This is for Kim BEE

Hey-so the last week and a half-every time(5 times exactly) I've tried to comment on your blog it says error can't perform request-I don't know what's up if you've blocked your psycho friend from making cuckie comments or what-J/K- I know it's my stupid computer-anyways-Can't WAIT to see you again- let us know where we can meet or see you and when! We'll be there! Looks like your crew is doing well-we miss you guys-Lots of Love, Celeste

This blog runneth over-(it's a long post)

So- where does a non-consistent blogger begin- will it's readers be bored out of their minds with the monotonous overview of my daily conumdrums thrown into one neverending post- without pictures? Probably! But I have to remember that this is my journal of sorts- well, as good as it's going to get- it would probably be nice to write something at least once a month to show for my hectic life- I should at least get some credit from my posterity don't you think?!!!!
Well, Ethan is growing up so fast already- it makes me sad- knowing that this is the last time I'll experience this phase or another as a mother. It really is somewhat depressing. I love being able to cuddle up with something that still fits and snuggles perfectly into your arms. I love the Da-Da outbursts and zurburts during Sunday School where everyone turns and smiles as your infant starts disrupting class. I love the wide faced toothless grin and kicking froggy legs and arms as your child sees you walk into the room. I love kissing those CHEEKS-OHHHH YES those CHEEKS! I love when you put them in their walker and they finally learn how to maneuver that thing right into your legs- all day long. I love being able to nurse my baby, and a small gentle hand reaches from under the blanket to touch my face, or grab my hair. I love laying by them to take a nap and watching them stare at you- content- and then lifting their head closer to your face. OH! TIME FLIES TOO FAST! I remember when Zach was at this stage- and now-well, tomorrow he gets the big maturation spill at school- and I am now just remembering that we have not yet prepped him for what he is about to learn. EEEKKK! Ok, I might have a few minutes in the morning-let's hope that he is not going to need therapy after tomorrow- good thing Wes will be there!
I guess I have been somewhat contemplative lately- we found some home videos last week of our wedding and when Zac was a newborn and then my neice Lucy has been so sick lately- that the realization of how short this life is kind of just knocked me in the head. Before I know it, my boys will be on missions, and I'll be shopping for wedding dresses for my girls. So yes, this life is short-but what a thrill ride! I can't imagine being or doing anything else! Motherhood, has been hard, and it's busy, but it also has brought me the greatest joy alongside my husband Wes.
As a mom, I can't even comprehend what my sister is going through right now-I can only imagine. My heart aches and is heavy as I think of what Lucy and her family have to endure. But what more could parents ask for, than to have had claim over a perfect angel for a child-and what more could an angel ask for-than to have faithful super heroes for parents. We have hope and faith in the power of the priesthood, prayer, and fasting-and we believe in miracles-so everyone pray for Lucy! but whatever happens- we know this life is short-and we will all soon be reunited will ALL of our loved ones!
Well, I continue to keep busy with the daily tasks of raising 6 kids. I'm getting closer to getting the basement organized-it's only been about two weeks since I've started(HE HE) I took up basketball last Thursday, rolled my ankle during a game of Lightning(warm ups) and then bruised my jaw when a ball connected to my face. Tonight was our first Regional game which we won-so we'll play tomorrow-let's hope I will have the right shoes this time and not two different shoes for the same foot-(oops-hey, I was in a hurry) We also had our RS birthday dinner tonight. This lady portrayed Emma Smith-she did good but Alan McKay portayed Willard Richards in regards to the life of Joseph Smith-and it was AWESOME!!!! Dance is in full swing and because I started half way through the school season I am finding myself already worrying about costumes. It hasn't been too bad though-the internet catalogs are a wonderful thing. I am still the Beehive Advisor. We had them come at my house to dinner for mutual night to give them a lesson in manners. We had 3 forks, bread plate, goblets, fancy folded napkins, the WORKS!! We had a great meal , and then, I look over at my kids sitting at the bar, Brooklyn dropping corn kernals into her mouth with her fingers, Zac licking the dessert plate clean, and Cameron dropping one of his "that was yummy" belches. So, maybe for FHE we'll have a lesson on manners-what do you think?!!!!!
The snow is FINALLY melting and Spring Fever is starting to exube out of me these last couple days. Lots of work to be done-anyone up for weed pulling and rock moving? Wes keeps busy like always. He'll have hit his three year mark bench as bishop in just a month and a half. It's neat to see how much more confident he is standing up in front of the congregation and how well spoken he has become in giving talks- for the other stuff that goes on in the ward-I'll just have to suppose that he is handeling it well. Well, I think that is enough for now. I will try to be better-TAh Tah!

Ethan-4 months

First word(non intentionally) Da-Da!
80% in height
90% in weight
that's him laying by Hailey
Need I say more

Works of Art, works of love!

There are many talented artists that reside in our Valley. Featured here is JR Johansan from Huntsville. His exhibit just ended entitled "Angels Among Us" is a gallery of portraits he did in chalks about people who are or were suffering from terminal illnesses. He asked if he could do one of my neice Lucy who has SMA. Opening night he invited all of the families of whom he painted portraits, most now whom their loved one has passed away already. We represented Lucy's family since most everyone was already in California to be with Lucy for Christmas. It was beautiful and awe inspiring to see these beautiful works of art alongside with short bio's of each person, and to see the families whose loved ones passed away, and meet those that are still fighting to stay alive, some in remission from cancer. He did these portraits for free!

N Notice the little bald toddler with the binki and pink tutu, and then on the other side of Lucy is a young woman that was featured in the NEW ERA months back.

Zach's and Jonny's wrestling team won the traveling Wrestling Tourament Trophy again for the 2nd year in a row.

Catch up!

Christmas morning, it doesn't look like much- but the kids were as happy and excited as any other year with the few gifts they got to open. They chose to give their Christmas to a group of orphans in Mexico this year.

Christmas Eve tradition-the Nativity Scene!

The holidays have been over for almost 2 months now, so I have no excuses on why I haven't kept up with my blog-my incompetent computer is always a great excuse- but not today!

Ahhhhh! so cute! PICs with Ethan

Ethan is already getting close to the three month mark. We thought we better get at least one picture of him. The next picture is what are family typically looks like when Ethan is around--can't get enough of that cute boy. Sorry, no smile, but we were lucky to get him awake. He was pretty tired by the time we took his pictures and I had to keep wiggling him around so he'd open his eyes. I remember taking Zach and Cameron to get their pictures done when they were young. They cried the whole time. I finally told the photographer to forget it and apologized for her time and effort. They were nice and sent us a few pocket photos though of the kids with pouty lips and crocodile tears- so funny now to look at.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! LOVE, THE MCKINNEY'S

2009 has been a wonderful year! We had 2 weddings in the family-(YEA!) and a brand new addition to the family.
Ethan is a joy in our home. The kids can't get enough of him. He on the other hand, let's them know when he's had enough. His personality is starting to emurge. We love the cute agoo's, ahhh's, laugh's, smile's and squeeks in that low boy voice of his.
Brooklyn is as tiny as a minute but as fiesty as a giant. Don't let her sweet demure and quietness in public fool you, at home she is a ball of energy and you can hear her cute voice all over the house-(yes, sometimes even bossing her big brothers) She loves to sing, dance, and dress up. She's a great help to her mom with baby brother in the mornings when all of the other kids are at school.
Hailey is big time this year starting Kindergarten. She's the smallest in her class but that doesn't intimidate her. She loves school and does well. She is quite the socialite and has made lots of new aquaintences this year. We're still working on her speech (C and G) but it doesn't seem to hinder her communicating with her friends. Hailey loves to color and draw, dance, and play school with her sister.
Jonathan is in 1st grade this year and seems to love going. He's usually quite responsible in getting his homework done every day without mom having to remind him. He is as active as ever and doesn't seem to slow down for a minute until his head hits the pillow at night. He got 1st place in all of his wresting tournaments this year and their soccer team was undefeated. He loves doing sports and there's always a smile on his face even when his face is smashed against the wrestling mat. He doesn't have too many scars this year which gives me hope that he's starting to learn that there are limits to doing most things.
Cameron is in 4th grade and doing well. He loves to draw, read, and play with and trade his Pokemon cards. He's still doing soccer and their competition team has done quite well winning all of there tournaments and 1st place in their outdoor season. They play in the championship game this wednesday for his indoor season. Cameron is a pretty simple kid-doesn't like to wear anything to fancy(a pair of jeans and plain t-shirt suit him quite nicely) and quite content with just staying home. He has quite the personality and isn't shy about being silly - even in public.
and then there's Zachary. It's hard to believe he's in 5th grade and his Elementary days are quickly winding down. Just one more year and he's in Junior High AHHHH! Where has time gone. Zachary has been a great help at home with Ethan. He's taken on more responsibility in helping me with Ethan(yes- even changing diapers) He's a smart kid but we're still learning on how to help him focus on getting tasks done and not getting distracted. He is quite coordinated and enjoys being active at home with his brothers and at school. He did wrestling and soccer this year and did really well. He has quite the personality. He has a lot of self-confidence and will get up in front of people to sing a song, do a dance, or act out a character.
This year we have wept over the knowledge of my little niece's diagnoses of a terminal illness but have had joy in spending precious time with her and seeing her be so strong and blessed as far as her health is concerned. She is a blessing to our family and we ask for continued prayer and fasting in her behalf and her family for we know that has helped her so much. I start up dance again and look forward participating in that passion of mine once a week. I'm back in young women's again and look forward to teaching the Beehives. Wes is still as busy as ever. I have seen him grow in his abilities as a bishop. He gave a great talk yesterday- I guess practice makes perfect. HE, HE, and he's had a lot of practice. He's a great dad and his kids adore him.
We love all of our family and friends and are so grateful to have you all a part of our lives even if we aren't able to see some of you much. Our thoughts, prayers, and love go out to all of you- especially this special Christmas season where we reflect on the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ and the perfect example that he led. We love him and are grateful to share in the Christmas spirit. We decided this year for Christmas instead of buying our children and each other presents that we would try to help someone in need. The Tijuana Christian Mission in Mexico is an orphanage in which we picked 5 children(each one are one of our kids ages) and then picked out toys and clothes and goodies for them which we mailed to them for Christmas. Our children have delighted in doing this service and Wes and I have truly felt the spirit of Christmas. I don't think this will be a yearly tradition, but I think we all can find someone in need every Christmas holiday. We love you all! Take Care and hope to see you all sometime this next great year.