Happy Birthday Jesus

Yes, we got a LOT of presents...I mean A LOT! It is our love language at our house: Gift Giving, and this season you can tell! It's a bitter sweet event. We spend months and days trying to find that perfect (at the right price) gift item for that special someone so that you can get a smile or a twinkle, or a "that's JUST what I wanted" It's heartbreaking when that special person rips open your gift you painstakingly labored over and looks at it with no glorious response...or worse yet, if they toss to it to the side to grab the next package. I can't help but think of my Savior. Our Loving Heavenly Father painstakingly wraps blessings up for us each and every day. He watches with excitement to see our faces as we open each blessing, He can't wait to hear "THANKS! You thought of Me! I love it!" The saddening truth is that we too toss our gift to the side not even acknowledging the gift giver. It bums me out for one morning---imagine hearing no thank you's for eternity! He wrapped that sunrise up just for you, He packaged that sweet babie's kiss, he orchastrated that peaceful moment of joy--he wants us to be blessed. Did we thank him? This is all for me---I'm the worlds worst of tossing a blessing aside impatiently waiting for the next one.

Over 2000 yrs. ago, he wrapped his most precious prize up for the world. Imagine his demise when we carelessly tossed His one and only begotten son aside. Father forgive us. Thank you for each amazing gift. We are so blessed ONLY because of you. Happy birthday Jesus. Thanks for giving.

Doubley Thankful

Remember that doublemint commercial--everything is better in two! Well take a look at Abby---she definitely has that concept!
We had a wonderful time over Thanksgiving. We traveled to my mom and dad's in Yukon, OK. We went early and had a chance to visit and relax. We spent actual Thanksgiving day at my Grandparents. They'll be 80 next year and act like 20 year olds! They are definitely my inspiration and I want to be like them when I grow up. I am so blessed and have sooooo much to be thankful for! Praise be to the blessing Giver! It's only through Him I have ANYTHING! Here are a couple of photos of my blessings!

Isaac is an army guy!

Rhea is aaa well, your guess is as good as mine. Princess street walker?

And my little puppy who wouldn't wear her costume the right way! That's Abby for you!
REALLLL SPPOOOOKKKKYYY
Here are my pictures from Halloween! Sorry it took so long. I didn't get a picture of Marty. He was so scary looking. He has been looking forward to Halloween ever since we "moved to the city" He thought, just because we live in town, we'd get trick or treaters. He had the entire yard decked out with strobe light, scary things, spider webs The works! But, we still live on 3 acres! And even though he bought 4 JUMBO bags of candy we didn't have ONE trick or treater :( The kids and I went to the big Church Carnival in town....too many people, but the kids loved it!

A Little Camping?

We were suppose to go camping this weekend, BUT because we had a "coughing" kid and Mazillion things to do, we decided to build a campfire in our backyard and rough it outside for a few hours. We LAUGHED so hard at the kids. They played a hide and seek game where one kid hides then everyone looks for him. When you find him you are suppose to hide with him until one person is left trying to find them. It was SOOO funny! Also, we really enjoyed our smores...as you can see Jennifer had the stickiest fingers. She didn't read smores 101 where you are not aloud to touch the actual marshmallow with your fingers...only the graham crackers make contact. Abby was in the house asleep, and Rhea (as you can see) snuggled up instead of play games. What blessings we have! And sooo much better being able to run in the house and use the potty, or wash your hands or change your shirt. We tried to get Isaac and Joseph to sleep outside in the tent...but they opted for the playroom instead. Maybe next year :)!!! Here are some pics!

A Day in the Life of a 16-month-old

If your life is boring, drab, or otherwise uneventful, may I suggest getting a 16-month-old. If you don't want any down time, or are bored on how things stay where they belong, I suggest getting a 16-month-old. There are no garauntees however, I'm just going off the experience of one particular cutie: ABBY MAE.

Yep, a typical day has these events in them. (all are true accounts, no names or identities have been changed)

"Where's Abby?" "Oh cute, she found a mickey mouse straw, haven't seen that since the move last spring." "Where's Abby?" Here she comes out of the bathroom with a wet mickey mouse straw and water all over her and the toilet. I guess she was trying to see how a straw worked, and being innovative, there was water she could reach easily. (thank God it was flushed)

After taking the trash out, I go to the pantry to get another bag to put in the can. There is the box, where are the bags? I know I bought a brand new box last week, I couldn't have used all of them. After investigation I found that Abby enjoys pulling out the bags and putting them IN the trash can. At least she knows where they go.

This particular 16-month-old is highly intelligent and knows how to escape an adult size house. On a few occasions I'm in the kitchen doing dishes,thinking Abby is in the play room. I see a streak of pink go past the window. After a double take, there she is on an afternoon stroll-BY HERSELF OUTSIDE! Those of you that need adreniline rushes, or a kick for the kicker---this 16-month-old episode will do it everytime---especially when she's running straight for the road.


I can honestly say there has not been a peice of furniture she has not climb onto the highest point. I find random toys, pacifiers, sippy cups chewed carrots, grapes and other half eaten goodies in my kitchen drawers, bathroom counters, toy boxes and anywhere that stuff should not be. (and usually months after the fact...ok so I think it was a carrot)

Her favorite thing to do is pull stuff out--out of chest of drawers, tissue boxes, dog bowls, toy boxes, office desks, craft areas, and sister's hair. This must be a talent. How can we use this. If I ask her, she usually will put stuff back in...what's the use though?

One good thing about having a 16-month-old is that I get to use my sweeping skills. I have to sweep the kitchen floor at least 4 times a day or she starts eating left overs. And trust me, just because I sweep doesn't mean I get everything. Remember she hides things. (see above paragraph)


All in all, our life is full. Our particular 16-month-old is funny, playful, smart, and a true joy to be around. She loves baths, toothbrushes, babies and Q-tips. She is a TRUE blessing. I'd love to loan her out to anyone thinking about getting one. I hear the return on them is amazing. I'm already reaping some of it!--especially when we pray ANYWHERE, she will grab my hand and bow her head.

Texas State Fair

So, Marty goes on this men retreat and I get a hairbrain idea to get Isaac out of school and take all three kids, by myself to the Texas State Fair. Which happened to be opening day and one of the hottest September days yet!

The kids love it, and I actually have a great time with my kids...I actually like them :) Here are a few photos of them at the "farm" gig. They had so much fun.

So basically I wasted a lot of space to say I love my kids and I praise God I have them! Although I know they need an occasional whack upside the head, that darn sinful nature :) I'm so blessed to have them. The fair is until October 21, if you want to go, call me and I'll pack up the stroller and meet ya there!

Tinkerbell Tea party

My Precious Middle Child! What can I say? Yesterday you were born, now you want to wear make-up and watch High School Musical.



Some things that I treasure most about you my sweetheart:
1. Your servant's heart. From when you were very young, you were always seeking to help someone out. If it was bringing a diaper, making your bed, bringing something to bubba, you've never complained about serving someone else.
2. Your smile. It can make a dreary day disappear in seconds. Your big beautiful brown eyes are full of innocence and everything that is good. I praise God for your sweet smile.
3. Your unconditional love. There have been hundreds of times you've made a comment like "mommy, I love you even when you're angry" or "mommy, it's ok if you get mad, I still love you" You are the first one to hold me and say "I love you soooo much"



4. Lastly, I praise God for your tender heart. When we pray, you remember the most amazing things...like, "God be with the people in the car wreck"....she saw it first thing that morning and I totally forgot. or "be with Grandma's foot" I totally forgot she twisted it, but she remembers and lifts them up in prayer.

All in all, I thank God for my "Ray Ray". Turned 4 but going on 14! I love you sweetie!

Second First Day

Today was the girl's first day of school. Yep, Rhea's, Abby's and Mine! Rhea woke up at 5:45 and was ready to go. I tried to get her to go back to sleep but she was just too excited. I think Abby could feel the excitement too. She woke up in a great mood and everything went so smooth. We loaded up and headed out.

I'm working in the pre-k Learning Center at Northwest Bible Church in North Dallas. On a regular non-traffic day it takes me approximately 35 minutes to get there. Today was my first go at it during rush hour. YUCK! Through the ever-construction I exited the wrong street and got lost, therefore arriving 20 minutes late.(1.3 hrs. later) I was flabergasted, but sweet Rhea was so reassuring. "Mommy, the people won't be mad at you" I love that little girl. She has such a sweet, serving spirit (have no idea where she got it)....Anyway, after getting the girls to their classes I made it and had a grand first day. I'm as tired as can be, but feel very rewarded. It seems the ladies I'm going to be working with are amazing. I'm looking forward to a great year (minus the commute) Rhea AND Abby both got high praises from their teachers. Said they were wonderful and fun> Abby was the center of attention, and Rhea was the little "helper", always serving. She said "Mom, I like my teacher, she's beaUtiful" She makes everyone feel good!

We are still struggling with Isaac. I finally had a conference with the teacher and was able to find out what his schedule is like, what they are focusing on etc., so I can motivate him. I didn't cry today...but it only took me 6 days. Can't promise on day 7. One thing though, Marty is an AMAZING daddy. He's kinda took on the project of helping Isaac get up and get ready and out the door. My kids are so blessed to have him! SO that's our random updates :) Below are a few pics for Velvet to show that we are practicing for our McWhirter challenge. PS Look at the form Abby has already

Isaac's First Day

A good hearty breakfast...we had a good start, smiles and everything. Oops, got toothpaste on my shirt, nothing daddy's spit can't take off. We are ready to head to school. All smiles, everything is good. The walk was great, Mom and Isaac off to school with a billion other mommies. All smiles everything is Great...we're going to make it through--- Well---no more smiles, Isaac doesn't want to stay, even though his best friend is in there. He has ahold my leg, I'm sweating, all the kids are looking at him with cocked heads, sitting nicely at thier place. Teacher has to pry him off my leg "Mommy don't go, it's too long, I don't want to stay...." Are the last words I hear as I head down the hall. As soon as I can get out of the way of the other parents I lose it. How could I leave my baby, who OBVIOUSLY doesn't want to stay in there with a bunch of strangers? How will I know if he ever stops crying? How will I know if he'll make it? I called my mother..."find out what time his recess is and go and watch." Be a stalker in other words. I thought about it, but decided against it. After telling Marty how hard it was, we both had a good cry and decided to get on with our day. It would go faster if we were busy. Right??? Well it didn't. I'm still crying and he's home for goodness sake!
3:00 finally came and me and the girls loaded up and headed to the school (with a million other mommies). Daddy met us there. I didn't even recognize him when he came out. He looked so big...and I swear I saw him 6 feet tall with a cap and gown on (freaky moment). He ran to me..."Mom, I stopped crying by myself"

He liked it

. He actually wants to go back (although I'm not so sure I want him too!) One bad thing. He got on yellow today. The teacher said he was too "talkative" WHAT? Isaac too talkative, you must have him mixed up with someone else. Oh thank God this day is over. And I have 2 more years before Rhea goes

Last Summer Vacation

Sea World tickets--$650
Parking Passes--$60
Sea World Souvenior PONCHOS (13 of them)--$78
Wal Mart run for "in hotel" activities--$100
Family and Friend Fun--- PRICELESS

We took a little trip to Sea World, San Antonio with our friends the Yarbroughs and Uncle Chuck (13 total). What we initially thought to be the hottest week all summer turned out to be the wettest.
Our first day at Sea World, it was reported to have rained 10 inches!!! We stayed only long enough to feed the dolphins and watch Shamu. (oh yea and blow our souvenior money on ponchos--one for everyone) We were all miserable, cold, wet, hungry and dissapointed. We rushed back to the hotel where all 7 kids had to be entertained with tv and an elevator. I'm surprised we weren't kicked out!


To our surprise we got a "rain check"...so we headed back the next day. It rained on us a little, but we were prepared with our ponchos, umbrellas and "non-socked" shoes :) It ended up being a WONDERFUL day with hardly anyone in the park. The big kids (me too) got to ride the big roller coaster (THE GREAT WHITE) 6-7 times (4 times in a roll, not even getting out) It was great fun.

The last day we made it back to Sea World for the water park fun. This was on Saturday and everyone that had a "rain check" from Thursday came and brought all 14 of their relatives! It was crazy busy, and hot! But we had a grand time anyway. What did I learn? 1. Always pack more than just tank tops. 2. And Jennifer, it's not that crazy to bring a jacket to San Antonio in the August! 3. You can never have enough snacks!

Knock Knock

Behold I stand at the door and Knock, whoever hears my voice will open the door and I will dine with him and he with me Rev. 3:20


Isaac, my sweet socialite, was having a sad moment the other day. He asked me to write these words on a piece of paper: "Who want to play come over" What is he doing? I wondered. Then he taped it to a stake and took it outside and put it in the ground next to the road. "Isaac, what are you doing" "I don't have any friends to play with so I'm asking whoever wants to come and play with me" Before you say, OH poor little guy, understand, he has 2 sisters, and Elisabeth is over everyday, plus he is either over at Joseph's house (best buddy) or Joseph is at our house every day. This was just a small moment in time when he felt he had no friends. He even had the girls in his plan. "I've got a good idea girls, you stand and wave at people when they drive by" I was cracking up.


In his desperate plea for a friend to play with the Holy Spirit was tugging on my spiritual heart strings. I was reminded that God hung a sign on a stake for our friendship....he put a plea out..."whoever wants to come-- come. Anyone, All. I want to be your friend." And here we go, driving by in our fast cars, our busy lives. "oh isn't that cute"--he wants a friend.

He wants our friendship so badly he died for it. He Himself hung on the stake.

He wants to dine with us. Dine in that passage means to fellowship, sit at our table and catch up, share our thoughts, dreams, desires. He wants our friendship! Thanks Isaac for showing me how badly I've neglected my Savior's friendship. I'm going start "dining" with Him more often!

Making a Splash!

Abby in the Water----always smiling :)

This is a typical day at the McKees....not just our 3 anymore.

Our kids love the water! Of course, they come by it naturally. I was in the pool or lake almost every day of every summer I can remember! But Abby is something else. We have a 3.5 foot pool that the kids swim in at least once a day. Abby thinks she's a big kid too.
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4QXGWCJLudL2JqLEXSEFA9AxraUP-8TClc28MCsvRTeGSr-Npuz3qT6rUxIanJS8CLmh4j1xJtV8y4aWR505Az37DzVm46I4LhbgOUTQlk1f8WviaKWpgjtVEZo4RzeSmihY1z8ouAYU/s1600-h/CIMG2058.JPG">She can climb up the ladder and jump in. This all at the fear and trembling of mom! She gets mad when I hold her so I thought I'd teach her a lesson...I'll let her go so she'd panic and feel the insecurity of the water. Well, to my demise the plan backfired. She hit the bottem of the pool and pushed herself up enough to get a breath then made it to the ladder! She crawled up the ladder choking and coughing with a big ole grin on her face. Then she did it again! This kid definitely is blessed with the "no fear" factor. Mom, Dad---I'm sorry for everything I did growing up. Now I know your misery and worry :)
Ain't this the life!

Purple Pillow

I've had a few of those---"everything's-going-wrong-laundry-too-high-groceries-too-low-kids-on-my-nerves-wish-calgon-can-take-me-away days" The days you wish you can find some rest and comfort away from everything. I don't know about you, but my comfort area or "lovey" is curling up with a good Christian novel and reading until my eyes bug out., or lately reading some of my old journals. It's amazing to see how far I've grown in some areas and yet how far I need to grow in most! But my point is, everyone has a "lovey" don't they? A good TV show, a comfy lazy-boy chair, maybe a good song, or a blankie.? Well my 4 year old has a "lovey" It's her PURPLE PILLOW. It is a hand-me-down from MY Grandma and is one of those real heavy feather-down comfy ones. My mom took an old satin pillow case and cut it down to fit this small "lovey" and the satin pillow case is purple. It's soft, squeezy and comfortable. Rhea can't sleep without it. She carries it around when she's tired, or not feeling good. When's she's scared she holds onto it. She likes it cold and will sleep on it, under it, or in it! It's her lovey and she uses it for comfort.
I've been thinking about this for a while and realized that God was talking STRAIGHT to my heart. COME TO ME ALL YOU WHO ARE BURDENED AND HEAVY LAIDEN, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST....MY BURDEN IS LIGHT AND MY YOLK IS EASY! How I wish I could put God into a purple pillow so I can physically grab hold of Him, curl up with Him and be surrounded my His undying love, comfort and peace. So next time you grab your "purple pillow" or good book, or old coffee mug...remember that God is calling YOU to lean on Him (even in the small stuff He reminded me)

RHEA AND HER PURPLE PILLOW!

Fireworks!

What a full fun time! We first traveled to Perryton TX to say goodbye to Marty's Granny who passed away Thursday. Marty did a beautiful little service there. Then we traveled back to Oklahoma in the rain to drop off the kids. Marty and I drove another 100 miles or so to go to a much needed secluded B&B. WE stayed at the Dancing Deer Lodge www.dancingdeerlodge.com in Stillwater, OK. It was great to reconnect with my hubby WITHOUT kids! After two days, we headed back to Yukon to watch some fireworks and eat watermelon. It was great because my dad was in town and Isaac learned how to ride a 2-wheel bike. The kids loved the fireworks. On the 4th, we traveled home. Had another great time with friends and family. We popped some of our own and watched our neighbors have a backyard firework duel. We had a blast, after our neighbors $50 blast, we'd pop our $1 blast and laugh and have a ball. The kids had fun. Thank God we live in a free country to celebrate, laugh, and Praise Him whenever and HOWEVER we want! Thank you Jesus!

Quick Update

Summer is full of traveling, sunnin' and funnin' (well this summer so far has been full of rain) But I'm not complaining yet! Last week my two older kids were at my folks house in Oklahoma. They had a blast, of course, because their momasita keeps them super busy and entertained the entire time...like I said in an earlier post-she's great. As for Marty and I, we were pretty bored. Going from 3 to 1 kid is tough. I had the house clean, groceries bought, emails caught up...and I still had many hours to burn. I don't realize how much time kids take up. I don't want to ever be an "empty-nester". I like the clutter, the noise, the constant "Mommy, he touched me" I truly am blessed and honestly enjoy it. Here's a slide show of the past couple of months. Putting here mainly for Aunt Tammy and Grandpa who don't get to see my kiddos that often. Enjoy!

God Showing Off

These are my favorite earrings. Marty bought them for me a few years ago for our anniversary. They are from James Avery, very light and I can wear them all the time. Well, a few weeks ago I lost one. I thought it was in my bed, but after much searching and crying I did not find it. I prayed that the Lord would bring it back to me. I know, what a selfish prayer, but that earring was special to me. Well, time went by and I got over it. In the mean time, Rhea had been sick and kinda out of sorts. My prayer for her was that God would somehow let her know she is special. Just a simple prayer. Well, like God does-- he showed off. Just tonight, Rhea was sweeping the floor for me. "MOMMY, Look what I found-- a treasure!" She had found my long lost earring! So God answered both of my prayers at the same time. I was so happy. And well, we can glorify God in the small stuff too right? Praise God for lost and found earrings. P.S. Rhea has been all smiles !--she is the treasure finder and very happy.

Daddy of the Year Award

Ok ya'll this blog is devoted to my sweet husband...who in my mind deserves the "Daddy of the Year" & "Husband of the Year" Awards! Not only does he put up with me (and graciously I might add), he goes beyond the call to show me and his kids how much he appreciates us! Here's just a few reasons why:

1. This past weekend I had scheduled a scrapbook convention (GASC). The night before I was to leave, Rhea threw up all night long. Marty was amazing in helping me and letting me sleep while he took care of her, because he knew I needed my rest for my day the next day. He took off work and played with three + kids all day not complaining at all. I didn't come home until 1:00 am and he was still all smiles and sweet as can be. (It was so fun to be with the girls allllll day...here are some of my very best of friends, Melissa and Tricia. We all got scrapbooking about the same time 7 years ago and are addicted. Our shirts say: "You say Psycho Scrapper like it's a bad thing"

2. He totally didn't want too, but because he knew how much fun the kids would have, he put up one of those BLUE pools in the backyard. He labored and sweat all evening getting it ready for us to play in! And he knows that I'm terrible at following up with stuff like that; chlorine and stuff...

3. He makes dinner on a regular basis, cleans, cooks breakfast every Saturday morning, and keeps the outside in tip top shape.

4. Our septic system was messed up this week because of all the rain, and well, one of the pipes backed up so bad there was GROSS stuff all over the yard.. and I mean gross stuff. My daddy-of-the-year was out there (with a fever) cleaning up the mess, scooping up human waste and toliet paper to make it safe for our kiddos. Wow!

5. He woke up early from a Sunday nap to take his daughter on a "date" to Sonic. Which is always a highlight in Rhea's world.

6. There are so many more reasons why he deserves these awards, but the main one is because of His love for Our Savior. Marty is a man of pure integrity and when he serves he does it WHOLE HEARTILY! His devotion to His God and His church is second to none and he truly loves to love others. He is my biggest inspiration and example of a servant leader.

I'm so glad God brought Marty for me. I never-ever imagined a friendship like his. I only pray that others can have what we have. It's truly what God intended in a marriage. Isaac wants to be just like his daddy, Rhea adores him, and well, Abby will jump out of my arms for only one person: her daddy! Happy Father's Day...my Daddy-of-the-Year.

Disclaimer: Of course MY DAD will always win the Daddy-award too...it's just fun to be on this side of the contest :)He was the one who set the bar/the standard! Dad, I had no idea all you did when we were little. Thanks for teaching me the unconditional love of CHRIST! You're an amazing man.