kevin (holding Reagan), Brenden, Karilee, Bridgette (holding Leilanee?) Vaea (the brown guy) Salli (holding Maka), Roger and Donna!
Things to note....first people missing are Eric, Christina, Austin, Erin, Dave. Other stuff to note....people pregnant Karilee (having a girl), Tiff (having a boy), Salli (having a girl), Christina (not sure yet.......), Heather------NOT PREGNANT!!!! YEA!
Also to note are the new additions in the 2 years Alan's been gone. They are Porter, Maecee, Maka, and twins Malia and Leilanee.
Maybe also we can note the next to leave on a mission....Yep that would be Roger and Donna McEvoy!

Happy Birthday!!!!

To a great hubby and daddy! We hope you have a great birthday!
(How come he hasn't aged since we got married and I have? Kids!!!!!!)
Happy #34 BUBBA!!!!!

Funny face

Isn't she cute! Ok, that is an oreo smeared on her face, not dirt. Let me explain, on Sunday she was being so grumpy! She just wanted me to hold her and I was trying to make dinner etc, etc. So I turned on the water and she wanted to put her hands in it, then she wanted to put her feet in. Well give a mouse a cookie.......she ended up in the sink with her dress and all, soaking wet and happier than ever. McKenna walked in and couldn't believe that I was letting her just sit there in the sink fully dressed, but when your desperate------whatever works right!

Want some water with those bubbles??

Ok this is an example of how scattered I am.....I asked Eth to get in the tub and he didn't want to, which is odd cuz he loves to bath, it's like his big swimming pool. So I told him I'd put some bubbles in (which i hardly ever do, you can see why!) and he said ok mommy. Well I started the water, squirted some bubbles in and told him to get his little buns in there. Then I went to do something....who knows what and kind of forgot about it. OOOOPPPS. For anyone who has a jetted tub, you'll know that turning those puppies on and having bubbles in there gives you a real treat! Well I walk in and I can barely see Ethans face because the bubbles are up so high. After I freaked out, I laughed so hard! Actually when I tried to take the picture he "hid" under the bubbles so i couldn't get a picture of him. Believe me I couldn't see him! Do you know how to get all those bubbles out of there? It's not easy.......pretty much drain the water and then they take a long shower until all the bubbles are gone!

Advice from a 9 year old.....

We had a bridal shower for Heidi at my Grandma Shirleens house on September 13, 2007. We asked everyone to bring their gift in a basket (i.e. laundry, decorative, picnic, whatever). I had also set out some pictures of Heidi and Joey and asked people to write advice. To make a long story short this is McKenna's advice. Heidi told her she was going to keep it forever! McKenna had it all folded up in a basket shape with treats stuffed in it---so cute. She was really embarrased about giving it to Heidi and ran out of the room when she read it. Me, being my geeky self wanted to take a picture of it, so if you can't tell what it says, here it goes. "Good Luck! I can't wait it is going to be so much fun! Congragulations!! I now that you are so exided to get married. I just can't wait to see you kiss!! :) Best niece McKenna!" How cute is that! She worked on it almost the whole shower!

My Sister's gettin married.......

Heidi will be married at my dad's house on September 29th! We are so excited for her because she has found the perfect match! Plus she is super happy! Her little boy Kaidin absolutely adores Joey and prefers him over Heidi some days. In fact in their engagement pictures he took some of just him and Joey while Heidi was changing, then wouldn't take any with his mom. Only his Joey! So cute! Good luck to Heidi and Joey! We love you!
This brings back some serious memories for me trying to plan my own wedding.....long ago :)! I even dug out some of my old stuff (lists, addresses, books, pictures, etc). It was a fun walk down memory lane. I asked my sis in law Kim how in the world I planned it all (aka working full time, going to school and in total la la love land), she reminded me of my trusty green planner that was attached to my hip. She said if it wasn't for that thing I wouldn't have been able to plan it. I laughed so hard because she is so right! I need to start using that trusty planner again...or one like it so I can try to organize my crazy life now!
These great pictures are taken by my friend Angie who is doing a great job at her new "hobby/job"!

First day of school.

Our Family

Summer months

I love summertime! Sure our schedules are thrown out the window and sometimes the days seem like they will never end, but come August I feel a panic mode set in that we didn't get to do all the "summer stuff" I wanted to do before school starts again.

You know it's summer around here when.....

*Memorial weekend comes and the outdoor pool opens---yipeeeeee! (This year Ethan has mastered swimming and will go down the big slide by himself AND jump off the low dive! Way to go ETH!
*The grass under the trampoline is greener than ever because the sprinkler lives under there and is on almost everyday!
*We stock up on fireworks (especially sparklers and poppers) for our neighboorhood firework show AND more important Ethan and Maecee's birthdays! *We attend our yearly parades. Hyrum parade on the 4th and Pioneer parade on the 24th.
*The freezer is full of popsicles because I am the Kool aid mom house and we never want to be out of some sort of treat! Sometimes we even make icees.
*Speaking of Icees, the kids have to take $1.50 to the outdoor pool to get an icee (tigers blood for Ethan, Pina Colada for McKenna) and I usually get suckered in to stopping at the Slushie stand that actually puts ice cream in with the ice.
*The phone/doorbell rings, the door gets knocked down or sometimes just opened, meaning the kids friends are on the prowl to find someone to play with. A few of them are nicknamed the Pirahanas.......
*At least once my kids can be found at the end of the street trying to sell lemonade or something.....This year McKenna got real creative and set up a table for FREE FACE PAINTING!!!!
*We usually end up in the canyon for something. This year the Lundahls had a campout by the sinks in Logan canyon. Our ward also had a campout up by porqupine dam. We sometimes get in a small hike by the waterfall near guiniva campground...Didn't make it this year though. (Summers not over yet! We still have time)
*It hasn't happened the last 2 years but we usually go river rafting up by Jackson. FUN TIMES!!!!
*Mom stays up past 9:00 :) Most days not by choice......