freaky friday

Okay, Are these the scariest things you have laid eyes on lately? I was cleaning out and reorganizing toys today and came across these TWO Grinch stuff things. Maryn absolutely blew a gasket when she saw these. She screamed and screamed until I had to hide them so she couldn't see them anymore.
I have known kids(my own are guilty)to be terrified of halloween masks, but didn't even think that one of them might be scared of these. After I got her calmed down I realized they are a BIT freaky looking. I think I will get rid of the Grinches. I can't have my little girls scared of their toys. Sorry Nana, but these may have to go elsewhere. I would hate my sweet Maryn to have another reason to scream during the day.
I have been needing to go throughthe girls things but always dread this project. After havin gcompany for a couple of weeks I felt since I was putting everything back in it's home that I might as well dejunk. Jenny came down tonight and helped me organize some things(the girls were all sleeping so we couldn't get in their rooms. Ia had pulled all of the stuff out of Maryn's room before she went to bed so we ust worked on that stuff. We were able to oragnize and get rid of some stuff that they don't play with anymore. I plan on finishing up tomorrow, hopefully.

*Have you ran across things you forgot you had?*

*Are any of them frightening?*

girl power

We spent the first part of Mackenzi's 9th birthday at Fiesta Texas. She loves the water park and I admit she is definately unlike her daddy when it comes to riding roller coasters. She has no fear! She gets that from me. We all are going to miss our weekly trips to Fiesta next year when we move.They had so much fun bowling and just being silly. We even let Maci and Jared tag along for the fun. I admit our bowling scores were not the greatest but we had enough laughs and giggles to make up for our low scores.

After our trip to Fiesta Texas we picked up two of MAckenzi's friends, Taylor and Meli and headed for the bowling alley. Greg had taken Mackenzi and MAci there on a date once and haven't stopped talking about it since. They had so much fun bowling and just being silly. We even let Maci and Jared tag along for the fun. I admit our bowling scores were not the greatest but we had enough laughs and giggles to make up for our low scores.

The opening gifts part of a birthday is always a big deal. Maci gave Mackenzi a new game boy game. Taylor gave her a cute tank top and a Lizzie McGuire CD. Meli brought her two craft things. Greg and I gave a CD, book, and some clothes. She absolutely loved all of her things. She is very into reading, listening to music, playing games and doing crafts. And what girl doesn't like new clothes? She ;oves going to the mall and Target. She is definately her mother's daughter.

Mackenzi decided on a cookie cake this year. I was excited for a change. All of the kids really enjoyed it, as did Jenny and I. She brought the three little ones to the bowling alley for cookie and unwrapping present time.
After the bowling adventure we stopped and picked up pizza and the girls came home to have a sleep over. That did a craft, listened to music, had girl talk, and watch movies. Mackenzi was the first to fall asleep even though she fought and fought it. Her body was just too exhausted and gave up. I could tell she wasn't wanting to be the first to go to bed, but she was too drained from the busy day we had.

Hope you had a great day Mackenzi. We love you and can't believe you are growing up so fast.

birthday girl

Mackenzi Ann


Our first little girl is gowing up way too fast. Today she is turning 9! I can't believe it has been that long since my water broke and I rushed off to the hospital to finally meet our little baby. We didn't know if we were going to be bringing home a son or daughter. I always had hoped for a girl but had no clue until she was born at 12:35 a.m. on June 29, 1997. We were so full of excitement, joy, love, fear, anxiety ... Becoming parents was our dream, but admit we both were a little frightened when it came down to meeting our first child. Would we be the kind of parents we had hoped to be, would we teach her the things she needed to know to survive in the world, would she love us as much as we loved her.
How blessed our lives and home have been since the day Mackenzi Ann Gordon was born. She is truly a joy to have as a daughter. How grateful we are for her and for the beautiful young lady she is becoming.
Here are some of our favorite things about her that make her who she is and what makes us so proud to call her ours and some of the reasons we love her so much......

*our first born

*blue eyed beauty

*Kenzi bug

*our princess with a beautiful smile

*med school and residency SURVIVOR(just six weeks old when we began this journey)

*daddy's girl

*mileage Mackenzi(she traveled more in a car her first

few years of life than I had in my whole childhood)

*giggler

*peacemaker

*good friend to everyone

*mini mommy

*our screamer that turned into a very quiet and reserved little girl

*"helper" "builder" "cooker"

*softhearted and compassionate

*my shopping partner

*our booger bear

*star student(straight "A's" so far)

*olympic bound swimmer

*spiritual and always striving to choose the right

*kind and understanding

*our little performer

*drama queen

*book lover

*pleaser

*our earliest walker & talker

*soon to be babysitter

*inquizative child

*the one that would rather hang out with the adults(she was the only kid for so long amongst our friends and family) she knew no different

*snuggler

*our sweetheart

*our priceless treasure

temple day

Today was a great day that started out being not so great. I had made arrangements to go to the 10 am session at the Temple, that our ward relief society was planning on attending but really didn't have a place for my girls to go. I knew Greg's parents were still in town at his grandmother's house but jnew they were planning on leaving today. I called them last night and they said they would love to watch them so I could go. I slept in a little later than I should have and was rushed to get the girls up, fed, dressed for swim, pack their clothes for today, and shower and get myself ready all in about an hour and a half. Today was my wash hair day so that usually adds twenty minutes to me getting ready. I finally got the girls off and myself dressed but I was a little grumpy by this point. I always seem to be in a bad mood when I am heading to the Temple. I think Satan is working extra hard on me to make me not get there or at least not be in the right frame of mind once I do arrive.

Jenny and Heidi picked me up and we headed out. It didn't take long being in the car with them to forget about my bad morning. They both have such great personlaities and never seem to let little things get to them. They both have beautiful testimonies and lift me up when I'm with them. We made it to the Temple but Jenny and Heidi both were "standby" for the session. I really wanted them to get in the session. It had been a long time since I had gone with friends and it had been a long time since I had been alone. I went on ahead hoping they would be able to make it in the session. Jenny was able to get the last seat but Heidi was not able to get in. She was able to do some other work there.
It was an uplifting esperience and one that I would like to have more often. When the Temple opened here a year ago we said we were going to try to go once or twice a month. We have only been 3 or 4 times total. I feel really guilty having it only twenty minutes away and not going more often. I will miss having a Temple so close when we move but hopefully we will have one somewhat near.

Heidi left today to move to Frisco, near Dallas. We will miss her and her family, but are sure to go and visit and maybe even move nearby. Heidi, you are wonderful and it was so sad to say goodbye today. Thanks for your example. Keep in touch.

vacancy at hotel gordon

VACANCY
My sister, Allison left today after being here almost two weeks. It was sad to see her go after having her and her two cute little girls here for so long. I know she thought she was in the way sometimes, but it was fun to have her here. Especially because I know she doesn't get to do alot when she is back home. We have never been super close, but felt while she was here we talked and laughed more than we have in a long time. I will treasure these memories forever.
Thanks Allison for tagging along with me on my crazy, hectic, nonstop days. Thanks for watching the girls some so I could get things done. Thanks for spending time with my girls and being so willing and excited to attend the recital and swimmeets. It meant alot to the girls to have someone besides us scream their names and give them high-fives. They were super sad to see you leave. Thanks for being an example of a good little mommy. I think you got all of the patience in the family. You are just like Daddy-calm, cool, and collected. Hopefully since we named Maryn after you she will have some of that patience, too.
Give Kallee and Kindred hugs and kisses from us. Come visit again soon. Love and miss you.

poppy surprise

My dad, otherwise known as Poppy, surprised the girls for their swim meet tonight. My mom, Grammy, had to work so she wasn't able to come this trip. Hopefully they can come back for the divisionals meet in a couple of weeks.

The girls are all smiles when their grandparents show up at the front door. Most of the time I never tell them anyone is coming. I like them to be surprised when the doorbell rings and it is someone besides the UPS guy. Maryn loves Poppy to death and didn't want him to leave her side the entire time he was here.

Thanks Poppy for making the girls' day! We love you!

our sweet daddy

Daddy, the twinkle in our eyes, the rock of our family, our tummy tickler, the picker upper when we're down, our piggy back rider, the beat of our hearts, our EVERYTHING! We just wanted you to know how much you mean to us and how proud and blessed to call you ours. Hope you never have to doubt our appreciation for all the sacrifices and hard work you do on our behalf. We all love you HUGE like the world!

Mommy, Mackenzi, Maci, & Maryn

pat green

Greg and I went to the Pat Green concert at Floore's Country Store in Helotes tonight. This is the second time we have seen him. This first time was during third year of residency when we went with Mitch and Steph Larsen to "Cowboys" to see him. I only know a few of his songs but enjoy watching him perform. He is a fun entertainer to watch even though some of his songs are a little risque. As you can see, from the pictures, it was a bit warm and humid during the outdoor concert. Pat's shirt started out dry but by song #3 he was sweating pretty good and by the end of the hour and a half show he was drenched with sweat. I'm sure he was smelling lovely as were Greg and I, thanks to the humidty and the crowd raising their beer and spilling them has they scream and dance. We had a really fun time but, I have decided I'm almost too old for late night "partying". I was a total zombie after getting home at 1 am and helping Greg pack until 330 am, and then having to get back up at 5 to get him ot the airport. I don't know if I will ever recover from the sleep deprivation.

movie reviews

Thumbs up for "Cars". We all went to see Cars today, along with the Clouses and Allison and her girls. All of the kids, as well as the adults, thought the was a great show and a must see. I have to say I wasn't completely focused on the movie the entire time, between keeping a two year old quiet I was kind of preoccupied with Maryn. Also, I have a habit of during animation movies sitting there trying to figure out all of the voices for the characters. I couldn't figure them all out but I'm sure we will buy Cars and then I can know who all of the characters are.

*click on the link below to view the trailer for cars*

http://www.apple.com/trailers/disney/cars/

Six thumbs up! Allison, Greg, and I watched this movie last night and all gave it a thumbs up. I always enjoy chic flics and really like one's with Diane Keaton in them. She just makes me laugh with some of her facial expressions and her role in this was great. It fit her to a "T". One of my other favorites that she was in was "Something's Gotta Give". She was hilarious and Greg liked this movie so much that we named our third daughter, after the daughter in the movie, Maryn. I recommend this movie a must rent. I thought it was really cute.

*click on the link beow to watch the trailer to the family stone*

http://www.apple.com/trailers/fox/the_family_stone/

bargain shopping

Today we took a trip to San Marcos, a college town about 45 minutes north of San Antonio. They have the best outlet mall with stores like Pottery Barn, Restoration Hrdware, Gap, Old Navy, Gymboree, Ann Taylor, Bombay, Crate N Barrel, J Crew, Last Call Neiman Marcos, Limited Too, Children's Place, Disney Store, and many, many others. Of course we only had a limited window of time before the kids were melting down,(actually they were doing this on the drive there) so we just hit a few stores Allison wanted to go to. Also, the 99 degree heat played a factor in how long we stayed too. Since it is a huge outdoor mall the sun and heat zapped us in less than two hours.
We had a fun time and found a few good deals. I am really going to miss having the outlets so close when we move next summer. I don't make the trip there that often but it is always fun to go a couple of times a year especially for the end of summer clearances which I look forward to in a couple of months.
http://www.primeoutlets.com/

I just wanted to post these pictures with my recent post of bargain shopping since I hadn't posted them yet and because I forgot to take my camera along today. What was I thinking?

These pictures were taken about 2 weeks ago. Greg interviewed in New Braunfels and the girls and I, including Taylor, drove up to the outlets to see if there were any good deals. I couldn't pass up going to look around just for an hour knowing I was only 15 minutes from there.
It was extremely hot while we were there, I think this is the day I posted about the 100 degree heat, so we were glad Greg only took a little over an hour in New Braunfels.
We had fun and hit a few stores but didn't come home with much. I guess that's a good thing!

confessions of an addict

my CHOCOLATE stash
my best friend, CAFFEINE, on most days

I am ALMOST embarrassed to divulge this secret to strangers. Those who know me, already know this deep dark secret about me. After my last post,( I don't even know if I posted it right or not) I decided to "come out" and let everyone know the real me. I am absolutely, totally, without a doubt, addicted to chocolate, and diet coke and diet dr. pepper. On most days, I only consume chocolate, diet sodas, and wheat thins(didn't take a picture of these), during the day. I always feel like there isn't enough time to sit and have a real meal, unless I am out to lunch. It is easier to just snack on junk all day until dinner time. I always am starving by about 430 or 500, that I just start shoveling in anything I can get my hands on. Then I way over eat during dinner, to the point where I am almost sick.

Why can't I learn that this doesn't work very well? I am always feeling ill during the day and that could be from all of the junk intake or sometimes when I haven't had a lot of sugar I think my blood sugar gets too low. Of course I think that is an excuse, so I OVERDOSE on sugar.

I have tried different strategies with my "problem" but have come to the conclusion that I love diet sodas and chocolate TOO much to change.

*Does anyone have any secret confessions they wish to divulge?*

click on this!

toddler tuesday

Maryn, Kallee, & Kindred Today Allison and I were left with just the three toddlers at home. Jenny had Mackenzi and Maci for practically the whole day. Thanks Jenny for the break.
These three little musketeers have a ball together and can destroy a house in a matter of minutes. Not having one room set aside as a play room really stinks when it comes to toy time. There are toys from one end of the house to the other, including in the bathrooms. Kallee loves bags and purses and has packed almost every one we own with all the toys and gadgets she can find. Maryn and Kindred love to push anything with wheels, or not. Every push toy and stroller we have (and that is a bunch) are constantly rolling across the floor giving you a major headache! They are going nonstop from the moment their eyes are open and that's pretty early in the morning thanks to Kallee! She wakes up before everyone and the has to be everyone else's alarm clock. They have been having fun and giggling and smiling most of the time. We have only had a few little spats between them. It was a fun day with just the toddlers around.

monday madness

brooke, mackenzi, nicole, taylor monday meets
mackenzi's swim events
never ending trash
nice clean car- but for how long?
nothing's better than climbing into a bed with clean sheets
clean laundry to fold and put away dirty laundry

Another Monday is upon me. It seems that every Monday I have tons of to dos after a busy weekend. After missing walking on at least Sunday, and sometimes Saturday, I dread my Monday walk. It seems so hard to make it up the few hills and it feels like it takes twice as long, but we usually finish in the same amount of time. Laundry, laundry, and more laundry, needs to be done. I usually head off to HEB but I don't think I am going to make it today. My car is OH SO dirty from a few rain showers this weekend. It never rains when I am home and my car is in the garage. It only decides to rain when I am out and about. Mondays are usually the girls' swim meets so that usually means no dinner prepared at home. They just snack while we are at the meet and then we take them soemwhere after their done swimming. This usually makes for a really long evening, with them not getiing bathed and to bed until around 10 pm.

daDdY dAy

My best friend, partner, companion, hero, and man I love more than life itself!
I am so happy to share in your life and your dreams. I am so thankful for all you do for our family. The sacrifices , hard work, sleepless nights, long hours, all with a positive attitude never go unnoticed and appreciated. You are amazing and the rock of our little family. The girls think you hung the moon as do I. Thanks for being the example of thinking of others before yourself, being loving, caring, patient, kindhearted, understanding, honest, and funny. I am so blessed to be a part of who you are and to have been blessed with three beautiful little girls. Thanks for making my dreams of being a mommy come true. I love you HUGEOMONGOUS!!!!!