Christmas Card 2008

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Seasons

A chill in the air, a cold wind, orange, red, yellow....apples, pumpkins, longer nights. This all adds up to one thing: AUTUMN. And I love it!

And, fires in the fireplace, Christmas, warm beds, hot chili.....yummy WINTER

Well, new life, green, warmth, colors, birds, bugs, easter....Spring... I like that too.

Swimming, sunbathing, vacationing, no school....SUMMER, Love it too

I love the seasons. It seems whatever season we're in is my favorite one. So my conclusion is I like change. I am NOT happy doing the same thing over and over. I need variety, a new scenery. Maybe because my parents moved a lot when I was little...I'm not sure, but I thrive on change... I'm always trying to find something better I guess.

Well change has been happening around the McKee house. My kids are growing. In fact, Isaac's face has changed a lot, he lost his FIRST tooth today at school.

I don't think it's bad to like change.....so why would I be so lax in my spiritual growth. Why am I content with NOT going deeper, NOT pushing myself, NOT getting out of my comfort zone. I seem to crave it in every other aspect of my life: my weight, my job, my furniture, my income, my attitude........So, my prayer is that I choose CHANGE, live out the fact that Christ has taken this full blown sinner and changed her into a spotless princess...so why don't I change into that?

Interesting...

A day late and dollar short...

Sorry my blog browsers- I've let you down. The fact is, I'm crazy addicted now to Facebook. If you want to know a day to day account of the Mckee's -- Sign on! School has started, my Thirty One Business is crazy booming, church is on fire, my kids are growing, reading, playing, and taking life by the horns! Marty turns 41 TODAY! I'm so honored to be in love with him more and more (BTW...go see FIREPOOF) And bring every married friend you have.

Ok- so is that enough to keep you posted??? I do have some adorable pics on facebook...Rhea's birthday, our new dog AND cat, Abby's haircut. So those that want to stay posted (Velvet, Sunny etc.) Go to facebook and stay in touch!

God is Good---

60 Year Anniversary Poem

I was in charge of making my grandparent's 60th anniversary party programs. I wanted to use a picture of them when they began and a picture 60 years later. So I had to have a "filler" I spent countless hours of looking for the perfect scripture or poem SOMETHING that would work. I got so fed up that I wrote my own. SO I'm posting it for those that are looking for that perfect 60th anniversary poem--I have one :) And then I added a link to Youtube so you can see my little Rhea sing, at the request of my Grandy, at the celebration. BTW--my favorite quote at this event was from my Papa. "Sixty years is a long time, but divorce never once came to mind ever....murder a couple of times, but NEVER divorce." They were so precious! For more pictures and music go to my facebook-

A DIAMOND EVENT

They say 60 years is a diamond event,
How true it must be,
For a diamond is the rarest of all stones,
The most pleasing for the eye to see.

Although diamonds occur naturally,
Through pain and fire it must go.
As like 60 years together,
It comes out with a shiny glow.

The diamond is solid,
And the hardest rock on earth,
Will withstand the harshest of elements,
And holds the highest worth.

It is easy to see why the diamond
Represents 60 years of love,
A precious union ordained
By the Lord God above.

Thank you for being our diamond
Mom, Dad, Grandy, Pa,
You have begun a beautiful legacy
And have set the goal high for all.



And here is my little rhea-- If I were a butterfly

Joy, Jubilation, Jetlag

JOY---being with my sister. Seeing her life, how she lives, loves and laughs. I now can understand her struggles, her excitement, her heart. JOY--because I've learned so much about myself, my cultural dependances, my limitations. JOY--because I see God working in totally different ways than I ever thought possible AND the people I met! The ones that left everything to serve, the ones who lost everything to believe...the ones that have nothing but hope. JOY-- to see the Black Sea, and to see my son's face when he caught a jellyfish and to see the bond my first born and my best friend have although we are million miles apart. The JOY overflows having spent 11 days with my sister and my son :) (and bro-in-law).


JUBILATION--The laughter we had! We attended a traditional Ukrainian birthday celebration. The lady turned 70 and she ENTERTAINED us. The guests came prepared with a toast and we are 'instructed' to drink to the toast. If you don't it's offensive. After 15-20 'toasts' naturally, dancing is next. Please watch the video to the end---and you will also feel the jubilation Isaac felt! We had so many laughs I'm not sure what else to post!

JETLAG began on our train ride from Crimea. Tammy and Matt live on the southern most part of Ukraine, in the big penisula known as Crimea. The Capital of Ukraine--Kiev is 18 hours away by train. So we took a sleeper train all the way. Isaac loved it, but I was so worried he'd fall off the top bunk I didn't get a wink of sleep!

Then of course we had to get on a plane for 10.5 hours....when we got to NY- our plane was delayed and we had a layover for 9 more hours. We didn't get home until 4 am! after traveling for 24 hours---jetlag was a very familiar feeling! But I would do it again for the experiences we had!

A couple other major highlights: First--My time with the orphans! OMY--- I can't even describe it. I have cried a lot about it, and I feel so helpless. I just simply pray. One thing---Tammy is making an AMAZING impact on the little lives that otherwise wouldn't have anyone.


Secondly is how amazed I was at the progress Matt is doing on the house they are building. He's doing all of it from bottom to top. This picture doesn't do it justice---but I'm so excited. Especially because the people they are ministering feel so connected to them and trust them. Way to go Matt!

When Matt and Tammy dropped us off, Isaac started to cry, he said "remember a long time ago when I got hurt and I tried not to cry?" "yes, baby what is it?" "I'm trying not to cry and I can't help it" He said it all. The bittersweet goodbye, knowing I won't get to wake up and have breakfast with my sister for a very long time, knowing that she and Matt will press on doing God's work without me beside them, It was sad....but so rewarding!

There are SOOO many things we did! So many people we met! So many lessons learned! If you have a minute I'll tell you! Thanks for your prayers and financial support! It was so amazing to encourage the most amazing missionaries I know!

Ukraine Trip so Far!

We are off from DFW! In great spirits and excited about the adventures that lie ahead. We made it and actually in the past 3 days I've learned more than I can imagine!


From one plane to the other---we were in 4 different airports 3 different planes, lots of delays and hours later, we made it to Ukraine (without our luggage! Lesson 1, always carry the address and phone number of the person you are visiting. I wasn't able to tell them airlines where I was going...it was in another part of the country!The good thing about no luggage, is that we didn't have "go through customs" Since our plane was delayed 3 hours from JFK, my sister was waiting at the Kiew airport for hours, at the exit with camera in hand In Ukraine, they don't let you know when the plane is coming. So she stood there taking pictures of every 'mother and son type" until we came! It didn't take AS long because no one had to check our bags. It was a delight to see her! I actually cried!After landing in Kiev, we directly went another airport to take a plane to Simperofol. I was a little spacey at this point....ok, I still am :)

Thank God for the red bomb!  Matt picked us up at the Simperfol airport and we went home and literally crashed!  It was so good to be in Tammy's home.  Lesson 2...the roads ARE really bumpy here.  Lesson 3  I learned how to go on a squatty potty...you have to have really strong quad muscles.

The next day Tammy had a "women's tea" set up at her church.  The theme was Women of Strength, and I was the main speaker!  (I'm international now ha)  Lesson 4...I'm not really good when I actually have to pause to think about what to say.  I'm better when I can just have a my mouth run.  I had a translator, the people were great.  Lesson 5...I'm a VERY social person, and I DO NOT like the language barrier.  I Want to get to know these people.

Isaac really hadn't had any culture shock at all.  He fits right in and actually can say 2 Russian words.  He participated in the women's tea craft.  He has been so patient, and so sweet.  Doing everything we ask.  

At church Tammy and I sang a special. They had the words in Russian on the screen. Lesson 5...you can worship in any language.

Isaac made some friends with another missionaries daughters.  They REALLY liked him and wanted to be RIGHT beside him the entire time.  It made him feel like home, with his two sisters...which he misses by the way!

This is Tammy's front porch area where they live.  It cracks me up because on the outside of the gate is dusty, old, rundown roads with giant potholes, no greenery or landscape, then you walk in a big iron/brick gate to an oasis.  Cherry trees, roses, veggies, plums.  It's beautiful.  Lesson 6 Ukrainians utilize every space they have.

Our trips to the market have been few, but VERY interesting to Isaac.  He hates walking but loves the fish, meat, and random things all over the place.  LEsson 7... I take Walmart for granted!

This is what we're doing today.....Planning trips to the beach, visiting friends and on the road all next week.  Just wanted to keep you up to speed on the amazing journey so far!  God is so good.  Lesson 7...I love being with my sister!  Lesson 8... I miss my husband and girls with all my body!   More pictures and blog to come!

New Beninnings and Ends

"What Time is It? Summer Time!"

Summer is officially here at the McKee house...And surprisingly I CRIED on Isaac's last day of kindergarten. (Have no idea why?) But we have so much to look forward to this summer.
It started off with a visit from one my dearest and wisest friends! She and her kids visited for the day and we enjoyed SUMMER! Watching the kids play in the pool, getting sun ourselves, talking about what matters in life: meals, diapers, and church! (my kids and Velvet's kids)

Yes I got to visit with Velvet, Jenny and Candace at length over the past couple of days---and I now realize just how much strength I get from these women! Thank you girls for being such positive examples in my life. You all TRULY make me want to be a better person.

So- yes, although Isaac will not be rushed out of the house at 7:30---we'll be trekking all over the world visiting friends, family and soon to be friends. I love Summer!
What time is it? Summertime, it's our Vacation? What time is it? Summertime!

Pants down and Sleeping buddy

Ok- I have so much to do but wanted to make this quick post!
Last week I had strep throat and went to the Dr. to get a shot...the kind that hurts! Well here comes the "shot-giver" a 20 something good-looking paramedic intern coming in to rub me down and give me a shot. I don't Think I've ever had a shot in my bum by a man (good looking or not) So immediately I'm kinda embarassed. So here I am bent over pants half down and he rubs the area with alcohol. And he says "are you ready" pulls back and BOOOOOM! No he didn't stick me--- the lights go out. I mean OUT--- Pitch black dark. Here I am bent over, cute guy with a needle behind me and can't see my hand in front of my face. It was funny---I got caught with my pants down.....so 20 minutes later I got the shot--and now I'm better.

Part two: Last night I was playing bingo with the girls (that sounds so old ladyish) and Marty decided to go to bed without me. As he was in between sleep land and awake he feels a tickle on his back. He instinctly jumps up and grabs something. He feels he has something in his hand and throws it against the wall. "click" he hears. He pulls the covers back and sees a balloon. "Those darn kids---leaving deflated balloons in my bed"....but just to make sure he picks up MY pillow and finds a 3-4 inch gecko having spasms. He threw him so hard it knocked his brain loose. So as he is throwing the poor think that just wanted to snuggle out the front door, I walk in the back door....he explains it all. Then this morning as he's telling the animated story to the munckins we look out to see if he made it. Well, the trauma put him out if his misery. Poor thing, sleeping with a 200 pound giant, then getting slammed against the wall, suffocated by a pillow and then thrown out with no medical care. All he wanted was a snuggle!

So check your sheets tonight!!!! And don't get caught with your pants down!

Whirl Wind Weekend and Birthday Girl~

We headed to T Town, the big Tulsa for my cousin Jacqueline's wedding. We went up early to get the most out of our hotel experience! Plus I was to help my mom with the flowers and wanted to spend time with my family.

We had a birthday party for Abby in the hotel restaurant. We called all the family and invited them--not realizing the breakfast buffet was $16 a person! WHOA!. We made sure we told our guests it was a 'dutch party' However, my generous father picked up the tab anyway. We didn't have a birthday cake, but did have birthday pancake. Rhea insists she can't be two yet because we didn't have a birthday cake. We put the candles in a hardboiled egg. Abby liked it!

The wedding was precious and the reception spectacular. Rhea and Isaac have some moves...must be from my side of the family! About 10 pm, Isaac was begging to back to the hotel and sleep. I couldn't get Rhea off the dance floor! \
They also had a "kid table" at the reception full of candy, coloring books, glowy jewelry. It was fun for them!

We are truly blessed with such a beautiful sweet family! But this little trip made me realize, I probably don't need anymore. It's hard to sleep in the same room with 3 kids--especially when 3 out of 3 snore! Plus the simple knowledge that there is an indoor pool just 3 floors below made them excited and anxious the entire time. We swam a total of 4 different times in a 2 day span.

All in all, we bonded! As an immediate family and extended family. My kids couldn't go anywhere without Mamasita and Grandpa, and my Grandy, Papa, Aunt Donna and Uncle Terry were such blessings to be around. I praise God for a family who fears the Lord!
The best part was dancing with my husband! The last time we danced was at our own wedding! I love to dance...

Where Have I been!

HI! Wow, talk about busy-ness! I miss my favorite pastimes of blog searching and posting intimate things about my sweet precious family. Yesterday was my last day of school---and I have lots to post. SO be ready! First of all.....I've started yet another business. But this one I LOVE! Thirty One has become my way to actually contribute financially to my family. And it's a Christian based company--based on Proverbs 31!

I spoke at my Grandy's Mother's Day banquet. There were 80 plus women there and it was a blast. Rhea also sang! SOOOOO CUTE. I don't have that particular one, but here she is singing the gospel! Rhea Singing

Also, we've been working on a little fund raiser. Isaac and I are heading to Ukraine for 2 weeks in June! We've had lemonade stands and garage sales. He is so excited to fly over the ocean and "make a friend that doesn't speak his language" Be praying for us---we leave June 11. BTW--every proceed made from my thirty one goes to the trip. You can order online---and there is some CUTE personalized stuff!

We are heading to a big family wedding this weekend and Abby will be two. So I'll blog her sweet party too! So that's where I've been! Exhausted.

MONEY RAISIN'

Ok friends, family, and blog servers... This is not very deep, but needed. I have an opportunity to go to Ukraine this summer with Isaac my 6 yr. old! I cannot wait to see where my sister lives, where and to whom she ministers. I will get to help her with their new home, work with the orphans she loves on, and maybe even encourage some women in her church while we are there! Here is the deal...it's gonna cost a lot! SO---do any of you have ideas on getting money fast??

If you want to help and want to shop at the same time, you can go to my website: www.mythirtyone.com/heidi31 and go shopping....the money I make from those sales will go directly to my trip! I'm hoping to pay it all off and not charge any!

So if you have creative ideas, let me know! I'm already having garage sale :)--- want any junk!

I can't wait to post the pictures of our trip. Isaac cannot wait to make a friend who doesn't speak his language, and to ride on a plane. I'm delighted to shared this experience with him! Thanks for listening!

A Few of My Favorite Things

I've been pondering this entry for a while. It was easy to pick my kid's favorite things, but for myself, it was a little challenging. So I'll start with the easy ones. My 6-yr. old Isaac has few favs. Right now he is ADDICTED too Under Armor shirts. What is that? You ask? Well it's kinda like spandex but softer and WAY more expensive. Of course, thanks to WalMart we buy the knock-off brand, which suits him. He has a White, Red, and Blue one and wears one every single day---night AND day. Under his t-shirts, uniform, and as a night shirt. He cracks me up. His other favorite is playing his DS in my robe! It's very soft and comfy so he snuggles up and plays "surf's up"--for hours at a time if I let him! Oh to be 6 again!

My 4-yr Old Rhea's clothing favorite is her skirts. It is a battle field to get her to wear anything but a skirt....long, short, ugly, if it's a skirt she'll wear it. Even to play in the snow ;) BUT her absolute, hands down favorite is her sit-n-spin! The best $2 we have ever spent (at a garage sale). She'll get the mp3 player and sit and spin singing her praise songs all day! No lie...ask my sister. They were getting worried she might be losing brain cells! She loves it!! Cracks me up!

And my baby---almost 2-yr old, Abby. Her favorite is eating breakfast. She wakes up early just so she can eat. 6:30 you hear, "Moma, I hundry" We usually start with a banana, then move to pancakes...in which she lives for "kankakes" The sad thing is that is really the only meal she eats...she'll snack a little but that's it! No hearty meats, veggies or even mac-n-cheese! You scramble eggs though, she'll fight ya! And of course she loves to be kissed and tickled! It's a 2 yr old thing!

As for me--there are many on the list. I love warm sun while I'm by the pool. I love a good book I can't put down. I love it when the laundry is done and put away. I love a clean house. I love a good praise and worship time. But Honestly think my FAVORITE things lately are the little things I take for granted. Sunday mornings are crazy at our house. We are invovled in a ton of ministries so getting to church early is manditory. So I don't get time to eat...but at church they serve donuts! One of my favorite things is fresh donuts dipped into my coffee which is in a strofoam cup! Another favorite is when Marty comes home early and starts making dinner, or when Isaac runs to me after school and hugs me, or when Rhea wants to pray for someone. The little things in life are my favorite! And the other favorite thing is blog serving...I like getting away and reconnecting to other's lives!

Lastly, if you'd ask Marty---probably would be a snuggle by the fire, a good cup of coffee AFTER sleeping in--and ultimately spending QUALITY ALONE time with me :) DUH!

So what are a few of YOUR favorite things??? :)

Confessions of a Crazy Cookie Mommy

Let me start by saying how proud I am of my children. If I had to survive what I put them through, I'd be in a straight jacket! They are so resilent and when I apologize, they look at me with their big brown eyes and say they forgive me AND they mean it!....they don't remember the occurance EVER again. I will confess after bragging on my oldest.

A couple of weeks ago the doorbell rang in the middle of the day "great a salesman" but it was raining so I felt like I should open the door. Low and behold it was Isaac's Principal!!! from his school!!! The first thought was "oh great, his injury is so severe it had to be a personal visit" BUT in fact he wanted to tell me that Isaac was selected as a "CHARACTER STAR" which means he was nominated from his teacher as having high moral character and was chosen. The principal put a big red sign in our yard! I was speechless and so proud!


But that same "character star" can push my buttons. The other night while Marty was at church I was getting the kids ready for bed. I had battled with Rhea an hour (no exaggeration) about taking out her earrings and cleaning them and putting them back. I screamed, coaxed, loved on, talked to, prayed with, then finally resorted to BRIBERY! It worked. It was bedtime and I owed her 2 cookies.

Well, whan Isaac heard of this he was adament about getting his share (although he already had one earlier). I said "no" it's time for bed. And after a dozen "I WANT ANOTHER COOKIE" in a high pitched whiney voice, I snapped. "FINE! HAVE ANOTHER COOKIE" and I threw it across the kitchen skimming the top of his head, then hitting the wall and busting into a million peices.

Time stood still. I felt like I'd been possessed! How could I do such a thing. Isaac got giant tears and covered his face. He is scarred for life! I must've looked like a monster. I ran to him and held him..honey, I'm sorry. He picked up a piece of the cookie (not worried at all about the state of his mother) and through big tears said...."Mom, you broke my COOKIE!"

What character! The saddest thing about it is that the scenerio above (although not so extreme) is somewhat normal for my kids! I confess! Forgive Me Lord and help my kids be Character stars all their lives....in spite of their CRAZY mother!

Keeping In Touch

I literally have friends all over the world. Friends that strengthen me, encourage me, sharpen me, and plain convict me. The thread that sews us together is not motherhood, wifehood, region we live...but simply our love for Christ! My frustration is that I don't keep in touch very well with the ones that press me the hardest! My sister and brother-in-law have been in the states for a couple of months now and I've seen them be "reconnected" with those that push and encourage them. I caught the fever as well and visited some of my bestest friends: Blake and Ally. (after not seeing them really since my wedding!)

Blake and Ally have been in full time ministry for over 11 years now. They have four BEAUTIFUL (inside and out) Girls--and their love for Christ is plain contagious. We were only with them one hour and I was convicted, encouraged and inspired to be more like Christ! It also inspired me to keep in touch better. I have friends EVERY where---but that's no excuse. If I know I'll be more like Jesus after talking with them---I'm making the call. SO those out there (you know who I'm talking about) be expecting a call!



Thanks for being my friends!

Blessings!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! We celebrated the in coming of 2008 with My sister, brother in law, Mom and dad! SO fun!


Heidi and Tammy feeling like kids!

New Year's Day Six Flags Trip! Super fun. Tammy rode the titan and Superman for the first time. She said ONCE is enough!

People do think we are twins. We wore matching outfits (not on purpose) to the mall and at least half a dozen people asked us if we were twins!

My sister and bro-in-law have been at my house for the last two weeks. They are missionaries in Ukraine and are on 'home assignment' until February. I was blessed to have them in my home SOLID for 2 whole weeks. What a giant blessing. We played, laughed, shopped, laughed some more, encouraged one another, played some more, stayed up late, and just was together. Most of you know how close my sister and I am. It is very hard to be separated by so many miles, but the truth is, nothing can separate the bond we have. It was soooo fun for my kids to reconnect with their aunt and uncle. They LOVE LOVE LOVE them! Uncle Matt played basketball with them constantly and tickled and played with the girls non stop. How refreshing it was.
I was trying to upload more photos, but I guess I hit my limit! Just wanted to share my blessings! Love you Matt and Tammy, Mom and Dad!!