M-A-C-K-E-N-Z-I-E

Here's a quick clip of Mackenzie spelling her name!I was finally able to catch it on video. Sometimes she gets twisted up and starts again but for the most part, she's got it!

Intricate design

I found Mack's blocks like this after she'd already gone to bed. She took her precious time to get them all lined up just so- each block is lined up in the crook the next. While this kind of behavior can some times be cause for concern in kids, I think it's just another sign that Mackenzie's got her mama's organizing/ arranging gene.

Dusty

I found a " dead" caterpillar on our deck and thought Mack might like seeing it. Turns out, he wasn't dead, only frozen. Mackenzie was extra excited and named him " Dust" because he had some dirt stuck to his fur when I brought him in. She was very gentle him and even wanted to kiss him goodnight.

She's such a sweet spirited girl. You can see it in her eyes in this picture.

Going in for a closer look:
She ran down the hall saying " Come see, daddy! A Pellar!"
So far, he's survived the toddler touch:
And now to figure out what to do with him!

Chef Mike

Mike is an AWESOME cook! He loves to take a bunch of random ingredients and make a meal of it. His food is always delicious, whether it's something he found in a magazine or something he made up. Here are a few pictures of his creations:

Shepard's pie made with salmon. Mackenzie loves fish so this one of her favorites:

Mike loves ribs so it's fun to watch him mixing and matching spices to try to prepare the ultimate rack of ribs. I think he may have done it:
Chef gets first taste:
Mackenzie approves:

Can you tell me how to get to Sesame Street?....

Mackenzie is learning all kinds of new songs. Her latest is the theme song for Sesame Street. I caught a little bit of it on video though she's a little distracted so it's only part of the song. I love how she's having Big Bird help her build the tower. Her imagination has really taken off over the last few weeks .:

Silly Mack!

Here's a short clip of Mackenzie being a silly girl.

Fashionista

Mackenzie has started dressing herself! She's gotten really good at. Her favorite article of clothing is shoes or socks. You never know what she might be wearing if you show up at our house these days.

Here's a quick picture of one of her original designer outfits. My favorite part is the strappy sandals:

Happy Birthday, Aunt Janet!

Aunt Janet celebrated her birthday this last week. She treated all of her friends to a brunch at Fox Hills . It was great to see all of Janet's friends in one place to celebrate her. She's such a blessing to everyone she meets.

Here's a snap of the wrapping paper we made for Aunt Janet's present:

And a picture of our table:

" I pray...."

Each night before bed, Mackenzie is asked if there is anyone/thing she'd like to pray for. When the words " I pray...." exit her mouth, you never know what you might hear. Here's a few of the non-traditional things Mackenzie has prayed for:

Glitter,
Trees
Duncan's tail Kids,
bees and lady bugs
Glue
Grammy's shoe
Cheese
Elmo's World
Chocolate
Songs
Table
Olivia's bed
School bus
Rocking chair

While her list is rightfully adorned with the names of those of you who are reading this, it's so sweet to witness her pure innocence as she thinks about every day things. It's enough to make us burst with pride to have Mackenzie drops her fork in the middle of a meal when she's realized we have forgotten to pray. For Mackenzie to grow up knowing God on a real life, personal level is really important to us. So while we may chuckle at her requests, we are also know that this is where faith starts and where it exists in it's truest form.

It's true, she doesn't know exactly what prayer is all about or the depth of it's importance but one day she will and we can say it's foundation started in those quiet moments in her room, wrapped in her favorite blanket and in the arms of someone who loves her more than she'll ever know.

Wintertime

This is only my fifth Michigan winter so I don't have much to compare it to, but this winter seems odd! It's the first part of January and we've had very little snow- less than 6 inches! So after a few inches fell last week, I took the opportunity to take Mack over to Grammy's to play in the snow, something I'd been itching to do. She had a great time and didn't want to come inside.

Who says you can't pick flowers in the winter?
Mackenzie ate so much snow. Thankfully , Mike had the " Edible snow is ONLY white" talk with her.We wanted to make a snow man but the snow was ALL powder and didn't pack well so we made snow angels instead:
Mackenzie didn't like how the mittens got in the way so she yanked them off. It wasn't long after that she wanted to go inside:
Hot chocolate is just what you need after playing in the snow!

Handy Daddy

In November, I mentioned that I'd love a book case for Mackenzie's toys that wouldn't make our house look like a total day care but provide enough storage for all of her favorite toys. A few weeks later, Mike provided! He made this book shelf himself, complete with customized puzzle racks! What an awesome husband and daddy he is!

Life with a toddler.....

Life with a a toddler is seldom boring.

Under construction

Mike and Mary worked a feverish four days to get our couch reupholstered ( we have a cat who "de-upholestered" it a while back). While the bulk of the couch is done, there are still a few odds and ends to be dealt with. Can't wait to post the final product!

Playing Catch up!

Things were really hectic in our house for a few weeks so now I am playing a bit of catch up!

Here are a few pictures from Christmas with Grammy:

Mackenzie is a professional present opener now. Here she is helping Grammy open her calendar:


New outfit from Grammy. Grammy did a good job of roping in the rowdy girl and getting that head band on her!
Mackenzie and Grammy trying to answer the question we've all been asking: Where is the poop? It's Mackenzie's favorite book.