The Macdonald Family

saying goodbye to Grandma Hackitt

2012-02-06T20:28:00.000-08:00

Grandma Hackitt passed away on January 29th. Her funeral was last week. Most of the Macdonald family was able to come down for her. She was such a cute little lady and always made me laugh, like when Travis told her we were expecting our 4th baby she smiled and said, "now don't you think that's enough." I know the kids will miss seeing her and Cali (her cat) and trying to play on her cart/walker.

Grandma Hackitt, Jolyane & Meda, April 2008

Grandma Sandy and Meda. Grandma let Meda put on her make-up & perfume, she was in heaven. They both look dazzling. Meda also set up a tea party and invited me, Grandma and Bear, but insisted we wear "cute dresses" so she brought Grandma my maternity dress and I got to wear my Laura Ashley high school graduation dress. Grandma was such a good sport and made Meda's day.

Watching Ramona & Beezus with Malia, Evan & Isaac before bed.

Malia putting Bear's shoes on. We went to the park and after went swimming, it was so cold but the kids had fun.

The viewing

Grandma, Aunt Jo Jo & Anne

Issac & Aunt Christa Olivia & Aunt Cassie

The burial service

Aunt Tanya & Grandma Sandy

Jaxon, Conner, Merek, Shep & Adam

Travis' cousins sang Amazing Grace, it was beautiful.

Uncle Todd, who is beloved by all children lovingly held Meda for a long time then handed her over to Tyler who also had a long turn. Evan

Travis with all of his siblings and parents

Bear & Evan. Bear can't stop talking about Evan since he left. Everywhere we go he says, "there's Eban." We love this cute little guy.

Conner & Malia Aunt Christa & Meda

Travis with all of his Hackitt cousins

Bros

Beautiful ladies inside & out

Bear & Aunt Char my handsome boys

Olivia, Aunt Cassie & Meda

Grandma & Aunt Char (Meda took this picture and I LOVE it, so cute.)

Ruby & Meda

Sweet Anne was so nice to Bear and played with him

constantly. I told them to smile for the picture and

they quickly hugged and put their purses on. Cute kids.

We are so grateful for the fun time we got to spend with our family celebrating the life of a beautiful lady who is loved by so many.

Happy 2012

2012-01-27T11:58:00.000-08:00

Ringing in the new year. We started fireworks as soon as it got dark, rode bikes/scooters and played games. I think 2012 will be a good year!

Due to Katie's minor mishap with the sparkler this summer in Montana, all the girls had to get a hat on to protect their ears from the fireworks.

Christmas unwrapped

2012-01-23T13:44:00.000-08:00

Party with Santa. Shep (not pictured) got a paper jams at this party. That was all he wanted for Christmas so he did not know what to ask Santa for on Christmas day. He decided to ask for a surprise.

Christmas pjs

The night before Christmas ......Santa came!

Bear's most beloved possession, his Mickey Mouse cell phone.

Shep was very happily surprised by his electric scooter which he has dreamt about for years. Santa left the scooters in the backyard and after all the presents were opened Travis asked Shep to take the trash out and so he did. He was so excited to find them!

Travis had my mom's ottoman recovered by a fabulous designer (Anney) for me, total surprise. I screamed with happiness.

An Abney family tradition re-born in our little family. The money grab.

Ready to go to church out at Jason and Leslie's ward.

my new pillows too!

playing with the bunnies

Bear is really into Mickey Mouse.

Matching ironing boards. Meda has talked about these ever since she played with on at Remi's house.

Thanksgiving in Utah

2012-01-10T13:36:00.000-08:00

This is how it looked when we pulled up to Grandma & Grandpa's house, all covered in white, so pretty. The kids had a blast playing in the snow.

Isaac brought his new snowboard and awesome uncle Steve built a little slope in the backyard. We're snowboarders now!

This is how aunt Christa spent two of the days on our trip- bent over in the snow teaching Shep & Meda to ski. They LOVED it. Christa worked hard with them, she is so fun and so loving to do that for us! We owe her big time, oh and we are skiers now too!

Thanksgiving day the kids played outside, the boys had a football game, wonderful aunt Char made crafts with the kids and we ate a lovely dinner.

Aunt Jolayne beautifully did the whole families hair. We all got hair cuts and I- color.

Meda, Olivia and Ruby. This was our first meeting with Ruby, she is so cute.

family reunion with Grandma Macdonald

Salt Lake temple lights

Shep and Adam

We rode the light rail to the temple, very fun.

We are so lucky to have such amazing family. They are all so great and we love spending time with them.

Meda's big news

2011-11-09T12:53:00.000-08:00

Well if this cute little girl hasn't already told you, we are having a baby girl! She has told most checkout girls in every grocery store we've been to since discovering the news a couple of weeks ago, she yelled it to our neighbors over the fence in the backyard, she told everyone she trick or treated to and everyone in primary. She is very excited for this baby girl, along with her brothers & mom & dad.

Kittens and zombies and bears, oh my!

2011-11-03T13:31:00.000-07:00

Halloween weekend; trunk or treat, carving pumpkins, primary program and trick or treating.

Shep lost his front tooth on Sunday night. His 3rd lost tooth. It had been loose for 3 weeks, everyone has tried to pull it out then finally he yanked it out by his-self.

I was an old lady for trunk or treat but by the end of the weekend I felt older than this old lady. I bought this dress at a garage sale last year. I just knew I could use it someday. When I tried it on I fell in love with it, so comfortable. I asked Anney if I could maybe hip it up with a belt or something and wear it to church, she said, "absolutely not."

The Winds of Change

2011-10-10T15:36:00.000-07:00

So many changes since my last post

We moved. Leaving behind the place where all 3 of our children took their first steps, the home where we had our first Christmas and the backyard where we spent many afternoons playing. The biggest bonus is we live 0.9 miles away from the Malones!

Shep, helping Travis mow the lawn at the old house.

Grandma Hamblin passed away. She is and always will be missed by all who knew her. But I am happy for her to be reunited with Grandpa and my mom.

Bear turned 2. He loves telling everyone he is two. He had a party at Abby's pool, "mimming" is Bear's favorite thing to do. He is our fun-loving boy who constantly keeps us on our toes.

Also, we are expecting to change from a family of 5 to a family of 6 in about 5 months. This came as a surprise, a very fun surprise! It has been a rough past couple of months. Poor Travis has been doing it all while I lay around throwing up or nursing my disease ridden lips. I'm feeling better now and am slowly getting back into society, it feels good to be coming back. We are so looking forward to March. Our dream has always been 4 kids.

Big Sky Love

2011-08-16T19:20:00.000-07:00

We've dreamt about it for a long time. Renting an RV and driving up to Montana. The day finally came. We were filled with excitement and all loaded up. We made it to Broadway and Lindsay and there we broke down. After a 5 hour delay at circle K and chick fil a, we were off. It was awesome making the long trip with the kids, they LOVED it. It did get a little rocky at times like when Travis took off for the road, pulling in Anney & Chris' bed while they were still sleeping and Meda spilling her lemonade all over Elsie in Jackson Hole. But the dancing in the aisles, watching movies in bed and a built in potty made it all worth it!

Shep & Bear in the Bear chair in Jackson.

Yellowstone, we saw a lot of Buffalo and some elk.

Fishing in the Fisherman's pond at Coral Creek Ranch.

Dinner with kids.

This is the moose Leslie spotted. By the time I ran and got my camera, I was only able to get a shot of her buns!

The 4th of July parade.

Aunt Pam entered the woody into the parade and Meda got to ride in it. She was yelling out to the crowd, "Happy 4th of July" and loving every second.

Meda was intrigued by the rodeo. Shep didn't get to go he was home sick at the ranch:( Papa brought him back a cowboy hat to help him feel better.

We did fireworks and the cows had to make it over to see what all the noise was about.

Everyone said there favorite part of the trip was riding horses.

Travis and I had a romantic little group date this night. We got to go for a night ride and had a lot of fun:)

Our hike down from the trapper's cabin.

The Abney family. We had a great time together enjoying this amazing and beautiful ranch. We could've only asked for two more things to make it perfect and that would be mom and uncle Fred.

Camp Carp

2011-07-26T09:07:00.000-07:00

We spent a week in Carpinteria, CA with the Macdonald family. We camped right by the beach. It was a kids paradise with being outside all day and night, playing with cousins, bike rides, the beach, campfires. etc. It was so fun!

They loved these wagon rides. Grandma even giddied-up.

Travis and his brothers and sisters reverence this ice cream shop, Fosters. They grew up going here.

Jaxon and Shep

Meda and Aunt Jo Jo

Meda, Annie, Isaac and Bear

Nacho Libre (Tmacdaddy) vs. Jilian Michaels (Christa)

Travis challenged his sister Christa (who is an exercise guru, runs marathons and is in awesome shape) to a mini triathlon on the beach. Here he is warming it up.

athletes on your marks...

get set... go. And Nacho takes the lead.

He brings it home.

2nd leg, push-ups.

3rd leg, a quick swim.

It was a good competition. Tmac made me proud.

Steve and Shep on Steve's paddle board (Shep's favorite part of the trip). This paddle board is so awesome. I love that you can take the kids out on it. Someday I will get the guts to try it!

Bear and Olivia

Meda loved finding these huge sand crabs. Meda and Conner getting buried. They came out of a tent one day and said, "We love each other and now we are getting married."

These boys LOVE their smashball

Evan and Bear

Meda said her favorite thing was taking naps on the beach and Daddy holds her.

fun times at the campsite.

The girls get really excited to go to the thrift stores in Ventura. All the little girls got purses and Meda scored this wedding dress.

Meda's signature move. She would say "are you ready to go to the beach.... augh augh augh." Her favorite was when aunt Christa would do it with her. She still laughs about it.

Travis grew the stach for two reasons; 1- he thought he was pretty funny. 2- It was an homage to his dad who always had one while travis was growing up.

All of the boys in their Chile hats that Grandma and Grandpa brought back from their mission.

I love spending time with the Macdonald family. It is so fun being together. Especially having Grandma and Grandpa home.

So here is Bear at Carp........ trouble. Constant, cute trouble.

We were so lucky to get Grandma on the way home. Meda was in heaven riding right by her side the whole 8 hours.

Rock on!

2011-07-13T13:10:00.000-07:00

After Shep went rock climbing for the first time at his buddy Gabe's birthday party in October he insisted that his 6th birthday would be a rock climbing party. And so it was! He LOVED it and did a great job climbing.

Birthday dinner at Joe's.

Shep is so much like his daddy. He's VERY loyal to his family and friends. He's playful. He has a hard head and tender heart. He's not afraid of a little rough housin'. He's a protective big brother. We love our Shepinator so much!

Lovely lady turns 4

2011-06-06T12:00:00.000-07:00

The night before Meda's birthday she told me that if I got her a new kitchen she would never be naughty again. Big words! She has seen it in our garage since January and badly hoped it would be hers someday.

first day of swim lessons at Taylor Jr. was on Meda's birthday. She was dreading it but ended up loving it. They got to go on a treasure hunt.

For her birthday Meda said she wanted to ride the train at the mall that her mom never lets her ride.

It was even better than she dreamed. Katie & Elsie gave her $20 and she got to buy whatever she wanted. She saw a makeup bag at Justice and knew it was meant for her. She is a decisive diva, just like her dad.

Meda's butterfly birthday cake she picked out at Safeway melted a bit, she still loved it.v

Meda is full of love, she loves babies, her mama, primary, imagination movers and being 4.

All Hail the Conquering Graduate

2011-06-04T20:18:00.000-07:00

Kindergarden graduation. Shep and his escort.

Shep did so good we think he should do it again next year! I hope someday he doesn't hate us for this decision, it was a hard one. He's a summer birthday so it was really our choice. Shep did good his first go around of Kindergarden. Biggest accomplishments- learning all 50 states on the US map, counting to 100, and starting to read.

The Yin to my Yang

2011-05-15T21:24:00.000-07:00

The homemade chocolate ice cream to my texas sheet cake, the Mr. Darcy to my Elizabeth, the home run to my baseball game. Yesterday we celebrated 7 years of matrimony! We went to the temple, ate at Le Grande Orange then got gelato next door. Which Holly you were right, it was so good. Probably my favorite I've had around here. Still my all time fav is Gelato Paridiso in Newport. We ran out of things to do and still had time with the babysitter so we went to TJMax and Travis lasted about 30 seconds before he started dying from boredom and exhaustion. All in all it was a very fun night, minus the part where I got the giggles in the temple. For the last minute I could do nothing but Shake my shoulders and avoid eye contact. All because of the way Travis said "Yes."

I set up the camera for a timed picture, kind of missed our heads.
We remembered when we where first dating, Travis' brother Shawn owned a Neilson's
Frozen Custard and Travis worked for him. I told him my idea for a delicious concrete- Chocolate with pretzels, which everybody frowns upon. The next day he brought me Chocolate custard with a bag of pretzels and the flame was lit.

Women's Conference

2011-05-04T21:10:00.000-07:00

I flew up to Utah with Cassie last week for women's conference. It was fun and inspirational. I was afraid of going and feeling overwhelmed, like I don't measure up. Totally didn't. Instead I felt inspired by the talks, hearing words I've needed to hear for a while now. Also I was so inspired by my AMAZING sister in laws, they each have so many talents I really admire and they are FUN. Here I am with 4 of them, the other 5 are equally amazing!

Tanya, Jolayne, Cassidy, Christa & me

Dinner at Los Hermanos

Jolayne's softball game

The creamery- where you can find the best cookies n cream on earth.

Playing with Isaac & Malia

Darling Isaac & Malia in a darling bakery, Sweet Tooth Fairy. I have been craving these cookies since the moment I left this shop.

Morning walk at Temple square before church, beautiful.

Some of my favorite moments of this trip were: the class on grief, the class on eternal priorities, Christa leaking her water out of her mouth onto her food at Los Hermanos ( I don't even remember what was funny, just that my stomach hurt from laughing so hard watching her water her food), going to Jolayne's softball game although I was very nervous to go- so afraid we would embarrass her but it ended up being so fun, waking up in the hotel and watching the royal wedding, practicing kart-wheels with Malia, Isaac telling me he'll always take care of me, Isaac being my Dr. and putting his scope down my throat, Isaac taking us to the beach and using his legs as our seatbelt, and Isaac saying my hair looked like poop- I am in love with these kids, being shown through Cassie that revelation is real if we seek it and believe, missing my family so much- I felt like I was away for a month, coming home and LOVING every second of getting to be Shep, Meda & Bear's mama.

My favorite quote I heard during conference by President Hinckley.......

“Faith in something greater than ourselves enables us to do what we have said we'll do, to press forward when we are tired or hurt or afraid, to keep going when the challenge seems overwhelming and the course is entirely uncertain.”

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T22:33:00.000-07:00

"His Resurrection broke what to that point had been the unyielding chains of death. He opened the path whereby each of Heavenly Father’s children born to earth would have the opportunity to rise from death to live again."

Richard G. Scott

Jesus is the greatest hero of all. I get a pit in my stomach thinking of all that he and the father endured to give us the gift of repentance and eternal life. We will praise them forever. I wish I understood more about the atonement but for right now am so grateful for what I do know about it and that is- it is real. I will be with my family forever, I will see my mom again and I will kneel at my Savior's feet in overwhelming gratitude someday.

The Easter bunny came. He brought a pillow pet and goggles for Meda. For Shep, a snarkel (shep's word, he's wanted a snarkel for months now) and a water gun.

A chuck truck for Bear.

Party at aunt & uncle- Alma & Gary's house.

My grandma who is the most kind and selfless person around was recently diagnosed with cancer and is going through chemo. We always pray for her in our family prayers. When Meda saw her at the party she was shocked and said "Grandma are you all better now?" Grandma laughed and said, "yes."

Loving Henry

2011-04-19T19:27:00.000-07:00

Anney & Chris' little Henry came on April 14th. 7lbs 11 ounces of pure cuteness and love.

So I stayed one night with Anney in the hospital. I was loving being there and getting to hold Henry and give him his binki while she slept. I tried really hard not to get sleepy so she wouldn't hear him cry. But sleep came no matter how hard I fought it. One time in the middle of the night I jumped up when I heard Henry. Anney was totally out of it (c-section, heavily medicated). She kept talking about how hot she was. I was freezing and thought for sure Henry was getting hypothermia. I looked over at her to find she tried to cool herself off by pulling her gown up to her neck. I really got the giggles seeing all her bits and pieces laying on the hospital bed for all to see. It's now a proven fact that with childbirth you feel a little less private with your body than usual.

We are so glad this handsome little fella is here now.

family picnic

2011-04-17T22:03:00.000-07:00

We went for a picnic to Coons Bluff this week. Perfect afternoon of skipping rocks, hiking, eating and we even saw an eagle fly and then it landed above us. It was pretty awesome!

Play Ball

2011-04-12T22:06:00.000-07:00

Shep started t-ball a few weeks ago. He loves being part of his team, "The Cubs" and really enjoys the sport. We are loving watching him- we adore our little cubbie!

Bear's favorite part of the games is trying to sneak on the field, he got pretty far this time and was very proud of himself.

Shep's fan club

2011-04-10T18:09:00.000-07:00

i cAnT wait for this little BOY to come!! He's scheduled to arrive on Thursday, will it ever come?

Anney and the girls at her baby shower that Abby and Valerie threw! It was sO CuTe!

Favor bags filled with popcorn, so good!

Where did March go?

2011-04-10T17:50:00.000-07:00

It went to Urgent Care, to the Dr.s and to the hospital. It began with Shep and I having pneumonia and ended with Meda in the hospital with the stomach flu. Oh man, I am so happy for all of us to have been healthy and happy the past couple weeks. April is treating us much better!

Papa came to visit in the hospital, where Meda stayed for one night. He brought her a new Rapunzel doll which brightened her very sad day.

2011-02-20T21:06:00.000-08:00

Meda got new princess jewelry stickers. She bedazzled Bear! By the way I have said these words about 20 times today, "if you do this daddy might bring you home a special prize" and likewise, "if you don't stop daddy won't bring you home a prize." They've been good, just so you know.

Popcorn and a movie. Shep's fever is gone but he still is recovering from influenza. So we didn't go to church today. I wanted to do something spiritual/feel good so we watched The Miracle Maker: the story of Jesus, it was on netflix and for a few reasons was no good. First of all it was claymation or shall I say lame-ation. Second, it scared us all and was angry. But it led to good discussions about Jesus.

p... p... peace out. We miss you but are hangin' tough and havin' fun!

2011-02-19T11:39:00.000-08:00

Travis is on vacati.... I mean a "work trip" for a few days. These are for you honey so you don't forget us. Know we are at home just awaiting your return. Expect a new post daily from us to you!

Meda girl wears a swimsuit almost daily, even when it's a bit chilli out.

Shep wears his hat everywhere except church and sleep, although he tries to get away with that also.

Girl's Trip

2011-01-12T10:33:00.000-08:00

I LOVE all these girls + Hank!! We got to go to Alma's beach house for the weekend. It was SO FUN. My cheeks still hurt from all the laughing. Memorable moments/things from the trip- panty raids at vickies, mama g's, yogurtland, discovering Quartsites finest- the oasis bookstore, playing games- things and mexican train, Crystal Cove, park n' swap and the sheets, El Torito, Nike Frees, gelato, Son of a B ( I almost drove us off the freeway onramp into a ditch, hence the son of a b). Haylee drinking my breast milk that I pumped but never getting paid her $2 that was promised, Haylee's devotionals, Mary Lou's gift- let me explain that one. On the way home Haylee gave us a little devotional on the pre existence and Satan. Then Mary Lou pulled a little note out of her wallet. It was a scripture that went along with what we were talking about. It was from my mom. She had given it to Mary Lou years ago and Mary Lou kept it in her wallet all this time. I got emotional, uncontrolled weeping. I started thinking of all the people my mom had helped in her life. People with stuggles that she truly loved listening to and trying to help. I felt 2 things- jealousy and admiration. Jealous of all these people that got her help. I've had struggles lately and wished to hear her tell me what to do. But mostly I wanted to remember and follow her example. It was an Ah ha moment, hearing her words again and remembering her example. Mary Lou made a copy for herself and brought me the original note the day after we got home, so nice. It's now in my wallet, D&C 67:93.

Poor Mary Lou had Bells Palsy on the trip, she still looks beautiful.

This is our new friend Paul, the owner of the Oasis Bookstore.

holiday

2011-01-04T13:26:00.000-08:00

New Years Eve. Tanya and Eric came down from Utah with their family on Christmas Day. They stayed the week at Colyn's. We had so much fun all week. The kids played and played, loving every second.

Such cute kids and Bear. Just kidding. But really Bear developed some attitude this holiday season. Poor Annie and Olivia. He just LOVED picking on them. He would pull their clothes and hair, just because he knew they didn't like it. I put his shirt on him that says, "lock up your daughters." Originally I bought it thinking, oh how perfect because he's so cute he will be a heart-throb for sure. Now I look at the shirt and think, no really lock up your daughters, he's on the loose. Why do I smile thinking of his naughtiness? How is it cute to me? I think I'm to blame.

Meda girl & Annie

It has been frigid out this last week. It even snowed for a brief moment, melting before it hit the ground. Now every time we are outside the kids swear there is snow on the ground.

Christmas Eve, waiting to open jammies. We got an out order at Texas Roadhouse with the Malones, opened jammies and looked at lights. Their was so much excitement in the air.

Along with jammies the girls got slippers and Shep got this Cardinals hat which he has only taken off to go to Church. He saw the commercial for the new Justin Beiber movie and has been wearing his hat sideways like the Beiber. He thinks he's so cool.

Travis obviously making fun of my photo taking addiction. But they do look cute together.

The kids bounced off the walls all day on Christmas Eve, then begged to go to bed as soon as possible. They were asleep, Christmas was all set up and I said to Travis this has got to be one of the most fun nights as parents.

Shep got a ramp with a skateboard and rollerblades. Santa was worried that Shep wouldn't like the rollerblades so he left the receipt. Shep has since traded his rollerblades for a new t-ball bat.

Meda got a Tangled Christmas. A Tangled quad (which she uses constantly around the house as a way to get around the house. If I ask her to get something for me or put something away she happily hops on her ride.) a Tangled doll and even Tangled undies.

Travis gave me an awesome present this year. He took all of our home videos and put them onto dvds. So we can install them on our computer or watch them easily. It's something I've talked about doing for a long time. I was SO HAPPY I got a little emotional. It made his new work shoes and belt seem not so great.

The greatest gift of Christmas is of course Christ. How eternally grateful I am for him and the sacrifice he made for us. So that we can return to our Heavenly Father and be a family together forever. I could ask for nothing better.

Merry Christmas.

Glad Tidings

2010-12-18T14:09:00.000-08:00

Spending the evening in good company. We went with the Burkinshaw & Fischbeck families to eat at Organ Stop Pizza then to see temple lights.

Olivia, Meda, Ali & Zoe

Shep was the only boy. He said he kept trying to get the girls to play with him but they wouldn't. I'm sure he went up to them and hit them or said come chase me. He's a boys boy and a cute one at that.

The Hamblin family Christmas party. The kids sang songs hoping if they sang well enough Santa might come. They heard the bells a jingling. He came.

Bear wasn't liking it at first, then Santa made it interesting- presents!

Shep was so excited. He told Santa he wanted rollerblades.

Meda was one of the last kids names to be called. It was so cute watching her sit and wait with her legs crossed and arms folding with a smile on her face in pure anticipation. Her name was called and she was up in a flash. She told Santa she wanted rollerblades too. That's the first time I heard that one. I think she buckled under the pressure and forget she wants a mini electric quad. Well, lets hope.

Santa gave Meda a new cash register that she has LOVED

I love this picture of Elsie with her red eyes. She has a love/hate relationship with Santa. This year she only cried for a minute then remembered how wonderful Santa is and she was brave.

Thoroughly Modern Macdonalds

2010-12-12T20:32:00.000-08:00

On Friday night we had an Abney family Christmas dinner with my aunt Pam at Modern Steak. It was a BEAUTIFUL restaurant. I wanted to take pictures everywhere. Too bad they didn't all come out. Travis said it was the best steak he'd ever had. If you go, please get the artichoke cheese balls- so good! We had our first mock-tails, that's how classy this was. It fun acting like we were fancy and hip.

Pam, who is SO NICE & generous rented a private room. It was like our own little restaurant. Definitely a special night for us.

Haylee and Tucker babysat for us. This night I learned that Haylee has a more than friends friend. I can't get over it. I always thought that I would be a "cool mom" that when my kids had crushes or held hands with someone that I would be all over it. Getting excited for them and acting like that was great. Not gonna happen. Haylee, who I have loved tons from her existence, is my niece, not my child and I felt stress, excitement, stress, fun, stress. I mean I can see why any boy would love her, she's beautiful and smart but how can she already be in the adult world of relationships? Haylee don't hate me for posting this but we had a lesson on journaling today and this is my journal so I felt it important to record the day when I realized I will not be a "cool mom."

2010-12-08T21:50:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving blessings.

I have a lot to be grateful for.

Our kids.

They bring SO MUCH JOY to my life.

I hope so badly they will always know just how much we love them. A lot A lot! I feel like everyday I love them more and more. Well maybe not on days when Shep hits me in the face with his lunch box while I am talking to his teacher or when Meda pees her bed 5 nights in row, but every other day my love keeps getting deeper. So much that the thought of ever having to leave them scares me and my heart breaks for my mom. Oh how grateful I am that families can be together forever.

Family.

Travis' sisters, Christa and Jolayne came down for a week during Thanksgiving. They are so much fun. I really LOVE Travis' family, we are lucky.

G.N.O. at The Keg (picture stolen from Christa's blog:)

Cousins.

Our most fun times are spent with cousins.

Christian, Shep, Jaxon

Isabella, Meda

Meda has been in love with Evan from the first moment she saw him. He has a pull on her for sure. She LOVED following Christa's every move, especially when it came to taking care of Evan.

Thanksgiving day festivities.

Grandma Hamblin had a feast at her house.

Haylee, Harrison & Hannah. These teenagers crack me up. I love being around them.

Bear & Brinley

The bouncer, always a crowd pleaser.

Cassie, Christa & Jolanye made a feast fit for a King. Lovely to the eyes & the stomach.

Jolayne was nice enough to do my hair while she was here. 5ng! That means I'm smokin' hot now. By the way this is Natalee talkin'. TMacdaddy doesn't need color to make him hot.

Last, but not least.... my husband.

Who loves me and will do almost anything for me. Like, going way outside of his comfort zone by dressing up as Hagrid for Jo Jo's fundraiser.

Here he is with Dumbledore(Todd), Hisminnie (Hermione's twin sister and Harry's secret girlfriend (Talan)) and three of the many random HP fans asking to take their photo with the stars! Can't you just feel the love?

she who loves Halloween, join with family

2010-10-31T22:41:00.000-07:00

Shep the spider-karate man Meda as Fancy Nancy

SuperBear

I tried desperately not to smile. But it was impossible because being Little White Dove made me very happy.

trick or treating

Meda, Elsie, Shep, Katie

Our Trunk or Treat. Travis as The Duke, Shep as G.I. Joe and Meda the Pirate Princess.

Carving pumpkins

Fall Break

2010-10-21T20:06:00.000-07:00

our big outing for fall break was going to Mother Nature's Farm. We took a hayride, fed the animals, bounced around, picked and decorated pumpkins, and went through the hay maze. It was so fun, hopefully a new fall tradition.

Shep's into doing his own hair, what a hunk!

We had the Abney family over for dinner on Sunday

Meda & Remi

Angie, Bear & Katie

Warning: for those who have a weak stomach you may want to avoid looking at this last photo :)

Just an update on my toe and the now lack of a nail

Birthday Boys

2010-10-06T22:15:00.000-07:00

Bear had his *star* birthday. He turned I on the 1st! Tmac turned 31 on the 5th!

Bear Bear loved his cupcake, he dove into it head first!

Playing outside on his birthday. It's his very favorite thing to do. He cannot see a door open without getting very nervous that he may be left behind.

On TMac's birthday he got off work a little early. He got movie tickets as a gift from work so we went to the movie. We saw Legend of the Guardians. It was pretty good!

Eating at Joe's BBQ

This is Bear's new thing. CLIMBING.....on everything! I wish it to stop.

We had a crazy rain storm this day

Shep and Meda started a new job. They play with the cutest neighbor dog for a bit during the day while her mom is at work. After their first payday I took them to Target with their money, $5 each. While Meda knew instantly what she wanted, lip gloss and sunglasses. Shep was tormented with indecision- something he inherited from his mom. We spent a LONG time in the toy isles and he was getting so stressed. Finally he decided he wanted to save his money for a big toy. He was so proud of himself for saving it and would count it in his piggy bank hourly everyday. Well on Travis' birthday he went and got his money and gave it to his dad as a gift. I was SO PROUD! He LOVES his daddy so much.

2010-10-04T09:13:00.000-07:00

To Those who don't love October, fall and Halloween, we say, "Boo!"

2010-09-21T14:27:00.000-07:00

Meda's first day of school was Monday.

She was VERY excited. Mostly to be with Charlotte (the cat), use the little potty, and go with Shep. It was a bonding experience for them. On the way to school, they decided they should now get married. They can't decide if they want to live in California or Montana.

I think this is the greatest school on Earth. It is beautiful with lots of land, trees and animals. I wish I lived there.

I enjoyed some Bear boy time! How could you not enjoy this face and loving personality?

On a more hurtiful (Shep's word) note. I suffered an injury this weedend. On Friday we were doing the slip n' slide and I slipped but not in a fun way. I stubbed my toe somehow but could have sworn my toe needed to be amputated. It hurt and pussed all night. Just ask Tori and Abby, I complained all night on our dinner date. But, I couldn't help it my toe was ruling me. Sunday morning I feel almost like my toe will be okay someday. We had stake conference, we were jammed in a cultural hall and Shep wants to tell me something so he jumps right in front of me and you guessed it, right on my toe. I violently grab him by the shoulders and rip him off my toe. I'm sure those around me wanted to call CPS. After laughing/crying we went out to the foyer. I sit in a chair where we can hear and have more space. Shep finds out that the Greens got a new puppy and hastily run to tell me the news. Well he runs right on to my toe. That's it, the blood is now gushing and I must go home.

I know nobody really cares but my toe is mending and I will see this through.

Happy dress

2010-08-16T14:17:00.000-07:00

Some may remember this dress from the days of Raintree, short haircuts (some cute, some not so much-mine) Hickory Kist, Pizza Factory, Sundance and Stacia. Well it's back, my happy dress. I bought it in Provo at Savers. I saw it and instantly knew I had to have it. If nothing but to put smiles on sad faces. I knew it would bring happiness.

Meda asked me if I would go put my green dress on and play "going to the wedding" with her. Well I came out in this big number which Meda had never before seen. She looked at me with such admiration and happiness. She said it was perfect! Then she did my hair.

She got Bear dressed for the occasion.

********

playing outside in the early morning, it's been nice.

into the woods

2010-08-09T11:53:00.000-07:00

We spent the weekend in Vernon bonding with nature and family.

Bear falling asleep on the hike/walk and his first quad ride, he waved his hands and bounced his head, loving it!

Shep fished a couple of time, he loves it, still no bites.

This was the only time any of the girls had to.... you know, in nature. We were so lucky to be right by Chris' uncle's cabin, we got to use his facilities.

Shep was asked to go get the ax to chop some wood for the fire. If you didn't know, Shep loves axes and took this job VERY seriously.

Anney's cafe Habana corn. Probably the best corn I've ever had. We liked wearing it too.

Meda & Elsie decided they were cooker girls, these were their aprons.

As we headed out we asked Shep what his favorite part of the trip was and he said everything but was sad he never saw elk. Then there they were off the side of the road, elk. He had his forrest angel with him.

~~~~~~

My favorite was when Travis and I went for a ride with Chris and Anney up to the beautiful Meadow filled with flowers, we had a panoramic view of the forrest. Lovely.

~~~~~~

Meda's favorite was when her and Elsie played cooking.

~~~~~~

Bear LOVED eating all night long and waking up with us all right by his side.

~~~~~~

Travis took the kids out and they saw a horney-toad, pretty sure Tmac was the most excited about that. He enjoyed telling us all about it and the bloody eyes, but I think he just likes saying their name.

"I'm in love... I'm in love and I don't care who knows it"

2010-08-05T12:08:00.000-07:00

Shep started Kindergarten this week. He was so excited to go back.

I stuck a note in his lunch box for a little surprise. On the way to school he opened his lunch box and saw it.

"mom did you sneak a letter in my lunch box?"

"Yes I did."

"Well what does it say?"

"It says I love you."

"Oh mom, are you in love with me?"

"Yes I am."

"Mom I'm gonna have to tickle you when I get home from school."

It's Jo time!

2010-08-01T19:13:00.000-07:00

She's fun, she's sweet, she's beautiful, she's so loving, she makes everyone she is around feel good, she's Jolayne- Travis' sister. She visited us from Utah for a week and it was a great week.

Colyn, Jo Jo, Travis, Jason

Kathy, Nat, Cassie, Jo Jo- girls night out at Cheescake Factory

this is us at Los Alivos where are blind date was arranged for Jo, good times

Ned's

The day after Jo left all the kids cried and said, "I want Jo Jo." They love her for always loving them

even when Miss Meda got a little sassy!

We miss you Jo Jo and can't wait until we get to see you again!

2010-07-22T11:26:00.000-07:00

An Abney family vacation

It all started by joining the caravan at Krispy Kreme

The real fun began when we got to the beach! The kids made the most of every second there and had a blast.

The sleeping arrangements. Even in their sleep it was a party!

We went to church across the street from the Newport Temple

We had two days of sunshine and a few overcast days. We needed sweatshirts and blankets!

Meda adores Colyn, we were so happy they came and hung out with us a couple days

Travis and I planned all week the one day we were gonna get in and boogie board. We did it the last day and it was so much fun we should have done it everyday!

Taco Tuesday at El Torito Grill. One of Travis' favorite night of the whole year!

Walking to the Pier

Eating at The Crab Cooker

This picture I stole from Hannah off Facebook, thanks Hannah:) I love it!

For the 4th of July we went to the movies and stayed at a hotel.

Swimming at the hotel

The balloon lady at the hotel was great. This is right before we set off fireworks in this parking lot across from the hotel.

swim lessons

2010-07-11T09:59:00.000-07:00

Shep & Meda have LOVED taking swim lessons from Briley! She's an awesome teacher and they have learned so much.

Elsie, Meda, John

Swimmers on your mark

She dives, she swims, she gets her hip hip hoorah, she's loves it!

Navy, Crew, Shep

Learning his stokes and taking a side breath

Hip Hip hoorah for Shep!

"Oh man that was a fun day"

2010-06-24T15:28:00.000-07:00

Shep & Meda's Iron Man & Hello Kitty birthday party!

We set up a WIPE OUT course in the backyard!! Tmac boldly demonstrated how the course was to be run.

Cy took 1st place

a couple days after the party we were driving down the street and Shep randomly said about his party, "Oh man that was a fun day!"

Shep Turns 5

2010-06-20T21:13:00.000-07:00

Our big, playful, loving, determined boy in all of his 5 year old glory! He woke up on his birthday, opened his present- the bumblebee blaster which he has been wishing for for about a year now. We went to swim lessons which he LOVES! Then he chose to go inside Burger King (they had Iron Man toys) to eat dinner and play.

Meda turns 3

2010-06-17T16:43:00.000-07:00

We drove home from St. George on Meda's birthday. When we got home she got to open her present. She grabbed her baby and diaper bag and said she was late for mutual. So off she went!

One of Meda's favorite things to do is to go out to eat and get a booster seat. So we took her to Gecko, so good!!

Family, hikes, bikes, swimming & polygamists

2010-06-15T00:20:00.000-07:00

Out trip to St. George over Memorial Day weekend. Best part- spending time with family.

Shep saw this bike with no training wheels and decided he wanted to ride it.

He fell once got back up and has been cruisin' ever since.

The perfect hike. Not too hard, lots of mountains to scale. The kids loved it.

Meda and Malia in Hello Kitty P.J.s

Mylee's nail salon! The girls where lining up with smiles on their faces.

Shep loves wrestling with his uncles.
Uncle Eric was making Shep's day!

This is the BIG slide at the St. George pool where Travis got into a little bit of trouble. I sent him in the pool with Shep and Meda while I sat in the car with Bear while he slept. When I came to the pool about 30 minutes later, I learn that Travis had lost Shep. Couldn't find him anywhere. His first thoughts are to look in all the pools, he's nowhere. Then someone looks up and see Shep at the top of the slide ready to go down!

Shep's LOVES his cousins. In his mind that's the best friend you can have. If he has a friend he really likes, he'll ask "are they my cousin?" We are lucky to have such great cousins!

Bear and Sweet Anne

Meda sandwiching herself between Christa and Evan- her two favorite people. She followed them everywhere they went for most of the weekend! Meda LOVED this skirt and "jewelrine" Malia gave her for her birthday! She wore it for two days straight.

Evan and Bear chilin' on the couch!

Jo Jo and Travis

There are no photos of my new polygamist friends. But we met while shopping at the outlets. I followed them into sketchers and there we perused a few aisles until it became clear that we needed to go our separate ways. I was mesmerized. Funny how people can seem so different from us yet so the same. I admire them in a way, they seem so dedicated to what they believe in.

Lovickle

2010-05-14T22:00:00.000-07:00

Picture this- it's February 2004. Travis and I have been dating for 2 months. We have been together almost every night since our first date. I get home from school late, Travis is there waiting for me, and we would hang out for 1-2 hours until Travis, in true travisness would make his standard comment, "well alright." (that means it's time for him to go) I wish we could be together longer but am glad he is the kind of guy who knows when to leave. My mom wonders why every night she hears laughing and screaming from her room. I say, "Travis is always tickling me." I love every second of it, but it now becomes a joke around our house the tickling, screaming and laughing. One particular evening Tmac is relentless. I say,
"why do you always tickle me?"
"I tickle you because I love you."
My heart is frozen, did he really just say I love you? Did he say he has to tickle me because he LOVES me? Yes, yes he did. And there you have it folks sometimes a tickle isn't just a tickle. Sometimes it is a loveickle!! I know I love him back. I love his loyal heart, his quick mind, his face, his voice, his strong work ethic, his love for children and family. But I can't respond. I give him a kiss trying to buy time. I pull myself together and return the sentiment, "I love you too." If I knew then how much more I would learn to love him. How he would become my best friend and guardian, I wouldn't have hesitated.

Today is our 6th anniversary. I already can't remember a lot of things about our beginnings. I realized I need to be writing down what I do remember or in 12 years there will be so little remembered. Although could I really ever forget Travis telling me he loved me for the first time over a tickle fight? That still makes me laugh!

Here we are 6 years and 3 amazing kids later.

61

2010-03-02T21:40:00.000-08:00

Celebrating mom's birthday. We have decided to try to always celebrate my mom's birthday by doing something she would enjoy. Last weekend she would have been 61. We started this new tradition BIG, a trip to Disneyland! My mom knew how to enjoy a vacation like no one else. Some of my best memories are from vacations. She never let anything come between her and vacation, not money, time or lack of space in the car (Anney, remember when our clothes got thrown out on the lawn as we were loading up to go to Cali because we packed every piece of clothing we owned?) I couldn't be more grateful now for those memories and her dedication to making them happen!

This is us in Spain, Nov 2006

Feb. 25th, 2010 6:15am we are fully loaded on our way to Cali. We get an email that our free disney tickets came through from the volunteer work we did. All week our thoughts had been, "would we get the tickets in time?" And we did, right as we were leaving. Quite fun and exciting and my mom would have LOVED it! Disneyland was SO FUN. I was geared up for a few meltdowns each from Shep, Travis, Meda & Bear, but not ONE. Well Meda did flip when we denied her her 10th lollipop but then we caved and she was fine!!

Travis was most excited about the Disney pineapple, a favorite. Ever since my mom died Travis has tried really hard to patch up the wholes left in my heart and he is doing a really good job. I'm so lucky to have him.

We first went on the Snow White ride. Meda cried bloody murder and never wanted to go near any other enclosed rides or buildings!

Shep loved all the rides, didn't mind the lines. This was splash mt. #2.

They LOVED the parade. This surprised me I thought they would be bored.

We wanted to leave on a good note so after the parade we left the magical kingdom and went to Las Fajitas for some dinner.

Saturday morning the girls went shopping while the daddies and kids swam in the hotel. Then we all went to The Crab Cooker for lunch, played at the beach, rode the ferry and got some ice cream. Then back to the hotel for more swimming, for sure the kids favorite part of the trip!

Shep being a shark

The Malones blew a tire out on the way home. Travis got out of the car to help and Shep marched to the front of the car, looking in disbelief and said in Sherrif's words, "crazy hot-rodder."

This was right after Chris warned Anney & I to watch the kids and not sit and talk about soap operas. Cause that's what we usually do?

Looking back on this trip I feel like my mom was with us because every bit of it she would've LOVED and that made for a VERY fun vacation!!

finding my bearings

2010-01-28T21:40:00.000-08:00

Bear will be 4 months old next week and I just recently began to feel "normal" again. Three has been a challenge at times. Like when we went to Walmart and Shep was climbing the trees outside, Meda was stealing the candy and Bear was crying. However, Bear has brought so much peace, happiness and LOVE with him, he makes any challenge way worth it, our bright light.

We have established a little bit of routine. Travis goes to work. Shep goes to school (begrudgingly). Meda never leaves her mom's side during the day unless persuaded by Caillou or "little pea" which we read at least 20 times a day (thank you Christa). Bear eats, sleeps and smiles. A LOT of backyard fun! Our highlight- hearing the sound of the garage door lifting to welcome our hero, Daddy! I have even felt the desire to start exercising- look out Gilian, I'm finding my bearings!!

Travis and his mini me. Tongues don't lie!

"Gank you" Meda, I love you!!

Hibernate and Floor it

2010-01-17T22:08:00.000-08:00

We spent the weekend in the snow! We were in the middle of no where surrounded by snow, trees and Malones. It was wonderful!! The traditional question on the way home from every vacation is "what was your favorite part?" This time we agreed it was when the four of us went on a quad ride. I was nervous and Shep advised me to "hibernate and floor it." I was confronted with a hairpin turn filled with mud and snow. I floored it. Meda and I got a little tipsy and off we went, face first in the snow!! No worse for the wear, Meda wanted to get right back on.

I think this is what Shep meant by "hibernate." Getting stuck in the snow happened a few times. The men folk tried to conceal their delight in having to figure out how to free the beasts, but the smirk always gave them away.

Katie, Elsie, Meda & Shep couldn't get enough ridin' time.

hitting the slopes in the front yard

Picnic in the snow

Katie & Meda doing the thriller/jonas brothers dance

the candy bar game

Making smores (always know- if vacationing with Anney there will be no lack of treats!!)

Shep Loved his snow gloves so much he wore them home. They are his wolverine gloves because they have sharp sparkling claws on them which unknown to Shep are actually rhinestones on Hannah Montana gloves.

The girls enjoying the ride home

It no work

2010-01-10T20:49:00.000-08:00

Meda's off the junk!! While at the hospital having Bear my nurse, Joy, told me I needed to get my two year old off the bottle. Her advice, cut off the tip of the nipple and say, "it no work (she is Asian)." Elsie was the first brave girl to try and succeed through Joy's advice. Two days later Meda boldly followed. She cut the nipple herself and hasn't asked for it since. She even declared, "I hate ba bas, I am a big girl." We are so proud of her, her bottle has been her favorite possession these two years.

This picture is for our sweet cousin Malia who was afraid Santa couldn't find us in the lone southwest. Good news Malia- he found us and brought these awesome scooters!! We love you!!!

Our life with Bear...

2010-01-02T23:31:00.000-08:00

I can't believe Bear is 3 months old. He is charming!!! I never want to put him down, which is surprising I thought the third baby would rarely be held- nope, he's in the arms of a loved one most always and quite a happy camper. We just REALLY like him.

Christmas morning!!

Meda and baby Luce (baby Luce goes everywhere with Meda girl)

Meda loves both her brothers so much. She lights up when Shep asks her to play as she says, "ya sure."

We worry about these dimples. Travis worries that Bear will be attracting the woman folk a little too much and I worry that I will never be able to say "no" to him. So far the only thing I need to see is Bear's dimples and all the cares in the world disappear for me. I LOVE them!!

Bear and the beautiful Haylee and Hannah on his blessing day

Bear had to go back to the hospital at 6 days

old because of jaundice. Grandma Sandy was

the angel who stayed with Shep & Meda.

Between Shep having nightmares about ants

in his peanut butter and Meda, well being

Meda (getting into EVERYTHING) they

made her work for their love, but boy did

she get it, they love her so much!

2009-11-17T09:21:00.000-08:00

Meda's last time telling the baby her daily plea to "come out and play with me right now." On this day he listened wether he wanted to or not.

Duane Bear Macdonald was born October 1st weighing 8.7lbs

I said it from the beginning- Bear looks like his handsome daddy.

His second mommy, Anney.

This was her place

2009-07-14T07:37:00.000-07:00

July 2007

I grew up going to Newport Beach almost every summer with my family. My mom loved the year round anticipation of the tradition. She loved the ocean air, relaxing, walks on the beach, watching the kids play, park n' swap, playing games and hitting the town at night. It was hard to do anything this summer in Newport without missing her so much.

It's the kids that keep up moving forward and having fun, they had non- stop fun in the sun, I know my mom is happy we continue to enjoy one of her favorite places together.

July 2009

I have the best nieces and nephews. Haylee and Hannah helped so much with the kids. They are gonna be the best moms someday (very very far away)!!

My mom taught us to always try to extent the trip whenever possible. So after our week at the beach we stayed in a hotel on the 4th.

We also missed Jason's family, let's all plan now to make it happen next year!

Is this heaven? No it's Montana.

2009-06-22T21:02:00.000-07:00

We got to spend a week at my Aunt Pam's ranch in beautiful Montana! The pics really don't do it justice, it's delightful!!

Hunter, Quincy, Phoebe, Brinley, Shep, Cy, Katie, Baylor, Tucker & Harrison

The little cowboy lovin' on his lady, owning her.

There is no better front porch in the world than this. The view is spectacular from this chair, you really feel like you are part of a different world up here.

Pam had two new baby horses each only about a month old, this is Peso with his mom Penny.

Shep said his favorite part of the trip was riding the horses. He keeps telling us he's gonna ride soon with no one holding the horse, yee haw!

Travis, trying so hard to resemble his hero, John Wayne. Pretty close!

Aunt Pam & Dad. He may not really be a Montana rancher but he is always willing to have a good time. He went out and got himself a real "cowboy outfit" and was so proud of himself. I think it may have been the first time he ever bought his own clothes, all so he could look the part with his sis- don't they look cute together!

I can't help but here Dolly sing, "why'd you come in here lookin' like that with your high heel boots and your painted on jeans, all dressed up like a cowgirls dream, why'd you come in here lookin' like that?"

Elsie & Meda

Out in front of the guest house. Every time I walked from the main house to the guest house I was desperate for air, so out of shape it's sad.

Fly fishing at the pond

bait fishing is not allowed at this pond, they had a fly on the line and caught nothing. Chris let Shep pretend he caught a fish with his fly rod. Good times.

The Entertainment house. Every night most headed up here for some fun. It has a movie theater, games, pool table, & endless candy.

Spending the day in Virginia City. We saw a play, got a tour on an old fire truck and panned for gold. We really got specs of gold and real garnets, Shep loved it until right after we were done he broke his vile of garnets.

This is the entrance to the ranch. We got to take the woody for a spin down there

My favorite Montana moment. Shep discovers he has a new love of rocks so we go for a walk to the pond to find rocks and throw them. On our way back to the house we see deer right above our room. So we hurry back to the room and go sit on the balcony. The deer is right there by us still and the four of us sat in silence and watched her, it was serene. The next morning Shep pops up out of bed and says, "I need to go check on the deer."

Leslie, Melissa, Me & Anney

The whole fam minus Fred. We feel so lucky to have gotten to visit coral creek ranch all together. It really was heaven for a week. My dad said he felt my mom with him during his early morning walks. So if it's not heaven it must be really really close.

Macdonald lovin'

2009-06-11T21:12:00.000-07:00

Grandma & Grandpa came for a visit last week. We so look forward to spending time with them. The kids just eat up all the tickles and love they give. This is at Colyn's house for a party after Olivia's blessing. It's funny that Shep was mad for the picture because Jaxon's house is one of his favorite places on earth.

These two just stole Meda's heart. She had so much fun with them and loves them both so much. They went home on Monday and every morning since Meda keeps asking "where Grandma go?"

I wish I got a better pic of Olivia on her big day, you can't see her precious little face good enough, she is SO PRETTY!

ST. GEORGE!! We went to St. George for the weekend. We had a blast swimming in the hotel pool and having a bbq at Shawn's house.

Mylee turned 12, Meda loved playing with Mylee in the pool.

It's so fun sitting and watching these boys play ball, they LOVE IT.

BIRTHDAY PARTIE*S

2009-06-11T19:08:00.000-07:00

We had two swim parties this year to celebrate Shep turning 4 and Meda 2

Meda & Olivia

Shep & Jaxon

Meda & Elsie

Meda & John

This may come as a surprise, but Shep LOVES transformers and we LOVE Shep

I've got sunshine on a cloudy day

2009-05-27T13:54:00.001-07:00

Meda-girl will be two on Sunday. She's been a special girl from the beginning. When she was a baby Grammi said, "Meda looks at you like she knows you and is interested in you." We can still see that in her eyes, what a lover.

Macdonald girls soon to be outnumbered

2009-05-16T14:07:00.000-07:00

We are expecting a new baby boy around the first of October!! Shep's so excited. Every morning for the past month he has said, "mom, I think daddy's gonna wrestle me when he get's home from work." Now there will be another WILLING body to wrestle with, or so he hopes. I only hope they don't all get cauliflower ear!!

This is the most recent picture of the four of us, sad. Jan. 2009.

lessons

2009-05-16T13:37:00.000-07:00

I walked a mile with Pleasure, She chattered all the way; But left me none the wiser, For all she had to say. I walked a mile with Sorrow And ne'er a word said she; But, oh, the things I learned from her When Sorrow walked with me!

I read this quote on Jeanie Opfel's blog and it really got me thinking. I believe I've walked most of my life with pleasure and oh how much I've enjoyed her company. These last months Sorrow crowded in. Though an unwelcome visitor, I must say I have learned a lot. Here goes-

Everyone I know is basically a

hero, so many people have been so kind and thoughtful from getting me a toothbrush so I had the luxury of fresh breath while I stayed by my mom's side through her last night to meals, prayers, etc. I hope I can be more like the people around me.

I also learned that I can do hard things. This is not the life I ever imagined yet I know it's possible to go on. We have someone to carry us through. Watching my dad go through so much pain and yet still having an understanding of "the plan", I have a greater appreciation for the atonement. It's the only way.

Meda & Papa in the mountains, the first weekend after mom's funeral.

Family- it's the greatest blessing. I am so grateful to my mom for showing me what a blessing family can be. Not only do I belong to two wonderful families, Travis and I also get to create one of our own. I can think of nothing better. Most of all I am grateful for my mom, she gave me enough love in 28 years 9 months and 22 days to last until I see her again (I can't wait).

2nd annual Papa's Polar Bear Club- Newport Beach, Feb. 17, 2009

Letting go of 60 balloons at the cemetery for Grammi's 60th Birthday

My favorite picture

2009-01-05T08:09:00.000-08:00

For a couple reasons this is my favorite picture. First, it's of my mom's beautiful face, she passed away on Saturday December 27th. My uncle Brick brought this picture to her viewing and that was the first time I saw it. She was my best friend and words can't express how much I already miss her face. I just hate that time keeps passing and it's been longer since I last talked to her. My favorite conversations in life have been with her, she made everyone she talked to feel important and made everything FUN.

Second, my dad is right by her- as he is ALWAYS supporting her. When my mom was diagnosed with cancer my Dad became 100% devoted to helping her and getting her healthy. The last couple days of her life her body started to shut down. She slurred her words and we didn't understand much but there was no mistaking every time she looked at my dad she said, "I love you." Everyone who witnessed their love was inspired to love more deeply.

temple lights

2008-12-08T20:30:00.000-08:00

We really could have used a taser gun last night at the temple. Shep was EVERYWHERE, running into people in wheel chairs, molesting all of the lights, jumping into the pool (not really but he wanted too). His favorite was the camels in the grass. It would have been so nice to just aim the taser and fire as he jumped the lights and darted after the camels, not so fast Shepie!!

Our little light!

Shep's at a curious age where he asks a lot of questions and likes to discover new things. I am loving this Christmas season with him, I believe it's my favorite so far. I told him the story of Jesus' birth and how he was born in a stable because there was no room at the hotel. He said, "But Jesus could stay in my room." I do love this boy. If he would let me, I would nuzzle him all day.

he said... she said...

2008-11-22T21:07:00.000-08:00

One of my most loved & anticipated family activities is taking pictures together. Sadly, it is one of Travis' most hated family activities. Lucky for me I married someone who enjoys seeing me happy and here we are taking pictures, I love it!

What's not to love about getting dressed up, smiling and posing? So what if as soon as the camera comes out the kids want to run in the opposite direction and you suddenly can't remember the beautiful poses you laid awake at night creating.

This one of my Shep & Meda is my very favorite!!

Did I mention that this photo shoot was on the heels of Travis fighting the flu? He had a temp of 102 that morning! That's why my love for Travis "is like the nectar from a fruit which is forbidden"(Nacho).

Will we ever get a photo where someone's not lifting up their shirt, or displaying their many chins, where everyone is looking and smiling or where a camera bag or car or alien is not in the background? Probably not in this lifetime, yet I adore these pictures. I just stare at them over and over and always come away feeling so lucky to have them- both my family & the pics!

Travis hauling off the naughtiest participant of the day. Carrying her like a sack of potatoes, cute, sweet potatoes!!

Thank you Christopher Scott Malone for being the magic behind the lens, you are a very talented man.

Spooktacular

2008-11-09T20:04:00.001-08:00

Halloween Happenings!

Starting with the best- tricker treating at Grami & Papa's.

carving pumpkins

I asked Shep what he wanted his jack-o-lantern to look like so he showed me, "like this."

train rides at the carnival!

Abby & Joseph

Travis, Shep & Katie

cotton candy & balloon swords, it was a good night

The lovely lioness

Turtle Power!

As we got the kids ready to trick or treat, I decided that Travis & I also needed to dress up, so here we are- Travis the preppy & Nat the Swedish milk maid.

Reunion Weekend

2008-10-28T22:18:00.000-07:00

Holly, Cassie, Sheri, Becky, Sara,

Melissa, Marnie, Me

My Posse!

This weekend was my 10 reunion. At the Saturday picnic Aaron Rogers asked my where my posse was- well Aaron, here they are!! Here most of us are, sadly Abby & Tori couldn't come. On Friday night we went to dinner and hung at Becky's house- looking at scrapbooks, yearbooks, watching videos of our wild and carefree days (okay I never got too wild). I remember on our senior trip talking about what life would be like in the future- who would get married first, have the most kids, graduate college, spend many a nights dancing on table tops (not really, but if we did, we all know Tori would've won that vote) . While we are on our way to figuring that out, it's funny how times change, we take different roads some leading from Texas to Idaho and others from cowboy boots to autism conferences. We all have or will face things we never dreamt would come our way and yet somethings will ALWAYS stay the same, like my LOVE for these girls and the force for good they are in my life.

We were so lucky to get Marnie and her adorable little Holland to stay with us.

Spending time with Marnie always makes me want to be a better person.

Brittany, Sheri, Sara, Cassie, Me, Marnie

Heather, Holly

Looking at this pic I just really can't believe that Abby wasn't there. So ironic, it was because of Abby that I ever did anything social in High School. She drug my bottom to any party I may have gone to. Yet here I am with no Abby, sad.

Sarah Skinner, Holly, Me

thanks Hol for the pictures!

It really was SO FUN to see and talk to old friends & observe others. I came home at 12:30a.m., kissed my sleeping husband and was so grateful for my life.

Papa's 60th birthday

2008-10-20T15:12:00.000-07:00

We had a birthday party for Papa at Mi Amigos. You'll notice that Papa was not there, that's because he didn't want to leave my mom to come. Papa is also known as nurse Gary. He is the best nurse a girl could ask for. Everything he does, he does it for my mom. It's a beautiful thing to watch him so attentive to her. He juices for her 3-4 times a day. This is not an easy task it's a lot of work, he gets all the tools out, cleans the veggies, juices, washes all tools and puts it away, just to get it back out in a couple of hours. We now measure each relationship by those who would juice faithfully for one another and those who would not.

We stopped by after dinner to have cake and open presents. Anney made a delicious Kathy's rum cake (Papa's favorite)

waiting for daddy

2008-10-16T09:05:00.000-07:00

Shep woke up this morning, looked around and upon noticing that daddy was nowhere in sight, he sat on the edge of the bed and said, "I'm waiting for daddy to come home from work." Meda decided to join him. However, they only made it to breakfast time. The eggs won!

To the land of majestic mountains, glorious fall leaves, beautiful weather, uplifting temples and most important our loving family

2008-10-08T10:38:00.001-07:00

We journeyed to Utah this week to see family and had a great time.

Christa was nice enough to watch our kids while Travis and I did a session at the Salt Lake Temple. I learned more and loved more on this day.

I asked Shep what his favorite part of the trip was and he said, "riding quads at Uncle Eric's house."

Grandma & Grandpa have an amazing garden including pumpkins. It was so fun- "what you want a pumpkin- let's go get one from the garden. Oh a carrot, sure I'll go pick one." I love it and someday I will join the ranks of fabulous gardeners in the Macdonald family.

Meda & Isaac

We stayed at Christa & Steve's house our first night in Utah. She cooked for us, babysat for us and much more- thanks Christa you are such a great sister! After seeing her cute home decorated with halloween spirits Travis agreed to go to her mother-in-laws boutique in Kaysville. This is Christa at work. The boutique is SO CUTE!

The kids LOVED looking for eggs in the chicken coops. Jolayne even let Shep feed the chickens.

Trailer Rides n' cousins! One of the biggest thrills in Shep's life to date.

I LOVE these arms. This is baby Anne. One of the cutest babies to be. Rolls upon rolls of total adorableness! Anne was Meda's favorite part of the trip, she cooed over her always saying, "bay bay."

Anne & mama Tanya

Shep loved all of the male bonding, arh arh!

Travis celebrated his 29th birthday. He got everything he wanted- to spend time with his family having fun and making memories- oh and 4 layer delight.

We are so lucky to have such great family. A special thanks to Jo Jo for graciously giving up your room for 3 nights (even when sick), to Grandma & Grandpa for all the good food, trailer rides and letting Travis win Rummikub. We love you all!

The Macdonald Family

saying goodbye to Grandma Hackitt

Happy 2012

Christmas unwrapped

Thanksgiving in Utah

Meda's big news

Kittens and zombies and bears, oh my!

The Winds of Change

Big Sky Love

Camp Carp

Rock on!

Lovely lady turns 4

All Hail the Conquering Graduate

The Yin to my Yang

Women's Conference

Happy Easter

Loving Henry

family picnic

Play Ball

Where did March go?

Girl's Trip

holiday

Glad Tidings

Thoroughly Modern Macdonalds

she who loves Halloween, join with family

Fall Break

Birthday Boys

Happy dress

into the woods

"I'm in love... I'm in love and I don't care who knows it"

It's Jo time!

swim lessons

"Oh man that was a fun day"

Shep Turns 5

Meda turns 3

Family, hikes, bikes, swimming & polygamists

Lovickle

61

finding my bearings

Hibernate and Floor it

It no work

Our life with Bear...

This was her place

Is this heaven? No it's Montana.

Macdonald lovin'

B*I*R*T*H*D*A*Y P*A*R*T*I*E*S

I've got sunshine on a cloudy day

Macdonald girls soon to be outnumbered

lessons

My favorite picture

temple lights

he said... she said...

Spooktacular

Reunion Weekend

Papa's 60th birthday

waiting for daddy

To the land of majestic mountains, glorious fall leaves, beautiful weather, uplifting temples and most important our loving family

BIRTHDAY PARTIE*S