The McKinney Clan

December 2011

2012-01-07T17:48:00.000-08:00

December is always a busy month for everybody. Obviously there was no exceptions at the McKinney household. Wes had a lot of different work parties. The family work party was at Boondocks. We had fun and the kids got to see Santa. Wes had a Detectives division party. It was fun but a little uncomfortable with some of the white elephant gifts and the comments given from the guy who brought the "special fanta drink". He's retiring and moving to Vegas(sorry Kim and Sam) so hopefully next year won't be as bad. Wes also had a nice dinner at Roosters for Wes's Fraternal Order of Police dinner. It was good food and I enjoyed the company at our table-but that was about it. It was really sad for Wes to point out all the officers who were RM's and drinking beer. :( It makes me more grateful for the kind of husband, father, and MAN I have-he's incredible! Hailey had a 2nd grade talent show that she performed a dance to. She did such a great job-I was really proud of her. That is soo scary to get in front of a group of peers by yourself and perform. Our neighbors have an annual Christmas Music Fest. We have Sooo many talent musicians in our area and they invite families to come and perform. Our family isn't those most talented musicians-(understatement) But we sure have fun coming up with a fun idea. This year we waited a little too last minute-the morning of, before church, the performance being after church. Brooklyn and Hailey did their performance to Jingle Bell Rock, so cute. And the boys did a compelation of different styles of dance to Christmas Jingles. Nothing too spectacular, but entertaining and fun. I would post videos but I accidentally erased them. I do have video of them performing at our family party that I might post.

We had Wes's family over for dinner the week before Christmas since Angie and her family were going to be out of town for Christmas. We had ham, dutch oven potatoes, corn, rolls, and dessert.

Ethan loves his Nana.
Cameron is always trying to get one of us to play chess with him. I've been trying to avoid it since he's been winning me lately. :)
Don't let my cute little innocent girls fool you-they can definitely be little rascals.
Yep-that's Zachary's "proud" face. He's actually grown taller than my two nieces Ashley and Monica.

Ryan and Meagan hosted the Smith Family Christmas party. We made candy sleds and raced them down the stairs. Here's a pic of my mom making her sled.(YOu wouldn't beLIEVE who's sled kept winning the races)
Ryan tried to use his genius engineer brain to make a winning sled. Guess which one was his. Too bad he didn't win though. (he he)
This had to be my favorite. Angela and Thomas were quite creative. Thomas was just about to glue Angela's arms that were going to be waving over her head in the Fjelstead Flyer.
Dad was the official gate starter. We had a yummy dinner and played some fun games. It was just nice to hang out with family and cousins getting to play together and of course kissing cute chunky babies.
If anybody has been in my house for the month of December-you KNOW I LOVE to decorate for Christmas. I love the all the sparkly, bright, lights and colors all around the house filled with Christmas music.

The tradition in our family is to have a big dinner on Christmas Eve-I like to relax on Christmas Day. We had Risotto, steak, steamed veggies, salad, and yummy desserts.
Like father-like son. Ethan loves to bond with his daddy.
Our traditional re-enactment of the Nativity Scene. UMMmm-sometimes not as reverent as it should be.
We shared Christmas Eve with Nana and Paw Paw. It was nice and the kids were excited to open an early Christmas present from them.

The kids seeing what Santa left them in their stockings. We had a great Christmas. Spoiled rotten. So grateful for all that we have. I especially got spoiled. My surprise (that the kids kept secret amazingly) was a plane ticket to California to visit some special family members. I was in SHOCK to say the least. Wes was so thoughtful and my kids were so excited. I had a little bit of mixed feelings. Excited but I was looking forward to spending time as a family since Wes had most of the week off and I knew I would miss them. But I had SOOOoooo much fun-I'll post about that later.

This was the girl's favorite present that they got from Santa. They had fun dancing with their new ballerina partners.
The kiddos all ready for in their new Christmas outfits for church. It was a nice sacrament. I sang in the choir a song and then in a quartet-we sang "Christ Child, Christ Child". I was a little worried because we only had one practice together the morning before and I am not familiar with this song but everyone said it sounded nice-there's no way Jesus would let us ruin his Birthday celebration :)Wes gave a really nice talk and the spirit was felt that special Christmas day. I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!!!! Hope you all had a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS! WE love you all and are so grateful for this time of year, for family and friends and for the blessings of the gospel and the example and sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ. With Love, Wes, Celeste, Zachary, Cameron, Jonathan, Hailey, Brooklyn, and Ethan.

November 2011

2011-12-08T09:02:00.000-08:00

We were so excited for Thanksgiving this year. All of my sibling except for Cherisse's family :( were going to my parents this year. I love just hanging around and relaxing with family. On Friday we all decorated mini gingerbread houses. This kids got quite creative.

That's Beckam's proud smile. His daddy was a great architect and helped build the house and then he decorated it.

Maddy and Olivia did a great replica of the nativity scene. So cute!

Brooklyn was lucky to have Aunt Meagan's help with her reindeer stall. Do you recognize Rudolph on the side?

This is such a fun project that even I couldn't help but have a go at it.

I think this should be a fun family holiday tradition to keep every year.

This is the dinner table all set nice for Thanksgiving dinner. We had the works-Ham, turkey, stuffing, rolls, potatoes, gravy, corn, grandma's russion salad, green been casserole, fresh cranberry sauce, and of course yummy pies.

We had several tables set up to accomidate our growing family.
Colby enjoying the Holiday football games.
Grandma hard at work finishing up Thanksgiving dinner.
Everyone helped and made it a special dinner.
After the Thanksgiving Feast, the men went outside and shot dad's bow's.
Such a manly thing.
This is one of the cutest (and mischievious) little guys ever!
Aunt Meagan put a lot of effort and made the kids tables really special. Notice the pilgrim ship centerpiece, the pilgrim hat crayon holders and all the fun festive papers the kids colored while waiting for dinner. So Fun! You'll notice I have no more pictures after Friday. That's because everyone started dropping like flies with the flu. We were sorry that the week ended that way and we didn't make little Kalyn's baby blessing. It was so nice though to be with family. Love you guys and am so grateful for all my many blessings. We are so blessed!

October 2011

2011-11-06T19:34:00.000-08:00

A lot happened in October-mostly the end of the month-so I'm trying to remember what happened at the beginning. Zachary had his first band concert-they did well, let's just say Zac was practicing tonight and there was considerable improvement :) I'm glad he's learning a musical instrument since I wasn't very successful and getting him to play the piano. Jonathan tured 9! My cousin Dayne got married in the Salt Lake temple that day so he got to spend it with me and extended family. He wanted a Lemon Meringue Pie-so thank you to Mrs. Marie Callender!

Alisa had her baby mid month. She is a little cutie. Alisa did well and is adjusting with the new life of motherhood it seems. We went up and got to see her the day she got home from the hospital. Crystal and her boys were also down(Colby was at the BYU game of course:) And then we went and ate some ice cream at the Y's creamery-Mmmmm! Short visit- but nice.
The annual carving of the Pumpkin! The girls and Ethan couldn't get enough of the pumpkin "guts". Squishing it through their fingers, sliding their arms across the big pile's laid onto a cookie sheet-they had fun. Ethan had a kick when we'd turn the lights off with each Jack O lantern with a candle in it.

Wes surprised me with tickets to Odyssey Dance's Halloween program- THRILLER!! Freaky, enthralling, morbid, genius- As you can see, I'm a little torn up on my person critique of the performance. I do NOT enjoy scary stuff, I haven't been to any type of Haunted forest, house, or maze since college- BUT- they were such beautiful, talented, dancers-AMAZING! Here a glimpse of what we saw-http://www.odysseydance.com/thriller2010slc.html

Soooo. . . . . we had our first broken bone in the McKinney house. Halloween morning I was running around getting all the kids costumes on, hair done, make-up, breakfast, a little last minute sewing, etc. I was just finishing up a few last minute things -like taking pictures of the kids right before they walked out the door to the bus because I didn't know how long some of their costumes would hold up. Just then I heard a thud and Ethan crying-which by the way is a daily occurance pretty much. The kids said that he had fallen off the kitchen counter, so-a lot more concerned I started looking and feeling over his head for any bumps etc. I laid him on the couch, and that's when I noticed-his arm was visibly deformed-"Broken!" I gasped, "His arm is BROKEN!" The kids were by then walking out the door, but as soon as they heard that, turned around to come back. "GO!" I yelled. "GO to the bus!" I didn't think it would help them at all seeing his arm and I just couldn't handle all the kids with me knowing I would be rushing him to the ER. They ran out while I ran around like a chicken with its head cut off. Little Ethan's face had just turned white like a ghost-I found the phone-and called Wes-No answer! What the heck-pick UP! I then started wondering if I called 911 if they could get him to pick up his phone-No, that was just crazy thinking-so I called again-He picked up-and then I fell apart. Crying, helpless, sobbing. He said he'd meet me at the ER. I then ran around some more. "A hankerchief, I need a hankerchief!" I'd worked @ scout camps long enough to know that I could help stabalize his arm somehow with a hankerchief. I found one-but still not knowing exactly what I was going to do because I didn't want to hurt him-Just then-a knock at the door. It was my godsend neighbor NURSE extrordinaire-Jill had come to my rescue. Calm, collective, experienced, she secured his arm, calmed me down, and buckled him into my car. She had been at the bus stop when my kids announced the drama happening at home. A tender mercy!
Ethan broke both his radius and ulna. He had a small contusion on his head which I believe if his hand hadn't broken the fall-his head would have-and I don't even want to think what could have happened. We had an older more experienced Dr-I had complete confidence in his skills. They had to sedate him but were able to set his arm in a pretty timely manner. I was worried that Ethan would be miserable for awhile but he seemed to be his same old self in no time-trying to climb and jump on furniture-AGAIN-but with one arm.
This experience made me appreciate the good health of my children-this was such a traumatic experience for me-because-it is a RARE occurance for me. I have compassion for those that have to watch their children suffer or worry about their children's health and safety on a daily basis. I'm grateful for caring neighbors, skilled and knowledgeable Dr's, the priesthood(Wes gave him a blessing), insurance, the Comforter, and a loving Heavenly Father.
I don't have pictures of everybody because of the little fiasco but Brooklyn was a pirate, Hailey was a French Maid, Cameron was a nerd, Jonny was a clown, Zach was. . . .??? Ethan was Batman.
I decided to be Queen of the Nile for the night. I had "Walk Like an Egyptian" playing in my front room and told all the trick-or-treaters if they wanted a treat they had to "dance" or walk like an egyptian from the front door to the candy platter-HE HE-it was FUN! I liked having a little power -HA! WEll, that was the last day of the month-a long day!

Little Man's Birthday

2011-10-02T16:20:00.000-07:00

Yep! It's official-my baby is no longer a baby anymore. Ethan turned the BIG Terrible 2 on Thursday. It doesn't take much to make a 2 year old happy.

He loved his "Vroom, Vroom" cake and kept sneaking in the fridge so he could look at it-though he didn't care much for eating it.
He kept saying "MMmmmm" as he was shoveling his favorite-mashed potatoes and gravy-into his mouth.
This is his soccer friend Levi who he runs around with. We watched him one day and Ethan and him were like little twinners. Levi was born three weeks earlier than Ethan so they are very similar in their likes, personalities, facial expressions etc.--well, except Levi can say complete clear words and sentences and Ethan still talks jibberish. He loves cars, Elmo, balls, his mommy (and her hair), wrestling his brothers and dad, and being his sisters play pet. He is a monkey and will climb up whatever he can get a toe hold on. He loves to eat hot dogs, eggs, mashed potatoes and chicken nuggets. His sippy cup filled with milk is like a crutch to him-I swear sometimes he might as well just have a bottle. He is the gatorade skifer at soccer games. It's really embarrassing when one of the boys teammates catches Ethan drinking out of their Gatorade bottle. He is a boy's boy!!! The crooked neck squash have become great guns-he loves to find bugs and man handle them or squish them with his fingers. He loves throwing rocks or running as fast as he can from his mom down the road. We love our Ethan and so grateful that he is a part of our family-stinker pot and all. Happy Birthday Ethan!

September 2011-Alisa's baby shower

2011-09-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

Other than the craziness of every day life-like starting my dance classes etc, September has been pretty filled with just day to day stuff. Saturday we had a baby shower for Alisa. It was a great turnout! It was nice to see everyone. We had a nice lunch(chicken penne pink sauce, salad, bread, cheesecake w/ a peach raspberry topping and a cake that I made with fondant and rice crispy treats) Look how cute and little Alisa's belly is. So excited for her!

Grandma Childers is so great to always come and be apart of family festivities. She is so helpful and we'll just clean clean clean. I'm glad she got to just sit and relax for a second.
I got to cuddle with Cute little chubby chunky Hyram-Thanks Meagan for sharing!
Hyram was getting some one on one time with his new cousin - Ahh, look how good of a mommy Alisa will be.

OH, and by the way, did I mention my sister Melanie was dating someone, Seriously!?!?!? I know!! I can't see it either-kissing, hugging, holding hands-Yup, that would be MELANIE!( he he he he)

August 2011

2011-09-28T20:54:00.000-07:00

August is the McKinney Clan's Birthday Bash Month. Cameron started out our August with a BANG! Big boy turned 11 on the 1st. He takes after his mom and wanted a cheescake for his birthday.Miss Priss Hailey turned 7 on the 11th. Her Aunt Angie spoiled her with sunglasses and all other COOL accessories. She was walking around the house struttin and saying "I'm pop u lar" (roll eyes-sigh) Anyways, she wanted a mermaid cake so the girls and I had fun putting this Little Mermaid cake together.Miss Brooky Wooky turned the BIG 5. I can't believe she's now old enough to go to school. She is so excited and I'm sure will be filling some big pants with those little legs-she's one smart little cookie. She wanted an ice cream cake-we still haven't had her friend birthday party(or Zac's-I think I'll combine them somehow to make life a little easier)

School started-I couldn't tell really if I was excited for it to start or not. I don't mind that I don't have kids trashin the house and fighting every other minute-but-the responsibility of making sure 5 kids are doing their homework-especially a 7th grader-gives me a headache to say the least. If all we did is sit around the house after school that would be one thing but I have three kids in comp soccer, three in scouts, Zac in SBO, me RS and dance, and who knows were Wes is and what he's doing most of the time(work and bishoping of course)-I swear we're NEVER home.

Anyways, it started, and the kids seemed pretty excited and ready for a new year. I kept forgetting to take a pic of Zac before he left for school, my brain isn't quite functioning properly when he gets up and leaves for the bus in the mornings. I finally remembered and got a pic while he was eating breakfast.
The end of August we had our Smith Family Reunion. We booked the old(built in like 1910) Whitaker Cabin down by Smith Morehouse. Both my grandparents and parents had spent their honeymoon there so I was excited to see it. Needless to say it's changed a little. They built around the existing log cabin but all the original log framing and some of the original windows were there. They had plumbing-two bathrooms, and a nice kitchen added on to the old porch. There was like 14 full size beds.
We went to the lake and had a great afternoon. Here Angela is sporting our Lady Gaga life vest.

We had a nice time just chillin and relaxing and enjoying each other's company and good food.
The night we returned home the kids were making fun of their sister Hailey because her forehead was swollen from a bug bid and they called her Quasi Modo. The next morning when she woke up her right eye was completely swollen shut-poor girl. She looked so pitiful. I'm assuming she was allergic to whatever bit her. Anyways, a full month!

July 2011

2011-08-14T21:12:00.000-07:00

My newest handsome little nephew-Hyram Steven Smith. Born 9 days overdue to an awesome tough mommy! That's one proud papa I'm telling ya!
My baby sister got married the end of July-it was a fun family filled affair! We were all in the temple together as she got her endowments out and of course during the sealing. That was very special!!!!
All the girlies were in awe of the beautiful harp music played by Angela's very talented friend Katie McGregor.
The kids had SO much fun playing and running around with each other. Wish we could all be close to have more of these experiences.
All of my parents grandchildren except for sweet little Lucy. I don't think it would have been possible to get all of them looking at the camera at the same time.
See the kids expressions on their faces?!? Yep-Ang and Thomas were kissing-EWWWW! I told them to close their eyes but they didn't listen.(he he)
The reception set up. Yummy
The Hatch Family Band set a nice atmosphere for the reception. I'm not saying that there wasn't any rock music played-let's just say it was fun and lively!
Angela wanted pearls on her cake. I incorporated a lacey motif with it to fit her style of wedding.
The Debonaire Groom
The Blushing Bride
Ethan has turned his toilet obsession to a more productive one. He now sits ON the toilet instead of IN the toilet. Surprisingly he goes potty in the toilet prettu regularly. It would be nice finally to not have diapers anymore but I'm not holding my breathe.
July 6 my oldest turned the big 12. He received the priesthood that following Sunday. My parents and Wes were able to attend. I can't believe it! It's fun to see him pass the sacrament and fulfill his other priesthood obligations. My dad stayed after that week to help drywall the boys room downstairs. I'm so grateful-I don't think we would have ever got it done. There room look nice and I'll have to post pics later on. Zac went to scout camp at Camp Loll the last week of July with Wes. He got eaten alive by mosquitoes but other than that seems to have had a great time. I took Cameron for the first time to Day Camp at Camp Kiesel. It was nice to spend a little one on one with him which isn't very often.
Zac got to ride the Snowcrest Junior High Student Officer float in the 4th of July this year. He seemed to have a good time.
I did my own float this year for my dancers. I was prepared-unlike other years when I flew off the seat of my pants and decided to pull something in the parade the morning of. I forgot my camera and so didn't get any pics during-but I hurried and took a few as we were taking apart the float. I had three giant firecrackers, balloons, a flag, and huge company logo signs on the side.

I turned the car that pulled us into a "Cars" version of Uncle Sam. That hat looks a lot smaller than it actually is. He had a flag a big USA on the back- and then I had posters with collages of my students on the back side windows. The kids had a lot of fun riding in the float this year.

April May and June

2011-06-26T20:54:00.000-07:00

UGggHHH! Do you ever feel like you're so behind (you know, like housework, yardwork) that you just feel so overwhelmed in even thinking about conquering such tasks.-that you don't even try. Well, that's how I feel about this blog. It started with one month, then two months, now three months behind. It shouldn't be a burden right, this is good for me to reflect on the happenings of family life, a journal of sorts, important RIGHT?!?! So, bear with me, there is no rhyme or reason or order to this post. Just ramblings of a now 33 year old of some of the events at the McKinney household.
JUNE- other than my birthday -(which Wes decided to treat me to a weekend "get a way" @ Little America in Salt Lake since he was starting his Graveyard shift that next day-(ughhh-don't want to talk about it-Let's just say, it gets lonely, a lot, and poor Wes gets like NO sleep. :( Anyways, as I was saying, other than my birthday, there have been some great memorable family experiences this month. My sister in law Meagan is having their first baby- A BOY!- and i was fun to hang out with extened family and eat great food. I made this cake especially for her! So EXCITED! This last month I've been teaching a free "dancercise" class at our wardhouse gymnasium. I've had a lot of fun and am happy to announce that the ladies participating have been having a blast! I do it twice a week for an hour in the mornings. I'm doing Country "line dance"(not really technically a line dance), Salsa, Jive/Swing, African, and will be doing a Lyrical this week-should be intersting-but I really want to push them out of their comfort zones and maybe let them experience something they've wanted to do since they were little girls-we'll see how that goes-just one more week.

We just got back from a two day splurge at Lagoon. It was so fun to be with the kids and spend time going on CRAAAzY rides, and playing in the water, and watching top notch entertainment(Well, at least the girls and I enjoyed that part anyways) They're real troopers and didn't want to go home until closing times. I'm glad I still get a thrill on some of those rides and don't have to take a naseau pill. I also have a new calling, 1st councellor in the Relief Society. To say the least, it's been pretty low key compared to my YW calling- so far anways. I'm on a new chore chart system for the kids, it seems to work, well, at least half of the time, but that beats the "NONE of the time" which is not a foreign term when it comes to chores at our house.

MAY-Ballare Dance Studio PRESENTS. . . . . 2011 Year End Dance Review!!!!!!!!!!!

My cousin Patrice was kind enough to just give her AWESOME expertise in photography skills for my students this year-here is a sampling of some of the pics. She is sooooooooo GREAT!!!!
She did THIS with a piece of white material hanging in my family room, an old construction light I had in the garage, and of course her TALENT!

85 students-7 classes-22 dances-19 costume changes- PHEW!!!

So, it's hard to believe, but my Zac has graduated from Elementary, and is now moving on to bigger and better things in Junior High. EEekk! I'm excited for him and nervous at the same time. He earned some great rewards and here's hoping that he can continue that in Junior High. He ran and campaigned for Student 7th grade officer. You're looking at the next Snowcrest Junior High 7th grade officer for 2011-2012!! Yea, great job Zac.

At the end of the school year also comes all the fun plays and opera's. Zac's class did a science melodrama and Hailey was a fairy in her school opera this year. Soo cute, isn't she!

This year, Mother's Day just happened to land on our Wedding Anniversary. To really celebrate we took that Friday and Saturday and booked on over to Park City for a relaxing weekend. It was nice to spend some quality one on one time together and not worry about the kiddos(THanks Nana, Pawpaw, and Aunt Angie) And if you're wondering- I'm TOTALLY in love with this guy! My DEAR SWEET WESLEY!

Ethan is getting so BIG! He's been in nursery the last few months and does well, though, he did get his first bloody nose today! Good thing he's tough and used to it. He is such a character and his personality is really growing leaps and bounds. I would be lying if I said I wasn't the least bit worried. One thing I can tell you is that I don't think there's been one sacrament meeting where I'm not fighting him while he's crying, yelling, squirming-the WHOLE TIME!!! It's so hard to not just give in and let the older boys take him out to the nursery to play so that we don't distract from the spirit-but I think it just makes it worse because he expects to go out there play. I've tried taking him out to the foyer and hold him but then I leave another potential catastrophe in the chapel where my kids end up fighting or being irreverant. It's like being stuck between a rock and a hard place. The kids really get a kick out of him. Let's just say he's not starved for attention, though, I might add again, some times the attention he gets encourages the not so good behavior. Still, he is such a joy to have around. So fun, and smart, and loving!

In case you are wondering, this is a bottle of maple syrup drizzled and drenched on a buttery Ethan pancake.

Both Zachary and Cameron's comp teams won their Indoor Soccer Sessions.

We had a fun day @ Toad's with Grandma and Grandpa Smith after they returned from the airport from visiting the Lunt family (Lucy) in California!

My cousin Leslie got married to a pretty cool cat this April. I got to see and spend some time with a lot of my cousins I haven't seen in awhile. One special cuz that I have such great memories with, Andrea, also got to come down and be their photographer. She took this great picture of my princesses just outside the Timpanogas Temple. So cute! Oh. . . . have a mentioned. . . my BABY SISTER IS GETTING MARRIED!!!!! Yep! The little squirly girl with the bigger than life attitude is now a grown "woman" (he he, still hard for me to say that) and is getting married to a nice young gent named Thomas Fejltstead(sp) at the end of next month in the Timpanogas temple. I can't believe it!!!! I'm excited for her and her new journey she'll be taking as she starts her own family unit.

April-- SNOW!!!!!! No, this was not an April Fool's Joke. Let's just say we've had a long extended Winter period.

Thus, we've spent a lot of time indoors, doing well, you know-Indoor stuff.

We had a great Easter spending time Kev and Nat and fam and Colby and Crystal's fam. My nieces and nephew are the CUTEST!

March 2011

2011-04-07T20:01:00.000-07:00

It's scary how I try to look back and remember the last month and everything is just a blurr flying by to the next big blur. I've seen as I've gotten older, and as older people used to warn me that before I knew it my children would be grown and gone. Believe it or not, but I'm more than half way there already with my oldest children. Zac has grown over six inches just this last year, his voice is changing, and he has informed me that he needs Proactiv for his zits. What! In some ways I enjoy having this new kind of relationship with Zac and in other ways it scares the pants off of me. There are so many new things that I have to worry about. The basic necessities of food, clothes, teaching to share, potty training, abc's and 123's, not touching "hot" objects or sticking metal things in the outlet, keeping toothbrushes out of the toilet and stepping on those darn legos strewn across the floor seem like bliss comparatively. I'm still doing those things but add on teaching self confidence, a new level of testimony and knowledge of the gospel, preparing them for priesthood, mission, and marriage (not that we didn't teach them when they're really young but boy, it's really on now) Worrying about Junior High, friends, girls, bad influences( drugs, pornography etc,) not being smart alec, obedience, work, kind to siblings etc. I don't know how my parents did it with 8 children, the pressure to teach my kids and keep them safe, Ughhh! I get a headache just thinking about it. One thing for sure, it has humbled me and brings me often to my knees because I know there is NOOOO Way I can do this alone. I need my Father in Heaven's help. I think I'm always asking Him to bless me with patience and to be more loving. Keeping consistent in doing the things that I need to do to stay constantly close to the spirit throughout the day is also a challenge. It's a lot easier to pass time away with a project, the internet, or a chick flick to get my mind off of the crazy monotany of daily chores and responsibilities, but I find inspiriation and renewed determination by listening to the prophets speak through the scriptures and modern day revelation from prophets and apostles. I feel the weight of my "calling" as I raise our Heavenly Father's special spirit children and am grateful to know that he is on my side and tons more invested. My advocate. I was so grateful to have the opportunity this last Conference weekend to spend with my family and being uplifted and inspired by the Holy Ghost.

Well, on a less weightier subject. March was nice. On St. Patrick's Day, Jonathan's 2nd grade put on a puppet play. Jonathan was Browlin the Dinosaur. He did a great job, from the parts that I heard anyways. Ethan is in that "fun" stage where he won't sit still for a second on my lap. HA! You should see the video I tried to take of Jonathan while holding Ethan in one hand while he squirmed and screamed and the camera in the other.

So, St. Paddy's morning I made French toast for breakfast. Hailey sat there with a frown on her face. I looked at her like WHAT's WRONG? since it's not really unusual for her to be whining. She said, Where's the green milk, or the green eggs, or green toast etc. Well, I set myself up for that one. I had indulged my children every other year on St. Paddy's Day with a "Green Eggs and Ham" type breakfast, and this year, I had just plain forgot. After I reassured her it was not necessary to eat a green breakfast but a privelage and she should be grateful that she gets breakfast , I decided that I wanted to do something special-traditions are actually really important to me and I could see how it would be important to my kids. So my thoughts turned to what I should do for dinner. Wes and I love eating at Mongolian restaurant's and our kids have never eaten at one, so I decided to recreate it at home, in GREEN fashion.

Thus, green cabbage, green onion, green pepper, broccoli, celery, jalepenos, sugar snap peas, zucchini, garlic, thin sliced beef and oriental noodles. It was delicious, healthy, and GREEN I might add. Our dessert was green cupcakes.

This was Jonathan's first year in participating in the Pinewood Derby. I think he did a great job in designing and crafting his car but as competative as he is, you can tell by the look on his face that he was not quite happy that his car wasn't winning. I don't know if the lesson on "just have fun" , "your car looks AWESOME" or "Winning isn't everything" helped his attitude much, but, we tried.

We had quite a few fun family gatherings the month of March. Ryan and Meagan were PERFECT hosts as they invited all the Smith clan for dinner on a Sunday night. Everything was gourmet and Deelish and Meagan makes everything looks so elegant so you feel special. It was quite the house full but enjoyed seeing and spending time with everyone. My parents even made it down and it was the first time I got to see and hold cute little Georgia Beth. Nat looked great and seemed to be holding down the fort well while Kevvy was off in England. I even burned off a few calories playing a Dance game on the Wii-the kids LOVED it-it was so fun watching them dance together. My great Uncle Craig passed away mid-month from this terminal lung disease. I was sad to hear of the news because I really adored and was fond of Uncle Craig, but might heart just broke thinking of how Grandma must be mourning the loss of her last living sibling, and Aunt Barbara and their sweet children and grandchildren. The funeral was very nice and I even got to see where Grandmas parents and other sibling were buried in that cemetary. The next week Kevin and Natalie blessed Georgia Beth in their home ward in Logan. She is already getting so chunky, and already has a full head of hair on her head. Nat's grandma made her a beatiful blessing dress with a hooded cape to go with it. The blessing was beautiful and could only have been better if we all weren't stressing over my parents not being there. (They were about 30 sec. too late :( ) Natalie and her mom made a feast fit for a king. Potatoes, ham, rolls, salad, fruit, yummy treats galore etc. The cousins have fun with each other and I enjoyed a little R&R with the fam. The next weekend I made the trip to Idaho with the kiddos. It was fun to see and spend time with my cousin Amie and her cute cute family. I love reading her blog, she does so well capturing such a clear image of her family's life through pictures and her writings so I felt like I already somewhat knew her darling little family when I finally got to meet them. Jeffrey did such a great job during his "farewell" address on the topic of Forgiveness. He will be an awesome missionary and I was very proud of him. I was surprised when they announced that the choir would be singing a song written and directed by my Grandma Childers. It was absolutely BEAUTIFUL and I know it was a labor of love for my Grandma. Her and my Grandpa had pretty much lived in the mission field and she conveyed that well through her lyrics and I know she was so proud of Jeffrey for choosing to go. I also got to see my cute Childer's cousins who are growing TOOOO fast. My cousin Holly looks like a model and has the cutest little family. I was anamoured (sp?) by her daughter Macy, cutest, sweetest little princess!!!

So, tis the time again for the chaos of getting ready for my annual dance recital. My front room has become the costume room and tis also the time to reflect and think-WHAT the WORLD am I DOING!!!!! Costumes are such pain, time wise etc, yet, I know I wouldn't be totally happy with the performance unless the costume fit style, mood, of the dance. So, it would not be unusual to hear the drum of the sewing maching at the McKinney household most late late nights. 85 students, 2-3 costume changes for each students, ya, I know, that's a lot of costumes. May 20th is the big day, and so hoping I can get the last dance taught to all the classes to where they feel comfortable enough to perform. Well, busy month, and busier months ahead. Just grateful to have a home, food, healthy family, freedoms and knowledge of the gospel in these times where there is much chaos and trial throughout many parts of the world.

February 2011

2011-03-05T08:08:00.000-08:00

My Valentine of 14 years now!!! My Dear Sweet Wesley. Our first Valentine's together, right after we were engaged, Wes got me a blown glass replica of the Salt Lake Temple where we were to be sealed for Time and all Eternity. It adorned the top of our wedding cake. This year he got me another replica of the Salt Lake Temple. The detail is amazing-I LOVE IT! For Valentine's dinner I asked the kids what they wanted to eat. Zac commented "EVERYTHING RED" thus- our menu- Roasted red onions, red peppers, on top or roasted red potatoes with garlic butter cream sauce. Red leaf lettuce with red roma tomatoes and Red french dressing. Grilled steak(not so red after cooked:)adorned with sauteed mushrooms(not red but for Wes a must) and for dessert-Red Velvet cake with cream cheese frosting-MMMmm!

This year Cameron's Valentine Box for school was a skunk that held a Valentine that says "LOVE STINKS" Something Cameron would say. Anyways, We inserted my Airwick sprayer with motion sensor on it- so everytime you lifted the skunks tail it would spray.

Zac's BIG idea was this Love Bird. I think he got quite a few extra Valentines' because the kids enjoyed sticking their Valentine in the bird's mouth and hearing it travel down its throat into the bird's belly-HA!

We went to St. George President's Day Weekend for Cameron's soccer tournament. The Utah President's Cup. They were in the Gold division. While we were there we stayed with my Cousin's Jason's wife's family. The Slater's. They were so kind and hospitable. We enjoyed our stay and the chance to meet such a great family. We appreciate their generosity. We took the kids on a tour of the St. George temple. A sister missionary from Bakers, Calif led us in the tour-she was AWESOME! We enjoyed listening the history of this beautiful temple.

The McKinney Clan

While we were in St. George Wes had a big day. It was his 37th birthday on Saturday. He got a "special" birthday card ;) and I made a big dinner for him on Sunday Hope he had a memorable week.

So Cameron's team, from our little valley, SWAT VALLEY UNITED, WON the Championship! On Saturday we got rained on all day for the games, we enjoyed a nice pasta buffet as a team afterwards, and then on Monday finished off the games. The championship game was a close one. Going to overtime and then ending with a shoot-out. The boys did great-we were proud of them whether they won or not-but it's always funner to come out on top I guess.

SWAT stands for Soccer With ATTI-TUDE!

This is a friend to Cameron and Zac, Nate Preston, who flew out the next day to New Zealand, the day of the devastating earthquake. Their family is moving back their but they are in a different part of the country so seem to be doing fine. Best of Luck to them and their family.

On our way to California we stopped at our dear friends, the Bainbridge Family, WE LOOOOOVE spending time with them and the kids all do well together. They are always so hospitable and we always feel at home.

Wish we could have spent more time with them but we had a very important meeting with some very important people:)

The Happiest Place on Earth with Special Family Members!

Especially THIS little Cutie Patootie!!!!!

Three of my main men waiting in line for Pirates of the Caribbean. Ethan was quite enthralled with it all. He even kept his glasses on and sat like a statue during the 3-D movies. He cried a few times in some of the rides, but I think overall loved it.

The boys weren't actually all that thrilled to ride the teacups but it was a MUST for their Disneyland experience. Notice the matchy matchy shirts. I totally recommend it for any family going to a crowded place with lots of kiddos, although, we got quite a few stares and comments when Wes and I had Dallin and Jocey by ourselves with our kiddos-HA!

One of the highlights was the girls getting to meet the princesses. The Disney workers were very kind and let us meet 3 of the princesses before the next shift of princesses. They met Cinderella, Ariel, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Belle, and Aurora. They were soooooo sweet and very much in character and gave each of them special attention. Lucy LOVED It!

and I can't say enough of how Sweet Tinkerbell was. You can tell that their personalities are genuinely that sweet. Overall we had such a great time. The kids had so much fun and it was even magical for me. We love our hotel-Radisson Suites in Buena Park, the breakfast's themselves were Amazing. We relished in getting to spend time with family even though it can get quite chaotic with so many people. Even Mel got to spend some time with us. We appreciated my parents help and Ryan and Meagan's help. I know they would have probably had a lot more fun if they were just by themselves but they were so patient. THANK YOU!

December 2010

2011-01-03T10:52:00.001-08:00

Well, the kids have "adopted" this new pet that's made a home under a pile of concrete slabs by our back door. The kids will throw a carrot, apple, or few leaves of lettuce every once in awhile. It was eating a tree close to it's home so Zac wrapped cardboard around it. Little Bunny FOoFOo fits don't ya think.

Brooklyn has got to do some fun things in preschool- this was H is for house. The Christmas season really does make it easy for endless crafts and ideas to make learning fun for the kids. In school Zac did his first science project entitled SODA or SMILE. He did a good job and is quite the presenter.

The week of Christmas we found out that my cousins little boy Andrew had passed away through the night of SIDS. He was only a month younger than Ethan. We mourn for their loss, especially at this time of the year, but are grateful that they have the same knowledge that we do-that Families are FOrever-and the Savior takes the sting of death away. It made it more memorable this season to really enjoy spending time with family members, especially my children. The kids had fun playing with cousins and Grandma's and Grandpas.

Christmas Eve we did our annual reading re-enacting of the Nativity.

Twas the Night Before Christmas. . .

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care. . . .

in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there. . . .not quite Santa, but we'll take him!

Wow-Santa came! The kids must have been really good this year! A little spoiled I might add. Elf Aunt Angie gets a little carried away ;)

I had fun playing with the kids new games and putting together their bikes and toys.

The end of this month I did a wedding cake for a girl I used to teach in my Laurel class-chocolate mint ganache cake with fondant and white chocolate snowflakes with edible pearls. We've enjoyed this season-making snowmen, going sledding, and drinking lots of hot chocolate and playing games with each other. We look forward to another great year-creating memories with our loved ones, learning, loving, and are so grateful for all that our Heavenly Father has blessed us with and continues to bless us with.

November 2010

2010-12-06T08:17:00.001-08:00

Well, I uploaded these pics last and I don't want to move them everywhere so I guess I'll start with Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving was a great time like always. It wasn't the regular big crew like usual since G&G Smith went to Utah for Thanksgiving and some of my siblings were at inlaws this year-but it was still fun. I was impressed with how brave everyone was to face the freezing temps and go out side. Uncle Scott brought his huge kite which pulls ya skiing and can even lift you up in the air about 15 feet. The men(and my sisters) went and shot guns, the kiddos went sledding and snowmobiling.

This pic is of the kiddos sitting on my parents freezer while we were doing our pool tournament. It was a lot of FUN!

Because of all the snow Wes and my uncle and cousin were the only one's that could go up and get our annual cutting of the Christmas tree. I was a little worried when they'd been gone for over 3 hours. They Thankfully made it back OK- but it was quite the undertaking. They took the snomobiles but could only get up so far because of fallen trees etc. So they hiked about a mile in snow up to the waist. And then the trees just looked like piles of snow. I think they picked me out a pretty good tree if I do say so myself. Wes informed me if there was any snow on the ground next year we are getting our tree at a tree lot:(

We started off November with a Party Celebration for Jonathan's 8th Birthday. They went on a Treasure Hunt, made personal pizzas, and lots of fun games. He wanted a dragon cake so I had fun creating this all edible dragon cake.

The next day was the highlight of the month-Jonathan's baptism! Family made this such a special occasion by attending and participating. Doesn't Jonny look sharp in his Calvin Klein suit(a $20 dollar steal I found over a year ago at Macy's) We are proud of Jonathan and truly felt a great spirit that day.

Mid-month we got our first real snowstorm. The deer decided to use it as an excuse to eat 12 of my evergreens-UGHHH! The tree that you see in the bottom left corner is now pretty much a stick.

Hailey had her 1st grade Thanksgiving program. Out of all the programs-I think the Thanksgiving program is my favorite. They did awesome songs with indian sign language-quoted cute poems-she did an AWESOME job!(she's the cutest little pilgrim I might add)

I finally cashed in on my gift certificate Wes got me for mother's day/wedding anniversary. Only took 6 months-Ha! I decided to go back few years and put a little more of my blonde back in. It only took them a total of 5 hours to do my hair-tis why I don't get my hair done hardly. This was taken the day I got it-I wish I had a better pic of me-good as it gets.

Well, I am looking forward to this wonderful Christmas season coming up. It will be busy-that means I will have a lot to talk about next blog. Grateful for all the blessings that Heavenly Father has done for us and our family.
PS-Ethan has took up the hobby of reading-it looks like he found a pretty comfy reading corner-he's so stinkin cute!

October

2010-11-02T13:26:00.001-07:00

Well, the biggest event was Jonathan turning 8 this month. This is such an exciting age-he'll get to celebrate with friends this week and then Saturday family will get to come and participate in his baptism and confirmation. So EXCITED!! He had a wrestling tournament scheduled on his birthday but chose to participate anyways. He did awesome-placing 1st- and then we had quite the experience of singing happy birthday in the car while Jon blew out candles half hazardly placed in a frozen cheese cake from the grocery store, lit by the car lighter-oh well. We'll make it up to him this week.

In October our family was introduced to "wolf 'ums" from Wes's 2 day scout training. It is a new favorite to cook outside in the fireplace. You can fill them with practically anything but our fav choice is pudding and whipped cream.

YOu just fit bisquit dough over a wooden dowel that we attached to our roasting sticks. My kids decided to stick a pile of pudding on Ethan's high chair one evening while we were cooking wolfums.-Tis the end result!

Brooklyn started preschool this last month. Another mother from my ward and I switch off every week with the curriculum and food. So Brooklyn only has one other classmate but it is a lot of fun-they are learning-and I get some grown up conversation during the day also. I did this with Hailey and it worked so well that I was glad to find somebody that wanted to do it with me. Pretty much everyone else signs up and sends there kiddos to a nearby preschool

but this way we save money and are hands on teaching our kids.

The annual carving of the pumpkin-it's nice when the kids are big enough to trust them with a sharp object-it saved Wes and I a lot less hassle of trying to carve a "million" pumpkins.

My parents stopped at our house for a few hourse on their way back home. Dad was nice and helped with some of the make up before our ward Fall festival-He's talented If I say so myself.
This is Jonny

Brooklyn was a beautiful Princess Aurora

Crazy Cameron was a cowboy

Zac-well, he's at that trying to be cool stage

The cutest little cowardly lion I EVER did see! Mr. Ethan

Hailey was a Princess Butterfly Fairy

The kids got to dress up for school Halloween party also

Jonathan the nerd

I was pretty impressed with Zac's own make up skills- even though it was for a clown.

This was my first butterfly art on Hailey-notice the butterfly from the ward Fall festival is quite different-fun though. Well-those are some of the highlights from this month-next month is going to be just as exciting-can't wait.

September

2010-10-08T07:37:00.000-07:00

We've kept busy-If there's not a soccer practice, game, scouts, dance, or homework that has to be done-who knows what we're doing! I put up some strawberry and peach jam a few weeks back, and salsa a few weeks before(I decided to get creative and did a batch of peach salsa, black bean and corn salsa, reg salsa, and chili sauce-MMM!) I love feeling a little self-reliant when I put up some of my own food storage-I wish it was more often than naught though. My garden pretty much turned out to be an Obedience Garden. I planted it, weeded it, watered it-and got NOTHING out of it(well, does six cobs of corn and carrots count)-sigh! But I believe we were still blessed by trying to be obedient-we got a plethera of produce from kind neighbors gardens. Ethan turned 1 year old the end of September. He's been walking like a pro for over a month now. His siblings think everything he does is awesomely entertaining-they can't get enough of him-either can I. His personality is really starting to blossom-fake laughs, temper tantrums, dancing, making silly sounds, cheesy grins, peek-a-boos, wrestling, and nice big bear hugs. I just got a phone call from the Weber County Planning about my business license-every thing so far has been approved-my drive way even had to get a $13oo make over-EEEK! That hurt the pocket book but it actually is a lot nicer and usable for my students- and us! I really enjoyed conference weekend up in Idaho. It's always nice to relax with family and partake of the spirit and the messages. We are so blessed to have living prophets to guide and direct us. The Holy Ghost to prompt and inspire us. Our Savior who gives us hope and a path to follow. A loving Heavenly Father to bless and help us. Family to support and teach us. Friends that serve and show kindness. WE ARE SOOO BLESSED!

2010-09-24T14:22:00.000-07:00

We went with(took the 3 older boys) the YM and YW to Music and the Spoken Word one Sunday-I can never get used to the goose bumps and hairs rising on my arms when I listen to them sing LIVE-the orchestra was there too. Senator Orrin Hatch passed us by-I was polite and didn't take a pic-but he sure had on enough make up for his own funeral or something-anyways. Our YM pres. dad works @music & spoken word and so hooked up our youth group to a tour underneath the tabernacle building(litterally underneath the tabernacle, assembly hall, and beautiful landscape. The church does everything top notch. Everything was aesthetically beautiful and technically advanced. Amazing to see where all the Tabernacle choir gets their music(it's like a mini post office), and dressed, and practices, and records etc. We had time before we had to get back for sacrament so some Sister missionaries took us on tour. There is an awesome new set up in one of the visitor's centers that has a mini replecation of the SL temple. It's like a doll house-detailed down to the paintings, lighting, and furniture-COOL! They also have a big screen where you can touch it take your own 3-D tour of the temple. I can't believe they even got the detail of the ceiling in the Celestial Room-amazing. We ended @ the Christus-special!

So instead of buying the regular presents for our kids this year for their birthdays-I bought tickets to the Lion King. We went early, ate at a authentic Italian pizza restaurant called Settebello's(YUMMMMMMMMY!) THe pizza's only took like 3 min to cook and it was soooooo fun for Wes to incorporate stories from his mission on "pizza" experiences and etiquette. The kids really love it when Wes talks about his mission-they think he's the coolest and they felt like they were part of it. THe show was AMAZING!!!!!!!! Even though we had nose bleed seats I just couldn't get over the costuming, puppets, music EVERYTHING!!!!!! I'll take this kind of experience over picking up toys off the floor and taking un-played with toys to the DI every year that they got from their birthdays the year before.

The kids LOVE school (so far) They all have great teachers and seem to be doing well in their studies and keeping up with their curriculum.

We had a nice experience going to Bear Lake this year. A guy Wes works with invited us to his family cabin. We had a panoramic view of the whole lake. Another family came also(he works for Layton too) It was good to meet the people that Wes spends so much time with other than home. These were two good men and I'm glad Wes has friends that have the same standards etc. We had fun playing @ the beach, talking, playing games, and of course-eating! We went up to Idaho afterwards and spent some time @ my mom and dad's. Grandma Smith had an accident a week before (fell and broke femur right under the ball) She has a metal rod and screws in her leg now. My aunts have been taking turns taking care of her because she needs a lot of help just getting around and grandpa's health is not good. It was good to see her, she is always in good spirits-soo funny!

I've been keeping busy-with household and kids- but also with dance. let's just say I have A LOT of students this year. Every year the word gets around I guess. Most of my students I never knew before dance where before they were all neighbors or ward members. I enjoy myself and being able to be creative in my own element. oh, and the little excercise I get with it is a plus. Ethan is big time walking EVERYWHERE! He is so cute with his "cheesy grin" expressions and little noises that come out of his mouth(especially mmmooommmm) He cuddles with me and gives me big hugs as he wraps his arms around my kneck while he holds my hair;) Wes is enjoying his new position @ work in the detectives division as an SRO. Surprisingly he's kept really busy but likes being around kids and youth. They like him too I think. Well, that's it for now. Ta Ta

Summer 2010-sorry-ALL over the place

2010-08-13T07:27:00.000-07:00

This morning I saw my link from my a friends blog post-updated "3 months ago" EEEEEK! Fortunately, I've been better @ keeping my personal journal but I still would like to keep up with basic happenings and pics of the McKinney clan. Now, just where do I begin. . . . . .

Zac's first year scout camp-Cameron@ day camp

Hailey turned 6!

Free Fishing Day in Idaho!

Dance Recital-Success!

Dad finished our built-in Cabinets YEA!

California 2010-fishing and BBQ w/ Cher's friends

Beach-what more can I say

Lucy, Lucy, Lucy! LOOOVED Lucy!!!!!!!!!!

San Fransisco

Swimming and fun fun fun

The infamous bridge!

Sand Castles

Waves! We also went to the "Mystery Spot", saw the Last Airbender, went to SF GIANTS game, but best of all, played at the park with the cousins! LOTS OF GOOD GOOD MEMORIES

Smith Family Reunion-Lots of cousins and lots of fun!

Family Night-talent night-the Haka

2 soccer tournaments-2 soccer championships

Cameron turns 10!

Zac had a birthday in July-11 years old!

This year instead of buying toys and other things that the kids play with for about a week-I bought all the kids tickets to the Lion King for the end of this month-I consider that a better use of our money.

Soap Box Derby race 2010

2010-04-29T12:56:00.000-07:00

SO Wes informed me Tuesday that the boys had soap box derby race at pack meeting the next day. The mercantile store had already closed so they went dumpster diving in the back of Subway and brought home LOTs of cardboard- To say the least it was a long night-but worth it don't ya think? Zac has a .....? I don't know what kind of car it was-we got a picture from a blog from a blog etc. Somebody made miniature cars out of a old museum ride cars and he liked that one the best. Zac and I have some pretty major wounds from cutting the duct tape for the grill. Cameron's ride was a VW Bug-
I don't think hot pink would have been his first choice but that was the only full can of spray paint we had lying around the house.

THey had a blast!-It was fun to see them have fun!

The many faces of Ethan

2010-04-06T23:32:00.000-07:00

Spring Break?!!

2010-04-06T09:31:00.000-07:00

Well, Spring Break was more of a Christmas vacation-because of well, lots and lots of snow, and then spending time with Family and Friends. Kim came down with her kids from Vegas where we met up with them at Selena's. Mattie Rae was there and we had a blast at Rock Band until the little kiddo's took over. Selena and Shawn were gracious in letting 14 little rascals run amuk. We appreciate them hosting The Buena Vista Babes from Rick's College Days.

Kim left for a couple of days to be with her sister in Idaho that just had a baby so we took on a couple extra boys. They had a blast doing-well, boy stuff. I took the whole crew to Chuck E Cheese's on Friday where the kids could spend tokens as fast as eating candy. They were somewhat enthralled with one game that I later found out was not really a game, but you have to hold on to these two metal bars while they put electrical currents through your body. Oopps-they seemed alright when we left-hopefully no long term side effects. Nana and PawPaw came and helped me with the chaos-thanks. Because of all the fresh powder I decided to take them on the hill behind our house with the four wheeler and go sledding.

Jacob took pretty fast to the snowboard-and Ryan had a few good runs on the sled before he got cold(Probably a little hard to adjust to this Utah weather after growing up in Vegas)

Friday afternoon after we got back from Chuck E Cheese- Crystal, Colby, and Beckam came over. The kids had fun painting eggs with their cousin and vying for attention from him. Saturday they had an egg hunt and then we all left to Kevin and Nat's house for Maddy's Birthday Party. We met up with my mom and dad who just flew in from Cherisse's, Grandma Childers who just returned from the Tahitian missionary reunion, Angela, Ryan, and Alisa and Scott. Natalie made YUMMY dinner and dessert-the men went to priesthood session of Conference and then we came back to our house with half of the crew. We enjoyed a great Easter morn, topped off with great spiritual feasting of General Conference and then a physical feasting of ham, potatoes and other fixins. Nana and Pawpaw brought Uncle Todd who just flew in from Alabama to have a job interview in Pocatello and so we got to say Hi for a sec and then he and Ashley had to hurry away. Monday I took the kids shopping and then we met up with Wes after work to go watch To Train a Dragon-Cute movie by the way.......................Breathe...............and now the kids are back in school and I'm back to getting a little sewing done here and there to get ready for our recital in a few months. Amidst the chaos and hub bub I hope that I felt a glimpse of the reason for the Easter season. I am grateful for our Savior Jesus Christ, and for his atoning sacrifice-that through him we can be made clean, and after our resurrection, return to live with him again. I know HE LIVES, He loves me, and I love Him!

This is for Kim BEE

2010-03-12T10:04:00.000-08:00

Hey-so the last week and a half-every time(5 times exactly) I've tried to comment on your blog it says error can't perform request-I don't know what's up if you've blocked your psycho friend from making cuckie comments or what-J/K- I know it's my stupid computer-anyways-Can't WAIT to see you again- let us know where we can meet or see you and when! We'll be there! Looks like your crew is doing well-we miss you guys-Lots of Love, Celeste

This blog runneth over-(it's a long post)

2010-03-11T22:46:00.000-08:00

So- where does a non-consistent blogger begin- will it's readers be bored out of their minds with the monotonous overview of my daily conumdrums thrown into one neverending post- without pictures? Probably! But I have to remember that this is my journal of sorts- well, as good as it's going to get- it would probably be nice to write something at least once a month to show for my hectic life- I should at least get some credit from my posterity don't you think?!!!!
Well, Ethan is growing up so fast already- it makes me sad- knowing that this is the last time I'll experience this phase or another as a mother. It really is somewhat depressing. I love being able to cuddle up with something that still fits and snuggles perfectly into your arms. I love the Da-Da outbursts and zurburts during Sunday School where everyone turns and smiles as your infant starts disrupting class. I love the wide faced toothless grin and kicking froggy legs and arms as your child sees you walk into the room. I love kissing those CHEEKS-OHHHH YES those CHEEKS! I love when you put them in their walker and they finally learn how to maneuver that thing right into your legs- all day long. I love being able to nurse my baby, and a small gentle hand reaches from under the blanket to touch my face, or grab my hair. I love laying by them to take a nap and watching them stare at you- content- and then lifting their head closer to your face. OH! TIME FLIES TOO FAST! I remember when Zach was at this stage- and now-well, tomorrow he gets the big maturation spill at school- and I am now just remembering that we have not yet prepped him for what he is about to learn. EEEKKK! Ok, I might have a few minutes in the morning-let's hope that he is not going to need therapy after tomorrow- good thing Wes will be there!
I guess I have been somewhat contemplative lately- we found some home videos last week of our wedding and when Zac was a newborn and then my neice Lucy has been so sick lately- that the realization of how short this life is kind of just knocked me in the head. Before I know it, my boys will be on missions, and I'll be shopping for wedding dresses for my girls. So yes, this life is short-but what a thrill ride! I can't imagine being or doing anything else! Motherhood, has been hard, and it's busy, but it also has brought me the greatest joy alongside my husband Wes.
As a mom, I can't even comprehend what my sister is going through right now-I can only imagine. My heart aches and is heavy as I think of what Lucy and her family have to endure. But what more could parents ask for, than to have had claim over a perfect angel for a child-and what more could an angel ask for-than to have faithful super heroes for parents. We have hope and faith in the power of the priesthood, prayer, and fasting-and we believe in miracles-so everyone pray for Lucy! but whatever happens- we know this life is short-and we will all soon be reunited will ALL of our loved ones!
Well, I continue to keep busy with the daily tasks of raising 6 kids. I'm getting closer to getting the basement organized-it's only been about two weeks since I've started(HE HE) I took up basketball last Thursday, rolled my ankle during a game of Lightning(warm ups) and then bruised my jaw when a ball connected to my face. Tonight was our first Regional game which we won-so we'll play tomorrow-let's hope I will have the right shoes this time and not two different shoes for the same foot-(oops-hey, I was in a hurry) We also had our RS birthday dinner tonight. This lady portrayed Emma Smith-she did good but Alan McKay portayed Willard Richards in regards to the life of Joseph Smith-and it was AWESOME!!!! Dance is in full swing and because I started half way through the school season I am finding myself already worrying about costumes. It hasn't been too bad though-the internet catalogs are a wonderful thing. I am still the Beehive Advisor. We had them come at my house to dinner for mutual night to give them a lesson in manners. We had 3 forks, bread plate, goblets, fancy folded napkins, the WORKS!! We had a great meal , and then, I look over at my kids sitting at the bar, Brooklyn dropping corn kernals into her mouth with her fingers, Zac licking the dessert plate clean, and Cameron dropping one of his "that was yummy" belches. So, maybe for FHE we'll have a lesson on manners-what do you think?!!!!!
The snow is FINALLY melting and Spring Fever is starting to exube out of me these last couple days. Lots of work to be done-anyone up for weed pulling and rock moving? Wes keeps busy like always. He'll have hit his three year mark bench as bishop in just a month and a half. It's neat to see how much more confident he is standing up in front of the congregation and how well spoken he has become in giving talks- for the other stuff that goes on in the ward-I'll just have to suppose that he is handeling it well. Well, I think that is enough for now. I will try to be better-TAh Tah!

Ethan-4 months

2010-02-14T20:10:00.000-08:00

First word(non intentionally) Da-Da!
80% in height
90% in weight
that's him laying by Hailey
Need I say more

Works of Art, works of love!

2010-02-14T19:08:00.000-08:00

There are many talented artists that reside in our Valley. Featured here is JR Johansan from Huntsville. His exhibit just ended entitled "Angels Among Us" is a gallery of portraits he did in chalks about people who are or were suffering from terminal illnesses. He asked if he could do one of my neice Lucy who has SMA. Opening night he invited all of the families of whom he painted portraits, most now whom their loved one has passed away already. We represented Lucy's family since most everyone was already in California to be with Lucy for Christmas. It was beautiful and awe inspiring to see these beautiful works of art alongside with short bio's of each person, and to see the families whose loved ones passed away, and meet those that are still fighting to stay alive, some in remission from cancer. He did these portraits for free!

N Notice the little bald toddler with the binki and pink tutu, and then on the other side of Lucy is a young woman that was featured in the NEW ERA months back.

Zach's and Jonny's wrestling team won the traveling Wrestling Tourament Trophy again for the 2nd year in a row.

Catch up!

2010-02-14T18:17:00.000-08:00

Christmas morning, it doesn't look like much- but the kids were as happy and excited as any other year with the few gifts they got to open. They chose to give their Christmas to a group of orphans in Mexico this year.

Christmas Eve tradition-the Nativity Scene!

The holidays have been over for almost 2 months now, so I have no excuses on why I haven't kept up with my blog-my incompetent computer is always a great excuse- but not today!

Ahhhhh! so cute! PICs with Ethan

2009-12-21T15:05:00.000-08:00

Ethan is already getting close to the three month mark. We thought we better get at least one picture of him. The next picture is what are family typically looks like when Ethan is around--can't get enough of that cute boy. Sorry, no smile, but we were lucky to get him awake. He was pretty tired by the time we took his pictures and I had to keep wiggling him around so he'd open his eyes. I remember taking Zach and Cameron to get their pictures done when they were young. They cried the whole time. I finally told the photographer to forget it and apologized for her time and effort. They were nice and sent us a few pocket photos though of the kids with pouty lips and crocodile tears- so funny now to look at.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! LOVE, THE MCKINNEY'S

2009-12-21T07:35:00.000-08:00

2009 has been a wonderful year! We had 2 weddings in the family-(YEA!) and a brand new addition to the family.
Ethan is a joy in our home. The kids can't get enough of him. He on the other hand, let's them know when he's had enough. His personality is starting to emurge. We love the cute agoo's, ahhh's, laugh's, smile's and squeeks in that low boy voice of his.
Brooklyn is as tiny as a minute but as fiesty as a giant. Don't let her sweet demure and quietness in public fool you, at home she is a ball of energy and you can hear her cute voice all over the house-(yes, sometimes even bossing her big brothers) She loves to sing, dance, and dress up. She's a great help to her mom with baby brother in the mornings when all of the other kids are at school.
Hailey is big time this year starting Kindergarten. She's the smallest in her class but that doesn't intimidate her. She loves school and does well. She is quite the socialite and has made lots of new aquaintences this year. We're still working on her speech (C and G) but it doesn't seem to hinder her communicating with her friends. Hailey loves to color and draw, dance, and play school with her sister.
Jonathan is in 1st grade this year and seems to love going. He's usually quite responsible in getting his homework done every day without mom having to remind him. He is as active as ever and doesn't seem to slow down for a minute until his head hits the pillow at night. He got 1st place in all of his wresting tournaments this year and their soccer team was undefeated. He loves doing sports and there's always a smile on his face even when his face is smashed against the wrestling mat. He doesn't have too many scars this year which gives me hope that he's starting to learn that there are limits to doing most things.
Cameron is in 4th grade and doing well. He loves to draw, read, and play with and trade his Pokemon cards. He's still doing soccer and their competition team has done quite well winning all of there tournaments and 1st place in their outdoor season. They play in the championship game this wednesday for his indoor season. Cameron is a pretty simple kid-doesn't like to wear anything to fancy(a pair of jeans and plain t-shirt suit him quite nicely) and quite content with just staying home. He has quite the personality and isn't shy about being silly - even in public.
and then there's Zachary. It's hard to believe he's in 5th grade and his Elementary days are quickly winding down. Just one more year and he's in Junior High AHHHH! Where has time gone. Zachary has been a great help at home with Ethan. He's taken on more responsibility in helping me with Ethan(yes- even changing diapers) He's a smart kid but we're still learning on how to help him focus on getting tasks done and not getting distracted. He is quite coordinated and enjoys being active at home with his brothers and at school. He did wrestling and soccer this year and did really well. He has quite the personality. He has a lot of self-confidence and will get up in front of people to sing a song, do a dance, or act out a character.
This year we have wept over the knowledge of my little niece's diagnoses of a terminal illness but have had joy in spending precious time with her and seeing her be so strong and blessed as far as her health is concerned. She is a blessing to our family and we ask for continued prayer and fasting in her behalf and her family for we know that has helped her so much. I start up dance again and look forward participating in that passion of mine once a week. I'm back in young women's again and look forward to teaching the Beehives. Wes is still as busy as ever. I have seen him grow in his abilities as a bishop. He gave a great talk yesterday- I guess practice makes perfect. HE, HE, and he's had a lot of practice. He's a great dad and his kids adore him.
We love all of our family and friends and are so grateful to have you all a part of our lives even if we aren't able to see some of you much. Our thoughts, prayers, and love go out to all of you- especially this special Christmas season where we reflect on the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ and the perfect example that he led. We love him and are grateful to share in the Christmas spirit. We decided this year for Christmas instead of buying our children and each other presents that we would try to help someone in need. The Tijuana Christian Mission in Mexico is an orphanage in which we picked 5 children(each one are one of our kids ages) and then picked out toys and clothes and goodies for them which we mailed to them for Christmas. Our children have delighted in doing this service and Wes and I have truly felt the spirit of Christmas. I don't think this will be a yearly tradition, but I think we all can find someone in need every Christmas holiday. We love you all! Take Care and hope to see you all sometime this next great year.

2009-12-19T10:30:00.000-08:00

Jon's 7th Birthday

2009-11-05T09:36:00.000-08:00

Jonathan had a great birthday- our ward Fall Festival was the same night and so he got two parties. The kids love the fall festival with face painting, fish pond, pumpkin carving contest, ring toss w/pop, games, pot luck dinner, and trunk or treat. The kids were so full by the time we got home they passed up birthday cake and sherbet. I'm thinking as many birthdays our family has in October we should have an annual Halloween Family Birthday Party (Mom, Dad, Angela, Chad, Lucy, Jocey, Scott, Jonathan) What do you think?

Halloween 2009

2009-11-05T08:45:00.001-08:00

The annual carving of the pumpkin-Family Night Fun!

OHHHHHAAAAAAAHA! I VANT TO SUCK YOUR BLOOD!

Introducing Pedro- who can make all your wildest dreams come true- and Alfred the whiz kid(aka-NERD)

And last but not least, Tinkerbell and her Pixie Hollow friend- Rosetta.

Ethan's Big Day

2009-11-03T08:53:00.000-08:00

November 1st we blessed little Ethan Samuel McKinney. It was a great day- beautiful weather, a house bursting at the seams with family, lots of food, and the sweet spirit that we felt while Wes gave him a blessing surrounded by a host of worthy priesthood brethren. The spirit just flows and fills the room. What gratitude I felt to be able to raise another one of Heavenly Father's special spirit children and grateful for the joy he has brought into our home.

A little yawn after a long but- grrreat day! Notice my new blessing outfit that Grandma Smith made me. HANDSOME LITTLE MAN!Chubby CHEEKS! The kids seem to measure how chubby his cheeks are every day with a little squish with their hands applied to each cheek- they are quite excited that he's getting chubby like cousin Jackson and Beckam.

Grandma helped out for a week. Here's her and Ethan bonding

Ahhhh, big sister's got the touch

1st Pics of #6-Ethan Samuel McKinney

2009-10-05T11:01:00.001-07:00

September 29, 2009 was finally just a nights wink away. I was scheduled to come in at 7:30am and then they were going to prep me so that I could be wheeled into surgery around 9:30am. That morning I woke up around 2:30 am because I couldn't sleep. I tried to go back to sleep when I started having contractions which isn't unusual but they were coming every 6 to 8 minutes. So now what- I thought maybe if I walked around they would go away- but nope- so I decided to do whatever any normal 9 month pregnant lady would do when in labor- curl my hair! Yup! I figured if I was going to be up timing contractions I might as well do something constructive. Well, now it had been 2 hours of continuous contractions and they started to hurt more and more- I was afraid if I waited till the time I was supposed to be at the hospital that my uterus could very well rupture inbetween now and then- so I called down at labor and delivery and they told me to "Come On Down"! Everything went as well as could be hoped for- my bladder had adhered "cemented"to the top of the uterus so other than having to cut through "a whole lot" of scar tissue and find another route to cut open my uterus to take the baby out- everything was fine. The doctors said this was a really good baby to stop on and if you saw how disfigured and ugly the outside of my body was after hearing how scarred and messed up the inside of my body was- you'd probably agree. Before they pulled the baby out they asked Wes what he thought it was (remember-I kept it a secret(he he) and he said GIRL. Well after they popped his head through and pulled him out they said "It's A Boy"!!!!! He came out crying which was a relief to me since we had two babies who came out not breathing. He was 7 lbs. 15 oz. and 20 1/2 inches long. He was born at 8:42am. We obviously didn't have a name picked out. Right after he was born when I was in the recovery room Wes said he liked Kaden Samuel McKinney but once I was in my regular room he decided he liked Ethan Samuel McKinney. Samuel was my great grandpa's name who was the son of Joseph F. Smith and Wes's great-great grandpa Samuel was the first member of the church in Western North Carolina.

I stayed in the hospital until Friday morning. Wes is great to stay with me the whole time and "sleep" in a reclining chair. He's a better nursemaid then some at the hospital. I appreciate him. Nana and Pawpaw were troopers and lifesavers taking care of the kids while we were in the hospital. I wasn't surprised after we got home they were ready to go. Let's just say Nana goes above and beyond the call of duty. The kids just love them and she really works hard and waits on them hand and foot. The kids only got to see Ethan in the hospital once because they made a new rule that anyone under the age of 14 could not go into the labor and delivery area because of the flu. It's very serious in newborns and pregnant women. When we got home the kids were so excited- though maybe a tidbit disappointed. Ethan didn't quite react to the peek-a-boos and the toys they were waving in front of his face. We appreciated the friends and family that stopped by the hospital with gifts and support and all the friends and family that have dropped by the house since we've been home-we are SPOILED! We have the best friends, family, and neighbors EVER!!!! Most of the Smith Clan(my family) came Sunday to see the baby. It's nice being together with family(though the absence of Mel and the Lunt clan was felt) Ryan and Meagan worked vigorously in the kitchen and others helped to make a yummy lasagna lunch after a GREAT uplifting Conference session. I'm doing well. Wes has stepped in to take care of the kids and the household so I can concentrated on Ethan and myself. We hope all are doing well. We can't wait to see all sooner or later. LOVE YA -(Notice- the HAIR- he has hair and it's brown!!!)

August Rush II

2009-09-24T14:11:00.000-07:00

sooo- where did I leave off- OH YEA! the 2nd wedding- Ryan and Meagan- They had a beautiful ceremony in the Logan Temple- I'd never been to a sealing in that temple and it was quite unique-loved it! The night before we had about 5 roaster ovens cooking lots of yummy stuff-needless to say it was hard to sleep when you had such yummy odors floating in the air. I was glad I checked the ovens before I went to bed though because there was so many amps being pulled on some of the same circuits that almost every oven had turned off- that would have been a DISASTER when we woke up the next morning and found that nothing was cooked! Needless to say we had a great wedding dinner-Roast Beef, Chicken Cor Don Bleu, Roasted Red Potatoes, Seasoned Rice Pilaf, Summer Veggies, grapes(3 kinds), rolls, salad w/feta cheese and real bacon bits and then you could pick toppings and dressings (raspberry vinegrette-fresh raspberries, apple pecan vinegrette-fresh slice granny apples, orange vinegrette-mandarin oranges, ranch-sliced cucumbers) We had refreshing lime punch and a table with a huge variety of different desserts (yum yum) I think we fed over 90 people and everyone left with a full happy stomach. We said goodbyes because Mel had to be at the airport by 5 the next morning. The kids started school that Monday. They all love their teacher and brand new school. Congratulations to my three other cousins that got married inbetween all the other chaos in the month of August-Caleb, Jared, and Kyle. All the celebrations that we were able to attend was great!

August Rush

2009-09-08T11:36:00.000-07:00

Literally, August was a whirlwind. We kicked off the month of August with Cameron's 9th birthday. (I made him a soccer ball birthday cake)That morning we spent in Park City for one of his tournament games-the championship game was later that afternoon so I left him with his coach and packed up the rest of the crew to get down to Alpine for Alisa's and Meagan's combined bridal shower. It was fun- I had Ryan and Scott come and made them play my version of the "Newly-wed game". We fed everyone homemade potato chowder, rolls, a plethura of sweet fruits and yummy cookies. Overall, a success and Alisa and Meagan got some great gifts to start off their new lives with. I then got the kids and drove back to Park City-Cameron's team won. We then got in the suburban again and met Wes back home and then took off again to pick up some Chinese food and eat at the drive in theater while we waited for dusk to fall so the kids could watch their movie. We laid them in the back of the burb when their movie was over and then Wes and I watched my chick flick(The proposal) Needless to say, it was a long day. Wes went with Zac to Webelos camp that next week and had fun with the boys. Saturday I picked up Ryan and met mom, dad, Crystal, Alisa, Scott, and his mom at the Salt Lake Temple for Alisa's endowments. It was a great session as usual(I love being in the Salt Lake temple) We met two of Scott's other brothers at the Olive Garden afterwards and enjoyed good food and great company. The next week Hailey celebrated her 5th Birthday. She got to have a party this year so we had a fun party with friends over. She wanted a butterfly pinata and a Tinkerbell birthday cake- we played games and the kids had fun playing with water balloons and running in the sprinklers. We left the next day to Idaho to help get ready Alisa's big wedding day. Mom and I roasted red peppers, cooked and cut 15 pounds of chicken that night. The next day we cooked and frosted 150 cupcakes and I started on the wedding cake. I did a four layer cake with fondant(first time making and covering cake with fondant-not too bad of an experience) Alisa wanted a lemon cake, and so I baked that with a lemon curd layered inbetween.MMMMMMmmmmmmm!

The next morning we all pitched in and cooked 18 loaves of foccacia bread, thinly sliced cucumbers, decorated outside at the Reeders home.(GOURGEOUS! didn't even need decorations) I was a little nervous though, as we were decorating the wind kept blowing down the floral centerpieces, but that evening everything was perfect. Alisa looked beautiful and happy, Scott was handsome, and all the family enjoyed the beautiful Idaho outdoors with all the green grass a plethura of kids could hope to run around on and enough water features and trees to explore. I unfortunately did not take any pictures but when my sister posts her pictures I'll steal a few and post them on a later blog. The next morning we all caravaned down to the Salt Lake Temple. The sealing was wonderful- I love going to sealings, I learn something new every time and the spirit is always so overwhelming. After family pictures we walked over the the Joseph Smith Memorial building for a dinner reception. There was about 140 people that came. Not only friends and family were there but there were neighbors there from when I was a small child in West Jordan of whom I have some of my earliest memories of. We had delicious food, great entertainment, dancing, kids entertained by blowing bubbles and just fun fun fun being and talking with everyone. Well, just half of the month is over. I'll be back to talk about the 2nd half a little later.

June jarred into one paragraph

2009-09-03T09:03:00.000-07:00

So, yes May was busy, including our 11th Wedding anniversary. June started off with mom having her hip surgery, and little Lucy having her G-tube surgery-both success I know because of priesthood blessings, prayer, and fasting. We took the kids to Stake Lagoon Day and survived- actually it was beautiful weather and the kids were patient in hanging out with mom until dad could come and take them on the big scary rides later on that evening. I celebrated my 31st birthday without feeling too depressed. Part of my birthday present was a ticket to fly out and spend a week with my sister Cherisse and her family by San Fransisco. I was excited to explore new territory, spend late nights talking with Angela and Cherisse, and bond with the kids, especially little Lucy. It was great other than my allergies decided to explode in full force. We went to all the typical tourist sights- I was overwhelmed by the power of the ocean and relieved I didn't have my kids with me- I would have been a paranoid mess. One of the highlights was going to the Musical - Wicked! It was totally, wickedly, awesome but I can never watch The Wizard of Oz again I think- my view now is too warped. I got back safely and it didn't take long to get immersed, and back in the groove of motherhood and homemaker. Cameron had his first comp. tournament the end of June. The Roy Rampage. They did well taking home 1st place honors- being undefeated. Cameron really enjoys soccer. We did the Park City Extreme Soccer Tournament the beginning of August in which they also won- 1st place.

Pinewood Derby 2009

2009-09-03T08:27:00.000-07:00

Would you believe that brother would be pitted against brother in the ultimate scout showdown. In the end Cameron had the fastest derby car, Zach's was close second. They drew the outline of the cars when we were in Idaho and then Grandpa Smith helped them cut in out on his scroll saw. Obviously, they were proud of their cars-I don't know if you notice but the coins that were added to give more weight to the cars were held on by hot pink duct tape. All the other scouts wanted a piece of the "lucky" hot pink duct tape on their car hoping to give them a little edge.

Memorial Day Memories

2009-09-03T07:51:00.000-07:00

The Rumsey's from our old ward (FYI- our ward split the end of May- Wes was released as Middleton Ward Bishop after 2 years- and then 1 minute later he was sustained as the new South Fork Ward Bishop- Oh Yea- any of you who are slightly interested- the 5 year clock just started over again- Fun HUH!) Anyways- the Rumsey's invited us to their cabin(better terms, fancy, big, furnished log home) It was great, the kids had fun playing, hiking, eating, fishing, 4-wheeling, and exploring. It's beautiful where their cabin is and only about 35 minute drive from our house. The last picture is at the beaver dam. Thanks Rumsey family!

Ballare 2009 Review

2009-09-02T17:42:00.000-07:00

So the dilemna is always this- where do I start- and how much patience do I have to wait for my computer to download pictues- obviously not much since I've neglected my blog and disappointed my faithful followers(HA!) for the last three months. So my goal for this week is to try and do a post a day- short and sweet of the goings on at the McKinney household. I warn you-this summer has been very busy- but not necessarily all exciting. So we'll start were I left off in May- Dance Recital May 20, 2009! Success!(see if you can find Zac-sorry not best pictures)

Wesley-Domesticated Seamstress?!@#

2009-05-28T11:13:00.000-07:00

So last week, after a long day, dance class, YM,YW, and a bishop visit to somewhere, someone, Wes came home asking for a thread a needle. What?!@! Did I hear him right. I was so proud of him. Was he going to sew a button on a shirt, darn a holey sock, or better yet sew the crotch in one of his pant suits?? The next thing I knew Wes was grabbing at my arm and asking me to hold still. I looked over and what did I see- Wes holding the needle and thread stuck in a pencil hovering over my arm. VOODOO? Some southern ritual? Old wives tale perhaps? Anyways, I was laughing so hard he was getting impatient with me saying it wasn't working because I wasn't holding still. This baby gender secret is funner than I thought. I wonder what other crazy trick he wants to try on me next.

2009-05-05T07:58:00.000-07:00

Well, Jonathan had his Big Kindergarten Program Friday-Cute, cute, cute like always and then we enjoyed an evening with family in Provo to help celebrate Beckam's 1st Birthday @ Thanksgiving point. The Animal Farm. Here are some pics Crystal.

Update

2009-05-05T07:29:00.000-07:00

Well, thought I would give an update at what has been happening in the McKinney household lately. We've enjoyed many beautiful sunny and rainy days(I haven't had to do much watering yet-yea!!) It's sure green and beautiful outside. This kids have spent the majority of their time outside playing on the new tramp, ball, on the swingset, or just roaming around the trees. We sure love it up here. It's been a blessing for our family.We've used our outdoor fireplace a lot already with some cool evenings and roasting hot dogs and smores. It's been fun. In case some of you didn't know I am expecting number 6. My c-section will be scheduled sometime the end of September. I have my big ultrasound tomorrow but don't expect me to tell if it's a girl or a boy- I might be keeping a secret from everybody-HA!!!(yes, maybe even Wes-payback for when he told everyone what I was having with our first baby when I wanted to be surprised) This pregnancy of course is a little scarier and will most likely be my last, so I'm trying to enjoy it and take it a little easier. I've been getting ready for my year end dance recital. It is Wednesday, May 20, 7 pm at the Valley Elementary school. The costumes are done and so now it is crunch time to just fine tune all the dances. I'm excited, but it will be a nice break when it is over.

Other than an outbreak of chicken pox at the kids school, a worry about the swine flue, and core testing, the kids are doing fine. School ends the end of this month so we are looking forward to a fun, relaxing, but busy summer. Wes just got back last week from a 5 day "vacation" shooting guns in Nevada. I'm just glad to say I survived, or better yet, the kids survived. Wes will "celebrate" his 2nd year anniversary as being bishop in the Middleton Ward this Mothers Day and we will celebrate our 11 year wedding anniversary this Friday. Wow! does time fly or what! I hope all of you have a great summer!

Heaven On Earth

2009-04-17T21:17:00.000-07:00

Conference weekend through Easter Weekend was literally HEAVEN ON EARTH. What more could one ask for. FAMILY(lots and lots of family), FRIENDS, FUN(lots and lots of fun), LATE NIGHTS TALKING AND LAUGHING, FOOD (lots and lots of food), and being in the midst of an ANGEL!!!!!!!

Priorities

2009-03-23T08:11:00.000-07:00

I remember when I was about 7 or 8 years old and hearing that my beautiful young Aunt Alisa had just passed away from cancer. At such a young age, I think the loss is somewhat hard to really comprehend - or maybe -it is just that the spirit is so much closer that we have a lot more understanding about the plan of salvation and we don't have to grieve like our parents did with loss. I vividly remember a poem that her aunt or someone wrote, I still have the first of it etched in my brain- SO YOUNG, SO NEEDED HERE AWHILE, BUT HEAVEN COULD NOT WAIT FOR THE SUNSHINE OF HER SMILE.
This week our family just received devastating news about my little neice Lucy. Cherisse called Thursday morning saying that Lucy was diagnosed with a terminal disease called Spinal Muscular Atrophy. They said that the average lifespan was about 18 months. Lucy is 5 months old. As a sister and a mother, I have been aching and grieving for Cherisse and her sweet family. I cannot imagine the trials that they are going through and the path that they will have to trod until the day that Heavenly Father calls Lucy back home. We love them and wish we were closer to help and support but are very grateful for the many kind acts of service and love those in her ward and community have offered.
Times like these always first humble us, and we remember that this life is but for a short time, that the knowledge of the plan of salvation brings peace and comfort but that the loss is still real and painful. We never know when it is our time to go. So now what- with this understanding do we really take into account our greatest priorities- and make them a priority daily. What if we were told that ourselves or a beloved family member were given 12 more months on this earth-would we change our daily focuses-would we change our attitudes to the grind of daily life and its challenges. Would we spend more time at home-would we have more patience, love, understanding, and forgiveness with our spouse and children. Would we delete the unnecessary chaos of things that fill up our calendars and thoughts that run through our brains of things that just "have" to get done-do they really? I know that Chad and Cherisse will never take for granted the time that they have with Lucy. That they will cherish the late nights with no sleep, the constant care, work, and time of trying to make Lucy comfortable. Lucy is so sweet. About every time I have talked to Cherisse on the phone since she was born she has commented on what a sweet, happy, nice, good baby. She is too good for this world. SO YOUNG, SO NEEDED HERE AWHILE, BUT HEAVEN COULD NOT WAIT, FOR THE SUNSHINE OF HER SMILE. Chad, Cherisse, Dallin, Jocey, and Lucy- WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!

Remodel

2009-02-22T19:29:00.000-08:00

Well, these are before and after pictures of my parents home. You probably can't tell you're looking at the same house if you've been in my parents house before the remodel. This has been a work in progress. My mom didn't have a kitchen for over a year. She washed dishes in the bath tub until my dad finally put in a utility sink. The opening down into the family room used to be a wood burning fireplace and door to the garage. Now it's a big family room with two bedrooms added to the east of it. My dad did cherry cabinets, and it's an all porcelain tile floor with wood floor in the family room. They just finished the stair area. My dad made all of the posts (yes even the medal decorative ones) and they just finished the carpet and wood on the sides this week. My mom ordered a fancy round table with 8 chairs to go around it which will replace the old table and benches you see there in the dining area. The kitchen is only about75% done. He will add a sitting area in the little breakfast nook and a huge cabinet area on the south side of the kitchen which is not in the picture. My mom didn't want me to take a picture because it was still dirty but if I didn't do it now I'd probably never do it. Anyways, my parents are AMAZING!!!!!!!!! and TALENTED!!!!!!!!! and HARD WORKING!!!!!!!!!!!! There is A LOT more things they have done in the house but I can't take every picture of the house. I've been blogging long enough. You'll all just have to come up to Idaho and visit my parents sometime!

Latest Wedding cake

2009-02-22T19:13:00.001-08:00

My cousin Jake asked if I would do his wedding cake- I was happy to help. Their colors were brown and mint green so I did a buttercream cake with milk chocolate motif's around the cake. The cake itself was chocolate with cream cheese chocolate frosting in the middle and then coated with melted white chocolate. CHOCOLICIOUS! If I was doing the flower arrangement on the top I would have just used her wedding colors- but to each his own.

Winter Wonderland-AGAIN!*@&#^$%

2009-02-22T18:52:00.000-08:00

So our latest storm brought another 2 1/2 feet of snow. It's so beautiful- but it better be- since I'm usually cooped up in the house staring at it out the window the whole time it's snowing and usually the next couple days after. Oh well, the kids sure had a blast jumping in it from the swing set and throwing snowballs at each other. My spring planting is probably not going to happen as soon as I'd like. I think I better start building an indoor greenhouse so I can get seed going sooner. I found one I really like from a Bird's and Bloom's issue. Just a note- I was notified Tuesday- the day of the storm that my old Junior High teacher Mr. Pearson was killed in a car accident on his way to school that morning. Some of my friends from Rick's College 48th ward will have known his daughter, Nancy Pearson. He was an awesome teacher. I think we were able to dissect like every creature known to man-well not really but a giant earthworm, clam, crawfish, starfish, frog, fetus pig, etc. I remember when I was in 7th grade and Melanie was in 8th. She was dissecting the pig at the same time I was in the office taking a spanish test. I remember concentrating on my test when all of the sudden I heard panting and heavy breathing. Here comes Mr. Pearson with this half dead girl(well not really, but her face was white and head draped back) cradled in his arms. I guess Melanie had accidently cut her finger open with the scalpel and all the blood made her faint- twice. The 2nd time Mr. Pearson I think caught her, but anyways, carried her to the office. That picture of Melanie draped in his arms left a permanent imprinted picture in my head. He had eight children- and I'm sure they can tell of a great legacy he was as a father.

Love! Love! Love!

2009-02-22T18:33:00.000-08:00

-My SWEETEST LOVE's in the WORLD! I LOVE YOU! (Did you notice the giant snow valentines they made- and that hunk a hunk of burning love in the middle picture-Yup-he's mine!)

My actual post

2009-02-22T18:03:00.000-08:00

If any of you noticed, my last post was made up of merely a title- that's it- and I think I got more comments from that than any other blog I've written. What actually happened is that I was at the library trying to update my blog and I accidently erased it, so I tried again and surprisingly
my computer logged off when I was helping Brooklyn in the bathroom. So- sick of trying- I gave up and just posted the title. What I was trying to blog about was my weekend with just the girls and I. Wes went to Cedar City to visit his brother and I opted to stay home with Hailey and Brooklyn. We went shopping, ate at McD's, put together princess puzzles, played princess card games, watched princess movies, and well, that was just Saturday. That night we hooked up with my brother and his date Meagan and went to the New American Philharmonic Orchestra in Ogden. It was awesome. They did a whole theme with Star Wars- the boys would have loved it. I kept the girls quiet with a bag of M&M's and a bribe for an ice cream treat afterwards if they were good- it worked. The night before we took the kids to the circus. It was fun. The girls were into the pink and blue dyed poodles that could dance and ride scooters and the boys were into the motorcycles in the cage of death. The rest of the weekend consisted of me vegging out on the couch with my lastest DVD from the library. It was the North and South series. I believe I watched 20 hours of romance and war. I spent most of that 20 hours telling the girls to close their eyes or throwing a blanket over their heads until the kissing scene was over.(I guess Wes watched it in his teens and so when I told him I picked it up from the library he was like- that's a great movie-I didn't know he was such a chick flick buff- when I reported to him of all the kissing fluff he swore he didn't remember it being like that- Whatever!) Anyways, the boys and the girls were sure excited to see each other that Monday night. They kept hugging each other and telling each other they missed them. The week before, one of my favorite roommates from college came down to go snowmobiling. It was fun! Next time we'll have to see if we can take a trail in the mountains somewhere. Have a HAPPY BIRTHDAY MATTIE next week! LUV YA!

Girls just want to have fun!

2009-02-12T14:39:00.000-08:00

Strengthening the Family

2009-01-24T09:57:00.000-08:00

Well, it's me. The blog that you always pass by because it usually says -"last update- one month." So not to disappoint or ruin my reputation- here I go again. The year has been great so far! We've had fun as a family with game nights (it's no nice when the kids get old enough to play) we got to visit family in Provo and kiss my nephews' cute chubby faces, last night we took the kids on the front runner again to Salt Lake but then had to take trax to the Huntsman Center at U of U campus. Never again! Frontrunner's OK but Trax on the other hand- let's just say we were quite entertained and when we got back Zac informed his grandparents that he met 15 Hobo's. Our kid's also made the comment on the way back that they reaffirmed their committment that they were never going to touch drugs or alcohol! One lady had a conversation with Hailey about Human Development and why kids spill milk all the time. She intently listened with eyes wide open. The train was making some funny "gassy" noises and Brooklyn said- "The train TOOT-TOOED" We watched the Lady Ute Gymnasts compete against Washington. They were amazing!!!!! The kids were in giddy awe. I can see why the Utes are ranked 3rd in the nation. AWESOME!!! It was a great experience though the $5 hamburgers weren't that great.
So Wes and I started taking the Strengthening the Family class on Thursday nights in our ward. It was been such an edifying, thought provoking, and life changing experience and so I encourage everyone to take this class when asked by their Bishop or ask about taking it. I come away every week with a desire to be a better parent. During the week I am more mindful of my tone, my words, how I interact emotionally and physically with my children, how they feel, and well- just everything! I have been more mindful of my weaknesses and the desire to ask Heavenly Father -daily- for the things I need to work on and then praying for guidance on how to help my children with the things that they need help on. I hope that I can continue to have these desires and put them into action when I'm through with this class.
Well, dad had surgery on his hernia, Grandma Smith had surgery on her gall bladder the same day, and then when dad got his stitches out he was walking around the hospital waiting for my mom and saw Grandma Childers in a hospital room because she slipped and fell on the ice and broke her wrist, and then last week my sister in law Natalie had surgery to blast a kidney "boulder" and take it out. I hope everyone gets better soon- and please- no more hospital visits people! We look forward for Cherisse and their family to visit us the end of this month-to participate in the blessing of Baby Lucy. Yea!

Year in Review -'08

2009-01-10T09:10:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Friends and Family! I can't believe how fast this last year has flown by. Time sneaks past you the older you get-not to say that I think I'm getting the least bit old.(ha!) The beginning of the year started off with a lot of drama with different family members and has ended with gratitude and faithfulness to our Savior Jesus Christ.- It's a long story, but any how.
Wes keeps busy with work and still really enjoys it. Most of last year he spent training new hires so he had a lot more responsibility. Wes has diligently put his shoulder to the wheel and pushed along in his calling as bishop. It is humbling as his wife to hear people bear their testimonies giving Wes love and giving thanks for how he has helped them individually. I really know nothing of his calling or the burdens he has to carry, but I know that Heavenly Father has blessed the lives of others through Wes and his faithfulness.
I am the Laurel advisor and know of no better calling than to be with the youth of the church. They have such great knowledge and excitement about the gospel, and of course it gives me the opportunity to act "young" every once in awhile. I am still teaching dance once a week to about 45 students. I'm still fine tuning things but am quite content with the skill level and growth in my students. I love it! I am of course still busy at home with projects and the raising and nurturing of 5 great kids.
We celebrated 10 wonderful years of matrimonial bliss this last May. I'd like to say that we have marriage down to a "T" but I know through the ups and downs of life is where we strengthen our relationships and increase our love and respect. I am very greatful to have "My Wesley" for eternity and look forward to another great 10 years. We have five beautiful, wonderful, healthy children.
Zachary turned 9 and started 4th grade. He is so kind to his siblings, a peacemaker, and a great help to his parents. He loves scouts, dance, soccer, wrestling, and mom started him in piano this year and then got him a guitar to start getting him musically inclined. He has a very nice voice and has sang a few times in sacrament this year.
Cameron turned 8 and got baptized and confirmed this year. It was a great day. He is in 3rd grade and a little smarty pants. He has a great gift and was asked to go to a special summer camp for gifted children. He is a great artist and am amazed that he can see things in his head and put it on paper. I have to look at a picture already drawn to draw it. He is a great soccer player, doing well in piano, and loves to wrestle around with his brothers at home.
Jonathan just turned 6 a few months ago and started Kindergarten this year. He is doing well and his reading skills are quite good already. Jonathan does well in anything he wants to do. If he wants to do something, he just keeps at it until he can do it. He is quite athletic and wants to do everything his brothers d0. With that will power also comes obstinence and stubborness. He does not like being told no. He gets hurt a lot obviously. He knocked out a tooth, has scars on his face, arms and legs. He's still such a cutie!
Hailey turned 4 and is going on 16. She's our little drama queen. She loves her daddy and has quite the crush on him. She plays dress up almost every day and is quite the dancer and entertainer. Her brothers get quite the rise out of making her scream but she has to be all about their business anyways, so must not mind too much. She's no bigger than a minute so it is hard for me to see her going to Kindergarten next year. She has mastered spelling her name though so at least I can check that off the list. A friend of mine and I started doing pre-school together once a week and it has been helpful. She's so excited to come home and do her "homework".
Brooklyn turned 2 this year and is acting so big. She's finally had a little growth spurt and can talk very clear and complete sentences. She is her sister's little shadow. They love each other and can't be without each other. Brooklyn also loves dressup and dance and sings songs around the house. She got princess underwear in her stocking for Christmas and ever since then has been doing really well going potty in the toilet. She loves getting into mom 's makeup and drawing on walls.
Well, that's about it, other than we'd like to tell family and friends how much we love and appreciate you and our home is always open to all of you any time. We have great fond memories and experiences with all of you and look forward to many more. We are greatful for the gospel and the peace and joy it brings into our lives as we try to live it and all because of a loving Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ. Have a wonderful 2009 !

Holiday Happenings

2008-12-27T11:22:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been awhile since I've updated my bl0g. I haven't been by a computer that I can download pictures on and so have put it off. I just got done reading my friend Mattie's blog and just realized she rarely has pictures posted and I just love reading her blog. So here are the latest Holiday Happenings. Thanksgiving was great. Mom and Dad finally have a kitchen to cook in and so it made preparing the feast an easy feat.(They've spent a year in a kitchen with only a utility sink(part of that year dishes were done in the bathtub) stove, refrigerator, and card table) Dad did a great job like always. The cabinets are beautiful and there is so much more space to hold all the numerous bodies that come for the holidays. I guess you could say it was worth the wait and the work. Grandma Childers came and stayed as well as Uncle Dave, Aunt Colette, Ashley, Joe, and Sam. It was fun being with them. Are visits with them are too far and few between. Lots of the Smith side were at Grandma and Grandpa Smith's house and Aunt Connie's family were at her house. So there were many bodies back and forth among the three houses at "Smith Compound" with games and food. We took the four-wheelers up into the snow covered mountains for our annual picking of the Christmas tree. I just love going up in the quiet, serene, beautiful mountains, the smell of all the fresh pine trees and crisp snow. The spotting of wild life. While we were there dad hiked to where he shot his elk to retrieve his antlers. He left the hide there after he shot it because it was late and to big to drag whole. It amazed me that my dad knew right where it was.
The Christmas season has come and gone. I got some of the things accomplished that I wanted to get done. I decked the halls, the Holiday candies were dipped and divided, the presents were bought, half of my dance classes performed dances to Handel's Messiah, I made it to most of the ward choir practices without the kids doing too much damage to the nursery but got sick the day of our performance, went Caroling with the youth, cleaned the WHOLE house(that rarely happens), saw the Nutcracker and Savior of the World, but darnet all, I didn't get the family pictures done. It's almost a miracle to find the time to put seven matching outfits, with hair done and smiles on faces at once. So if you were looking for our Christmas letter, well you'll just have to wait and hopefully get a Happy New Year's letter. The most important thing was that I hope our family felt the real spirit of the Holiday season. I felt His presence in our home and in my heart in which I am truly grateful. Wes's family has been down again this Christmas so we have had a house full and been busy just going here and there. I've missed my family but am happy and felt a great blessing of peace because my sister Alisa is BACK from California, my mom is with my sister Melanie in Connecticut instead of being alone this Christmas, and everyone is healthy, happy, and doing what they should.
We had a great Christmas and the kids were spoiled like they are every year with different toys and gadgets but the greatest gift of all is the knowledge that we have of the Savior, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and our Wonderful Eternal Family Unit. I hope you all had a great Season and thank you for your friendships and love.

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-01T18:24:00.000-07:00

I LOVE HALLOWEEN! I didn't realize how much I loved Halloween until I realized how many different costumes I try to incorporate through out the Holiday and impose on my family. Our ward fall festival was on Wednesday. Three of my dance classes performed. The little kids did a Happy Halloween dance, Zach's class danced to Tocotta in D minor in which I was a mad scientist that brought all of my creations alive and we danced until at the end the mad scientist was overtaken by all of his creations. The kids loved to dance to it, especially the part where they ran around the stage chasing me. HA! I also had one class to a dance to Phantom of the Opera. They wore white masks and I made capes with wooden dowels on the end of the cape so they could hold the cape up and dance with them- It was pretty cool if I so say so myself. The kids love the fall festival, because there's games, food, and trunck or treat. The next day the kids had their school Halloween party. Zach was hilarious- he was a door to door brush salesman- and had quite the sales pitch. Cameron was the Grimm Reaper, Jonny was a Ninja, Hailey was pirate one day, Snow White another, and Sleeping Beauty on Halloween Day, and Brooklyn was a pirate. We decorated our front room for Halloween. We stuffed a Werewolf, the Grim reaper, and Phantom at the piano. I had organ music playing and then dressed up like a witch. I was quite the actress as I invited all the trick or treaters in for some of my witch's brew (root beer with dry ice) and a treat. I only had about 3 kids cry, but I had a lot of big eyed kids that left quite quickly. HA HA HA! I can only imagine what it like to work in a real Haunted house like my friend Jared. The funny thing is - I am the BIGGEST Scaredy Cat of them all!!!! Serves me right for trying to scare all the neighborhood kids. Anyways, twas a Happy Hallow's Eve!

Jonathan's Birthday

2008-11-01T18:02:00.000-07:00

Well Jonathan is now 6- getting a little closer in age to how big he acts. He wanted a Pokemon cake- I have no clue who Sand Slash is but that is what he picked for his cake. We were going to take him to a movie and dinner and he opted to go to wrestling practice instead. He loves it, and does well. When he's not wrestling on the mat he is flipping on his head and jumping around- AHHH to have that much energy! He does really well though. His first match in his first tournament he grabbed the boy and threw him and pinned him on his back in about 3 seconds-literally, and he did it all with a huge smile on his face. He is our monkey! He can do anything his big brothers do. He's quite determined if he wants to do something- he keeps trying until he does. He was riding a bike at age 3, swimming without a life jacket (though we still make him put one on usually) at 4, and riding a rip stick at 5. So that's what he wanted for his birthday, a rip stick. I fought Wes on it since he is so small he is in a half chinese split when he's riding it, but I lost. He is very smart and artistic. He is a kind and quiet in public, but very stubborn at home, he does not like to be told "No" when he wants to do something. He is very sweet though and love to cuddle with his mom and dad on the couch- WE love our Jonny!

"My Dear Sweet Wesley"

2008-10-04T11:22:00.001-07:00

Well, Fall is in full swing- so other than trying to hurry and finish outside projects before the snow falls, I'm just absolutely lovin the weather, colors, and short days.(The kids get to bed earlier because it's darker earlier) We stay busy with just the daily grind of things that go on in a household with 5 kids. Work is going well for Wes, and I am grateful that he has a job that is not effected during an economic downfall. He works hard, and does not get stuck in the mud trying to play politics or brown nose. He does his job well, and then comes home to his family. He has always been watched over and protected and for that we are most thankful. He has now been Bishop for 16 months and seems to be in the groove of things, although I really don't know or understand the burdens and challenges he carries. The bishop's wife really is the last one to know anything that goes on. I've attended several weddings that he's performed. Try explaining to your kids when they ask where you're going and you say "Daddy is going to marry someone". We've had some pretty interesting and funny conversations trying to help them understand that dad is not actually marrying someone but "marrying them". I think they got the concept now as Hailey does quite the enactment from Princess Bride- "Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today in Holy Matrimony to join . . . . ." About three weeks ago our Stake (Huntsville Stake) celebrated it's 30 th Birthday.(it's as old as I am) Marlin Jensen (now member of the quorum of the 70) was the first Stake President, and so him and the three other Stake Presidents that proceeded him spoke. It was a great meeting, the spirit was strong. Before that meeting they had a celebration BBQ, games, and tables set up to show the evolution of our stake, and the church in the valley before the stake was organized. If you didn't know, President David O. McKay grew up in our great town. One of the displays they had pictures of all the bishops that have served in the wards since the conception of the stake. Here's a pictue of Wes I took one Sunday evening-He's so handsome-huh! and he looked like a teenager(a little exaggerated) compared to all the other pictures of bishops displayed. Anyways, I've seen Wes in a whole new light since his calling. Right after he was put in as Bishop a family in our ward was in a car accident. Three members passed away Janine(mother), (Matthew 11), and Ester(9). Calob (7) was in very critical conditions. I went to the hospital with Wes on one occasion and saw Calob. Dr's were attending him trying to get the pressure in his brain to go down. At that moment it was around 37. The father wanted to give a blessing but was not emotionally able to and so asked Wes to. I do not recall all that was said but I do know that Wes said that the priesthood was real, that there were many prayers and fasting on behalf of Calob, and that he was entitled to those blessings. As soon as the blessing was over, Calob's pressure had went down to a 7. I saw relief immediately in the father's eyes. The father left to check on his other child in the hospital and when he did his brother and father stated that they had given Calob a blessing right before Wes and the father came in and that he felt like that is was probably time for him to go and that we should not try to pray Calob to stay here if it was God's will that he should go. I talked with Wes after and he had great hope and said that miracles do happen. It has been over a year since the accident and Calob is your normal, everyday, 8 year old. He is a Miracle! I am grateful for the priesthood, the power of God, and that Wes has remained worthy to hold it and excercise that power with his faith. I am grateful that Heavenly Father sees fit to bestow callings on his children that may seem overwhelming with all of our own personal weaknesses and challenges, and then gives them the strength, wisdom, and foresight to accomplish their duties. It has not been a sacrifice for our family as Wes has diligently been serving in this calling, but a blessing. We have not felt any ill effects of him been absent from home more often or felt the burdens that he has to bear. He's a grrrreattt dad and I love him. Thanks Wes, for all you do. I just felt like paying a small tribute to you and letting you know how great I think you are, and that I'm so blessed and lucky that you are mine- for eternity. "My Dear Sweet Wesley"(Princess Bride)

First Day of School

2008-09-25T20:07:00.000-07:00

Well school is back in full swing again. All three boys are now in school so it's just us girls and home in the mornings. Zach is in 4th grad, Cameron in 3rd and Jonny is in Kindergarten. They tested him before school started and we quizzed him on all of his shapes, numbers, letters, and colors and thought is would be smooth sailing. Then they asked him was his moms name was-AHHHH he didn't know! Anyways, I guess there could be worse things than not knowing your mom's name. He loves school but is somewhat quiet in public (not at all at home) but when he get's off the bus he pops this huge smile and says school was AWESOME. So school is in full geer, and so school nights are spent doing homework, reading, practicing piano, chores, dinner, and then it seems like it's already time for bed. This is a picture of us and all the other kids that ride the bus at the end of our cul de sac. LOTs of Kids!

Princess Party

2008-09-25T19:36:00.000-07:00

Well, Hailey's Birthday was August 11. She is four now and I am still in denial that she'll be in Kindergarten next year. She is our Princess-24 hrs a day. I made her a Snow White and Sleeping Beauty dress up outfit for her birthday and a Princess Cinderella Birthday Cake. Brooklyn who copies everything her big sister does had to also have a princess birthday cake but a pink one. Brooklyn turned two on August 21.(Yes, I have three birthdays in 20 days in August)

Brooklyn can hold her own with her siblings, as little as she is. She is quite articulate and little stink pot. She's too smart for her little britches. We sure love having little girls running around at our house though. It's a good balance to all the , ball throwing, wild wrestling, loud yelling, furniture jumpin brothers.

Cameron's Baptism

2008-09-25T18:43:00.000-07:00

Well, Cameron Joseph McKinney turned the big 8 on August 1, 2008. On his birthday we were on our ward trek at Mormon Flats so we did his baptism the next week Sat, Aug. 9, 2008 at 11:00AM. It was a beautiful day and Cameron had the biggest permagrin. What a handsome young man- this is the picture of a future missionary. Cameron picked the whole program himself. Uncle Ryan played the piano, Aunt Natalie led, Jonathan said the opening prayer, Zachary gave a talk on baptism, then he was baptised by his dad, with his grandpa and pawpaw as the two witnesses. Zachary sang Search, Ponder, and Pray with two other Primary Girls. Mom gave a talk on the Holy Ghost and then he was confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and received the Holy Ghost. The closing song was The Fourth Article of Faith and then the closing prayer by Uncle Colby. It was a wonderful day and the Spirit was so evident during the whole day. We are so grateful for Cameron's desire to make this great step in his life. We love him, he is a very talented and gifted son and are so blessed he is a part of our family. Thanks for all the family and their support which makes these occasions so very special.

Backblogged

2008-09-24T18:23:00.000-07:00

Well, time has flown by and as you can tell I've done everything except keep my blog updated. So a preview of what features will be coming soon to the McKinney Clan Blog. Cameron's Birthday, Cameron's Baptism, Hailey's Birthday, Brooklyn's Birthday, First Day of School, Dance is back!, Family Fundraiser Dinner for Melanie, New Roommate -Ryan, Music and the Spoken Word-Yes, the prophet was there! See Ya, Hopefully sooner than later! BYE

Testimony

2008-08-07T10:10:00.000-07:00

To say the least it has been a busy summer- but the couple of weeks can best be described as hectic. So here it is in a nutshell. Ashley and Monica flew down from Alabama and we are glad we got to spend some quality time amongst all their playtime. Our dear sweet neighbor fell off a 25 foot ladder on his dream home last Sunday trying to finish staining the wood soffit around his home. He was found by his wife, already dead. Our sincerest condolences and love go out to Arleen Davis. She was lucky to have a husband like Garth. Amber and Dustin's wedding was wonderful. HAPPY 8th BIRTHDAY CAMERON!!! Just 2 more days till your bapitism YEA! Our ward spent a great couple of days on the Mormon flats. We hiked about a 5 mile trail where the pioneers walked and stopped at the top of a summit where we could see the Salt Lake Valley in the not so far distance- AMAZING! INSPIRING! BEAUTIFUL! Wes's brother Jeff and his two youngest boys, Blayne and Ayden, got to hang out with us and play with their cousins for a couple of days. The kids had so much fun. We hope we get to see them more often. I just got back from Young Women's Camp where we got to go Rock Climbing down in the infamous Logan Canyon. It ROCKED!(literally) Anyways, Sunday I felt moved to bear my testimony. A sister in the ward suggested I write it down, so here it is, what I remember.
A lot has happened this last while that has had me contemplating and the overwhelming feeling I would like to share with you today is Gratitude.
Sometimes we forget to find the joy in motherhood-until a child gets sick
Sometimes we forget how great the priesthood is- until we need a blessing
Sometimes we forget to try and be a good neighbor- until we lose one
Sometimes we forget about all the love and sacrifices our ancestors and pioneers made for us- until we walk a few miles in their shoes.
I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to be a mother of five beautiful, healthy children. I am so grateful for the power of the priesthood and that I have a husband who honors it. I am grateful for this ward, and the friendships and service that you give to us and each other. I am grateful for the gospel and all those that helped make it possible that I could have it, and live it, and be blessed by it. I am grateful for our Savior, Jesus Christ, and for the atonement, that through him we can all become clean and be together forever. I am greatful for a loving Heavenly Father who has blessed us with all the we have and all that we are. I am gratful for a loving prophet, President Monson, and that we can follow his example and teachings to become more like our Savior. I am grateful for the scriptures and that we can look to them for any of our questions. I am grateful for the gospel and as we live it's principles we find true joy and peace. This testimony I leave with you In the name of Jesus Christ -Amen

Brooklyn sick

2008-07-20T17:36:00.000-07:00

Last week was a long week. We got back from Idaho and did some fun stuff with Zach for his birthday. That night we stayed at Wes's parents house cause he had to take them to the airportat 4:30 the next morning. Around 1:30 Brooklyn (our 1 year old) woke up crying. She spent the whole night vomiting and bad diarhea. This continued until the afternoon when we got some anti nausea medicine in her. Anyways, she was so miserable. She was so pale (some of you ask if it is possible that she could get any whiter- but yes she did) and would just lay there. I was hoping it was one of those 24 hour bugs but the next day she started throwing up again. She scared me- she had a temperature of over 103 and I could almost see her little body just wither away in front of me. I took all five kids to the ER where thankfully Wes met me. The took xrays and tests and then hooked her up to an IV. She was so brave. She didn't fight much when they poked and prodded because she had no energy. The doctor wanted to keep her over night but he talked to the attending pediatrician and said it would be OK to send her home as long as we came back in the morning for a check up. She already seemed tons better getting those fluids in her and started to be back to her self somewhat. Everything still seemed fine at the Dr visit the next day and so I thought everything was down hill from then even though she still had severe diarhea. Well, the next day she started throwing up again and I say her body deteriorate in just a few hours. I took her back to the Dr and after some other tests they admitted her to the hospital. She was so dehydrated it took them 7 times of poking before they were able to get a vein for the IV. She was like a little pin cushion and I tell you as a parent, the hardest thing is to watch your child in pain and suffering and not be able to do anything about it. We were there Friday, Saturday, and then they released her Sunday afternoon. I can tell when she was starting to get better cause she'dwake up at 5 in the morning wanting yogurt, or demand eggs at various times in the day. We are so happy she is back to bossing around her brothers and sister. We are also grateful we have 5 healthy children. I hope I never take that for granted. Brooklyn- we love every cute, little 20 pounds of you and are grateful you are a part of our family! Here's a picture of her about a year ago. The only things that's really grown in her hair. CUTIE!

Surprise! Surprise!

2008-07-20T17:18:00.000-07:00

Well, Wednesday I got a call from Cherisse(her family moved just outside San Francisco just over a year ago and we haven't seen them since)saying they were leaving the next day and driving to Utah. YEA! And then she said I'm bringing a surprise. I had no clue what it could be. She proceeded to tell me that they were picking Melanie up at the airport and bringing her home to Idaho.(Melanie lives in Connecticut and we haven't seen her in almost a year and a half) DOUBLE YEA! The fun part - nobody else but me knew she was coming. HA HA! I invited all other family members to a special dinner at my house that evening. You should have seen their faces when they came- talk about a Double Take. Man, good times! It's so nice to have everyone all together(except Alisa- I hope you feel guilty that you took a trip to South Carolina instead of home this week J/K) The world scrutinizes big families these days(I should know) I bet it's cause their just jealous because we have the best time when all eight of us get together.

Picture Perfect Throughout the year!

2008-07-07T10:16:00.000-07:00

Picture Perfect throughout the year!!!! Fabulous FALL Foliage -
CHRISTMAS Cuties - The only Holiday I like to deck the halls - Spring EASTER BOUQUET- SWEET SUMMER BLOOMS

2008-07-06T22:44:00.000-07:00

Howdy! I'm back to update(with or without pictures)what the McKinney clan has been up to. Wes and I celebrated 10 years of marital bliss(ya baby!) I turned the big 30 (don't want to talk about it- just stating it for historical purposes), and our oldest child, Zachary, just turned 9 years old today(Happy Birthday Z) Wow! It seems only yesterday that I was holding his cute little bod in my arms, and now I can barely carry him without dragging his feet across the floor. Augh, they grow up too fast. Zachary is an awesome son, we are so blessed to have him in our family, especially the eldest and the exemplar to his other siblings. He is such a big helper, I sometimes find myself calling his name(like Cinderella) a little too often when I need help-but he's so great, he rarely even complains. He is quite the peacemaker in our home. He is unselfish and will share whatever he has with his brothers and sisters, he loves them, we love him.(uh oh, the Barney songs starting to come out) He is (and has been since he was little) quite sensitive to the Spirit which we are grateful for that. Anyways, thanks Zac for choosing to come down to our family. I'm sure you knew it would be a test to come to earth to two derranged parents.(HE HE) You are the best. We went tubing down the river together yesterday, good times. Anyways, we've had a great summer already, the family reunion was awesome as always. Cousins goin on missions, comin home from missions, getting married, having babies, this is what life's all about huh Grandma. They have 100 posterity to date(grandchildren and great grandchildren) I can't wait to see the fruit of our labors 50 years down the road. We spent a nice relaxing week in Vegas with old roomies from college. There were 13 kiddos runnin around-but fun to say the least. Thanks Kim and Sam. The Fourth of July was great in good ole' Huntsville. They do a great job, and we are quite determined to make their festivities a tradition for the McKinney fam. (You all are welcome to join us any year also) We are now in Thatcher, Idaho visiting family. Alisa drove up from Cali for just a few days so I wanted to spend as much time with her as I could before she went home. She seems to be doing great and we are looking forward to her mission call. I have about a million projects half finished at home. My latest is an outdoor chimney fireplace next to the huge arbor we built last fall. It will be awesome!(when it's finished, hopefully sooner than later) Well, I am going to go ahead and publish this post, just in case I don't get around to my blog for another 6 months.

Let it Snow!!!

2008-01-26T13:28:00.000-08:00

Well, to say the least we have been bombarded this year with the white fluffy stuff. Other than driving in it- I love it. It's so beautiful. I love looking out my window and seeing my private little winter wonderland. The kids have had fun sledding, snowboarding, and snowmobiling in it this winter also and Jonathan loves roaming around the ice and breaking off the biggest icicles he can find. We are grateful for the added moisture it will give us this upcoming summer.

Halloween 2007

2008-01-26T13:04:00.000-08:00

As you can tell, Halloween is a favorite at our house. Especially for Hailey since she gets to dress up (like she does everyday). She was three different things this Halloween. Our ward had its annual fall festival. Hailey and Jonny danced to "Happy Halloween" and Zac and Cameron danced with my other dance students to Adam's Family and Monster Mash. They did grrreat. The boys really like to get into character when they were performing. Wes and I were a 50's couple. Wes was quite jealous of his wig and I quite enjoyed my blonde hair doo.

2007-10-07T16:05:00.000-07:00

This is the most recent picture of our family taken all together. This was taken at Carthage Jail in the room where Joseph and Hyrum were killed. Despite my ill conceived notion that this was not the best vacation to take with a young family-I would recommend it to any family(yes, even before Disneyland) to go to Old Nauvoo and experience all the great things they have and the great spirit that is there. We had a wonderful time and the kids still talk about how much fun it was. (from left to right- Cameron in the camo- Zachary on the floor-Hailey held by Aunt Angie- Wes and I by the window with Brooklyn in my arms- and Jonathan on cousin Monica's lap)

Hair Scare

2007-10-07T15:51:00.001-07:00

What is that? Premature balding? you may say. Though it may look like my eight year old son Zachary has taken on one too many of his father's and grandfather's traits this is actually the result of a "bad habit" that Zac self inflicted on the bus. Don't worry, we have been psychoanalyzing him ever since and any of our parenting skills that may have traumatized him. Jonathan on the other hand, decided to get a new hair style the old fashioned way-with scissors.

Hailey Maeva McKinney

2007-10-07T09:09:00.001-07:00

Hailey Maeva McKinney Shy? Quiet? If I could describe Hailey in 10 seconds what would I say?

Blogger Blocked

2007-10-05T17:24:00.000-07:00

So, short of having anything interesting or funny to say, I can't post pictures or videos. Our computer is a dinosaur and so I thought I would have better luck on my in-laws. NOPE! Anybody have any suggestions or tips (other than getting the latest, greatest technology and gadgets) so that I can post pictures and videos(without it taking 4 hours). Much appreciated- Thanks

Dance Dance Dance

2007-10-05T16:22:00.000-07:00

Dance has started up again. My house looks like a drug house on Wednesdays with car traffic in and out for 3 1/2 hours strait. I have forty students this year with age range from 3 to 16. Hailey is so excited on dance days. She gets to wear her dance outfits(she'd sleep in them if I let her) She does well, as does Jonathan and Cameron. Zachary has been somewhat of a no show this year because he has scouts right after school and then hides until class is over. (He doesn't like the attention he gets from the girlies, some are pretty annoying) We've been working on a Halloween dance that we'll hopefully perform for our ward Fall Festival.(Adam's Family and Monster Mash) It's fun for me. I call it "me" day because I get to do something I love and then I get to hang out with the young women afterwards. I've been feeling a little aged after classes are all over. A good massage(wink wink Wes) would do me some good. HA!

Canning Blues

2007-09-26T10:11:00.000-07:00

Well, yesterday confirmed my excuses for not being a canner. Last night 10 women from my Relief Society met to make applesauce. I got there about 10 minutes to 7 o'clock and got home about quarter to 10 o'clock. Wes was quite impressed with what I had to show for my three hours of canning. 2 and 1/2 bottles of applesauce!! I think I will stick with the case lot sales at Macey's -3 cans of applesauce for a buck.

Celeste-N-Wes Crew

2007-09-24T07:50:00.000-07:00

Well, 9 1/2 years of blissful marriage and 5 children later, I finally made the resolve to make some sort of journaling or history of the McKinney Clan household and decided this new innovative way of blogging would best fit my crazy lifestyle. Thanks to family members for introducing to the computer impaired (that would be me) of this great way of keeping in touch with other family and friends. Now the hard part is just knowing where to start. So, let's just make it easy for me and start TODAY! It is going to be a long day today, it is raining(pouring, but I am grateful for the moisture) and I am putting off the innevitable, yet never ending task of house work. It's a pretty typical day, Zachary(8) and Cameron(7) are off to school and I've set Jonathan(4) and Hailey(3) in front of the TV(PBS of course) so I can get some work done while Brooklyn(1) follows me around the house vying for attention. I usually play school with the kids have lunch and then it's naptime(YEAH!). That's my time to work on outside and inside projects(the list is neverending) Wes is busy dealing with the scum of the earth and I stay busy wiping little hooday's and kissing sticky dirty faces. It's a hard job but somebody's got to do it. I love being a mommy! Well, the day must go on for time doesn't stop for the newly converted bloggers and the dishes aren't going to magically disappear as I always hoped for. So Adieu, until next time.