Christmas Day

Christmas 2007

Wow, this year was a fun Christmas. We celebrated Christmas Eve with some yummy chinese takeout and watching the Bronco/Charger game. Spencer's Chargers won, which Rob did not appreciate very much, but at least he let Spencer watch the entire game even though his Broncos did not play well at all. We made Santa some gingerbread man cookies, and of course left some apples and oranges for the reindeer as well. We read the Christmas story and watched a little video about it and then Spencer informed us he was going to turn on his listening ears when he went up to his room, so he could hear Santa. And then he'd know if Santa Claus was real or not. Christmas morning, Spencer was awake at about 7am. He was so excited and ready to run down and open presents except that I wasn't ready. I ran down to get the camera ready, but couldn't see very well, as I had woken up with a migraine. Spencer was on the verge of tears wanting to see his presents, so I gave in and let them come down without the camera ready to go. oh well, we caught most of the excitement. As soon as Carter saw his basketball hoop, he was saying basketball over and over and over again. That's all he did for quite some time as we opened our presents. Finally, he started to get into it as well, trying to take all of Spencer's presents and opening a few of his as well. He was happy with his hoop and Wiggle video. It was so funny. Spencer couldn't slow down. He was opening presents so fast we only caught about half on camera. He was divying out mine, rob's, carter's, opening up the family gifts and saying each time he opened one, "This is just what I wanted!" That made us feel really good. Spencer was excited about all of his presents, especially the LT jersey Santa brought him which he has been wearing these last few days. Lincoln, aka "Linx," our new cat, entertained us all by jumping and pouncing on all of the wrapping paper. We love having him around, and he's already so comfortable around us that he doesn't go and hide anymore. What a Christmas. A new pet, lots of goodies, a big mess, and happy kids. We hope you all had a great Christmas as well.

Spencer's Birthday Celebration

Spencer Turns 6!

Well, it's official. My little boy is no longer little anymore. He's passed 5 up and he's on his way. Rob & I are in a little denial at this point. We celebrated last Friday and threw Spencer a football party. It was a big hit. The kids had a blast, and why wouldn't they? They were able to break all the rules they have to keep at home. Throwing and kicking balls inside, playing tackle football, and eating lots of sugar. It was a lot of fun. We had a great group of 8 boys, all dressed up in their football apparel. We played games, ate cake & ice cream, hit the pinata-made by Rob (and yes hon, it is definitely "blog-worthy") and opened presents. The boys took home plenty of candy and some good stuff. Spencer thoroughly enjoyed his presents and even remembered to thank mom and dad. On his actual birthday, yesterday Dec. 18th, Rob took him out to lunch to Burger King. We opened presents when they got home, and he was excited with them all, especially the NFL teams poster. Of course the most inexpensive gifts they love, right? For school they sang Happy Birthday to him, and he took some cupcakes for the snack. After school I let him invite a few friends over and I just want to say that I'm so glad he has such good friends. They are so agreeable and nice and play really well together. We expect nothing less in the future. ---All in all, he had a great birthday. We are so proud of Spencer and all he's accomplished. He is a great kid. So smart, so sweet, and so fun. Thanks for all the calls and presents. We miss all of you and wish you could have been here.

Man of the House

Here's Spencer latest: Rob left for Tacoma today and won't be back until the end of the week. Upon leaving he told Spencer that he's the man of the house while he's gone. He told Spencer to take care of mom and do what he's told. Spencer internalized this a little more than just that. So 3 hours later, I hear Spencer saying, "Carter-Scott-Mackley! No, No!" I called to Spencer and told him he's not mom or dad, to which he replied, "but mom, I'm the man of the house now." And then came upstairs to tell me he was staying up late because he didn't have school until the afternoon. Seriously, what do you tell a 5 year old after that? I tried to not laugh, but sorry Spencer no late nights for you while you're man of the house. So I clarified that the man of the house doesn't get to do whatever he wants, (thanks Rob, wonder where he got that?) and that he is supposed to take care of his family, lock up the house, make sure we're safe, take the garbage out, and work 10 hours everyday. He didn't really appreciate that. So I didn't expound on anything else, ....I figured that was enough.

Turkey Day

Thanksgiving was wonderful. We were all a little worried for a while. First, because my parents flight got delayed and didn't arrive till 2 hours later, but mostly because the big 20 pounder almost didn't make it. My calculations were way off with this bird. I started it @ 7:15am, it wasn't done until just before 4pm. Whoa! Yah, .....there was a lot of drama, all by me, because I was thinking how awful Thanksgiving was going to turn out, because I screwed up the bird , BUT.....we pulled through. And it was the best bird I've made. Super juicy and awesome! So although, the rolls had to be reheated, everything else turned out great, and was super tasty. I am so glad my parents came. They are the neatest people. I'm too lucky. It's not very often you come across people who just make you happy, because they make you feel so good about yourself. Who are so positive, good, unselfish beyond any measure, loving, and who turn out to be your parents. How lucky am I? I love you mom and dad. You are truly the best out there. The boys miss you already, and we can't wait for your next visit. Hopefully by then, we'll all be able to ride in the same care without Rob the "Shuttler", and we'll have more appropriate lodging conditions. Thanks for being such troopers. Go Cougs!

Birthday Celebration

Well, yesterday was a wonderful day. It started off with my favorite 5 year old boy wishing me a Happy Birthday, he wanted to be the first one, and he was at 7am. And it kept getting better. Rob surprised me with his gift. Not something on the list or that I'd mentioned, AND I like it! I love surprises! It was a Woolrich, fleece pullover. It looks like a Norwegian winter sweater, very cute. My friends at work spoiled me with yummy licorice, the new FF cd, and Sweet Home Alabama, one of my favorites, ooooh, and chinese. ---Yes, they know me very well. Rob and I enjoyed some good Mexican plus he took care of a project that has needed to be done for over 5 months, and that just makes me incredibly happy, thanks honey, and to all my friends who sent awesome presents, and those who remembered & called thank you! To my sisters, I'm sure I'll love it, can't wait to open it when mom and dad arrive on their delayed flight. ----This birthday was different and better than my past 5. After you're an adult, they just don't have the same kind of excitement, but I really enjoyed yesterday. I've started the countdown, only 2 more years before the big 30, and there's only 2 things that I need to accomplish, so I can enjoy that birthday without any hesitation, so I better get on it.
*Happy Birthday to me!

Rob & Brent's Fishing Trip & Brent's Visit

Halloween Fun

My new hobby

I enjoyed carving pumpkins this year. My friend gave me some tips on how to go about it, so we gave it a go. Spencer helped me with our little Frankenstein, and the picture just doesn't give it the credit Spencer deserves. I just free handed the drawing onto the pumpkin and then carved out where I wanted the light to shine through. Wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but it did take about a month for my thumb to recover. If you ever saw the "claw" episode of Friends where Chandler is playing video games and his hand gets all warped, you will understand what I'm talking about. The fish was Rob's idea, obviously, and turned out great. Spencer was such an encouragement to me. He kept telling me good job mom, it's looking really good. Thanks Spencer.

Happy Halloween

Wow, what a Halloween we had this year. Spencer was really into it, and I must admit, I'm kinda glad it's over. He wanted to make cookies, carve pumpkins, decorate inside, decorate outside, go to 3 Halloween parties, and trick or treat for almost 3 hours! I'm pooped! He was an army pilot. -This was supposed to be Carter's, but the jacket was way too big, but Spencer thought the jacket absolutely cool when it came, and informed us that he was going to be the pilot and Carter's was going to be Robin again like last year. Well, I don't like repeats, so Carter was a dragon. It seemed like they all became my 3rd choice costumes, but they were super cute and they had a blast, so who cares? Carter enjoyed Halloween just as much as Spencer. His response to his first 2 pieces of free candy was absolute jubilation! He grabbed those candies, held them in his hands and giggled the happiest giggle. It was quite humorous watching him trying to hold on to every piece of candy his two little hands could handle. I can't tell you how many times we had to stop, because he dropped a piece yet once again, but refused to put them in his treat bucket. Such fun. They enjoyed their sugar high.

Spencer's Primary Program

Today was the best Sacrament meeting. The Primary had their program and we were able to sit back and enjoy Spencer and all the other kids. We were so proud of him. He is so incredibly smart. He memorized his 3 lines so quickly and performed them so perfectly. While rehearsing he would even correct me , when I missed a word or completely messed up. (His memorization skills are a lot sharper than mine.) And his singing melted our hearts. Our little Spence knew those words so well, and took pride in singing them. During a few of his favorites, he sang as loud as he could, with a smile on his face, and Rob & I sitting 4 rows from the back could pick out his voice and couldn't help but love him even more. He is such a wonderful boy, who constantly pleases those around him. Mom, you would have loved it!

The Crazy 8's

Crazy 8's
8 things I am passionate about:
• My boys
• No more credit cards
• Printing and organizing our pictures
• My Blog, I love it
• Building Spencer's confidence
• Figuring Carter out
• My calling
• Going on vacation

8 things I want to do before I die:
• skydive
• run a marathon
• feel happy about my body
• travel
• finish a degree, (still don't know what though)
• be organized
• learn self mastery in all things
• learn how to play tennis, the guitar, & sew(that will teach me more patience)

8 things I say often:
• "Carter, get down!"
• "Carter, get down!"
• "Spencer, no more questions."
• what up dawg
• sexy lady
• seriously
• I Love You
• For the love!

8 books I have read recently:
• Twilight
• New Moon
• Eclipse
• Chronicles of Narnia
• All the freakin' Zoo Books, Spencer's gonna be a scientist seriously
• Harry Potter, last one
• The Parenting Breakthrough
• ....I need another good one, suggestions?

8 songs I could listen to over and over:
• "Fear, & Possession" ~ Sarah Maclachlan
• anything ~ Foo Fighters
• "Typical"~ Mute Math These guys rock!
• anthing ~ Jack Johnson
• "Makes Me Wonder" ~ Maroon 5
• "Breakaway" ~ Kelly Clarkson
• "Landslide" ~ Fleetwood Mac
• "How Far We've Come" by Rob Thomas
• "Float On" ~Modest Mouse, thanks Rob

8 things that attract me to my best friends
• Humor, you've gotta be funny
• Normal, with a few quirks
• I feel comfortable around them
• They let me vent without judging
• they have similar interests
• they're unselfish
• intelligent/witty
• must be genuine

8 things I have learned this year:
• Rob doesn't expect perfection, thanks honey
• I need more patience
• I need to stop yelling
• I need to Pay attention to the details
• Stop thinking, planning, and making lists: go and do what makes you happy
• what it is that really matters to me
• I've let myself go, no more free days for me.
• Dont be afraid to Ask for help
• I want another baby, but I'm scared to death to try and manage 3 kids... especially if it's a girl--heaven help me.

Disappointment on the Halloween Front

Okay, so I'm a little hot and bothered. Spencer's awesome Halloween costume is apparently not going to be Spencer's awesome Halloween costume! I just received an email saying that they don't have this in their warehouse, and I'm just barely hearing about it! I ordered this October 5th. Come on people! Don't they know we shop for these things with our kids on our laps and they get all excited, promises are made, and then bam! mom has to be the bad guy again, and tell him he's going to have to be a ninja. A ninja isn't even half as -cool- as a navy seal. Well, I hope the disappointment goes over better with him tomorrow morning when I tell him his Halloween is crushed because mom tried to save 5 bucks. So, never order from Halloween Costumes 4 U, they just plain suck!

We're Still Here

I can hardly believe it's been 3 years here in Washington. What started as let's go for 1 year and then who knows-- has turned into a lot longer. I think we're ready to put down some roots finally. Rob & I love it here in the Tri-Cities, and so do the boys. We've found a good niche. Spencer started Kindergarten this year and I can hardly believe that. It's hard letting go we've discovered, but it's time. He's thriving and it seems that all who come to know him, truly enjoy being around him. Carter is saying more words and raising up a storm as usual. The kid has such tenacity, he's definitely a Mackley!
Okay, well I'm exhausted, I had no idea this would take so long, however simple it is. Rob will be so impressed that I did this all by myself, without asking him any questions, the computer guru. Go Me.

"Kracky"

Last Saturday, Rob took Spencer to the pet store to bring home our first pet. They went for some fish, they came back with Kracky. Kracky, short for Krakatoa, (can you say my dad's a geologist?) is our new pet Leopard Gecko. While he's cute and low maintenance, I wasn't too sure about having to feed him crickets, but I thought I'll be positive and give it a shot. Well, my first transfer from bag of crickets to cricket house didn't quite go as planned. Actually, the exact thing that I feared happened. Out of the 12 crickets, 2 jumped out onto my kitchen table, that's where we eat! I freaked out a little bit, yelled for Spencer to grab a paper towel, and tried to be brave and put the 2 in their new house. The things just kept jumping out of the paper towel how I have no idea, it took me about 5 tries. Well I got things under control and have to admit though I have to feed Kracky live bugs, the boys love him and I do too.