Holiday Happenings

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

Happy Halloween!

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

Jonathan's Birthday

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

"My Dear Sweet Wesley"

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

First Day of School

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

Princess Party

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

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

Cameron's Baptism

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

Backblogged

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

Testimony

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

Brooklyn sick

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

Surprise! Surprise!

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

Picture Perfect Throughout the year!

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

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

Let it Snow!!!

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

Halloween 2007

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