What's happening at....

Sweet Sophia!

2010-03-05T12:51:00.003-07:00

This past Sunday I picked up Sophia from Sunday School class and she came running up to me with a one dollar bill in hand. She was beyond thrilled that her Sunday School teacher gave her a dollar. Her teacher explained to me that she was such a sweet girl and such a good helper that she wanted to reward her with a dollar! Sophia carried it around all day and was so proud of herself...and so was I!

Gabe-e is still my baby!

2010-01-31T20:17:00.003-07:00

This morning we went to church and as usual I was running pretty late. Sophia had to go to the bathroom "weally bad" so I let Gabe out with Sophia so he could walk her to the bathroom while I pulled the car around to park. I decided to pull around to the side door of the church, hoping that Ella and I could slide in without everyone discovering our tardiness. Gabe took his sister to the bathroom and then met Ella and I at the door to the girls classroom. As I was in the process of getting the girls all situated in their classroom I mentioned to Gabe that he should walk himself down to his class so that he would not be much later and miss the entire lesson. He agreed and walked down to the classroom and entered on his own.

It has been very nice that over the past few months that Gabe has "grown up" a little and is able to be more responsible for himself and help out much more with the sisters. I do have to admit that it has also been a bit bittersweet as well... he is my first and he will always be my baby even though he is almost 7.

Anyway....

After...I got the girls situated in their classroom I proceeded to walk to my class and I see a distraught Gabe running down the hall towards me tears and all! He ran up to me and gave me a big hug right at my thighs and said..."mommy you did not give me a kiss and say goodbye!"

Ughhhhh....my heart just melted! Even though Gabe is almost seven and he is becoming so independent he still needs me and Gabe-e will always be my baby!!!

Oh Pearl!

2010-01-29T08:54:00.006-07:00

Santa brought Pearl to our house this past Christmas (what was Santa thinking?), it really is like having a baby around the house which totally reassures Nick and I that we are NOT adding anymore Maccarrone babies to this house!

Pearl has been fun and always keeps us laughing! Nick laughs at her mostly because he thinks she is so ugly (her face is pretty flat). She is starting to do big things, like scratching on the door to go outside, figuring out how to come down the stairs etc. The girls carry her around like she is a purse and Gabe loves "wrestling" with her too. Old maid winnie actually enjoys her sometimes as well!

Presenting Princess Aurora and Tinker Bell

2009-01-16T11:02:00.003-07:00

The girls favorite movie right now is Sleeping Beauty. It is so fun to watch them as they watch this movie because it was my favorite when I was a little girl. As I watch them dancing around the living room singing "I know you...I walked with you once upon a dream"...I see myself when I was their age. So...we had to add the Princess Aurora and Tinkerbell costumes to the experience. It makes it just that much better! These times make all of the potty training accidents worth it! Oh how I love my little girls!!

Sledding at the Cabin

2009-01-11T17:08:00.006-07:00

We went to the cabin the week after Christmas for a week of relaxation and recreation. We had all had a great time but, our favorite part was definitely sledding behind the four wheeler. I know...not the safest thing but it was SO much fun! We tied a rope to the back of the four wheeler and hooked it to "The Bear" which is a sled for the kids. The kids had a great time being pulled slowly around the neighborhood. Now...the adults on the other hand did not go so slow! We went pretty fast and "ate" some snow a few times! After we mastered "the bear", Bri and I decided we would tie the huge tube up to the back of the four wheeler...BAD DECISION! I still think I am sore from all of our crashes! All in all...we had a lot of fun!

Early B-Day for "The Sisters"

2009-01-11T17:02:00.004-07:00

We celebrated Sophia and Ella's third B-Day a little early with MiMi and Opa. MiMi and Opa are playing at the beach for the month of January and will miss the girls birthday. So, we had a mini party a little early. The girls had a fun time celebrating and really enjoyed their birthday gifts too! We miss you Mimi and Opa!!

I know...I know

2009-01-11T16:59:00.002-07:00

It has been a long time since I have posted anything! What can I say I have been super busy!!
I originally said I was going to post everyday....How Stupid was I...there is no way that I can do that. So, my New Year's resolution is to post once or twice a week. So...here we go.

2008-12-24T21:32:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas from Mac's Spot!

Santa's Lap

2008-12-22T09:11:00.004-07:00

We were lucky enough to avoid the mall lines this year and we saw Santa at Gabe's preschool performance. The kids were more than excited to see him make his grand appearance at the end of the musical. The kids even got to sit on his lap and put their last minute pleas in for the special toy that they want this Christmas.Sophia definitely did not want to sit with Santa...but she sat there long enough to tell him she wants a baby doll.
Ella did not mind so much...she wants a baby doll too!

Gabe is telling Santa that he wants an automatic dart gun(just what we need)..and explained to Santa that he has been a really good boy this year.

Well...the requests are in....we can't wait for the Big Guy to come and visit! :)

WHAT IN THE HECK WEDNESDAY! Special Edition!!

2008-12-10T08:41:00.003-07:00

(isn't it beautiful!!)

On Friday December 5th my Cheerleading team won the 5A State Cheerleading Competition!! We had two flawless routines and scored the highest points (a 98 out of 100) in the history of the competition!! I still can not believe it!

What in the Heck!!!

WHAT IN THE HECK WEDNESDAY!

2008-12-03T06:00:00.002-07:00

Thousands and Thousands of Christmas lights! Can you imagine their electricity bill every Christmas?? Not to worry, they usually win some sort of contest through the media that pays their electric bill for the month. Hundreds of people come by to look at their lights and usually a donation pot is set up in front of their house to benefit a Alzheimer's fund in my grandmother's name! Yes, I said in MY Grandmother's name. This beautiful creation is my Uncle's in Texas. It's his hobby and it is even more beautiful in real life. He starts putting lights up in October and even rents a Cherry Picker to do so! This makes our 10 strands of lights look ridiculous!

What in the Heck!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T08:32:00.001-07:00

From Mac's Spot to yours... We hope that you have a blessed Thanksgiving!!

WHAT IN THE HECK WEDNESDAY!

2008-11-26T05:00:00.001-07:00

This Shrimp ran on the treadmill for 5 hours!

I can barely run on a treadmill for 5 minutes! That's Stamina!!

What in the Heck!!

Christmas Decorations....A little early!

2008-11-25T21:55:00.002-07:00

I could hardly stand it (well, actually it was Nick). We had to put up our Christmas Decorations! I like coming home on "Black Friday" after a full day of shopping to admire my newly decorated house! It's a great way to start the holidays!

Stitches for Sophia

2008-11-25T21:41:00.003-07:00

Last Friday we were having a Dance Party and Sophia Fell and hit her eye on the leg of the coffee table. A Hospital trip ( I am not looking forward to that bill) and 4 stitches later she is doing great! She was such a trooper!

WHAT IN THE HECK WEDNESDAY!

2008-11-19T07:00:00.003-07:00

How many of you have ever met a "mean drunk"? There are some people that you just don't share a friendly beverage with, because if they have one too many they become a different person. You might start out sharing a friendly beverage but, then it becomes not so friendly on the fourth or fifth drink....you know what I mean? Or then there are those that you do not share specific drinks with. For example...if you and your spouse are having a date night and you decide that you want to order a few cocktails to "cut loose"....you know exactly which spirits you don't want your spouse to order....because one too many and you have a jekyll and hyde situation going on ( I heard that Whiskey can do it to ya!) .

Well, Not the case at my house.

When my hubby feels a cold coming on... I get nervous.....Very nervous. I know what is in store for me for the next few nights........NYQUIL!!

When my hubby takes Nyquil....He gets mean....Very Mean! Here's the scenario, we will put the kids to bed and then after he gives his goodnight kisses he heads downstairs to indulge in his therapeutic "cocktail". He heads to the couch and slowly drifts away into a drug induced slumber. I will wake him up from his slumber so, he can head to bed but, that is when the misery unfolds...he becomes MEAN...VERY MEAN.

Forget hiding the Whiskey, Hide the Nyqil!!

WHAT IN THE HECK!!!

Special Prayer Request From Gabe

2008-11-18T08:32:00.004-07:00

This Morning Gabe asked me to pray for him. I said of course, I will pray for you. What am I praying for.....

He then explained that he wanted me to pray that he would have special powers like Spider Man, that way he can web his friends at school today!

Please join us in prayer for Gabe and his Spider Man Powers! :)

WHAT IN THE HECK WEDNESDAY!

2008-11-12T15:24:00.004-07:00

I am an avid watcher of "The View"(Sorry lisa, I have to admit I do like it, I think you secretly do too!)......I like to listen to them talk about politics and Elizabeth Hasselback is my hero! Anyway, they started a new segment on "The View"today called "What in the Hell Wednesdays". It was hysterical!! So, I thought that I would do my own little rendition on Mac's Spot....We'll call it WHAT IN THE HECK WEDNESDAY instead for our G rated crowd! So, feel free to post your WHAT IN THE HECK comments too!

Here is an example:

This is a true story.......A woman was jogging in the woods when a fox jumped out of a bush and clenched his teeth onto her arm. Instead of beating the fox off with a stick, she ran another mile to her car with the fox still attached to her arm. She then proceeded to drive about thirty minutes to the nearest vet, with the fox still attached to her arm (I bet that was an awkward drive). All of this to see if the fox had rabies....Really?

WHAT IN THE HECK!!

My Worst Fear

2008-11-12T15:05:00.003-07:00

I was surfing the blog world this afternoon and I came upon this blog: www.leblanclife.com , after I read a few of the posts on this blog I found tears streaming down my face. This man recently lost his wife to brain cancer and is now raising his daughter on his own while trying to deal not only with his grief but his daughters too. This post made me sad for this young man but, also made me realize my worst fear in life...dying while my kids are young. I am so afraid of death...not where I will go afterwards but the aftermath that it leaves behind! I guess it is kind of a selfish fear, selfish because I would want to always be the kids mother (their only mother) and I would always want to be my husbands wife (his only wife), I would want them to remember me. I think the biggest part is....the thought of not watching the kids grow up..... it's heart wrenching!
So, I have come to this conclusion...I am going to try every day to enjoy my kids, try not to scream and get angry at the little things, try to snuggle with them as long as they will let me, enjoy my husband and encourage him. So, if god decides that my time is up... I will have laid a positive foundation as a wife and mother that will carry throughout their years!

What is your worst fear?

Halloween Recap

2008-11-10T20:16:00.006-07:00

The kids had a fantastic Halloween this year. Gabe dressed up as Batman, Sophia was Dorothy, and Ella was Cinderella or Glenda the Good Witch (really which ever she was in the Mood for). We had a great time partying with friends, attending our annual fall festival at church, and of course trick-or -treating. It was a busy week but the kids had a great time....and we STILL have the candy to show for it!

Batman for McCain!

2008-11-03T20:27:00.002-07:00

Pray for MckMama Today

2008-10-29T09:17:00.003-06:00

I came across this Mom's blog a couple of weeks ago, she is a mother of three small children with one on the way. Her fourth child is being delivered today....he (his name is Stellan) has multiple things wrong with his heart...most of them life threatening. The Doctors assured her that Stellan would die around 23 weeks but....he has miraculously survived. The Doctors are not quite sure what to expect when Stellan makes his grand entrance. As a mother, I can not even imagine what this mother and her family are going through! Please join me in praying for MckMama and her family today!

You can check out her story, Her blog is under Blogs I Follow....My Charming Kids

Fun Times with MiMi and Opa

2008-10-28T14:45:00.006-06:00

Gabe is pretty Lucky because His MiMi and Opa haven taken him (just him) to do a lot of fun things over the past month. Things that "the sisters" are not quite old enough for.

Opa took Gabe today to the Museum to see the Dinosaur exhibit. He had a great time looking through the exhibit and digging for Dinosaur bones. They also saw the IMAX Movie,Gabe said there was not a lot of "fighting"...the things that matter to a five year old boy!

Mimi and Opa also took Gabe to the Circus. He had a great time seeing all of the animals! His favorite part were the tigers and ponies! I am glad they took him....I have to be honest, the circus freaks me out a little bit!

Finally, Mimi and OPA took Gabe to Castlewood Canyon to go hiking. Gabe had a great time looking for animals, climbing on the rocks, and running through the trails! Iam sure MiMi and Opa had a great time keeping up with Gabe.

We are very blessed to have MIMI and OPA live so close! Thanks for the Fun trips!

The Girls Halloween Outfits

2008-10-23T13:21:00.002-06:00

(not a great picture...It is hard to get two year olds to sit still!)

Ta Da....Potty Princess #2

2008-10-20T12:33:00.002-06:00

Following in Ella's footsteps, Sophia decided to join us in the world of potty training. She went #1 in the potty this morning!! Yeah Sophia!!

PS. She really wanted the candy that Ella got last night, she sat on the potty for about 20 minutes but, she went!!

Ta Da...The Potty Princess

2008-10-19T19:36:00.002-06:00

Tonight, without any prompting Ella went into the bathroom and did her business (#1 and #2 at the same time)! I was so excited!!! We are our way to a huge pay raise...no more diapers!

Somedays I wish I was Winnie....

2008-10-17T11:17:00.002-06:00

Winnie "the wonder dog" has such a nice life. She eats and drinks when she wants, sleeps in our bed, occasionally (who am I kidding, ALWAYS) gets leftover treats from the table, and basks in the sunlight. Her biggest worry is keeping the squirrel out of our back yard. Can you imagine if a squirrel was your biggest worry? Ahhh...the life of a weiner dog!

Fall Leaves!

2008-10-17T09:57:00.003-06:00

Mini Cheer Camp

2008-10-17T09:30:00.010-06:00

The girls attended the Eaglecrest Mini Cheer Camp last Saturday. They had a great time cheering and dancing. Last night they got to perform what they learned at half time of the football game. They did really well. We might have two future cheerleaders on our hands! They were actually too young to participate but, they know the person who is in charge! :)

What's wrong with this picture?

2008-10-14T20:38:00.005-06:00

Besides the fact that my kids look like the homeless children.....

Fairy wands are not meant to be used as a sword... and my super masculine 5 year old looks quite silly holding it!

Gabe's Field Trip

2008-10-14T20:07:00.010-06:00

Today Gabe's Class went on a field trip to the Doctors office. They had a great time taking a tour of the office and looking at all of the different exam rooms. They also got a chance to feed the fish when they were done with the office tour. Gabe really enjoyed watching "Nemo and Dory" eating their food.

The kids each got a turn to listen to their heart beat and then a chance listen to Mommy's heartbeat. My heartbeat was slower. Gabe said it was slower because "I am old"...Thanks Gabe!

We then went to Dairy Queen and Gabe paid for his own Dipped cone with Dimes. It was the highlight of the day!

Can you tell what the theme of the field trip was...

Everything we did started with the letter D.

Race for the Cure

2008-10-09T09:15:00.007-06:00

This past Sunday we had the opportunity to participate in the Annual Race for the Cure. It was an one of the most inspiring events that I have ever attended. I think that there were over 68,000 people that participated in the event just in Denver. These people were there to support friends or loved ones that are women with the disease,women who are survivors, or women who have lost their battle. We were honored to be there in support of a family friend who has just started her battle and a friend that is a Survivor. We are rooting for you Clydell, and we Celebrate with you Becky!!

A SPECIAL SNACK IN THE PANTRY

2008-10-09T09:10:00.002-06:00

I Found this Special Snack in the Pantry... I have to admit I was a little frightened when I opened the door!

Cheap yet GOOD Entertainment!

2008-10-04T22:08:00.002-06:00

Sophia was in need of some entertainment... I was cleaning and she wanted to clean too! (Light bulb)...why don't I let her have a little Windex and a rag.....SUCCESS! She was entertained and helpful all at the same time!

Faces Painted

2008-10-04T22:04:00.002-06:00

Today while we were shopping, there was a face painting stand set up... of course, we had to stop and get the girls faces painted.. here is the finished product. Ella got a butterfly and Sophia is a Kitty Cat!

Princess Ella

2008-10-04T22:00:00.002-06:00

Can you see this picture...tilt your head...there you go!

Ella, is really into being a princess right now! She always has her high heels, princess skirt, and purse on! Today, while she was being a princess she asked daddy to dance with her...My heart melted!

My Studious 5 year Old

2008-09-28T22:17:00.003-06:00

This is what Gabe is working on in his Junior Kindergarten class. I am so proud of him....I don't think I was writing before I went to kindergarten. It might be hard to tell from the picture but, this worksheet is on the letter C. He drew a picture of a cat and then wrote the word cat right below it. He then circled all of the words that began with C and then choose one of those words to write at the bottom of the page. He choose the word CUP. He even wrote his name (it's even legible) at the top of the paper! Way to go Gabe!! You are my Super Star!!

It has been sooo long...

2008-09-27T00:20:00.010-06:00

Since I have posted anything on the blog. My deepest apologies...Life has become so crazy around Mac's Spot! Here are a few of the things that we have been doing over the past few weeks.

Last Saturday we went to a construction party for one of the new libraries that was being built in the area. As you can tell, Ella had a fun time digging in the dirt while wearing her pearls! :)

Cheerleading is in full swing! Competition practice, Games, and all of the administrative stuff I have to do takes up a ton of my time! But, I love the girls and the sport so it makes it worth it!

Jt (uncle) has a new girlfriend that we all absolutley adore! She has been a nice addition and is really fun to have around!

Gabe started his first day of Junior K. He Loves his new class and teachers, and amazes us with all of his new knowledge everyday.

Nonna came to the rescue and repaired "KiKi". She is back in great condition and Sophie is such a happy girl!

Update from Gabe's Doctors Appointment

2008-08-27T08:05:00.002-06:00

Yesterday we went to Gabe's Doctors Appointment. It is amazing to see how much he has grown in the past year. Since his four year checkup he has gained 5 pounds and grown 4 inches. I was so excited because I sometimes worry about Gabe because he is so skinny. The Doctor thinks by the time he hits his eighteenth birthday he will be about 5'9. Nick was relived to hear that little tidbit because he is so worried that Gabe is going to be a "midget". The doctor was impressed with what he knows and was a little surprised that we did not send him to school this year....I still think we made a good decision on that one! Everything was fine until the Doctor mentioned the word "shots". We had told Gabe that he would probably get one or two shots but, when the doctor said he was going to get five shots... He was done being "brave". So, the nurse came in and we (the nurse and I) had to hold Gabe down for his five shots and he SCREAMED the entire time! The good news is that we do not have to have shots again until he is 11.. guess who won't be going to that appointment? ME!!! Plus, If we have to hold him down when he is 11 we might have other issues going on at that point.

KiKi, We have a problem!

2008-08-25T20:21:00.005-06:00

Sophie's blanket otherwise known as "Ki Ki" has suffered a devastating injury. A HUGE hole, but Sophie doesn't seem to mind. "Ki Ki" will undergo reconstructive surgery this weekend when Nonna is back in town...I hope she makes it until then!

Snack Time

2008-08-25T20:15:00.002-06:00

The kids had their morning snacks today and watched Scooby Doo. Since, I have become a little anal after cleaning my carpet, snacks are only allowed in the kitchen. So, the three kiddos figured out the next best thing...Works for me!

It's just a little shot..

2008-08-24T20:43:00.003-06:00

Gabe will go to his five year check-up at the Doctor on Tuesday. Nick and I thought it might be smart to prepare him ahead of time for his visit...

BAD IDEA!!!

We explained to him that the doctor needed to check him out and make sure he was healthy.

We should have stopped there!!!

We then mentioned towards the end of the conversation that he would probably have to get a shot or two.

So, for the last hour before he went to bed we listened to him whine and cry (real tears) about going to the doctor's office.

I think the surprise factor when we got to the Doctor's office would have been the better option.

I know it's terrible that I took a picture of my poor little son in his misery but, it was a photo opportunity that I had to take!

Knock..Knock

2008-08-24T20:35:00.002-06:00

Nick taught Ella a Knock..Knock Joke. It's not a funny joke but, it is absolutley adorable to hear her say it and then laugh hysterically after. It goes a little something like this...

Ella: Knock Knock

Whoever: Who's there?

Ella: Boo

Whoever: Boo Who?

Ella (her exact words): Why you crying?

Stay Tuned...

2008-08-08T12:40:00.001-06:00

I know I have not posted anything lately...Our Computer is GHETTO! We are getting a new one...look for a post on Monday!

Our New Time Out Chair

2008-08-01T15:58:00.002-06:00

Ella was being naughty so, we put her in our new time out chair...... On top of the Refrigerator! We won't have to worry about her escaping from the time out chair anymore! :)

(I am just kidding, the kids go to their rooms for timeout!)

Cheap Entertainment

2008-08-01T15:47:00.002-06:00

Forget Chuckie Cheese....

How Long will a dozen latex balloons entertain three children?

THREE DAYS!

Works for Me!

Grilling....Maccarrone Style

2008-08-01T15:37:00.002-06:00

I marinated Salmon all day with the hopes that Nick would come home and grill. He took the salmon plate outside to the grill, uncovered the grill, and then hit the ignite button. One problem, the grill did not ignite. So, we had to come up with plan B. We still grilled..... but on the George Foreman grill. I made Nick stay outside, I did not want our entire house to smell like fish. EWWW!

Our weekend at the Cabin

2008-07-28T16:21:00.008-06:00

We went up our our cabin in Steamboat this past weekend. It was so nice to get out of town and enjoy the summer time in the mountains. The weather was beautiful (about 85 degrees) and the scenery was even better. The wildflowers cover the mountains, the wildlife is out, and the activities are endless...I love Colorado in the Summer!

We went into town to Fish Creek Falls and hiked to the falls and then through the River. After we spent some time at the falls we headed back into town, where we spent some time at a Farmers Market and finished up the afternoon at Beau Jo's Pizza. It was a great day to spend time outside in the beautiful surroundings but more importantly with the Family!

The trip to the cabin would not have been the same without Sophia barfing in the Car! We figured out that she gets car sick. Is there Dramamine for toddlers?

"Gabe...Batman is a good guy!"

2008-07-23T21:56:00.003-06:00

We constantly have to remind Gabe that Batman is a good guy. I explained to Gabe today that batman would save the princesses (Sophia and Ella) not harass them until they cry. He agreed with me, posed for this picture and then decided that these princesses were "bad princesses" and he needed to "fight" them! At, that time I decided we needed to get ready for the park.

YEAH!!! We have Air!

2008-07-22T17:46:00.002-06:00

So, we had someone else come and look at our air unit today. Turns out that our air unit is not broken after all! He said everything is fine we just needed a new filter...He turned the air back on and presto we have COLD air! I learned three things in our Hot Venture...
1. You need to change your air filter once a month.
2. Never put your thermostat below 73 degrees...Your air conditioner can't keep up.
3. It SUCKS not to have air in late July...I will never take it for granted again!

The Princess and the Hulk become Friends

2008-07-22T15:56:00.001-06:00

Ella, our Princess has finally warmed up to the thought of having the Hulk in our house...she even had enough courage to pose for a picture!

It's getting HOT in here......

2008-07-22T15:42:00.002-06:00

As of yesterday our Air conditioning unit went out! UGHHHH! Of course, it happened during a really Hot week! We had someone come out to look at it and they gave us a quote of $2800. That price does not exactly fit in the budget right now so we are going to hold off. We are finding ways to keep cool. Today, one of my friends Emily allowed us to hang out at her house for a few hours.. it was nice to visit, the kids played, and we kept cool. Tomorrow we are going to run through the fountains, and Thursday we are going to the pool. We are doing anything to keep cool!! So, if you have air in your house don't be surprised if you get a call from the Maccarrones... it's getting hot in here!

Winnie Strikes Again...

2008-07-18T13:32:00.002-06:00

She has moved on from pop tarts to Waffles.... less sugar....She is watching her figure!

My Water Baby

2008-07-17T15:44:00.005-06:00

Ella absolutely loves to be in the pool! We go to the pool a few times a week, and I have to say it is the highlight of her day every time we go! She loves to float in her Duck, play with the water Dora, and swim under water.

She is actually a pretty good swimmer for her age. She will submerge her entire body including her head under water for what feels like a long time! I went running over to her today because I thought she had been under for a little too long, but she came up and said,"look at me" and went under again. Her least favorite part of going to the pool is getting out when it is time to go. I almost always have to go in to get her out!

Fortunately, she has inherited her Dad's skin tone. She is always a little bit tanner after we go to the pool!

That Hussy!

2008-07-17T15:01:00.002-06:00

Nick has been acting a little weird lately....I had a suspicion that he might be having an affair.

Well, I caught him in bed with another woman....that Hussy!

The Temper Tantrum of the Year goes to......

2008-07-17T14:35:00.002-06:00

Sophia!! (big surprise, right!)

One of the girls main comfort items is their "BaBa" (their bottles). We should have taken their bottles away over a year ago but, sometimes it was the only item that would make them happy and when they are happy Momma is happy!

Well, we decided this week that we would take the bottles away except for night time and naps (they get water and a little juice). The new change really did not bother Ella because she is just happy to have a drink but, Sophia threw a temper tantrum every time I handed her a cup. I actually got a kick out of it for the first three hours...after the third hour she was off to her room!

All in all, they have done really well throughout the process...The bottle fairy is coming the first week of August to whisk the bottles off for good! Say a prayer for us that week!

The Birthday Train Has Come To A Screeching Hault...

2008-07-16T15:17:00.004-06:00

I feel like we celebrated Gabe's 5th Birthday a dozen times....Actually, it was so bad that one of his friends asked if Gabe was turning six because she had celebrated with us the day before too! Needless to say, Gabe thoroughly enjoyed all of his birthday parties! I am sure his favorite was at our pool with 8 of his favorite boyfriends and his best girlfriend (they are really just friends). They had a great time swimming, eating cupcakes, and shooting Nick with the water guns. We had lots of fun celebrating the Big #5 but we are glad the birthday train has come to a complete stop....we need time to recover and get ready for #6.

What happened? followed by "Why"

2008-07-11T16:06:00.003-06:00

"What happened" followed by "Why" are Sophia's favorite phrases! She says them ALL of the time! For example, Nick will come home from work and this is how it goes .....

Sophia: Daddy Work

Nick: Yes, I had to work.

Sophia: What happened?

Nick: I had to work.

Sophia: Why?

Nick: Because... I had to work.

Sophia: What happened?

Nick: I had to work.

Sophia: Why?

You get the drift it could be a never ending (and very irritating) conversation. Maybe Nick needs to come up with a new response!

The Hulk

2008-07-11T15:57:00.002-06:00

Not only does batman frequently visit our home but, The Hulk does too!

Thanks to MiMi for the great outfit!

What I learned at the lake...

2008-07-11T15:21:00.004-06:00

I took Gabe to the "lake" this morning for a friend's birthday party. I did not know the other parents at the party since the birthday boy was a friend from school. So, since I was not doing a lot of chatting with other adults I had the time to make quite a few observations during our visit to the lake.....
1. Once you become a mother, it is time to throw out the "itty bitty" bikinis. Things just hang differently after you have kids!
2. 8 year old girls are too old to look "cute" in an "itty bitty" bikini but, are not old enough to look "cute" in them either.
3. Some Moms are way to competitive when it comes to their child, even if their child is the worst behaved kid at the "lake".
4. You should not ask a stranger (being me) to watch your child until your wife arrives, he had no idea how bad I am PMS'ing today, who knows I could have let his kid drown in one of my rages.
5.I left my two year olds at home so, I did not have to watch them. What makes you think I want to watch your random two year old? Obviously, she did not know how bad I was PMS'ing either. Did I have a sign plastered to my back that said "I want to watch your kids while you do nothing?"
6.Just because you have a tummy tuck performed, does not mean that you are automatically skinny and ready for an "itty bitty" bikini.
7.All Mom's should watch their own kids at "the lake" that way you know when your child is beating on another one with a plastic sword.
8. Pool toys and in this case "lake" toys are fair game. If you bring them your child need to share them with everyone!
9. Finally, no matter what state you live in, WT (white trash) people find a way to plop down right next to you and think you want to talk to them. Obviously, they did not know how bad I was PMS'ing either! :)

"I'm Batman"

2008-07-09T21:19:00.002-06:00

As I was cleaning up the kitchen this morning after breakfast, I saw a flash of black out of the corner of my eye run from the family room to the dining room. I did not think much about it until a frightened little girl came running up to me screaming "I'm scared, Gabe's scary". As I turned around to see what was behind me, I was startled by my son very calmly saying "I'm Batman"! I had to say I laughed out loud when I saw Gabe in his new outfit running around the house in an effort to save the day!

Thanks to the Aunt Connie, Uncle Joe, and Amber for the gift!

Happy Birthday Gabriel!

2008-07-09T21:13:00.005-06:00

It is hard to believe that five years ago today the Lord blessed us with our baby Gabe! Where has the time gone? I sat at the table this morning sipping my coffee and staring at my baby boy while he was watching TV. I thought over and over to myself "I can't believe that he is five"!People say to me all of the time, "Enjoy these years because they are going to go by so fast", I usually shrug them off (because I am in survival mode with my three preschoolers). But, they are right! I can not believe how fast the past five years have flown by! I am looking forward to watching Gabe grow up and I pray each day that he is happy, healthy, and follows Christ! Happy Birthday baby Gabe!

It rained AGAIN!!!

2008-07-06T20:51:00.000-06:00

Every year our church has a 4th of July picnic and every year it rains! Well, this year no change it rained again! We have not had any rain in Aurora for weeks but, of course as soon as we head to the church picnic, it starts sprinkling. The picnic was held at the Aurora reservoir and to get into the reservoir you pay a fee of $7 per car load...so...we figured to save the money we would park at our friends house and walk there. Well, sure enough the sprinkles turned into a downpour! It rained and rained AND rained...we had no choice but to walk home (with the kids) in the rain. And, of course we did not plan ahead and bring an umbrella..so we made makeshift ponchos out of trash bags and made a stroller cover out of the picnic table cloth (picture attached). We have all vowed not to go next year....but, I am sure we will be there...side dish in hand!

Presenting Zack and Lauren Kulesz

2008-07-06T20:30:00.000-06:00

My Cousin Zack and my NEW cousin Lauren got married on the 4th in Azel, Texas (close to Ft. Worth) and we were lucky enough to join my family for their special day. Nick and I left on Thursday and returned on Saturday to our kiddos. Janel and Tom were nice enough to keep the kids while we enjoyed our short vacation, the kids had too much fun with Nonna, PaPa, and the Hill family! We had a great time relaxing, eating "Whataburger" and Texas BBQ, and visiting with the Kulesz Family!

Popsicles in the bathtub??

2008-07-01T20:12:00.001-06:00

Yes, I let my kids have Popsicles in the bathtub! I know that this is probably not the most sanitary thing to do but, it sure eliminates a mess for mommy to clean up! Usually after "the sisters" have a Popsicle there is a huge mess to conquer (Winnie is nice enough to help me most of the time)! The melted Popsicle that some how did not make its way into their mouth usually finds itself all over their face, clothes, and all over my back patio! In the bathtub, there is no mess to clean up.....one less mess = A HAPPY MOMMY!

Swim Lessons

2008-07-01T20:04:00.000-06:00

Gabe started swim lessons on Monday at our neighborhood pool. He is learning how to"Monkey crawl" along the pool edge, open his eyes under the water, and float on his back. He has made a few new friends and he loves his teacher. His favorite thing about swim lessons is playing "Mr. Shark" at the end of class. I am just glad that he has learned enough skills to stay afloat in the pool by himself!

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

2008-06-29T21:02:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow is My Mom and Dad's 35th Wedding Anniversary! We celebrated today at the Ritz Carlton downtown, with drinks and appetizers! My Dad surprised my mom for the special occasion with the hotel and a small get together with some of their closest friends. He planned for the event all week.. you could tell that he was so excited about the surprise! As usual, my mom tried to convince me to tell her what he had planned.. but I held strong for my dear old Dad.

I am so proud that my parents have remained together for this long. And believe it or not, they still are actually in Love with each other...which is not the norm for this day and age! Their marriage is truly unique and I feel so fortunate that I got to share this special day with them!

He was just going to TRIM the bushes...

2008-06-29T20:52:00.000-06:00

So, as I mentioned in one of my most recent blog posts, Nick likes to do yard work on Saturdays...... this past Saturday he went outside and said, "I am just going to TRIM the bushes in the backyard". 30 minutes later I went outside and I found the mountain of limbs that were leftover from our poor bushes. I feel bad for the garbage man that has to pick up the left overs of Nick's Saturday project!

Hannah Montanna

2008-06-28T11:42:00.001-06:00

The Hannah Montana song listed in Mac's play list is our Family's favorite song right now! We all (even Nick) know the words to the song. When it comes on in the car everyone sings and Ella shouts "Turn it up"! So, if you see us driving by in the dented minivan singing at the top of our lungs, this is probably what we are singing!

2008-06-28T11:35:00.000-06:00

I LOVE Saturdays! Especially when we are all home and we have nothing planned for the day! Gabe usually wakes us up by jumping onto our bed hoping that Daddy is ready to wrestle. Sophia beats on her door with her bottle (because we put locks on the door, so they can't wonder around the house), and Ella normally is still sleeping. Once everyone is awake the kids want to watch a "kid show" and have a drink. They know that Daddy will make chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast and they will have the chance to help. Nick and Gabe usually spend time working on the yard while Sophia and I clean up inside, Ella assumes the position in front of the TV (as long as we will let her).

The best part about Saturdays, no matter what we are doing, is spending the day together as a family!

Can I have another popsicle please?

2008-06-27T17:23:00.000-06:00

I am pretty sure that my kids have had at least 4-5 Popsicles each today. Not the big ones, the ones that are pure liquid (and sugar) and then you put them in the freezer and they magically become Popsicles(at least that is how my kids see it). These Popsicles are not only a way to beat the heat but, they have become a source of entertainment!

It feels like every time I turn around the three of them are asking "Can I have another Popsicle please?"

Summer Concert in Southlands

2008-06-26T23:21:00.000-06:00

Tonight we attended a concert in the court yard of the new Southlands shopping center. It was so nice to enjoy each other, the weather, and music from a pretty decent band. The kids had a great time dancing and singing to the music and hanging out with the family! Supposedly they do these concerts in the summer every Thursday night, it's fun and FREE

FYI: The kids are just pretending the cones are microphones! :)

Winnie the Wonder Dog

2008-06-26T22:53:00.000-06:00

Winnie, our wiener dog has HORRIBLE manners! So, if you are at our house for lunch or dinner it is in your best interest to guard your food at all times....or Winnie will help herself!

The kids had pop tarts for breakfast (it's easy breakfast...I am not a morning person) the other day and Ella left her pop tart on the coffee table and Winnie once again helped herself! Sometimes when Winnie steals food she can be very sneaky, but as you can tell from the picture this morning she was not so sneaky!

Polly Want A Cracker?

2008-06-26T22:34:00.001-06:00

Gabe is the most persistent 4 1/2 year old you will ever meet, he could put some used car salesmen to shame! When he wants something he will ask and ask AND ask until you either punish him or sometimes finally give in!

For example, we went to the cabin last weekend and before we got in the car to leave Gabe ate a Popsicle AND fruit snacks. So, Nick arrived home from work changed his clothes and grabbed a bag of Ritz crackers for the car so, he could have a snack while we were driving (the cabin is about three hours away). So, of course Gabe asked if he could have some crackers to eat too. I said No, and explained to him that he had plenty of snacks for the afternoon. So, of course he asked for the crackers about thirty more times in the span of 15 minutes. Finally, Nick looked at him in the rear view mirror (like most dads do) and said if you ask for crackers one more time I will pull the car over and there will be a consequence (use your imagination....I am sure you can figure out what that consequence may have been). So, Gabe sat quietly for a few minutes and then he said under his breath...."Polly, want a cracker?".

That was one of those moments where we had to follow through as a parent but, we were busting up laughing inside!

New Kids Are Back!

2008-06-26T22:06:00.000-06:00

Ok, so you are probably either listening to or looking at mac's tunes and wondering why the heck the New Kids On The Block made the list.... well, I have to say that I might still have a soft spot for the New Kids! If you were a kid in the eighties you know what I am talking about! The New Kid's were "IT" when I was a kid. In fact, it was the first concert I ever went to. "Hanging Tough", "Step by Step","Please Don't Go Girl", Nick and I can still sing all of the the words (don't lie you remember them too)!

Well, this is their latest song "Summer time". I saw them sing it on the Today Show a few weeks ago. I have to admit that I got all giddy inside seeing Joey and the Gang, I even called my girlfriend and we were giggling like little girls, it brought back so many memories!

So...I did it.

2008-06-26T17:30:00.000-06:00

After much thought and consideration....I did it....I created our family blog. Two of my closest friends are obsessed(it's true girls!), with their blogs so I decided that I would start one for our family too!

Since I am terrible at communicating with our extended family(it's not on purpose),I thought that this blog would be a great way for everyone to get a periodic glimpse into our lives. I pledge that I will do my best to update on a daily basis, scout's honor!

Welcome to Mac's Spot!