The Nielsen Family

Homemade Baby Food

2010-05-20T15:26:00.000-07:00

I am soooo proud of myself. Today I decided that I was going to make homemade baby food. The little ones have been eating food now for awhile so I bought food from the store just to have the jars, now that I had enough jars I made sweet potatoes, butternut squash, greenbeans, and carrots. I am so excited and it saved me a lot of money and was really simple. Now I just need to see if they will eat it:)

Stroller Strides Picnic

2010-05-20T15:24:00.000-07:00

Our porcelin doll

Me and my girls

Emma relaxing

Rylee

Last Sunday we had a huge barbecue at the park for the kick off to summer with all of our stroller strides friends. We had a blast with water balloons, sand toys, good food and friends, here are a few pics of our fun day.

Mackenzie's Graduation!!!

2010-05-20T15:21:00.000-07:00

All ready for graduation
Walking out to the graduation song

Getting her diploma

Our Family

All of us with Uncle Brandon

Mackenzie and her teacher

Proud parents

So happy to be graduated

Yesterday Mackenzie graduated from preschool!!! I am so proud of her, but so sad at the same time. My little baby is no longer a baby. She did amazing, they all walked out to the graduation song with their hats on and then told us their sounds, and then sand songs. Then when going up to get their diplomas, the teacher stated what each child said they wanted to be when they grew up. Mackenzie said she wanted to be a pet groomer, she is adorable if I do say so myself. Bret's best friend Brandon came to the graduation and joined us at Chuck E Cheese for a celebration and Mackenzie was so excited. After lunch it was off to the house for a nap for the entire family:) We are so proud of you Mackenzie!!!

Half Marathon

2010-05-03T17:23:00.000-07:00

Mackenzie went crazy with my moms sticker basket at her school
Geeky and Mackenzie

Aunt Bibby, Mackenzie and I going to the movies

Enjoying pizza before our movie

Playing Chutes and Ladders

Out to dinner with my parents

Very early in the morning before the race

Right after I finished, just a little sweaty

Best cheerleaders

Friends from AZ who also ran

The whole group

For the past 3 months I have been training for the Orange County Half Marathon, and this past weekend was the big event. Terri and Kristen came in to town to help Bret with the babies and I took Mackenzie with me to CA. We had a blast, we first visited my mom at her school on Friday, that night we went to the movies, then on Sat my mom and I went to get my bib number and went to an amazing swap meet, while Tracy took Mackenzie to an amusement park. I then got to go to my favorite restaurant, woodranch, with the entire family and load up on steak before the big race. Sunday morning came, up by 4:30 and ran the half marathon, 13.1 miles in one hour, fifty four minutes. I was soooo excited, this was my best time ever, and I was nervous because of only having the babies 4 months ago, but I met my goal and felt such a feeling of accomplishment. Now it's on to a full marathon in October:)

Mackenzie and I then loaded up in the car and drove back home, we had a fantastic weekend, and a big thanks to Terri and Kristen for helping with the babies so that I could go and not have any worries.

Rylee is rolling over!!

2010-05-03T17:09:00.000-07:00

Rylee rolled over for the first time, a little startled
Look at me mama!!!

Sooo proud of herself

Rylee so sweet, only if she could always be like this

Mackenzie dancing to her ipod, while scrapbooking

Emma

Rylee

Reading to Rylee

I put Emma on the couch & turned to get my camera and she fell over, bad momma

Emma and Mackenzie

All ready for the day

Emma eating

Rylee eating

They are starting to pay more attention to eachother, Rylee is more aware than Emma

So Rylee is now rolling over, she rolls from her back to her tummy, which is the harder way to do it. The problem is though that everytime I put her on the ground, she immediately rolls over and then gets so mad because she wants to be on her back.

The girls also had their four month check up and are doing great. They are both on food now, one meal for lunch and then one for dinner. Rylee loves to eat the food, Emma on the other hand just loves to smile at you so all of the food just spills out of her mouth.

They are growing up so fast, and Mackenzie just got into her charter school for kindergarten so starting Aug 2nd she will now be going to kindergarten 5 full days. She will have to wear a uniform, which makes mommy very happy:)

The girls

2010-04-16T17:38:00.001-07:00

Rylee
Tummy time

Emma and Rylee

Rylee

All 3 girls

Rylee and daddy

Mackenzie talking to Rylee

Just hanging out

All 3 kiddos

Emma in shoes for the first time

Watching Elmo

Playing candyland while talking to Nana

I have been taking a lot of pictures lately, pretty much after I get all 3 kiddos ready for the day we take pictures before we head out. I have also included some pictures of what the kids do during the day.

Baseball Fun

2010-04-16T17:32:00.000-07:00

Family picture

Me and my girls

Rylee

Emma

The other night, we decided to take a family trip to the Arizona Diamondback's Stadium to watch our neighbor play in a special game for his high school. We loaded up the entire family and headed there with Pops (Bret's dad). We had a great time and it was nice just to get out and do something all together!!

A real accomplishment

2010-04-11T13:06:00.000-07:00

Rylee in jeans for the first time!!
Smiley Emma

Rylee having a rough morning!!

At least two are smiling!

Mackenzie and Emma

I find it to be a HUGE accomplishment if I can get all 3 girls out of the house dressed and looking cute. At times the babies will look great, while I forgot to brush Mackenzie's hair, or Mackenzie will look adorable and the babies will be in their spit up pjs. So on days when I drive away from the house knowing all 3 girls look like they are raised by someone who cares about them then I feel Great!!!!

Ear Surgery Again!!!

2010-04-11T12:54:00.000-07:00

Being so good in the stroller

Emma had fun too

Shopping completed

All ready for bed before the big day, new jammies and buddy

Mackenzie has had tubes in her ears 2 times and now she had to have them put in again. The poor thing keeps getting ear infections and after the surgery the Dr. said that her hearing has been as though she has been under 3 feet of water, which explains why the tv volume has always been at about 20!!!!! Anyways, my mom came to visit to take care of the twins so that Bret and I could take her to the surgery, but beforehand we had to take her to make a build a bear and to get new jammies for her big day. The hard part about her being older is that she remembers exactly what happens during surgery and she freaks out. This time she actually did really well until the nurse came to take her, she starting screaming and clinging on to me, yelling I only want my mommy. The nurse said in this case I could carry her to the surgery door, but then I would have to hand her off immediately. So I get to the door and pry Mackenzie off of my shoulder and hand her to the nurse, the doors close and I can hear her screaming and I turn around to walk out with Bret and I am in tears. My lovely husband to lighten the mood goes, "I wonder where she gets it from???" Yes she is a crier like me:) Anyways we go and sit in the waiting room and I text my mom to tell her that she was just taken in and the Dr comes out and tells me it is all over, the whole procedure only lasted 10 minutes!!! She did great, she played all day and was fine, and now she can hear perfect!!!!!!

Easter

2010-04-11T12:35:00.000-07:00

My dad entertaining Rylee
So Big

Mackenzie wanted to take a picture of Emma and me

Coloring easter eggs

Mackenzie wanted a picture of her with her egg

finding her tv and dvd player

All dressed up for Easter

Emma and Mackenzie

We had a great Easter, we started celebrating on Sat with Mackenzie and daddy going to an Easter carnival while I took the girls and taught a stroller strides class, then we all met up for lunch and headed home to spend some time with my family who came in for the weekend. We all colored Easter eggs and then headed off to Bret's softball game. On Easter morning Mackenzie hunted for eggs and went on a scavenger hunt to find her big gift, a tv and dvd player for her room!!! What a big girl, but she is only allowed to watch her new tv when she is going to bed, no hanging out in her room all day watching tv for her! We then had a great home cooked breakfast, took some naps and hung around the house. It was a perfect Easter, I hope you and your family had a blast as well!!

I know I am bad!!!

2010-03-28T23:01:00.000-07:00

Rylee, Mackenzie and I on St. Patrick's Day

At the mall visiting the Easter Bunny

Emma

Rylee

I actually got a cute picture of them all there, just not on my camera

Rylee

My girls

Emma

Rylee

Mackenzie playing with Emma

All ready for summer

Emma at the zoo for the first time

Zoo fun, this is where Kenzie sits when we go running, what a trooper

Emma and Kenzie cuddling

Crazy Mackenzie and Rylee

Emma

I know I am bad at blogging, but I am a little busy, I know no excuse. Anyways finally the baby announcements are going out tomorrow, only 3 months late, but at least they are going out. The babies are doing awesome, smiling and moving around like crazy. They are both sleeping through the night, down by 8 and then up at 7, so this makes for a very happy mommy and daddy. Emma is our sweetheart, she is huge, but is so calm, and just loves to smile at you. Rylee on the other hand is a handful, she is awesome during the day, but come 5 o'clock she can be evil, with me she is ok, just needs to be held, but with anyone else she screams and screams and screams. Her face gets bright red and then she'll hold her breath and she won't stop.

Me and my three girls travel all over the place together. Every morning we go running, the twins in the double jogger and Mackenzie sits on the very front, let me tell you it is very heavy with her in the front. But I am not complaining because I am lucky that I still get to get my run in. I am training for a half marathon, which is on May 2nd. Mackenzie is so awesome, because it can't be comfortable, but she never complains, bless her heart!!!

Then we do stroller strides from 9:30-10:30 and then play in the park. Our afternoons then consist of going out to lunch, shopping at the mall, running errands or going home for a nap!! Last week we went and saw the Easter Bunny, which was fun. All of the girls have been sick a lot this winter so we have also been to the dr. quite a bit. The most fun was when I had to take all 3 of them to the twins 2 month check-up and shots, this was an ordeal, but we made it through it!! It is a lot easier now with the carriers, but once they are out of them it will be alot more difficult, I am sure.

Bret and I went to La Costa Resort and Spa this past weekend for 2 days of a break while my mom and sister watched all the kiddos. They are amazing and am so appreciate because it was so nice not to have to hear mom, mom, mom, mom and then crying all at the same time for 2 days. Now we are back and refreshed and ready to get back to the real world. I posted just random pictures for you to see the girls!!

My girls are amazing

2010-01-26T13:29:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love being a mommy, my three girls are amazing. Last night I actually got a lot of sleep, Mackenzie went to bed at 7 and the twins at 9. In the morning I woke up before all of the kiddos, they all woke up at 7:15. I woke up at 7, looked at the clock and freaked out because I hadn't gotten up in the middle of the night with the babies. I couldn't believe that they slept through the entire night. I am such a better mommy when I get sleep:)

San Diego Trip

2010-01-26T13:17:00.000-08:00

Nana and Ken with Rylee
Nana and Emma

Aunt Carla, Aunt Jacque and Rylee

All four cousins

All of the cousins

Great Grandma, Rylee and Emma

Family of 5

All of us girls at Por Favor

Auntie Lisa and Rylee

The whole group

Uncle James with Emma

This past weekend we loaded up the car and headed to San Diego. On the way there we only had to stop once for a half hour to feed and change the babies, and then on the way home we drove straight through, way to go babies!!! We visited with Nana (Bret's mom) and then headed to Bret's grandma's house to visit the whole family. The babies and Mackenzie were great and loved seeing everyone. We then saw James and Lisa and the girls on Saturday for dinner and on Sunday we headed to Carlsbad to see Brandon, Bret's best friend run a 1/2 marathon. We fit in a ton of events just in three days, but had a great time!!! Here are a few pictures from all of our fun.

My Dad's Visit

2010-01-26T13:08:00.000-08:00

Eating lunch

Dad putting bunny ears on the girls, you can't take him anywhere

GP stood like this for 45 min keeping Rylee warm while waiting for the Dr. , his poor back!!

The girls waiting for the doctor

My dad came to AZ last week for a visit to help me out. At first I gave him a hard time because he doesn't change diapers, gives the baby back the second they get fussy etc. so I told him he wouldn't be of much help, but I was wrong. My dad helped a ton and I was so thankful. I am getting ready to have another grand opening for stroller strides, so I had to advertise, which is hard with three kiddos so he rode in the car and waited with all of them as I ran into different stores, this was a four hour process.... thanks so much dad. He also helped me because it was their first month check-up, which would have been hard taking them by myself. We went out to eat a lot, and I never had to pick up the bill:) It was a great trip to be able to spend time with my dad and in the end he was a HUGE help!!!

Routines are the BEST

2010-01-17T20:21:00.000-08:00

Emma all ready for her bath
Emma's first big girl bath

Emma loved the water

Emma all done

Mackenzie and Emma

Emma ready for bed

Rylee's big girl bath

Rylee loved the water too

Not a happy Rylee

Rylee

Two clean babies

Proud big sister

Emma in her jammies

Rylee in her jammies

Rylee all swaddled

Emma swaddled

All ready for bed

sweet dreams Emma

Sweet dreams Rylee

As many of you know, I am a very structured person, I love schedules and routines so I knew when we were having twins that they would have to get on a schedule early on. I did this with Mackenzie and she was sleeping through the night in her own crib at 7 weeks. I know this won't take place with the twins because they are still so little in weight, but we are getting closer. Emma and Rylee are no longer sleeping in our room, they are in bassinets in their own rooms. They are such loud sleepers that Bret and I weren't getting any sleep, so with the help of video monitors they are now on their own in their rooms and are doing great.

For our night time routine I have been doing sponge baths, but tonight was their very first big tub bath and they did great. So we start with a bath, they get lotioned up, get their jammies on, they get swaddled and then eat and then it is off to bed. We start the routine at 8 and by 9-9:15 they are sound asleep in their beds. As they get older I will move their routine up. Rylee is my good sleeper she is asleep by 9:15, wakes up at 4:15 eats and then goes back to sleep and wakes at 7:15, Emma is a little more high maintenance and is asleep by 9:15, up at 1:15 eats goes back to sleep, up at 4:15 and then up at 7:15. Not too bad for twins, but hopefully they will be sleeping more, especially Emma in the next few weeks. Here are some pics of their routine from tonight!!

My babies are four weeks old!!

2010-01-15T18:12:00.000-08:00

Rylee

Mackenzie and Emma

Emma

It was a little crowded at my 2 week check-up

I can not believe how fast four weeks go, it seems like just yesterday I had my c-section and my little ones arrived. Now they are already four weeks old, where does the time go. Both Emma and Rylee are doing great, Rylee is my little petite girl, who we call "little man" because she looks like a little old man and then Emma is my chunky baby who we call "Emma girl". Emma is exactly like Mackenzie, high maintenance, and adorable, while Rylee is a lot like Bret, she is very independent. Both babies are on a great routine, and are both sound asleep every night by 9:15, then Rylee sleeps until 4:15 eats and sleeps until 7:30, Emma sleeps until 12:15 eats, then wakes up at 4:15 eats and then 7:30, this is why she is my chunky one.

Both babies are really calm and really only get upset when hungry. Things definitely take a lot longer to do for example get out of the house, but we still are doing it. These past two weeks Bret has been off and we have had a lot of fun, we have run tons of errands, gone to the race track, been out to eat, worked out etc all with our family of 5. I took all 3 kiddos to have their pictures taken at the mall by myself and it went well, and we have been going to stroller strides at least 3 times a week just to get the little ones used to the routine. I am working out a little, but still need to take it easy because of my incision and it is killing me, but I don't want to have a set back.

Bret goes back to work on Tuesday which I am dreading because he has been such a huge help. My dad is then coming into town for a week to help me because I am opening up a new location for stroller strides on Feb 2nd and need to advertise and get things ready. Mackenzie is just loving being a big sister, she is fabulous with the babies, even if she does wake them up sometimes. She just loves them so much and wants to hug them even when they are sleeping, which drives me crazy at times, but you have to let her because she is just so in love with them. I will keep you posted as our little ones just grow and grow!!

The Babies have Arrived

2010-01-04T21:28:00.001-08:00

Our first family of 5 walk

Daddy and his two babies

What a good big sister

Mackenzie and Rylee

Emma and Rylee

First trip to visit stroller strides

First trip to Starbucks

First trip to the grocery store

Mommas three girls

Rylee...touchdown

Bret and I going on a date we had enough babysitters:)

Happy New Year

Nielsen family of 5

Party animals

Too cute

Two babies and Momma

Emma and Rylee

First time in real clothes not just sleepers

Emma and her pudgy cheeks

They mix in well with Mackenzies stuffed animals

Rylee enjoying the swing for the first time

Emma...Mackenzie used to love this mat

The Nielsen Babies have arrived and they couldn't be more perfect. I had a planned c-section on Dec 18th because Rylee was breech and everything went well. Rylee weighed in at 6lbs 6 oz and Emma weighed in at 6lbs 5 oz, they both were 19 1/4 inches. They are so tiny compared to what Mackenzie was, but for being twins they are considered big. The c-section was brutal, thank goodness I won't ever have to go through that again. My pregnancies are always great, but my recovery is always so hard. The night before I delivered my feet began to swell and then when I went in for delivery my Dr. said that I had become pre-eclamptic, which is common with twins and usually goes away once the babies come out. I went in for the c-section, which wasn't painful except for my shoulders hurting from my abdomen being open, which still grosses me out. Then they took the babies to the nursery and I had to go to recovery for 3 hours, my body was in shock so literally I shook for 3 hours as if I was sitting naked in a snow storm. I had heated blankets all over my body and my head and it still didn't help. Finally after 3 hours I was taken to my room where I got to see my family and my babies. I became really nauseous so they decided to give me morphine through my iv for pain meds, which made me delirious. Finally after two days they took me off of the morphine and I felt better and could eat. At the hospital where I delivered Mackenzie wasn't able to visit us because of the swine flu so she would come to the waiting room and if I wanted to see her I could only see her there, she also couldn't see the babies. This was really hard for her, because I have never been away from her for 5 days and everything was scary for her. My sister took great care of her during those days and I got to see her for a few minutes each day, but I wasn't feeling well so I couldn't stay out in the waiting room for more than a few minutes at a time. Finally I was going to get to go home, and then I got a migraine and was throwing up. If you have ever had a c-section and then had to throw up, you know how horrible it is, with your incision. My blood pressure also stayed extremely high so I was put on blood pressure meds and monitored closely. After 5 days in the hospital I was going insane, same with Bret, he was by my side the entire time, so we were glad it was finally time to go home. Recovery has been hard, but my blood pressure is under control, it is a little low now, which makes me light headed, but better than being too high. My incision is healing great and I am moving around much better. The babies on the other hand are fantastic. They are the easiest babies. Rylee is already sleeping 5 hours a night and Emma is about 3 hours. They are on the same schedule for feeding, which is nice. All in all things are great, Mackenzie is the best big sister ever, and is absolutely adorable with them. I will post more when time allows, it is definitely a crazy life right now with 3 kids, but also amazing

I thought Black was Slimming????

2009-12-13T19:18:00.000-08:00

Not a cute picture, Kristen made me laugh, but you get the picture of how enormous I am!

So I am 36.5 weeks pregnant with twins and enormous, I no longer can sleep in our bed, I sleep on the couch and I am just miserable. However I am having these babies this coming Friday the 18th, I am scheduled for a c-section at 7:45. Please pray for us and keep us in your thoughts that day as I am petrified. I am so not excited about having my stomach cut into. Anyways here are pictures of me this past weekend, and no black is not slimming for everyone!!!

Christmas Early with the Nielsens

2009-12-13T18:56:00.000-08:00

Dinner at Claim Jumper
After opening presents

Starting her dance

TOOO cute

She watched her teacher the whole time, so she would be perfect

Daddy/Daughter dance

They did a great job

The end of the show, Bret and Kenzie were in the back

Walking to find everyone after the show

Our Family, all of my make-up was gone because I cried for the entire hour

Everyone who came and supported Mackenzie

Having fun at the cake walk

I don't know who had more fun, Mackenzie or the adults

All of the winners and their cakes!!!!

This past weekend, we celebrated Christmas with Terri, Ken and Kristen since the babies will be here this coming Friday!!! We had a blast, went to dinner at Claim Jumper and then opened lots of presents. On Saturday my mom and sister came out as well because Mackenzie had her last performance of her hip hop/tap combo class. The presentation was adorable, she performed on a high school stage and wasn't nervous at all. When I took her backstage I had planned on staying there the whole time, but when I asked her if she wanted mommy to go or stay she said, "you can go momma I am fine". She is growing up way toooo fast. She was so cute doing her dance and then at the end of the performance she did a daddy daughter dance that was to die for. I don't know if it is my hormones or not, but I cried the entire time, not just small tears, but balling!!! After the recital we came back to our house for a barbecue. We all had a great time, Nana also planned a cake walk and it was absolutely hilarious, I think the adults had just as much fun as Mackenzie!!!

Only 3 weeks to go!!!!!

2009-11-29T18:41:00.000-08:00

Showing her bell from Santa

Doing the wave with daddy on the polar express

Getting ready to load onto the train

All ready for the polar express

At a Christmas carnival riding the train

I can not believe how time is flying. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!! I feel that time for us has been in fast forward as we are trying to get everything done before the babies arrive on the 18th. I am almost done with Christmas shopping and they are all wrapped, the house is decorated, Mackenzie has been to see Santa, we went to Flagstaff to ride the polar express to the north pole and Mackenzie's preschool ornaments are done and ready to pass out to her friends. I want this Christmas to be special for her even though I will be in the hospital for probably 5 days prior to Christmas. The great thing is though, I really won't miss anything, she has two dance recitals one this coming weekend and one on the 12th and then she has her preschool party on the 17th. The babies are scheduled to arrive either by c-section or by being induced on the 18th, I will be 37 weeks. I most likely will have to have a c-section because baby A is still breech and unless she turns there is no other way.

I am going to the Dr. 3 times a week and am growing like a weed, I am enormous. I hate to complain, but these past few days have been horrible. Mackenzie is the best little helper ever, she tells me to rest and brings me whatever I need, I am truly blessed and how good she is, I hope my other two are as good as her or I am in for a rude awakening.

My bag is finally packed and in the next few days the car seats will be loaded in my car, I can't believe that soon we will be a family of 5! I have posted a few pictures of what our life has been like this past month.

30 weeks pregnant

2009-10-29T19:25:00.000-07:00

28 weeks pregnant

29 weeks pregnant

People have been asking to see pregnant pictures so here they are. Things are going well, I am 30 weeks pregnant today and had an ultrasound. Baby A is weighing 3 pounds 5 ounces, and Baby B is weighing 3 pounds 3 ounces. They are very close in size, their measurements are measuring 30 weeks and 1 day so they are right on. Both babies look really healthy and they even have hair, which is sooo weird because Mackenzie was completely bald. I now have to go to the Dr. 2 times a week starting next week, once for an ultrasound and then the other to the hospital for a non stress test. This is so not going to be fun, but it is important for the little ones.

As for me I am doing ok. Carrying two babies is soooo much harder than one, even though Mackenzie was 10 pounds, there is just something different about having two babies inside of me. I loved being pregnant the first time around, but am finding it very uncomfortable right now. I hate complaining, but at times it is unbearable and then others it isn't soo bad, just depends on the day and where the babies are laying.

Last week I had to go to the hospital because of dehydration, I was given two shots to stop contractions and a steroid shot to help develop the babies lungs. Other than that everything has been going great. I had initially gained 30 pounds, but in the last week I have lost weight, I think because of drinking sooo much water now and not being hungry because the babies take up so much room. I am still teaching stroller strides 4 times a week, but I have really slowed down, as there are things my body just won't do any longer. The Dr. told me that he misspoke last time I saw him and that he wants me to deliver at 38 weeks, which means Dec. 24th. Bret and I am going to try to talk him into changing the date because I can't imagine having twin birthdays on Christmas Eve every year, I will keep you posted as we hear more. Other than that not much going on. I promise I will post more often these next few weeks, I have been getting yelled at:(

Halloween Party

2009-10-29T19:12:00.000-07:00

Mackenzie with the cookies she made for school
My little mermaid

class picture

mommy and mackenzie

daddy and mackenzie

daddy helping with the craft

The whole family, even the twins:)

Singing their 5 little pumpkin song

Playing pass the pumpkin

mackenzie and her friend shannon

Mackenzie and her teacher Miss Jarman

Mackenzie had her 4 year old preschool halloween party today. For the past few days we have been baking cookies for her classmates, getting her goodie bags together and making sure she had everything for her costume. This is such a fun age, she is soo into everything. Bret was able to come to the party with us because he was working nights, which was fun to have him with us. They played lots of games and of course ate lots of sweets.

Mackenzie is also in dance and is loving it. She has a dance recital on Dec 10th, and for the finale there is a daddy daughter dance, they actually have to go to rehearsal once a week for 4 weeks. She is soo excited, daddy too, not sure if he really wants to dance infront of all the people, but he is so excited that he gets to dance with Mackenzie.

Mackenzie is just growing by the minute and is so excited to be a big sister. She is so cute helping set up the rooms, cleaning the clothes etc. The babies will be here before we know it:)

Only 11.5 weeks to go!!!

2009-09-20T21:44:00.000-07:00

too precious

giving daddy his birthday gifts

cheering on aunt bibby at the ms walk

I am totally freaking out!!!!!! I went to the Dr. the other day to have my diabetes test and also for a routine check up. My diabetes test went great woo hoo, I don't have to do the three hour test like I had to do with Mackenzie:) Anyways so I was in my Dr's appt and asked when he thought I would deliver, he said he definitely will not let me go past 36 weeks, meaning Dec. 10th. I guess I was thinking that these babies were going to be inside me forever, because I walked out in a pure panic and called Bret telling him all the things we had to do to be ready. Don't get me wrong, I am sooo ready to get these babies out, I am enormous, but I am also so apprehensive about having the house ready. Call me crazy, but I want everything done, and not just in the babies rooms. These babies have made me crazy, the other day I was painting the garage, I know wierd, but I just felt like it needed to be done. We are doing separate rooms for the girls and one room is 80% done while the other still needs a lot of work. I am also trying to catch up on all of my scrapbooking, at least my pregnancy book is up to date. Everyone keeps telling me to chill out and that everything will get done, but I am still so anxious. Mackenzie is such a great helper, she is constantly telling me to nap, and she yells at me when she thinks I am doing too much. At stroller strides she yells at me if I run or am working out too hard, and she is only 4. She also tells on me to Bret, tonight I was hanging one of the vinyl words that go straight on your wall and I had to stand on a chair, she immediately ran to tell Bret. You gotta love her.

This coming weekend, Bret is visiting so me friends out of town, so Mackenzie and I are taking a trip to CA to visit my family, go to Disneyland, visit some of my friends etc. I am so excited for her and I just to be together and have a few vacation days where we don't have to worry about anything!!! Sorry for my rambling, but my brain is in overdrive, hope you all have a great week and will post more later. I posted a few random pictures of Mackenzie just for fun!!

I am such a bad blogger

2009-09-03T19:26:00.000-07:00

Mackenzie on her way to preschool

So excited to be the classroom helper

Me at 4 1/2/ months pregnant

Today at 5 1/2/ months pregnant, I am enormous

Picking out the crib for one of the baby girls

Mackenzie at Build a Bear

Mackenzie and her friend Shannon

Being silly at my ultrasound appt

So I have heard from everyone how I am a bad blogger and just don't keep my blog updated, I know I know!!! I am now of facebook and I am not good at keeping that up either, so sorry, I am trying my best. We have been crazy busy, since my last post I am now 22 weeks pregnant with twin GIRLS!!! We are busy getting their rooms done, I am going to give them each their own room, which will be nice, but right now it is just twice the work. Mackenzie has started 4 year old preschool which is 3 days a week for 3 hours and she is loving it. As for me I am still teaching stroller strides 4 days a week, and going crazy nesting already. I just want to throw everything away because I know how much more stuff we are going to collect once the twins arrive. Bret is doing great, his softball team is on a break for a month, work is work and he is just helping out around the house because I have been so tired.

I had an ultrasound yesterday and the Dr. said everything looks great, he even thinks I could have 7 pound twins, dear God please my body can only take sooo much, but at least the babies would be healthy, which would be awesome. Like I said so sorry I haven't been keeping you all posted and I will try my best, I just have had a lot on my plate and feel like there is never enough time to get everything done. Hope all is well with you all:)

We're going to be a family of 5

2009-06-28T20:14:00.000-07:00

Making the bear, look at that smile

Just waiting for daddy now

Bringing the bear to daddy

YEAH!!! We didn't know it was going to be 2!!

My 12 week ultrasound, the babies were so active and also were very close together

Most of you already know, but Bret and I are expecting TWINS!!!!!! We are so excited and a little scared at the same time. It has taken me a long time to post this, but I wanted to make sure that everything was ok with our two new bundles of joy. Last week I had my 12 week ultrasound and both of them are doing great, they are about the same time and had the exact same heart beat of 164, they are fraternal and we will find out what they are in four more weeks. I am dying to know so that I can get things ready. With Mackenzie we didn't find out, but with two of them I feel like we need a little more time to prepare for everything as when they arrive we will be pretty busy. I am feeling good, I am extremely tired and have been getting bad migraines, but I am hoping now that I am in my second trimester that those will die down. Even though I am just 12 weeks, my uterus is measuring at 15, which means I am already showing. I am still in my regular clothes, but barely. With Mackenzie I didn't wear maternity clothes until 20 weeks and then I just blew up because she was so big. With these little ones I am already growing each day, it should be interesting to see how enormous I get. At least I am still able to workout and go running, but I lose my breath a lot easier so I have to be careful.

As for Mackenzie she could not be more excited to be a big sister. But she really just wants two sisters so we will see. She talks to my belly everyday and tells me to take it easy and lay down so that I take care of the babies, it is adorable. Like I said earlier we have known for quite awhile, but when I found out I was pregnant I took Mackenzie to Build a Bear and had her make a bear and record a message in the paw that said "I'm the big sister", then we dressed the bear in one of her old onesies and tied the digital pregnancy test in the bear's hands. When Bret got home Mackenzie gave him the bear, it was so cute. I will keep you all posted as to how we are doing, but as for now we are just preparing to expand our little family of 3 to 5 in just a few months.

25th Wedding Anniversary

2009-06-28T20:09:00.000-07:00

All ready and dressed for the party

Renewing their vows

Me and my love bug

Playing with her little pony at the end of the night in her jammies!!

A few weeks ago we took a trip to San Diego to celebrate Bret's grandma and grandpa's 25th wedding anniversary. Bret's mom and aunts put on the whole party and it was so much fun. They renewed their vows, toasted to a wonderful 25 years and cut the cake again, it was so great. Mackenzie had a blast and was so good, she was the only little one, but still had fun with the whole family. Here are a few pictures from the event.

The Arizonians go to the Beach

2009-06-04T15:45:00.000-07:00

In the lobby you would have thought we were moving in

collecting sea shells, Bret was FREEZING, what a good daddy

sleeping in her tent

The weather while driving to buy warm clothes

She had a ball in the sand, love her outfit???

My hubby is sooo hot!!!

The girls at the boardwalk

Riding the bumper cars

Nana was a tooper to go in the boat they were sooo small

The carousel so much fun

My dear husband planned a trip for us to go to San Diego to have a nice family vacation at the beach. He booked a hotel in La Jolla where you walked straight from your room onto the beach it was really gorgeous. So your thinking what a great idea huh, well, it rained. Yes I said rained and being from Arizona where it is already 107 everyday, we were frozen. We only packed shorts and tank tops, what morons. The first night we arrived, walked and had a great dinner and then walked on the beach so Mackenzie could find sea shells. We only walked for about 10 minutes because there were no shells and we were absolutely frozen. Then came night time, we had set up Mackenzie's tent and blow up bed to sleep in and she absolutely loved it, we watched a movie and then she curled up and went right to sleep. Meanwhile her daddy and mommy were in hell. First off the bed was the size of a twin, we are used to a king, and then the hotel is older so you can hear every word that is being spoken by the people in the room next to you. And of course the people next to us were extremely loud, so Bret thought it would be a good idea to turn the t.v. up loud because it would be better to hear that then the surfers next door. So now I am sleeping in a tiny bed and there is a bright light shining from the t.v., the t.v. is blaring and I can still hear the people next door. I got up put a towel over the t.v. which barely worked and then turned the t.v. down and just laid in bed staring at the wall. Finally the people were quiet and Bret and I were able to go to sleep.

The next morning we were exhausted, Bret could barely move, you should have seen him bend over to get something out of his suitcase, he was so sore from the horrible bed. Mackenzie and I went for a jog in the rain, and then we headed to Target to find warm clothes because Mackenzie was determined to play in the sand. To our surprise there was nothing warm sold at Target because it is the SUMMER!!!! Luckily Mackenzie had two pairs of long sleeve pjs and so she wore not just one but both of them. Bret and I on the other hand were bundled up in blankets etc, enjoying this wonderful and relaxing vacation on the not so sunny beach.

Bret's mom and sister showed up and decided that we should have plan B because we looked so miserable. Bret then decided that we should just stay at his moms because he wanted a good night sleep, and wanted out of this hotel of hell. Of course the hotel wouldn't give us our money back so we ended up paying for it even though we didn't stay there.

However I do have to say the trip ended great, we went to Mission Beach and Mackenzie got to play lots of games and ride rides and she had a blast. It was also nice to spend time with Teri and Kristen. So all in all the lesson of our trip was to just have a good attitude and anything can be fun.

A great Cousins Visit

2009-05-24T20:06:00.000-07:00

Waiting in the fitting room for Brookie to try something on

Riding the carousel all together

Miniature golfing...with daddy's help

Too cute

Having fun on the bumper boats

She kept waving and saying hi mommy, it was adorable

Riding the go carts...sooo brave

Mackenzie hasn't seen her cousins in quite awhile so she had so much fun playing with them and wearing them out. They were here for a few days and within those days we watched multiple movies, went to the mall, went out to eat many times, had a barbecue with friends, visited ASU and went to a water/fun park. Mackenzie had a blast and is so tired that she went to bed at 6:30 tonight. We had a great time with cousins Brooke and Brianna and uncle Lisa, (for some reason Mackenzie calls her aunt Lisa Uncle, we don't know why, but it's pretty funny). Thanks for coming to visit guys, we miss you already.

Last Day of Preschool

2009-05-24T19:58:00.001-07:00

All ready for her snack

Waiting to watch the video

Get all that candy from the pinata

See my daughter starring to her right

Proud mommy and daddy

Mackenzie and her friends

Mackenzie and her teacher

I can not believe how fast time goes by. My little baby had her last day of preschool, oh I am so sad. Next year now she will be going with the 4 year olds for 3 days a week. The preschool that we had her in this last year was simply amazing, it was an at home school, which I was a little nervous about in the beginning, but it was the best decision we have made for Mackenzie so far. They had a little party on their last day where they had snack together, sang songs and hit a pinata. My child is so wierd, while singing her songs she refused to look at Bret and I , she turned her head to the right and sang so we wouldn't see her. It was hilarious, I was just happy that she was singing! The teacher had made a video of pictures from the whole year and put it to music, it was so adorable, and we all got a copy, Mackenzie has watched hers already 10 times. Overall it was a great party and this was a year with a lot of memories for Mackenzie and her mommy and daddy.

Summer Officially has started

2009-05-24T19:49:00.000-07:00

Fun at the splash pad

swimming all by herself

My jumping bean

All tired from the party

It is already sooo hot here in AZ so Mackenzie has been in water already multiple times. There is a splash pad at the park where we do stroller strides and last year she hated it. This year I thought we would try again and to my surprise she loved it!!! We also went to a stroller strides summer kick off pool party and she also has gone swimming at Pop's house (Bret's Dads).

Mother's Day!!!!

2009-05-24T19:31:00.000-07:00

So excited for me to open the present!

Me and my little munchkin

The finished project... just priceless

I am so far behind....I will have to catch you all up with what the Nielsen's have been up to lately. First off we had a wonderful mother's day. This was the first Mother's Day that Mackenzie really understood and it was absolutely adorable. The Thursday before Mother's Day Mackenzie had preschool and her teacher was telling them that they didn't have to buy their moms stuff to show them that they were loved, they could do things like clean up their toys, listen to them etc. Sooo.. On the way home Mackenzie told me that when she got home she had to go upstairs and do something for Mother's Day and I wasn't allowed to go up there. She was running around, I had no idea what she was up to. Then she came out and asked for hangers, but said I couldn't come in her room and just to leave them at her door, so I did as I was told. About 20 minutes later, she told me that I could come upstairs, but I had to cover my eyes. When I opened them she was standing in the middle of the room with her arms wide out and said "tada" She had cleaned her room, she hung up all of her clothes, and she said she had to hang everything on the lower rack because she was too short, she made her bed perfectly, and all of the toys were put away, she had also folded all of her pajamas and put them in her drawers. She really did an awesome job and I will remember that moment forever.

My mother's day wasn't over yet though, Mackenzie brought home a present for me from preschool, but she told me it was a surprise and that I couldn't open it until Mother's day. Well she couldn't wait that long, so before we headed to CA to visit my parents she told me that I could open it. It was a potholder with her handprint on it, it is the best present I have ever gotten, she was so proud of it.

We then headed to CA to visit my family and had a lazy weekend of eating good food and hanging out by the pool. I hope you all had as great of a mother's day as I did!

Drive in Movies

2009-04-22T18:37:00.000-07:00

All ready for the movie

And she's asleep!!!!!

I have not been to the Drive In Movies since I was in high school, but we went this past weekend and we had sooo much fun. My mom is here visiting for two weeks so I am trying to find things that are different for us to do, we have eaten out at almost every restaurant possible, had make-overs for learning how to wear different types of make-up and now we have gone to the drive in movies. There is a theatre out here that has nine movie screens, I can not believe how crowded it was. Mackenzie was soooo excited to go, she loves to go to the movies, and she usually falls asleep within the first few minutes so we mostly go to movies that I want to see, I know I am a bad mom:( Anyways the only movie playing that sounded even halfway decent was 17 Again, I know I am almost 30, but I still like those lame movies, so we loaded up the back of the expedition with pillows, blankets and snacks and headed to the DRIVE-IN. The last time I went there was that stupid speaker that you would have to pull through your window and it would be static and it would fall out sometimes, so to my surprise now you can tune it to your radio, soooo cool, I know I am so old. We got all comfy in the back of the car, my mom, me and the munchkin and were ready to watch this great movie, when I noticed that my car was the only one with the lights still on inside. For the life of my I couldn't figure out how to turn them off. So me being me I walked around to find someone else with an expedition to see how they turned their lights off. I know I probably freaked the people out whose car I went up to, but I got my answered solved! Mackenzie did as usual and fell asleep after five minutes and my mom and I enjoyed a great brainless movie. This is what a Saturday night is all about, I may now become a drive-in junkie!

Hoppy Belated Easter

2009-04-22T18:21:00.000-07:00

At her Easter Egg Hunt at her gymnastics place

Sooooo excited to color eggs

Showing all her goodies from the Easter Bunny

On her egg hunt, bike and all

Me and my munchkin before brunch

I love this picture

The whole gang at brunch

Sorry it has been awhile, I hope you all had a wonderful Easter. We seemed to have the Easter that never ended, I am not complaining though it was a lot of fun. My whole family came in on Friday and we spent the weekend celebrating, we had mulitple egg hunts, colored eggs and then Easter brunch. Mackenzie has taken after me in her egg finding skills, she could be right in front of one and not see it, so needless to say the egg hunts were long and she needed LOTS of help. The Easter Bunny brought her a bike, she looks so cute on it, and once she saw it she had to do her egg hunt on her bike. Overall it was a great holiday, lots of laughs and fun time spent with family.

The never ending Easter

2009-04-09T21:02:00.001-07:00

Helping fill all the eggs, she was soooooo excited

All of the exercising moms

Moms going on their egg hunt, moms know how to have fun too

Go get those eggs!

All of the little ones getting ready to get the eggs

Mackenzie has already been on a million Easter egg hunts and Easter hasn't even arrived yet. We had a special Easter Stroller Strides class and she had so much fun. We did a whole class incorporate easter eggs etc and then at the end moms got to go on an egg hunt and so did the little ones. It was a blast for everyone. Mackenzie was so excited to fill the plastic easter eggs with gold fish and baby puffs, as well as written exercises for the class, she was such a great helper. I had bought the bunny ears for me to wear during class, which I did for a few minutes until they were taken by lovely Mackenzie, they looked a whole lot cuter on her. We have a few more egg hunts planned this weekend as well as Easter brunch that I will post after this weekend, my family is coming in tomorrow to visit, hopefully they don't mess up my newly cleaned house, ha ha.

Spring Cleaning

2009-04-09T20:55:00.000-07:00

For Easter Bret decided to get a cleaning lady to come and clean our house from top to bottom for me. This was amazing, I hate cleaning and since we moved to AZ we no longer have a cleaning lady and we have a bigger house now, go figure. I do not like to do toilets, I will, but ew just the thought of it makes me cringe. Anyways, I have always felt that you need to clean your house before the cleaning lady comes, Bret never understood this, but I know all you women out there do. I don't need to scrub, but everything has to be put away. So this weekend instead of just putting things away I took it to the next level and cleaned out my closet (donated 10 bags of clothes, I didn't even know I had that much clothes), cleaned the storage closet, cleaned our laundry room, cleaned out all the cabinets in the closet, cleaned all of the linen shelves in the laundry room, organized all of my stroller strides stuff, cleaned out my office and did all the laundry and put it all away:) Mackenzie of course had to help, her favorite thing is cleaning the stools in the kitchen as well as the island. Bret and I started laughing because while she was cleaning she said "mama get your camera and take a picture of me cleaning for your bwog!" She is way to funny if I do say so myself. So the cleaning lady arrived and scrubbed my house, I mean everything for 5 hours, it is immaculate, I don't want to even be here because I am afraid to mess it up. I am not joking when I say I have not cooked since Tuesday because I don't want to dirty my kitchen. Oh how I miss Maria, my cleaning lady in CA. All in all it was a WONDERFUL present from my hubby and I am so thankful!!!

Easter Bunny Fun

2009-04-01T19:47:00.000-07:00

Before seeing the bunny

Trying to smile while crying, takes real talent

Look how red her face was... poor baby

After seeing the bunny...happy again

Today our playgroup for after stroller strides was to go to the mall and visit the Easter Bunny. Mackenzie was so excited to wear her Easter dress that my mom had bought her and she felt like a princess. She isn't normally a fan of Santa, the Red Robin bird etc, but for some reason the Easter Bunny doesn't scare her, or though I thought. Last year she took such great pictures and had a blast meeting him. So I was surprised when she started crying when it was her turn, I put her on his lap and she was crying, it was so sad, but I had to have a picture, I know I am a mean mommy. She was adorable, I said smile for the camera and then we'll go. So here she is sitting on this big bunny's lap, crying and trying to smile at the same time, it was priceless. I then told her to ask the bunny for a bike, she didn't, but it made her stop crying for a second and I got a picture. At the end the lady gave her a rubber duckie and she was so happy. So now the bunny has to get her a bike, what I will do to get a good picture:)

First FieldTrip

2009-04-01T19:41:00.000-07:00

Fun on the carousel

Getting ready to feed the ducks

action shot

Bret in the petting zoo, better him then me

After the log ride

We were so wet, but it was fun

Eating lunch with one of her friends

Mackenzie had her first Preschool FieldTrip and it was to the zoo. She had been learning all about animals for the past few months so her teacher had planned the trip. Bret took the day off and took Mackenzie to the beginning of the class, and I held an early 8am stroller strides class so that I could meet them at 9:30. Mackenzie had so much fun feeding the animals, going on the train, going on a water log ride (mommy was scared and got wet:( ), had lunch with her friends. The funniest part of the entire trip was the petting zoo, as most of you know I am not a fan of animals so I was petrified to go into this part of the zoo. As we started to go in a goat was eating my jeans, I was not pleased as it was one of my favorite pairs, but I was proud of myself for keeping a brave face for the munchkin, however when she saw the goats coming at her she panicked the same way I was inside, and wanted out. I gladly took her out with a smile on my face!! Bret on the other hand got stuck inside and was surrounded by all of the goats, I could not stop laughing and was just happy that it wasn't me. This fieldtrip was a big ordeal and once we all got home, we all mommy and daddy included took a 4 hour nap.

Quick Disneyland Trip

2009-04-01T19:36:00.000-07:00

walking into Disneyland with her bestfriend Julia

Mackenzie and Aunt Bibby infront of the Maderhorn

Having way too much fun

Me and my hubby

My favorite part....the cookies!!

All tired out

When I say quick that is exactly what I mean. Bret called me Monday morning of last week, he was in Tempe for an operation. He told me that he wanted to spend some quality time as a family and that we should go to CA and go to Disneyland. At first I thought he was drunk, then I was nervous about spending the money and then I was excited. We couldn't leave until Saturday afternoon because Mackenzie had basketball, and then Bret decided that he wanted to play in his softball game that didn't even start until 5pm. We left AZ at 6pm and arrived in CA at 11pm. We woke up the next morning and headed to Disneyland at 9:30. My mom and sister went with us as well as my best friend Katie, her husband and her two kids. Katie's husband works for Disney so they got us all in for FREE!!!! They are so awesome, we got lucky because it would have easily been $250 to get us all tickets, that's not counting food etc. We had an absolute blast and it was so worth it. Mackenzie wanted to ride the Materhorn, I don't know how to spell it, and I was sure that she would cry like crazy, but to my surprise she absolutely loved it, she is becoming so BRAVE, or at least more brave than her mommy. We ended up staying until about 7 and then grabbed some dinner and got on the road at 8:45 and arrived home at 1:30 am. I owe a big thank you to Bret because April is going to be such a crazy month for us that this was such a great idea so that we could relax and just have fun.

Basketball Memories

2009-04-01T19:33:00.001-07:00

Mackenzie and her proud GP!!

Many of you know that I played basketball in grade school, high school and college, it was a huge part of my life growing up. Well Mackenzie is now playing and my dad, who was completely involved in my basketball career, was sooo excited to see her play. He drove out to AZ just to watch her for a 45 minute class, and he loved every minute of it. He was so impressed with how well she did, she was amazing, I think she was putting on a show for him. During the class and then when we went to lunch afterwards my dad and I were reminiscing about all of our old times. It was a blast, so many fun memories and new memories to be made by my munchkin.

3 year old's first pedicure

2009-03-24T20:22:00.000-07:00

picking out her color

soaking those toes

too cute for words

The finished product

Kristen was visiting and we decided to go and get pedicures. Mackenzie was so excited and wanted one herself. She has gone with me many times, but never lets anyone touch her toes, she normally just sits on my lap and is so good. When we got there she was a little nervous and would only sit on my lap, even though she did soak her feet. She told me later that her feet were all wrinkly, I can only imagine after soaking them for 45 minutes. My pedicure took about 45 minutes and she sat there the entire time without barely saying a word. Then it was her time, she was excited but you could tell she was still nervous. She had picked out a green color and then the guy put a flower on for her. Of course the flower was messed up because she had to touch them, but she had a blast and was so good. My little girl is growing up way too fast. Did you notice the same basketball outfit, I wasn't lying she really did wear it the whole weekend!!

My little Basketball Star

2009-03-24T20:10:00.000-07:00

Proud mama and her basketball player

Perfect form

Learning to dribble

What a great pass

Bret and I are trying to put Mackenzie in alot of different things so she can pick and choose what she likes the best. Well most of you know, I love basketball, so I am very excited to say that she has started taking classes. It is just a 6 week class to help 3-4 year olds learn basic skills. We went shopping on Friday to get her Nike tennis shoes and some basketball shorts and shirts. She was so excited, she told me that she needed all orange shirts and shorts because that is what they wear on t.v. (the uniforms). She loved her new clothes that she wore them all weekend. Mackenzie did so awesome for her first class. She listened so hard and worked on everything that was asked of her. She told me after class that she had to go "pee pee" the entire class. When I asked her why she didn't let me know, she replied "because mama I had to do the whole class."

First the kids had to practice dribbling in place and then started walking while dribbling, she did great. Of course she needed a lot of help, and she would be so hard on herself, but she would let Bret and I help and then she would get more confidence. They then learned how to throw a chest pass, she concentrated sooo hard and was really good at the passing. Then it was shooting time, poor little thing had a hard time getting the ball up to the basket, but tried so hard. It was so fun to watch Mackenzie really pay attention and work hard. GP, my dad, is coming this weekend because this is his love, so it will be interesting to see how she does with him being there. All in all it was a great way to start our Saturday.

Lots of visitors

2009-03-24T19:56:00.000-07:00

Playing tea party

Mackenzie at the movie theatre

New scooter, what fun

Who was more tired?????

Walking with Nana to dinner

Playdough fun

Auntie Titten & Mackenzie at Red Robin

It has been awhile since my last post because our main computer got a virus, even though we had an anti virus software, so beware, and we just got it fixed. So here I am ready to blog again after spending $250 to fix my computer, what a rip off. Just a word of advice if you have Limewire it will ruin your computer:(

Over the past few weekends we have had many visitors, first my mom came for the weekend, then the following weekend Bret's moms came to visit and then this past weekend Kristen, Bret's sister came. We had such a blast and we love when people come out here. Mackenzie has a blast and is spoiled rotten by everyone, she has such a great relationship with everyone in both Bret's and my family even though we have moved away. You would think that we see everyone all the time, it is truely amazing.

My mom had a blast playing tea party, playing movie theatre and she bought Mackenzie a new scooter. Then Terri came and Mackenzie had a blast making apple pie with bubbles in the bathtub and playing playdough. And then if that wasn't enough she had a blast with auntie Kristen playing exercise and getting her first pedicure.

We are blessed to have such great families and for them to love our little girl soooo much. The weekend is coming again, and yes once again we are having a visitor... my dad. My dad is coming out because Mackenzie has started basketball, and this is something he loves. After basketball practice on Saturday, we are making a quick trip to CA to go to Disneyland with my friend Katie, my mom and sister. We thought our life wasn't busy enough so we decided to plan this trip. Just kidding, we just want to get away and have fun, so that is what we will be doing this weekend.

Mackenzie survived her surgery

2009-03-03T16:24:00.000-08:00

In the waiting room

daddy making funny faces to make Mackenzie laugh

The lunch lady

afterwards holding her throwup bowl nice & close

eating ice cream at Red Robin

Mackenzie is doing well after having to be taken in today for tubes in both of her ears and her adenoids taken out. She woke up at 2:30 this morning crying because she didn't want to go to the doctor, I finally got her back to sleep only to have to wake her up at 6 when she immediately started crying again. We got to the place and she clung on to me for dear life, mommy's heart was breaking too. After we signed her in they immediately took us to the pre op room and had the nurse talk to us about the procedure and then had Mackenzie get in a gown, socks and hat. Bret and I made it seem sooo cool to get to wear such a cool outfit, because if you know Mackenzie she is very particular on what she will wear. Since we made such a big deal about the outfit she was so happy to wear it. Bret started calling her the lunch lady, you will know what he meant when you see the picture. She thought this was hysterical and started asking everyone what they wanted for lunch.

The nurse then came in and said it was time for Mackenzie to go. My heart just sunk, gave my little lunch lady the biggest hug and kiss ever and had to leave the room. Mackenzie did not cry at all, she proudly walked down the hallway with her panties showing from her gown in the back, because she was the bravest lunch lady ever.

Her mommy on the other hand wasn't so brave, I of course cried like I always do. We had to sit in the courtyard for what seemed like hours, which was only 30 minutes. The doctor came out to tell us that everything was fine. We went back to see her in recovery and she was very emotional, mostly because she wanted all of the IV's and everything else off of her. We finally got to go home, the second we pulled into the driveway she threw up in the car because of not having anything in her tummy.

We took her inside where she ate some yogurt and fell asleep, she snored sooo loud we couldn't even hear the t.v., she woke up in pain so I gave her tylenol, and she fell back asleep and the snoring started again, I hope this isn't a new thing from the surgery.

Bret had told Mackenzie that she could eat anything for lunch, so of course she chose Red Robin, she got a burst of energy and did really well there, and even had ice cream. We then got home and she played until she realized she had to have drops in her ears. Let me tell you people in Florida probably heard her scream, I am so excited to do this 2 times a day for the next 4 days.

As of right now my lunch lady is tired and cranky, she changes by the minute depending on pain and fatigue. I will keep you all posted

Great Urban Race

2009-03-03T16:16:00.000-08:00

At the start line

Three legged races are not easy

Bret eating the corn

one of our statues to find

At the finish line, we made it

Bret and I signed up for the Great Urban Race in Phoenix. Basically it is a race just like the amazing race, you run around town on a scavenger hunt and have to complete certain tasks. You can have teams of two or family teams of four, it was just Bret and I and our team name was Mack attack. It was soooo much fun, we will definitely do it again next year and we were even talking about doing it next year. We had to do a bouncy obstacle course, three legged race, eat a piece of corn, find many statues and take pictures in front of them, solve a horse shoe puzzle etc. It tested us physically because we went well over 8 miles on foot, and it also tested our patience with eachother. We encountered a few obstacles along our way, we had to cross a protest line for immigration, have an out of it homeless man try to take a picture of us, Bret had to push a car that was stuck on the road to a drive way, I had to climb a fence etc. All in all it was a blast and we will definitely do it again.

Once in a lifetime experience

2009-03-03T16:06:00.000-08:00

filming at our house

On the plane... too cute

In the limo all ready to go to the hotel

snuggled up to go to sleep

Breakfast before the show

Our dressing room

Look at all that make-up

Bret even wore make-up

Many of you already know that Bret and I have been trying for a second baby for quite sometime, well I decided to write an e-mail to Dr. Phil about me being so obsessed about getting pregnant again and to my surprise his studio called and wanted Bret and I on the show. He sent producers to our house last week to tape at our house and then flew us to LA on Sunday put us up at the Renaissance hotel, gave us $125 credit for food, had limos for us to transport us to the studio, had us on the show and then flew us back home. While on the show we had a great time, it was a lot of fun to see how the whole show works. We also got a free weekend trip to La Costa Golf resort and spa. Overall it was a great once in a lifetime experience.

Need a Good Laugh

2009-03-03T16:01:00.001-08:00

Mackenzie loves to make funny faces, here are some of her favorite

Quick CA Trip

2009-03-03T15:55:00.000-08:00

Best friends, Julia and Mackenzie

Mackenzie just loves Lucas

Yum, Yum Lucas

Playing in the bouncy

Last weekend we made a very quick trip to Ca to celebrate my best friend, Katie's sons first birthday. We packed up the car early Saturday drove down to Ca, went to the party, then met my dad and sister for dinner, my mom was at the academy awards and then we drove home on Sunday. Lucas we love you a lot and are so proud of you for walking on your first birthday!!

No more couch potato

2009-02-26T16:04:00.000-08:00

I have been so lazy leately. I don't know if it has been that I have had a cold for the past 2 months or if I am just lazy. For the past month Mackenzie and I would go to stroller strides, come home, eat lunch, sit on the couch from 1-2 and watch full house, fall asleep, wake up around 4, make dinner and then go to bed. Bret would come home from work and both Mackenzie and I would be curled up on the couch with nothing accomplished for the day. So Tuesday I decided that I was going to the Dr. getting an antibiotic and NOT going to sit on the couch the entire day. I cleaned the kitchen, did every bit of laundry we had including all linens all over the house, and put it all away, cleaned and vacummed our room, and cleaned all bathrooms, I then made dinner, and did an exercise tape with Bret that evening. I felt so much more energy and good that I had accomplished something that day. Wed came and I said I also wouldn't sit on the couch, so Mackenzie and I ran errands, finishing cleaning the rest of the house and then went to dinner with my dad. Thursday is here and still no couch time...yeah... Mackenzie and I did an exercise tape, spent time with friends and then went to her gymnastics. Now don't get me wrong I am not giving up my couch time at night after Mackenzie has gone to bed and I watch my shows. I just don't feel as guilty sitting and relaxing at night when I haven't been there all day already.

New Work Out Partner

2009-02-18T19:49:00.000-08:00

Working out with daddy & mommy in her panties

A well deserved water break

So Bret and I are on week two of getting healthy, and week two of our exercise routine P90X. We have been doing the tape at 9 at night because we wait to digest our dinner and put Mackenzie to bed, but we have been dragging so we decided to try to do it while Mackenzie was still awake. She is an exercise freak, I guess it is my fault because of having her go to stroller strides with me, but it is hilarious. She can do all of the exercises. She worked out for the entire 60 minutes with us. Some of the funny things she said during the workout, "My butt is really hurting", "we are getting healthy", "we are a family that does exercise together", "are you having fun daddy, you not look like you having fun, we get all the fun out of our system", "I am drenched, this tape is killing me", "this is too hard, I am just gonna do high knees". She is hilarious, she really did get a workout, she was so sweaty and had to take a shower. So we have now adopted her as our new workout partner, we might as well get a good laugh while working out.

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-18T19:38:00.000-08:00

Mackenzie & Tracy putting together Valentine's for preschool

Making sock puppets with Geeky (my mom's nickname)

Showing off her Valentine's puzzles from daddy

Being silly making valentine's cookies with mommy for preschool

Showing off all of her Valentine's from school

Valentine's stroller strides class, that is Bret in the middle, I was with him until I had to take the picture!

I hope you all had a wonderful valentine's day. We kept it simple, my sister came out to visit for a week and then my mom came on Friday for the weekend. Unfortunately Mackenzie wasn't feeling well, she had a fever and was fatigued, and then of course gave it to my sister who was then in bed for 4 days of the trip. I hate viruses, Mackenzie is just starting to feel better and has now gotten her appetite back. I had a valentine's couples class for stroller strides so Bret went with me and we started our valentine's day out with a great workout and then went to a nice lunch while my mom stayed with Mackenzie. Overall it was a lazy week, but it was great to see my family!

I hate Ear Infections

2009-02-12T15:31:00.001-08:00

Today I took Mackenzie to an ENT because she has had an ear infection every month for the past 5 months. When she was two she had a tube put in her right ear and was great for a year until it fell out. So today I went to see if she needed to have another tube put in. The ENT said that her ears are both filled with fluid and she needs tubes put in both ears. She also has to have her adenoids taken out at the same time. They then had her take a hearing test, which showed that she has a mild hearing loss. The good news is that her hearing will go back to normal after the tubes. I know this will be good for her and it is definitely what she needs, but I am not excited about this. No one wants to see their little girl in a hospital gown and then have to go under anesthesia. She is supposed to have the surgery in about 2 weeks, I will keep you posted, but please keep her in your prayers that everything goes well!!

A Healthy New Start

2009-02-12T15:21:00.000-08:00

The pool of water that I was dunked in face first!!

Shopping for all healthy food, look at all the produce

Making room for all the new healthy food

The Nielsen family is having a complete health makeover. For stroller strides I am running a 3 month challenge for some of my moms to make a lifestyle change and become healthier. For this challenge all of the moms including myself were dunked under water to find our exact body fat and lean muscle measurements, and then after 3 months of the challenge we will be dunked again to see our results. I didn't think it would be right to put my moms through this without me joining them so I am doing it as well. Bret decided that he needs to get healthy as well so he is joining me and we are making a family lifestyle makeover.

We first started by cleaning out the pantry, refrigerator and freezer and then I went and bought all new healthy foods. Many of you who know me well know that I don't eat anything green, so buying lots of things in the produce section was a huge change for me. I took a picture just to prove that I actually shopped there. Bret and I are also doing this fitness program called P90X, which is a 90 day fitness program consisting of cardio and strength training. It is a lot of fun to work out together, and this program is no joke, we are both drenched in sweat at the end of each workout, I know too much information.

We are currently on day 5 and we are doing well. Bret is doing awesome, he is taking his lunch to work, which is also saving money. He says that he has a lot more energy. I will keep you posted as to how we are doing on our 90 day journey, only 85 days to go:)

Like Mother Like Daughter

2009-01-25T21:24:00.000-08:00

My little scrapbooker

Tae-bo anyone????

Cleaning out the closet

It is a new year, so I think it is time for a new me. I have all of these plans and ideas that I want to do, but I never know where to start. So first on my list is to get organized, I am going to clean out my entire house and get rid of all of the junk that we do not need and do not use. Then I am going to catch up on my scrapbooking, I am a year behind and that just kills me. Anyone who knows me well knows that I have never been this far behind, so I am going to get back on track. I am on a kick to start eating healthier and to work out harder, on Feb 7th I am doing the body fat testing where you get dunked in water and you can get your true body fat percentage etc. I am doing this with other moms for 3 months and then will see what my improvements were, so cheer me on, no more late night cookies, oh that just kills me. Now I know I will not be doing all of these changes alone, my little buddy will be right by my side the entire time.

When I start scrapbooking Mackenzie gets all of her papers, stickers etc and says that she is scrapbooking too. My favorite is when we are out somewhere and she says, "momma we have to go home so I can scrapbook", the reactions of people are priceless. Mackenzie also has to workout with me, the other day I decided I would start doing Tae-bo so Mackenzie got her bands and was right by myside, it is a little hard with the kicking, but we made it work. Lastly I started cleaning out my craft closet today and who was right there, you got it Mackenzie. Doing this type of task she isn't very helpful because she takes everything and moves it all around, but we had a blast looking at all old pictures. I will keep you posted on all of my new years goals, I just really hope that I stick to them. I have one thing in my favor and people always say to achieve your goals it is always easier to do them with someone, and I definitely have my someone!

My Little Gymnast

2009-01-25T21:07:00.000-08:00

Ready for her first day of gymnasticsI couldn't believe she could do this

Sooooo cute

Getting brave, all by herself

What a good girl, listening to her coach

Mackenzie is now in gymnastics. I am trying to expose her to many different sports and activities as possible and then will let her choose what is her favorite and what she wants to do. We have done soccer, swimming, preschool and stroller strides so now it is time for gymnastics. I signed her up two Fridays ago and then we went shopping for a leotard, it was so cute shopping with her, she calls it her unitard. Mackenzie still doesn't have a handle on time so she just didn't understand that she couldn't do gymnastics that day. So each day she would wake up wanting to know if she was doing gymnastics that day or she would ask how many more times she had to go nigh-night until she got to go.

When it was finally the day for gymnastics she was ecstatic and felt like a princess in her "unitard". At the place that we take her to the parents are not allowed to go in with her, we have to watch from behind windows, I was a little nervous that she wouldn't want to go by herself, but I couldn't have been more wrong. When her coach told her class that they needed to go she jumped off my lap and into the gym she went. I just wanted to cry, I will be a mess when she goes off to college. Anyways the 3-4 year olds warm-up with the 4-5 years olds so I thought Mackenzie would be a little intimidated, not my little one. She held her own and just had a ball, she would look at Bret and I and just smile, she truly was having the time of her life. Me on the other hand was about to have a melt down. My little girl was so grown up, I had such a huge feeling of pride, that she was independent and was just having fun that I wanted to curl up in a ball and cry. I guess it is just called being a mom or crazy, it's your call.

After the warm-up they were split up in their age ranges, it didn't really matter Mackenzie was as big as all of them, my poor little baby. They did all kinds of tumbles and rolls and swinging from the bars. It was amazing and it has been all Mackenzie can talk about for the past few days. It is always fun to see her experience new things, dance and basketball are coming up in March so stay tuned.

Football, Football & more Football

2009-01-18T19:21:00.000-08:00

Our little party chef

Eating with Daddy, yum, yum

Where's Mackenzie???

Today and every weekend around our household is all about football. Sunday is our day to sit around, do nothing, but watch football. Mackenzie loves it as well especially all of the snacks. I am in a predicament, so the Arizona Cardinals are going to the superbowl and since I am now an Arizonian I feel that is who I should be rooting for, but on the other hand my husband, ever since I have known him has been a die hard Steeler Fan. So.... who do I cheer for???

Our little daughter makes football Sunday even more entertaining. Everytime you yell at the t.v. there is a little echo so we definitely have to watch what we say. She screams at the top of her lungs, "go, go, goooooooo" even when a commercial is on. Mackenzie also believes that the only way to celebrate is to eat. She loves to take all of the food out of the pantry and set up a picnic. She passes out food constantly, so Bret and I are extremely full tonight. There are times however when she gets bored and goes and plays on her own. Today Bret and I were laying on the couch so involved in the game that we jumped up to go find our daughter because it had gotten way too quiet. She was in the exercise/play room being such a good girl, but my poor house was a mess since she pulled out every toy of hers, I attached a picture of the mess.

We still aren't sure what we will be doing for the Superbowl, but I am sure it will be fun. I only wish that I could have a jersey that on the front was the Steelers, and on the back would be the Cardinals. I just would never be able to turn around when my husband was in the room. Hope you all had a great Sunday and go CardSteels, I can't lose, what a great Superbowl!!!!!!

Party Party Party

2009-01-15T01:34:00.001-08:00

Yes, that is me doing a keg stand!!

Drink it up ladies

Happy New Year....2009

10..9..8..7..6.........

Cha Cha anyone, do you love my boombox????

Happy New Years Everyone. Ever since Bret and I have been together we have always celebrated New Years BIG. We have always spent time with the same group of friends and on this night have always acted like idiots. It is the one night a year that we can act like teenagers and forget that we are adults. It is hilarious we have people with their Masters, Professional baseball player, parents, law enforcement, you name it, they are there and on that night all brains and talent are put to the side while we ring in the new year in style.

This year we had the party at our house and all of our friends came out from CA, that's how much we all look forward to this event each year. My mom and sister also came out and watched Mackenzie at a hotel. It was so cute, she went shopping with me for all of the party stuff and she so desperately wanted to come. I had to explain that this just wasn't an event for little ones, but that she could have her own party at the hotel. She picked out New Years plates, cups, party horns (she called them her instruments), food etc. She had a blast with my mom and sister and made it until 10:30. My sister was a genius, she found the ball drop on t.v. early for other places in the world so Mackenzie got to experience counting down from 10-1, giving kisses and using her instruments and then bless her heart she fell fast asleep.

Little did she know that her parents were acting like idiots. Each year for our New Years Parties we all wear silly, crazy and sometimes crude t-shirts and our pj's and then we just drink, dance and act crazy.... Keg Stands anyone?????

This year we played glow in the dark football outside, danced to the cha cha slide at midnight while all wearing glow in the dark hats, bracelets etc, and just acted crazy. Almost everyone made it to New Years....except my brother in law James, maybe next year James:) We all had a blast, blew off some steam and then were ready to return to our regular lives the next day!!! Happy New Year everyone, hope this year brings you everything that you hope for.

Christmas with the Nielsens

2009-01-15T01:17:00.000-08:00

The day after Christmas we headed down to San Diego to spend time with the Nielsens. Every year we always go and look at Christmas lights at Star Light Circle in Santee where me and my family lived when I was in high school. I love this tradition, we always get hot chocolate and walk around the circle and look at the Christmas lights. It is always freezing so we all get bundled up and just have a blast, Mackenzie's favorite is always the sesame street themed house. This year there weren't as many lights because we went the day after Christmas, I was very irritated, don't they know that you don't turn your lights off until after New Years.

Our second day in San Diego we decided to go to Sea World. It was such a nice day, we weren't in a hurry just there to have fun and we actually got to go on a lot of rides and see some great shows. Mackenzie had so much fun.

Mackenzie had a blast visiting with Nana, Ken and her auntie Titten (Kristen). She got to open presents again, and this time her favorite present was a cleaning set. Now you know she loved it so much because all she does is see her mommy clean all the time:) Mackenzie was in bed by 6:30 each night we were there because of being so tired from all of the activity. Nana Lorraine and Frank came over one night and she was already in bed, they were so disappointed, but I explained to them that it is no fun to be around a cranky Mackenzie, so we stopped by on our way home to visit them and we got some great pictures of them.

Christmas is over for 2008 and the Nielsen's were exhausted. We were then headed home to plan our big new year's eve party. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!!!!!!

CHRISTMAS MORNING

2009-01-15T00:56:00.000-08:00

What a cruel mommy

Reading her letter from Santa

What a cutie, covering her own eyes, trying not to peek
Mama Mia....Yeah

I know I am way behind so here I am at 2 am, I can not sleep so what do I decide to do... update my blog, I know call me crazy. We are now in the middle of January and I am just updating on Christmas, but I guess better late than never.

When I was growing up, Christmas morning we always had a tradition of having my mom or dad cover our eyes while we walk down the stairs until we got to our Santa presents. No one ever wanted my dad to cover your eyes because he would walk you into walls and then walk you into a corner and then say look at all the presents and then open our eyes only to be staring at a corner, he would then laugh and take you to another corner and do the same thing... this got so old, but it was tradition. So what did I do this Christmas, I know I am cruel, but I carried on the tradition and walked my poor little 3 year old into corners, it is so much more fun when you are the adult.

Mackenzie had such a blast opening her Santa presents, you can tell from the pictures how excited she was, and had the same open mouth expression over and over again. Mackenzie definitely doesn't hide her emotions. Her favorite present this year: The Mama Mia DVD, I know this sounds weird, but I took her to the movie and then bought the sound track and she knows all the words to the songs. It is adorable to listen to her sing Dancing Queen. We enjoyed a calm Christmas day with Mackenzie playing with her presents, and then we were off to the Nielsens in San Diego for continued Christmas celebrations the day after Christmas.... stay tuned.

Merry Christmas Eve

2009-01-05T16:16:00.000-08:00

playing with one of her new gifts

A picture of all of the gifts

All of us in matching PJ'S

Christmas Eve is my favorite day of the year. I love the lights, music, christmas cookies and spending time with my family. I love visiting my family, not only because I get to see and spend time with them, but also I get a mommy break. My mom does everything,I get to sleep in, read a magazine, go for a run all by myself. I know this sounds selfish, but all mommies deserve a break now and then.

On Christmas Eve we open all of our presents and on Christmas day we only open Santa presents to Mackenzie and then stockings at night. So needless to say there are tons of presents to be opened on Christmas Eve, I think this year we started at about 3 and ended after 10. Mackenzie had so much fun, but then got too overwhelmed and had to go to bed a little early. It has become a tradition that we all wear matching pajamas, which we always look so adorable in, even the dads!

Mackenzie wrote a letter to Santa and left him cookies, milk and carrots for the reindeer. We then went upstairs and read the Night before Christmas and then it was time for her to go to bed. My dad had told her earlier that if she heard the dogs barking it meant that Santa was there. So while my mom (get that my mom put her to bed) was putting Mackenzie to bed she heard the dogs bark and began to panic, she said Santa is here and he won't stay if everyone is still awake. She told my mom to tell everyone to go to bed immediately.

Santa did come and Mackenzie got everything that she wanted.

Crutches for Aunt Bibby

2009-01-05T16:03:00.000-08:00

Before the injury having fun

After the injury..not so much fun

After our snow trip we headed to Orange County to spend the week with my family. We were just going to rest on Monday and then Tuesday we were going to take a trip to San Diego to go to Sea World. The weather wasn't great so we decided that we would skip Sea World and just stay at my moms and relax. Until my sister, Aunt Bibby to Mackenzie being the wonderful aunt that she is decided that she didn't want to disappoint Mackenzie so she looked up fun places to go for little ones. She found Pump It Up, one of the inflatables places. We decided that we would all go because when we go in AZ we always have a blast.

So we packed up our stuff Tuesday and headed out of the house early because play time was only between 10-11:30, and Aunt Bibby didn't want Mackenzie to miss out on any play time. Mackenzie and Tracy took off and were sliding and climbing and just having a great time so Bret and I decided to have fun to and play a game of air hockey. After the game, I won just in case you were wondering, we decided that we better be parents again. So we start looking for them only to find Mackenzie walking around by herself. As I see her I look into the bouncy and see my sister hunched over. She can barely talk so I climb in to see what is going on. Mackenzie had fallen down a ladder and Tracy caught her (I am still stunned that she caught her to this day, because my sister God love her, is not the strongest or most coordinated person), but by saving Mackenzie she had rolled her ankle.

Tracy does not handle pain well and starts to pass out anytime pain is felt, so here we are stuck in this bouncy where we have to climb out and my sister is putting her head between her legs. So I start talking to calm her down, like I was talking someone down from a building. I finally lift her out of the bouncy and then Bret took care of her from there.

Tracy then went to the ER to find that she had a foot fracture and an ankle sprain that would probably take 24 weeks to heal. She was put on crutches (Mackenzie calls them crunches). Can you say Merry Christmas. Tracy was a trooper and is getting better day by day. Sea World in the pooring rain would have been a lot better.

WE LOVE SNOW

2009-01-05T15:48:00.001-08:00

Mackenzie and Julia, best friends, waiting to open presents

Mackenzie throwing a snowball at daddy

the Nielsens...see our name in the snow

Our snowman, Jacco made most of him

Just the girls making snow angels

Boy do I have a lot of catching up to do. The Nielsen family took a week vacation before Christmas. On the Saturday before Christmas we loaded up our car and was ready for our fun filled week. Our first stop...Wrightwood...incase you don't know where this is it, it is a small town in the mountains of CA, close by Big Bear. My best friend Katie grew up there so her family has a vacation home there. We were meeting Katie and her family to celebrate Christmas. I can not believe how much it snowed, it was gorgeous.

We didn't arrive until 7pm so it was dark and snowy, very scary because Bret had never driven in the snow before, but we made it there safe and sound. Bret and I were so excited to start the holiday season off with a white Christmas. Our daughter on the other hand was not so excited. The whole ride she kept saying, I don't like snow, I don't want it in my hair, it's too cold. Bret and I were no longer traveling with our 3 year old, yet a 90 year old woman. However once she got out of the car and touched it for the first time she was hooked.

We built a snowman, had snowball fights, rolled in the snow, made gingerbread cookies, ate dinner at a little cabin and just had an overall blast with our friends. Bret has told me a story about how when he was little he fell in the snow and was covered up to his head and he even lost his snoopy boot. So he was a little hesitant to get into the snow. Once he stepped in the snow was up to his waist, if you have ever seen a 200 pound man panic it is hilarious. You would have thought he was going to drown in the snow, he started yelling that he couldn't get out. He didn't think it was funny, but it took me a good 10 minutes to stop laughing. All in all our snow fun was a great way to start our trip.

Mommy and Daughter Fun

2008-12-19T22:32:00.000-08:00

Being silly & taking pictures of ourselves

Mackenzie got flour all over herself and decided to get naked, she does have panties on.

There never seems to be enough time in the day and when I know I have a ton to do I always find myself doing the non important things, blogging, cleaning the toilets etc. We are leaving for a week tomorrow and I have tons to do, clean the house, finish the laundry, PACK, finish wrapping presents etc. So what do I decide to do today.... make Christmas cookies with Mackenzie. We made gingerman or at least tried to make them look like that. Then we took a nap, oh I love napping. It is so much more fun than laundry etc. Now it's 6 at night so we eat dinner and then decide to go over to a friend's to look at Christmas lights. Now you may be asking where is Bret, he had to work an operation the past few days and has been working til midnight so it has just been the girls.

Even though it is eleven thirty and still haven't started packing I wouldn't change anything about today. I had a blast with my little one today and we made memories that will last a lifetime. So remember just to enjoy the moment because they are over so fast!!!!!!

Santa isn't sooo bad!

2008-12-19T22:19:00.000-08:00

Mackenzie has been petrified of Santa since last year, not because he is a big scary man, but because he wears gloves. I know, I know strange, but that's my daughter. So we ran into a problem this year because Mackenzie completely understands Christmas this year and was really concerned how Santa was going to know what she wanted because she wouldn't go to visit him. I told her that we could mail him a letter or I could call him, but that wasn't good enough for her. She came up with some elaborate plan while spending time with my mom that her friend Shannon would sit next to Santa and then Mackenzie would hand Shannon the letter and then Shannon would hand Santa the letter. Too complicated for me, and a 3 year old came up with it. Anyways she then changed her mind and wanted to go see him, so I wasn't about to change her mind.

As we were driving to the mall, we were talking about what she wanted for Christmas so she decided to make a list, she began to write down everything she wanted. We then got to the mall and got in line, immediately she started to freak out and wasn't so sure about the big guy. I talked her into staying in line and thought it would be great because there was a short line because Santa took a break at 12:30 for lunch. We were having a great time talking to other people in line, until I turned around and saw that Santa was GONE!!! We were second in line and the he went to lunch at 12:25, let me tell you how mad I was. Now I had to wait in line for 30 minutes while he ATE!!! Mackenzie then started to get antsy and not want to wait. I talked her into waiting since we had gotten ourselves there and she had her list.

So finally Santa finished eating and it was our turn. Mackenzie walked up to Santa and threw the list at him and ran away. He then asked if he could have a picture with her, she said NO, but then I talked her into it, but I had to be in it. After the picture he asked her to tell him what was on the list, Mackenzie began telling him the items one after another extremely fast.. double stroller..baby..phone..tent, she then noticed I had stepped away to take a picture and ran towards me, Santa then told her to wait and asked if he could have a picture with her, I thought Santa, you are crazy, but right before my eyes she hugged him, and I snapped a picture.

She was so pround of herself for being brave and is now content that she let Santa know what she wanted for Christmas.

We made it and we are still alive!!

2008-12-10T19:43:00.000-08:00

This past weekend Bret, Mackenzie and I loaded up in the car and made the 4 hour drive over to Las Vegas. The purpose... to have fun, but mainly because Bret and I were going to run the Las Vegas Half Marathon. My mom and sister flew in to watch the munchkin while we ran and it turned more into a fun break weekend for mommy and daddy. Mackenzie spent most of her time with her Geeky (that's what she calls my mom) and her aunt Bibby (what she calls my sister), while mommy and daddy had fun gambling and spending time together.

I am so proud of Bret for doing this race. Let's just say that Bret is not a runner, and doesn't claim to be one. He set up this whole weekend because he knows that I love to run, bless his heart. When I heard that we were going to do this, I set up a training schedule for us. Let's just say with our busy life we never completed it, or I guess I could say we never even started it. The most that Bret ran was 3 miles and the most I ran was 8. I told Bret that we weren't going to run together because we just don't run at the same pace. He wasn't too happy with this at first, but then he got over it and agreed. He kept coming up with solutions on how he was going to beat me, his favorite was that his dad was going to pick him up half way and drop him off at the finish line, he thought the look on my face would have been priceless.

The day before the race Bret and I were not thinking or having the mind set of runners. Bret sat in the sports book all day drinking Jack Daniels and club soda, then finished the night off with McDonalds and a strawberry shake while I decided to walk the strip all day. So in the morning of the race, 4:45 am we were not too happy. To top it off we had to walk about a mile and a half to the Mandalay Bay where the start line was. So it was time to start and we split up immediately because of how many people were there it was too hard to stay right with someone. I finished in 2:03 and I then called Bret, he said that he was at our hotel. I immediately panicked because I thought he got hurt or something, but he just meant that he was running right behind our hotel. He did awesome and finished in 2:34. So we survived and had a blast.

It's Christmas Time

2008-12-04T20:04:00.000-08:00

Yeah!!!!! It is Christmas time, I am so excited, and I am even more excited to see how Mackenzie responds to Christmas this year. She is sooo excited, so when I got back from Chicago I knew that I needed to get all of our Christmas decorations up immediately. So Tuesday night I pulled all of the boxes out of the garage and started. I first put up the tree and then my little helper put on all of the ornaments. There were about 50 ornaments all on the bottom of the tree because that was the only place she could reach, so after she went to bed, I rearranged just a few of them. After I would take a picture of her, she would immediately turn to me and say "you put that on your bwog momma." In case you couldn't figure it out, bwog to Mackenzie is blog to the rest of the world. She loves this blog and we have to look at it everyday, she even sings along to the songs. So this post is so that I don't get in trouble, because if she looks at it and doesn't see herself decorating the tree, I will never hear the end of it.

My mom bought Mackenzie a snowman candy box where you put candy in a drawers and then every day you get to eat one and you count down to Chirstmas day. This has helped Mackenzie understand that Santa is not coming until all of the candy is gone. I just don't hope I wake up one morning with all of the candy gone and one unhappy 3 year old:) Anyways Mackenzie filled her own boxes with candy and had so much fun. She is still not a fan of Santa, she keeps telling me that she won't go see him, but that we need to write him a letter and get it in the mail soon. She also told me tonight that she is a fan of getting all of the toys, but not a fan of his. What 3 year old talks like this???

Anyways we are off to Las Vegas for the weekend. On Sunday Bret and I are running the half marathon, so wish us luck and I will let you know how we did early next week!!!

Snow, Snow and more Snow

2008-12-04T19:50:00.001-08:00

This past weekend I headed to Chicago for my grandma's funeral. I do not do really well dealing with death and all of the saddness, but it was great to spend time with my mom and dad and all of my extended family. All of the arrangements were perfect, and my grandma went out in style with a snow storm.

It was just a quick trip, I went out there on Sat and headed back home on Monday night. Both mine and my parents planes were delayed coming home because of the snow storm. You should have seen it, the airport was packed because of all of the delayed planes so people were sitting on the floor, by trashcans etc. It was absolutely disgusting, so once I found a seat I did not leave it until it was time to board. When it was time for me to board the plane, I got up and stood in line only to find out that our plane was having technical difficulty, something that you never want to hear right before you are going to take a 4 hour flight. I was mad, not only was my plane going to be even later, now I had lost my seat. Then.... they come on the loud speaker and say that they were taking the plane on a test drive, never heard of this before, something you also never want to hear. Well all in all I finally got loaded and flew off and arrived safe and sound.

There are a few pictures of the snow at the cemetary, me and my mom at the airport, and my dad throwing a snowball at me... he missed:)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-28T19:37:00.001-08:00

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. We had our first Thanksgiving in Arizona, and Bret made the turkey and I even baked. I am happy to say that no one got sick, so I say it was a great success. Before dinner we all go around the table and say everything that we are thankful for for the past year. Mackenzie started and said she was thankful for her friends, Julia and Shannon. With a little probing she did say she was thankful for her mom and dad and family, ok it was a lot of probing. When each person would talk Mackenzie would chime in with, don't forget me, you are thankful for me. It was absolutely adorable and soon our thankful speeches turned into a dinner of Mackenzie praises. She absolutely loved it.

You are probably looking at the pictures wondering what the heck we were doing, well it is a family tradition that I started a few years ago. At the end of dinner each person sits in the end chair and trys to blow out both candles in a straight line. As you can see we look very funny, but definitely have a great time doing it. My dad says stupid things like, "be the candle", or my mom starts by meditating. We are all so strange, but dinner always ends with a great laugh. Sadly this year, no one was able to do it, I couldn't even blow out the first candle. Mackenzie was old enough this year so she joined in with us, she is just like her mom and is not good at blowing out the candles, Ithink we will start practicing for next year, only 364 days to go.

A little sad news to conclude with: on Wed my family got the news that my grandma had passed away. My grandma was a special lady who will be missed dearly, but I am thankful that she is now in a peaceful place and reunited with my grandpa. I will be leaving to go to Chicago for the funeral and wake, while my sister stays and watches Mackenzie for a few days (she is an amazing sister), and Bret helps Gary move to AZ. Please keep us in your thoughts as my family is doing a lot of traveling in the next few days, so that we all return safe and sound.

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and now it is time to get those Christmas trees out:)

Mackenzie being Mackenzie

2008-11-24T19:34:00.000-08:00

There are some days when you look at your little one and think why are you such a pain or a PITA, (pain in the @#$) and then there are those days when you look at them and are just in awe of how adorable they are. Well Mackenzie has been giving me many awe moments lately, now don't get me wrong she definitely has her PITA moments and has to be sent to her room, but mostly this week she has been adorable.

Every Sunday, I sit on the couch and cut out coupons so this Sunday Mackenzie decided that she was going to join me. She was so excited because she thought she was helping me out, what a sweetheart, even if she was cutting up all of the coupons that I already cut out and now wouldn't be able to use, but oh well this moment was worth way more than the $.45 I would have saved on rolls.

Then today, I was cleaning the house to get ready for Thanksgiving and Mackenzie got bored helping me so she went and played in our exercise room. She was being awfully quiet, which is normally not a good thing, so I went to check on her. I walked in and she had taken her elmo chair and put it on the treadmill and lined up all of her Little People and was reading them stories. This was such an AWE moment. With Thanksgiving coming I have been in this thankful mode of feeling so lucky to have the life that I do, and when I see my little one being so creative and adorable it just makes me even more thankful.

I hope you and your family have a great Thanksgiving!!!!!!

GP came to Visit

2008-11-21T21:25:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving shopping together

Most of you are probably wondering who GP is, well it is my dad. Instead of being called grandpa, he refers to himself as GP. What can I say my dad likes initials after all his name is T.J. Anyways Mackenzie was soooo excited to see GP. You never know what you are going to get from her, it is always a 50-50 no matter who you are. Half the time she will run towards you and be so excited to see you, and the other half she will put her head down and not want anything to do with you. This even happens to me and for goodness sakes I am the one who delivered the stubborn 10 pounder. Well for the entire trip Mackenzie was GP's buddy, they played tick tack toe at breakfast, went Thanksgiving shopping together, watched cartoons early in the morning together while I was sleeping:), and played basketball. Like mother like daughter Mackenzie wanted to play for money and every shot she made she got a dollar, it was so funny to watch her because she concentrated so hard for each shot because she wanted that money. When it was all said and done Mackenzie walked away with 6 dollars even though she says she won 3 "hundy" dollars. That is her word for hundred. I have had Mackenzie practicing every night so that for Thanksgiving maybe she can get some more money out of GP!!! All in all it was a great trip, Mackenzie had a blast with her GP and I got to spend some quality time with my dad.

Am I losing my Mind???

2008-11-09T22:04:00.001-08:00

O.K. I don't know if I am losing my mind or not. This past Saturday was absolutely horrible, I had no motivation to do anything, I didn't want to get out of bed, get off the couch etc. After hearing the word mommy for the 150th time within an hour I wanted to jump out a window. Ok I know at this point you think I am psycho and are wondering if Bret has had me admitted. I know as a woman we are hormonal, but my hormones were taken to a whole new level this weekend. Since I had no motivation to do anything or to play house or baby with the munchkin all day, I decided to do something I did with my mom when I was little. I knew for sure this would get me out of my funk. We used to clean out my closet and play dressing room to get rid of all my old clothes and to make room for clothes for the new season. So Mackenzie and I took ALL of her clothes out of her room and threw them into the middle of the loft floor. I was so excited that I was actually going to do something... Until I found myself overwhelmed eating pretzels and watching the real housewives of Atlanta on the couch while Mackenzie took the clothes and spread them all over the house. So needless to say I did not get out of my funk and now my house was a disaster. I then decided to call my mom and sister who I ended up crying to on the phone for absolutey no reason at all. Bret then came up with the wonderful idea that I needed some time for myself. He is so brilliant or he was just scared to death of me.

So Sunday morning rolls around and Mackenzie comes in our room like usual asking to watch toons (cartoons), Bret literally jumped out of bed picked Mackenzie up and took her downstairs so that I wouldn't wake up. I then rolled out of bed at 9:30, my husband is amazing. He then told me that he was taking her to lunch with him and one of his friends. I was feeling so much better from getting a good night sleep, but the thought of an afternoon alone was wonderful so I wasn't going to stop a father, daughter date.

Now I know it sounds like I don't like my life and that I am miserable, but it is the complete opposite, I am the luckiest wife and mom in the world, but every now and then we need to be by ourselves. So there I was driving in the car actually listening to music, instead of hearing the wiggles or elmo from the dvd player. I went in the store without unbuckling a car seat, getting the diaper bag and making sure there were snacks and milk etc. I then decided I would stop and have lunch, a quesadilla & chips from Chipotle, I ate it in my car in the parking lot of Target and was in heaven. I then did some Christmas shopping. Can I just say how amazing Bret is he never once called to ask if I was coming home, I truely believe he wouldn't have called even if the house was on fire because he wanted me to have some time for myself. So I know you are wondering if I decided to go home. Well the answer is YES, the second I walked in the door Mackenzie came running down the stairs and jumped into my arms, and Bret was laying on the couch looking just as I had looked the day before. I was not going crazy, life makes us crazy and a 3 year old who is amazing, hilarious, and priceless is a lot of work, however with just a little break I am back and fresh. Now Bret needs a nap and a day to himself, that is why we make such a good team.

My Husband is a Cave Man

2008-11-05T16:11:00.000-08:00

Bret and I have been so busy lately that we are like two ships passing in the night. So when Bret walked in from work today and I saw that he had almost a full beard I almost passed out. He said that he has been too busy to shave and I have been too busy to notice. Mackenzie told Bret that his face was dirty and that he needed to have a picture taken.

If you notice I am not in the picture and that is for a good reason. I have chosen to give up caffeine and boy do I look terrible. I am 2 days clean, I can not believe how much I am craving a cold glass of diet pepsi, I have had a headache for the past two days and absolutely no energy. I hope it will get easier. I decided that drinking an entire liter of diet pepsi in a day is a little ridiculous, don't ya think. I would pour myself a glass, get a refill go on the computer, get a refill, watch t.v. etc and before you know it an entire liter was gone. I know I am pathetic, but hopefully over the next few days my cravings will be gone and I won't look so tired and miserable.

Halloween Has Come and Gone!!!

2008-11-04T21:29:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a happy and safe Halloween. Mackenzie had a very happy halloween and went to many parties. She had a preschool party, then two stroller strides parties and then we went to a carnival on the actual night of halloween. I was hosting a booth at the carnival for stroller strides and Mackenzie was obsessed with our game of ring toss, she would put a ring on and then say "o.k, I need some candy now" How did she get so smart??? Bret had to work so Auntie Kristen came and saved the day. Mackenzie got to go around and play all of the games with her aunt while mommy hosted the booth and daddy worked. Pops ( Bret's dad also came to visit, but he opted to stay at the house, I don't blame him). Mackenzie has already chosen her costume for next year... a carebear, elmo, cookie monster, and my favorite a chicken. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

As Sweet as Cookies!!!

2008-10-28T20:21:00.001-07:00

It was Mackenzie's turn to bring snack for preschool today, so last night we made pumpkin cookies for her little friends. Mackenzie mixed the dough, and then helped put the candy on for the faces. She was soooo excited to bring them to school that she picked out a special cookie for each kid in her class. When I went to pick Mackenzie up from school today her teacher said that she had fallen during snack time spilling milk everywhere and some of the kids cookies were ruined. Luckily I had brought extra because you never know when something like this is going to happen. I thought Mackenzie would be devastated, nope not her she had a blast and hasn't even talked about her SPILL. She is very excited about her halloween party this Thursday so stay posted and I will update you on her many parties. Hope you all have a fun and safe Halloween.

A day at the Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-22T23:04:00.000-07:00

Today was our Fall workout at Stroller Strides and afterwards we all went to the Pumpkin Patch. Mackenzie had so much fun and loved to pose for the pictures. You will see the big picture with all of the kids, many are crying or not even looking, but not mine, she is right in the middle with a huge smile. She is absolutely adorable if I do say so myself. The entire time we were at the pumpkin patch all Mackenzie would talk about was taking the train around the corn maze, so we waited in a really long line and of course when we got to the front she didn't want to go. So I told her that we would just go and pick out a pumpkin then. Well that wasn't good enough for Mackenzie, she came up with the brilliant idea that I would go with her. What was I thinking, I have so many bruises on my back, my knees, you name it and there is a bruise there. Oh the things you do for your little ones, but it is so worth it when you see them smile!!! I think daddy should have to ride next time!!

My Poor Baby

2008-10-15T22:40:00.000-07:00

Mackenzie during the day before she got sick!!

This past week Bret and I have been babysitting for our neighbors and Mackenzie has had so much fun, until last night. Around midnight, Mackenzie came into my room telling me that she had an ear ache, I gave her medicine and sent her on her way to go back to bed. About 15 minutes later she was screaming in her room and I ran in to see what was the matter and because I didn't want her to wake up her friend. Nothing is worse than having 2 three year olds up at midnight, one is bad enough:) I then took Mackenzie to lay on our loft couch and to go to sleep when out of the blue she threw up, and like every kid the second I got her cleaned up as well as the couch, she did it again. I rushed her to the bathroom and had to hold her hair while she threw up. I had visions of my mom doing this for me, and I would have done anything to have switched places with Mackenzie. It took everything for me to hold back the tears as my poor little three year old leaned over the toilet, throwing up and asking, "mommy why this happen to me?" It is now 2 am and I had to give her a bath, which Mackenzie's awesome daddy got up to show his support even though he had to go into work at 5 am, and then it was down stairs to the couch to hopefully fall asleep to sesame street. The next morning we went to stroller strides and then it was off to the Dr. Mackenzie had a 102.2 fever, the highest she has ever had as well as a really bad ear infection. Mackenzie is now on antibiotics and catching up on all the sleep she lost. Nothing is worse than seeing your little precious girl sick, I would have taken 20 tantrums rather than to see her in that pain, did I just really say that! Anyways I am off to a stroller strides ACADEMY, Bret laughs when I say that, but that is what it is called in San Diego tomorrow, so daddy will be on Mackenzie duty. They have a date tomorrow night to McDonalds and Mackenzie has her dress all picked out, then Geeky (my mom) is visiting Friday night who I know will spoil Mackenzie.

Life is sooo busy...yet FUN!!

2008-10-13T20:45:00.000-07:00

Sleeping Beauty

Me and A future stroller strides instructor

Theresa and I teaching at the grand opening

Mackenzie, Julia & Lucas...Too cute

Last week Katie, Jacco, Julia and Lucas came to visit. The main reason for their visit was to help me with my grand opening of stroller strides in good old Surprise, AZ. We had a blast, we are so lucky to have such good friends. The grand opening was great, about 30 people showed up and now things are up and rolling. I have the best husband in town who took care of all the behind the scenes work so that I could get everything done. By the time Wednesday rolled around Mackenzie and I were exhausted and we both took 4 hour naps on the couch, I posted a picture of her because she was way cuter than I was.

Bret Shouldn't Go Out of Town

2008-09-28T12:39:00.000-07:00

Before my redecorating

My little helper

The finished project, the wall on the left looks

white in the picture, but it is actually tan and

blends better than this picture shows!

Ok so Bret had to go to a training in St. Louis for a week so I decided to keep myself busy I would redecorate our family room. Isn't that what everyone does??? I first decided that I needed to repaint, yes we had professional painters already paint the room, but I wanted to spice it up and paint 3 of the walls. Then I decided the room needed an entertainment center. I have been looking for one for a few months, but I finally decided to pull the trigger and purchased it. I am very impulsive so all of this redecorating only lasted a day because when I get something in my mind it needs to be done right away!!! I painted and did everything on Monday...great so now what was I supposed to do for the rest of the week, real smart Kelly. When Bret got home the entertainment center wasn't in yet and when he saw my painting he said he didn't like it, I was soooo mad. He said it looked like his grandpa's apartment. Ok so at this point I really wanted him to go back to St. Louis. However, once the entertainment center was put in he told me that he loved it. Not really do I care what he thinks, but no one likes to hear all of the hard work was for nothing. So here are a few pictures of the before and after as well as my paint helper.

I Shouldn't Be Allowed to Drive

2008-09-21T20:56:00.000-07:00

Ok so Saturday morning I woke up and was so excited to be at home and have no plans for the day. I played with Mackenzie, went for a run and then decided to load her up in the car to go SHOPPING. I first had to stop and get gas, my least favorite thing on the planet to do and then we were going to be on our way. I was waiting to exit the gas station and there was a lot of ongoing traffic and I was on the phone with my mom so I decided just to sit there for a minute, no one was behind me, so this way I could finish my conversation and then be on the way. When out of NOWHERE something, still don't know what it was, flew at my drivers side window. I was completely stunned, I didn't know what to do, I looked up and a van with a flat tire went up the curb infront of me and sped around the corner. I told my mom I almost just died and I would have to call her back. I pulled back into the gas station and got out to look at my car, I didn't notice a great deal of damage so for a second I thought I was going crazy. Then a bunch of people came running over to my car to see if I was ok and said that they had never seen anything like that before. Before you know it I went after the lady only to find her parked in the back of an apartment complex where the police had found her. She had hit another car and sped away and all of the debris had hit my car as she was trying to get away.
So it gets better, Bret comes to meet us, yes Mackenzie was in the car, but she was as happy as could be singing Mamma Mia like nothing had happened. Bret had asked if I was ok and I told him that the back of my head was hurting and before I knew it I was being placed on a stretcher, taped down, neck brace on, and Mackenzie screaming bloody murder. This of course made me panic and I had an anxiety attack. They then loaded me in the ambulance where they took me to the hospital gave me lots of meds and sent me home to sleep, and sleep and sleep.
Today I woke up and am doing well. I thank my lucky stars that our car got hit just where it did because it could have been so much worse, and my beautiful little girl is as healthy as ever. But I really think someone is trying to tell me to stay off of the road, who else has been hit more than once when they were PARKED????

Mackenzie is Abby Cadabby

2008-09-19T15:19:00.001-07:00

So we went shopping for Mackenzie's halloween costume today. She has wanted to be a ladybug for about 3 weeks, so of course we go to get the costume and the little princess changed her mind. My dear darling has now decided that she wants to be Abby Cadabby from Sesame Street. She was so excited about her costume that she had to put the entire outfit on the second we walked in the door. Mackenzie's only concern about her costume was that she did not want to have to fly, so once I told her that she could just be a walking fairy she was ecstatic. She went on a parade around the house waving to all of the people, and yes I had to join her.

The Arizonians Have Entered the Blogging World

2008-09-19T14:54:00.001-07:00

Ok so I have decided to come into the 21st century and start blogging. Our life this past year has been a whirlwind and I thought it would be easier just to post our everday activities so everyone could share in our lovely everyday life. So here it goes, we moved to Arizona in December of 2007 leaving everything that we knew and came to a state that my dad refers to as HELLS kitchen. Well I am happy to say that we made it through our first summer and no one got burned:) I started as a stay at home mom, then started my own stroller fitness business, then decided to add on part-time work as a speech therapist again. I like to tell Bret that I have many jobs: I am a business owner, speech pathologist, chef, mommy, wife and my favorite a domestic engineer. Bret is doing great at his new job and is keeping busy, it is his favorite time of year right now... Football season... and now he has decided that he is a football player as well and is starting on a team with some friends, God help us all. Mackenzie is growing by the second, literally. She is the tallest 3 year old alive, but also the cutest. She started preschool a few weeks ago and she now goes every Tues and Thursday from 8-11, she absolutely loves it. She still has a wide imagination and still plays with her imaginary friends, sissy, fada, jeff and grandpa. I am glad to say that she is playing with other kids and is talking about them as well... thank goodness. So we are doing great and will keep you updated with our daily activities whether they be good or bad!!!! Love ya all