Memorial Day Memories

The Rumsey's from our old ward (FYI- our ward split the end of May- Wes was released as Middleton Ward Bishop after 2 years- and then 1 minute later he was sustained as the new South Fork Ward Bishop- Oh Yea- any of you who are slightly interested- the 5 year clock just started over again- Fun HUH!) Anyways- the Rumsey's invited us to their cabin(better terms, fancy, big, furnished log home) It was great, the kids had fun playing, hiking, eating, fishing, 4-wheeling, and exploring. It's beautiful where their cabin is and only about 35 minute drive from our house. The last picture is at the beaver dam. Thanks Rumsey family!

Ballare 2009 Review

So the dilemna is always this- where do I start- and how much patience do I have to wait for my computer to download pictues- obviously not much since I've neglected my blog and disappointed my faithful followers(HA!) for the last three months. So my goal for this week is to try and do a post a day- short and sweet of the goings on at the McKinney household. I warn you-this summer has been very busy- but not necessarily all exciting. So we'll start were I left off in May- Dance Recital May 20, 2009! Success!(see if you can find Zac-sorry not best pictures)

Wesley-Domesticated Seamstress?!@#

So last week, after a long day, dance class, YM,YW, and a bishop visit to somewhere, someone, Wes came home asking for a thread a needle. What?!@! Did I hear him right. I was so proud of him. Was he going to sew a button on a shirt, darn a holey sock, or better yet sew the crotch in one of his pant suits?? The next thing I knew Wes was grabbing at my arm and asking me to hold still. I looked over and what did I see- Wes holding the needle and thread stuck in a pencil hovering over my arm. VOODOO? Some southern ritual? Old wives tale perhaps? Anyways, I was laughing so hard he was getting impatient with me saying it wasn't working because I wasn't holding still. This baby gender secret is funner than I thought. I wonder what other crazy trick he wants to try on me next.

Well, Jonathan had his Big Kindergarten Program Friday-Cute, cute, cute like always and then we enjoyed an evening with family in Provo to help celebrate Beckam's 1st Birthday @ Thanksgiving point. The Animal Farm. Here are some pics Crystal.

Update

Well, thought I would give an update at what has been happening in the McKinney household lately. We've enjoyed many beautiful sunny and rainy days(I haven't had to do much watering yet-yea!!) It's sure green and beautiful outside. This kids have spent the majority of their time outside playing on the new tramp, ball, on the swingset, or just roaming around the trees. We sure love it up here. It's been a blessing for our family.We've used our outdoor fireplace a lot already with some cool evenings and roasting hot dogs and smores. It's been fun. In case some of you didn't know I am expecting number 6. My c-section will be scheduled sometime the end of September. I have my big ultrasound tomorrow but don't expect me to tell if it's a girl or a boy- I might be keeping a secret from everybody-HA!!!(yes, maybe even Wes-payback for when he told everyone what I was having with our first baby when I wanted to be surprised) This pregnancy of course is a little scarier and will most likely be my last, so I'm trying to enjoy it and take it a little easier. I've been getting ready for my year end dance recital. It is Wednesday, May 20, 7 pm at the Valley Elementary school. The costumes are done and so now it is crunch time to just fine tune all the dances. I'm excited, but it will be a nice break when it is over.

Other than an outbreak of chicken pox at the kids school, a worry about the swine flue, and core testing, the kids are doing fine. School ends the end of this month so we are looking forward to a fun, relaxing, but busy summer. Wes just got back last week from a 5 day "vacation" shooting guns in Nevada. I'm just glad to say I survived, or better yet, the kids survived. Wes will "celebrate" his 2nd year anniversary as being bishop in the Middleton Ward this Mothers Day and we will celebrate our 11 year wedding anniversary this Friday. Wow! does time fly or what! I hope all of you have a great summer!

Heaven On Earth

Conference weekend through Easter Weekend was literally HEAVEN ON EARTH. What more could one ask for. FAMILY(lots and lots of family), FRIENDS, FUN(lots and lots of fun), LATE NIGHTS TALKING AND LAUGHING, FOOD (lots and lots of food), and being in the midst of an ANGEL!!!!!!!

Priorities

I remember when I was about 7 or 8 years old and hearing that my beautiful young Aunt Alisa had just passed away from cancer. At such a young age, I think the loss is somewhat hard to really comprehend - or maybe -it is just that the spirit is so much closer that we have a lot more understanding about the plan of salvation and we don't have to grieve like our parents did with loss. I vividly remember a poem that her aunt or someone wrote, I still have the first of it etched in my brain- SO YOUNG, SO NEEDED HERE AWHILE, BUT HEAVEN COULD NOT WAIT FOR THE SUNSHINE OF HER SMILE.
This week our family just received devastating news about my little neice Lucy. Cherisse called Thursday morning saying that Lucy was diagnosed with a terminal disease called Spinal Muscular Atrophy. They said that the average lifespan was about 18 months. Lucy is 5 months old. As a sister and a mother, I have been aching and grieving for Cherisse and her sweet family. I cannot imagine the trials that they are going through and the path that they will have to trod until the day that Heavenly Father calls Lucy back home. We love them and wish we were closer to help and support but are very grateful for the many kind acts of service and love those in her ward and community have offered.
Times like these always first humble us, and we remember that this life is but for a short time, that the knowledge of the plan of salvation brings peace and comfort but that the loss is still real and painful. We never know when it is our time to go. So now what- with this understanding do we really take into account our greatest priorities- and make them a priority daily. What if we were told that ourselves or a beloved family member were given 12 more months on this earth-would we change our daily focuses-would we change our attitudes to the grind of daily life and its challenges. Would we spend more time at home-would we have more patience, love, understanding, and forgiveness with our spouse and children. Would we delete the unnecessary chaos of things that fill up our calendars and thoughts that run through our brains of things that just "have" to get done-do they really? I know that Chad and Cherisse will never take for granted the time that they have with Lucy. That they will cherish the late nights with no sleep, the constant care, work, and time of trying to make Lucy comfortable. Lucy is so sweet. About every time I have talked to Cherisse on the phone since she was born she has commented on what a sweet, happy, nice, good baby. She is too good for this world. SO YOUNG, SO NEEDED HERE AWHILE, BUT HEAVEN COULD NOT WAIT, FOR THE SUNSHINE OF HER SMILE. Chad, Cherisse, Dallin, Jocey, and Lucy- WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!