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The Happy Family Song

2012-01-24T21:54:00.000-08:00

Lately Finlay has been requesting the "Happy Family Song" aka "Families Can Be Together Forever" for naps and bedtime. It warms my heart to see his sweet smile as I sing, "...I always want to be with my own family." Thank you, Sabrina, for capturing our happy family so well.

Duncan Said...(It's a good one)

2012-01-19T23:38:00.000-08:00

The other day we were in the car when Finlay asked me if our car gets shot at. Interesting question that lead to an interesting discussion on guns. Duncan declared that he didn't need guns because he has other TACTICS. To which I, in serious curiosity, replied, "What kind of tactics?" He went on about kicking and punching and...stabbing? But then he got serious and said, "...and I believe there is a GOD. That's the most important thing I have." Wow..another deep one from the 5 year old. He must do a lot of thinking alone in the back of the minivan. A few weeks ago, out of the blue, he announced that he had decided a better day for New Year's Day would be the first day of spring. It made no sense to him why we would be celebrating the start of a new year in the middle of winter. I had to sorta agree.

Give Me 5!!

2012-01-15T23:53:00.001-08:00

Big kid in his MacD bow-tie.

A birthday present. It's a hit. Great game. Duncan loves it. Finlay is learning his letter and it has just enough strategy to keep us old folks interested.

Cheesy grin at Soup Plantation. In attendance: Uncle Rob, Aunt Joan, Stephan, Saul, Kian, Uncle Bruce, Aunt Sabrina, Savanah, Uncle Matt, Grandma and Grandpa Riley, Mom and Dad, Finlay and Ewan

Handcrafted Birthday Shirt

I can't believe I have a 5 year old, even though a lot of my friends have 10 year olds! Ha ha...we're a funny bunch, us mormons. Sometimes I think it would've been really nice to start my family at 21 and be done by 30. A friend from high school actually posted on facebook how happy she was to be out of the minivan phase and here I am just buying our first. Ok...sorry Duncan, this is supposed to be about you. So here we go. A "few" things about YOU,

DUNCAN MICHAEL.

Mr. Dunks, our Duncan pie, our Big D, our FIRSTBORN. You love being the first and I've even heard you, on several occasions, tell someone, "I was my mom's first child." I know you think this a good thing, but I often pray that being our guinea pig doesn't leave any permanent emotional scars. You were born, old -if that makes any sense. You looked at us as if you were figuring us out and well, I think you have. We now know your little brain was probably working on overdrive, even then. You've been amazing us with your gift of learning for some time now and now, here you are, 5 years old reading gigantic words and doing math. Come on kid...slow down. The other day you shocked me by answering my "trick" question. Yes 4 minus 5 is negative 1. Your brain is awesome but you're so much more than smart. Your sensitive and affectionate. I remember when you were not quite two and sitting in the hall playing with stuffed animals. You were petting one, as if you were comforting it, saying, "It's ok. It's ok. I'm here." And then you started crying. I'm guessing you were crying for that little animal that "really" was sad. You get that over-empathetic gene from me. Sometimes it's almost debilitating...sorry. You love to cuddle and I'm sorry I don't snuggle more. You love to play with hair....still. The women in your life love this! You have a genuine in interest in soooo much. I think you may be Grandpa Riley's favorite person to talk to. You are one eager learner. You can be so kind. I especially notice this with people outside your family (don't worry...this is normal). Your interests haven't changed much over your tiny lifespan. You still love animals, fortunately a subject on which there is enough information to keep you occupied for at least another year. You love reading, especially graphic novels, and non fiction books about, you guessed it, animals. You also love looking at maps and you could probably beat me on a world geography quiz. You are freakishly flexible and like to fit yourself into tiny spaces. You love to play board games and are so excited when we play you are practically bouncing off the walls in between turns. You CANNOT sit still. In fact, whenever you're trying to tell me something, you pace back and forth, twirling your hair or fidgeting with something. You're still super sensitive to shows. You run out of the room whenever there's anything, scary, awkward or uncomfortable. We've gotten into the habit of reassuring you that it all turns out good in the end. The other day, I heard you telling Finlay, "Don't worry, Fin. They're going to win." That made me smile. I love it when you treat your brother kindly and am seeing a lot more that lately. He wants to be your friend so badly and I hope that you let him be. Yesterday Dad saw you playing with one of the gifts I bought you for your birthday (a interactive TAG board all about space), and noted that I really do know you well. I had to admit to this. I think I know YOU better than I know anyone else in this world. And I LOVE knowing you. You are an amazing kid!

A VERY SERIOUS New Year's Resolution

2012-01-07T01:02:00.000-08:00

One of my new year's resolutions is to NOT eat this guy. It will be hard, but I'm going to try with all my might not to sink my teeth into those juicy thighs.

A New Blog to Stalk

2012-01-06T23:51:00.000-08:00

Just found the Momastery blog. My kind of Mom. I related completely with this post.

2011 Lesson #2 : Donâ€™t Carpe Diem

One Reads and One Makes Up Funny Stuff

2012-01-02T00:27:00.000-08:00

So here is our video proof of Duncan's mad reading skills. I know someday when he's all grown up and bringing some cute girl around, I will, undoubtedly, brag about how Duncan could read at two. I'll whip this video out as proof, pointing out that if he could do this at four (nearly five) it's not hard to believe he could read three letter words at two. And then when Finlay brings his special someone, I'll get it out as proof that he's been charming and fun since the day he was born. I just have to add that the reason I started recording was actually to get Finlay's "turn" on video. Last night he made something funny up about the the Holy Ghost running away. I was hoping to get a repeat performance.

Homemade Christmas

2011-12-05T23:14:00.000-08:00

So...I made this.

And I'm posting it here because husbands just don't really ooh and aah quite the way friends do. And sometimes a girl just needs some oohs and aahs. I picked up some branches at the Christmas tree lot and wrapped them around a cross stitch hoop. I love it.

And I also made this!

I like him even more than the wreath.

Ewan and Duncan

2011-12-04T23:16:00.000-08:00

So Ewan has been reminding me a lot of Duncan lately, as far as looks go. What do you think?

Duncan around 5 months

Ewan at 3 months

Duncan at 4months. And we thought HE was chubby =)

When I see him sitting in his chair I can't help but think of Duncan sitting there almost 5 years ago!! How is my baby so old?!

Duncan around 5 months old

Us, Instagrammed

2011-11-27T22:40:00.000-08:00

Always Good For a Laugh

2011-11-19T22:12:00.000-08:00

"Eat the Farmer, not the pig!"

-Duncan, while watching Charlotte's Web

"What happens if a bat poops while it's sleeping?"

-Duncan (think about it...)

"Thankyougiving."

-Finlay

"I'm weally sowy for jumping on your wiener, Dad."

-Finlay, in tears after being knocked off the couch by Jimmy

Building Antibodies

2011-11-09T22:28:00.001-08:00

Today I was reminded of how grateful I am that my kids are still so healthy despite the things they have put in their mouths. Things like urine, playground equipment, snails, ants, sand, dirty shoes, fingers after playing at McDonalds, all purpose cleanser, and so so so much more. And now to add to that list, today at McDonalds (I swear we don't go there THAT much) Finlay bit off the stamen of a giant Lily. WHAT? Then a minute later, in the parking lot, I looked down and he's picking at a piece of chewing gum on the asphalt. I'm sure if I didn't catch him in time, that would have been in his mouth. And while I'm thinking of all the gross things they've done, I can't help but remember when Duncan picked up the urinal cake while on a bathroom trip with his cousin. How are these kids still alive, yet alone so darn healthy? So far Ewan has been healthy too, even after having big brothers sneezing and coughing in his face and even putting snotty fingers in his mouth. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU for HEALTH!

'Tis the Season to be Thankful

2011-11-01T22:12:00.000-07:00

Today I'm thankful to have a 2 month old and not a 2 week old. We're definitely figuring each other out and life seems a lot more do able. I realized today that this is my first baby who falls asleep on his own. He'll fall asleep in his papasan chair and stay asleep (unswaddled) for an hour or even 2! In fact, one of the things I've figured out is that he would rather be left alone. I've just been wrapping him up and sticking him in bed and, to my joy and amazement, he eventually falls asleep with out much fuss. The last couple days with him have been a dream. Is it possible my baby is turning into one of those "easy" babies? Even if it's just a for a few days, this is one THANKFUL mamma!

8 Week Check Up

2011-10-30T23:13:00.000-07:00

Just in case you were wondering what a 16 lbs 10 oz 8 week old looks like...

Just like Duncan, this baby is a baby of many faces. He looks different from every angle. Finlay on the other hand always looks the same...weird.

Milky Thoughts

2011-10-24T22:47:00.000-07:00

I've spent a lot of time sitting over the past 8 weeks and you would not believe the randomness going on in my head. Here are a few thoughts I've had plunking around in the void left by my sucked out brain.

There's a direct correlation between the length of my kids' fingernails and the amount of T.V. they watch. Both are strong indicators of parental neglect.

Sometimes when I'm making dinner, I feel like I'm in a competition to see who can dirty the most dishes, and I'm winning.

I know I'm not bipolar but sometimes motherhood makes me feel as if I am. One minute I just want to squeeze their little bodies and kiss their thrilled faces all over and in the next I'm threatening to chop off fingers if they even touch me.

How many pairs of dingy black workout pants and ragged boyfriend tees does a girl need?

At what point do I have to stop saying, "I just had a baby"? (out loud or in my head)

Sometimes I shudder to think that this isn't even the hardest phase of parenthood.

Ewan's First Laughs

2011-10-13T21:51:00.000-07:00

Untitled from Holly MacDougall on Vimeo.

Say Cheese!

2011-10-12T08:46:00.000-07:00

The boys love getting smiles from baby Ewan.

Yikes. It starts early!

About 4 weeks

Super smiley from the start!

At Ewan's 1 month he was 12 lbs 13 oz.

Ewan at 5 weeks!! He's HUGE!

Another Duncan Classic....

2011-10-05T22:36:00.000-07:00

"Mom, I pooped so many poops....It's like a colony of poop!"

We're very proud.

2011-10-01T23:45:00.000-07:00

We just started having the boys say their personal prayers before bed. I had no idea how this would change prayer for Duncan. It's like he's starting to get that he's talking to someone and not just repeating things he has heard us say. Tonight he wanted to say it "in his head". Afterwards he told me the two main things he asked for were to help me be a better mommy and to help him be a better listener. I'm anticipating a good day tomorrow with lots of help from above =)

*we finally got our data off our old non working desktop. It was so nice to see this kid again!

Breastfeeding With an Audience

2011-09-19T13:08:00.000-07:00

"I bet Ewan wishes your nipple was smaller"

-Duncan

"His lower jaw is really pumping, Mom"

-Duncan

"He's biting your belly!"

-Finaly

Breastfeeding is not easy for me. For the first few weeks it pretty much dominates my life which in turn impacts the whole family. I thought this time would be easier, you know, with all my experience. I turns out I just don't do newborn well. There's absolutely nothing easy about this stage, in my opinion. So eventually I will get to Ewan's birth story (when I have two free hands to type with).

Bath Shower

2011-09-07T22:49:00.000-07:00

These boys were supposed to be taking a "bath shower", which is what we call a shower in the bathtub. It's nice because they don't splash and I don't worry about them as much (In other words, I get a lot done while they're in there)

This on the other hand gives me a lot to worry about. Looks like they found the plug and the height of the water tells you just how distracted I must've been by Ewan and all his needs (like the need to be snuggled and adored). Thank goodness there was minimal water on the floor and everyone was alive to smile for the picture.

More Ewan

2011-09-02T11:31:00.001-07:00

Ewan Riley MacDougall

2011-09-02T11:25:00.001-07:00

What To Do?

2011-08-26T17:25:00.000-07:00

So what do you do during quiet time when you're almost 40 weeks pregnant and suddenly remember that you actually lost a pound at your 39 week check up?

You sit down with the newest Martha Stewart Living and eat not one but two bowls of chocolate fudge brownie ice cream. Now is not the time to be losing weight.

2011-08-19T09:45:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of my favorites from our little photo shoot with Sabrina. It was a bit impromptu, but I love the look of the pictures. The Mission in Oceanside ended up being a great spot.

How Low Can You Go?

2011-08-18T14:52:00.000-07:00

Sabrina and I both agree that maybe we waited too long to take these maternity pictures. HA HA! It looks like if I let go my belly is going to drop on the ground. Even the doctor yesterday was shocked by how low this baby is sitting. Not so comfortable for mama.

More pictures to come!

Belly Dancing

2011-08-14T20:47:00.000-07:00

I so wish this kid would come early.

Belly Dancing Part 2 from Holly MacDougall on Vimeo.

Background Credits:

Snoring Jimmy

Movie Jane Eyre

Spiders.

2011-08-09T23:37:00.000-07:00

Ok, so remember this guy from earlier? Apparently one of his relatives was trying to avenge his death.

So I'm sitting outside on the edge of the sandbox when Finlay gets all excited and says, "Mommy, there's a spider on your leg!" I try to remain calm, hoping he's confused but sure enough there's a GINORMOUS spider, even bigger than the last one, on the inside of my upper thigh (i had pants on...phew). I was paralyzed by fear. I just kept repeating to Jimmy, "Get it off." He grabbed a toy dinosaur and knocked it off my leg. My heart was racing. The stress of it all could've sent me into labor. I never realized how afraid of spiders I am....

and I've never even seen Arachnophobia.

Maternity Sewing

2011-08-06T19:21:00.000-07:00

37 weeks and to that point in pregnancy where the only things that fit are darted tents and gaucho pants. That must be why in my last weeks of my 3rd pregnancy I was finally motivated enough to make some maternity clothes. (I have no idea why this is all underlined...sorry)

I made this shirt! I've never made a shirt before and I'm not going to lie, I am both humbled and proud. Humbled by my lack of sewing skills, yet proud that I somehow managed to create something wearable that I like.

I took a maternity tank top that I love and have just about worn out and used it to make the front and back pieces. The rest was improvised. I struggle with knit so the neck line was looking pretty bad. The braid turned out to be the perfect cover up and much cuter than I had originally planned. There was a little excess fabric between the boobs and belly so I just sewed a little strip of elastic there to create a little gather. Plus I put elastic in the front hem because don't you hate when maternity shirts just go straight down from the biggest point of your belly? No thank you.

I also made these shorts using some old jeans. I cut out a little section in the front, just to the top of the zipper. I sewed the zipper closed. Then I took an old camisole tank top and cut the top off and sewed it to the top of the pants (now cutoffs). I don't know why I like cutoffs so much. Jimmy recently informed me that they look grungy... who knew? =) I also took in the side seams a bit on the cami to make it a little tighter. I wish I could claim this quick maternity pant refashion as my own but alas, it is not. It's out there somewhere on the blogosphere.

And these I made by....well, we won't go into that =)

*Excuse the mess in the back. We need a play room =)

*And a shout out to the halftee. Can't imagine life without it. Use promo code 1halftee for 20% off.

Boys Say Funny Things

2011-07-26T00:10:00.000-07:00

Duncan said:

"We've been on this freeway for ages."

-after sitting in traffic

"He has to be a brilliant swimmer."

-referring to a picture of a surfer eating it on a giant wave

Finlay said:

"No we cant!" (said to the tune of Bob The Builder's "Yes we can!")

-often his response when we try to trick him into doing something by using Bob's popular mantra, "Can we ____ it?"

*with Fin it's not necessarily the words he chooses but the way he says things. He uses silly voices and funny intonations. I wish I had a video camera going 24-7.

And you know the little boys aren't the only ones who say funny things around here.

Jimmy said:

"If I wipe your bum then you'll have to wipe mine and that's gross."

-trying to teach Duncan to wipe his own bum

"I'm going to bite that cricket's head off myself."

-his reaction to the noisy bug outside. I was amused because I'm normally the one getting irritated by little noises like that. I've been listening to him for hours now and still wish him no harm.

"New game. This one's called Sluggish Buggish."

-in response to the boys' inability to correctly identify slug bugs -the PT Cruisers and Mini Coopers were totally throwing them off

*We now have Heebie Jeepies as well. Just what I need in the car -more commentary. I think I say, "Yup, there's another one" at least once a minute now. (My kids must be acknowledged in every word they say or there is no shutting them up. Does anyone else deal with this and find it as tiresome as I do?)

And just to avoid a picture-less post, here's a picture of the spider that literally came straight for me twice in one night. I had to wake Jimmy up at 12:30am to kill it. Just getting too close provoked images of a leaping, fanged, red eyed mini-tarantula attacking me.

*p.s. I know that there ARE bigger spiders, and that our chairs are hideous. Covering them just isn't high on the sewing priority list right now.

Keep Your Eye On The Ball

2011-07-25T09:32:00.000-07:00

Untitled from Holly MacDougall on Vimeo.

Room To Grow and Do Other Stuff Too

2011-07-16T23:28:00.000-07:00

Doctor: So you're probably feeling a lot of kicking in your ribs these days.

Me: Actually, no. I mainly feel it in my sides. On both sides...at the same time.

*Cue ultrasound

Doctor: Well that explains why you're not feeling it in your ribs. Your baby is transverse.

Me: That does explain a lot about what I've been feeling.

Doctor: Normally at this far along the baby doesn't have enough room to be in that position.

I then explained to him that my last was breech at 37 weeks and turned on his own. Which made me think...how much room is in there?? I must have a huge uterus with lots of swimming room for these guys to be doing flips up until end. I hope there aren't any little spirits up there waiting to take advantage of all that room and double team me one day! Anyway...not worried a bit because most likely he'll turn on his own and plus the doctor said he thinks he would be easy to turn if we had to...you know, because I'm so "lean". Major points to the Doc for that one which really just made up for the first thing he said when he came in the office, "Looks like you're covering a lot of ground these days." His first comment is always about my size like, "Looks like you're sprouting nicely." What? I'm not sure why he does this. I'll have to remember this when I get his evaluation survey in the mail.

4th Day Hair

2011-07-14T06:39:00.000-07:00

So...I'm the first one up again. This is extremely unusual for my type (you know the go to bed too late and let your kids watch cartoons and eat cereal while you get an extra hour in the morning type). I'll blame both types on the pregnancy. Maybe I'm being prepared for early mornings with the little one. Anyway...I remembered I had taken some pictures in "photo booth" (mac book's built in camera's application) that I wanted to post. So I pulled up photo booth and cringed when this appeared.

Nothing like turning your computer screen into a giant mirror first thing in the morning. Ouch. However, I couldn't help noticing how nice my hair looked for having just rolled out of bed 5 minutes earlier. I counted the days and realized that today is 4th day hair. I think I'm going to keep it. Don't get me wrong, I will shower. I'm just not going to touch the hair. I've got to make the 45 minutes on Sunday it took me to do my hair go as far as possible for me =)

And this is the actual picture I was looking for. I made creamy spinach chicken pasta last night using some of my THRIVE food. I made a white sauce with powdered butter, powdered milk and cornstarch. I added some freeze dried spinach and parmesan and voila. I'll post the whole recipe on my other blog, eatingoutofcans.com. Now, this wasn't as good as real Alfredo with real butter and cream, but it's a lot healthier and my kids gobbled it up =) Which bring me to a mommy confession. I totally lied to Duncan. The only green vegetables he eats are broccoli and asparagus so when he asked me what the green things were I just told him that it was broccoli. I knew it was the only way he would eat it and it worked so...no regrets.

And lastly, the prego pick we've all been waiting for. I'm 34 1/2 weeks and actually feeling better than I was a few weeks ago. Yahooo! 6 weeks still seems way too far away but at least when people say, "You're getting close!" I can now nod my head and smile in agreement.

My first bit of company this morning =)

Backseat Drivers

2011-07-05T23:27:00.000-07:00

We've got a couple backseat drivers for sale. They may be under-age but they're pretty sure of themselves when it comes to being on the road. Some selling features include, but are not limited to:

- You'll never have to suffer through a quiet, thoughtless drive home again (you know how awful those can be). With these two around you'll be forced to pay attention to every turn you make, lane you choose and stop light you approach. And just when you start to go on auto pilot, you will be so thankful to hear, "No! Not this way!", You will then have the privilege of explaining to a 2 year old why it is actually the "right" way. Good luck. You'll be better for it, I promise.

-And as far as speeding tickets go, don't fret, because big D. is right there to make sure you never exceed the posted speed. How awesome is that?

-Big D. is also your traffic expert. You'll never have to wonder again if there are sufficient enough cars on the road to be called "traffic". Plus, he always knows which lane has the least amount of traffic. You'll love always having someone tell you what lane you SHOULD be in (especially a 4 year old).

-If you sometimes forget that you're in a race, these are the car companions for YOU! Don't worry, they'll be sure to inform you which car you're racing and when you've won.

And lucky for you, speed limits are forgotten about when there's a competitor in sight.

-With these guys in the car, you'll never forget where you're going.

-You'll love the challenge of trying to think of where the train might possibly be at any exact moment in time. Fortunately, a simple, "Train went bye bye," won't suffice.

-With the little one on hand you'll be sure to notice every single motorcycle behind you, in front of you, next to you and no where near you.

-And lastly, you'll learn a valuable lesson on how to behave when YOU are a passenger!!

HUGE!

2011-06-29T23:12:00.000-07:00

You remember that silly post I did a while back about liking my pregnant body? Well that was before I got stuck in THIS pregnant body. I take it all back. This sucks. I can't believe I still have 2 months to go. I feel like I could have a baby any day. He's got to be at least 10lbs, right? At least that's what it feels like. I'm sure everything would be just fine... (just kidding...I'll sacrifice my comfort for a healthy full term baby any day). I'll post a picture soon.

A Picture Post

2011-06-21T23:14:00.000-07:00

Face painting at Listos. Finlay was obviously all for it, but Duncan couldn't be convinced.

Saturday on the pier.

A very relaxing memorial day at Grandma and Grandpa's.

Fun with cousins and friends.

First twenty minutes of the new reward system. It did get better and we don't really use the frowny faces anymore. =)

2011-05-30T10:20:00.000-07:00

This is my kitchen and dining area. Huge, huh? =) Well considering our whole condo is 900 sq ft, we're pretty satisfied with the kitchen. We've always had small kitchens and in the past I would have never considered using up valuable kitchen space to store "food storage". Well, I bet you'll be surprised to know that between these two spaces I have 32 #10 cans and 37 pantry cans stored (I was curious so I counted), 7 gallons of water, and 2 6 gal. buckets of wheat and flour. And look, no cans in sight! (Someone validate me, please! This is good, right?) I am not a super organizer. I don't have any clever ideas. I've just found that it's a lot easier to make room for food that I actually use instead of just store. So let's begin the tour, shall we?

First, let me say that I love the pantry size can. It's perfect for things like sour cream, butter, shortening, and eggs. I can just refill these from the #10 cans. I already had baking stuff in this cupboard so just consolidated a bit to make room for a few cans. If you don't want to buy the pantry cans you can always use your own smaller containers (just remember Shelf Reliance can't guarantee the shelf life of other containers).

This cupboard with the bread was a mess to begin with. I threw away a lot of moldy ends. Plus, I transferred boxed items to ziplocs to eliminate the bulky boxes. I'm tellin' ya -nothing special. But I did manage to make space for my pancake mix and some other items I use a lot like freeze-dried onions and my fruits.

The narrow little cupboard is awkward to begin with, so I've always stored kind of random stuff in there. I had a huge thing of Ramen that we never eat so I put that in a closet and did a little more transferring from boxes to ziplocs. I still have growing room in this little space.

And this is the butcher block by the table that used to have kid art supplies, along with a big bulky plastic table cloth and some packaging supplies. Those items found new homes in bedroom closets. And I couldn't be happier with the new tenants.

And next we have our everything closet. It's actually the only closet we have besides the bedroom closets. I just added a stackable shelf to use up some of the height in the closet. Because it's less accessible, this is where I store less used cans, or #10's that I use to refill pantry cans. I have a similar shelf on the floor of the closet that has my 6 gal. buckets on top, which gives me a little extra storage underneath where I store my "party" supplies.

And that about does it for the tour. I hope you're not too disappointed but I did warn you before hand that I didn't have any amazing tricks to share. For me, the solution has been to buy food that has a long sealed and open shelf life and tastes good enough to use in my everyday cooking. It's easier to find space for food you WANT in the kitchen. I definitely don't replace everything with my Thrive foods (except for the onions. I don't buy onions anymore), but I do turn to them often when I don't want to run to the store or when I have to throw a last minute dinner together. I know we have a long way to go, but it does is comforting to know we have SOMETHING. So, no matter the space, it is possible to start NOW.

*I posted this on my Shelf Reliance blog, eatingoutofcans.com.

Why? Why? Why?

2011-05-23T14:33:00.000-07:00

So today was going really well. The house stayed relatively clean over the weekend (due to the fact that I spent all day Saturday cleaning it and managed to stay out of it all day yesterday). So it was nice to wake up Monday morning and not feel overwhelmed by a to do list a mile long. The boys and I do puzzles for while. Then we turn on some kid songs and dance. After that they play in their room while I finish up some laundry and get dressed. It's great! Next we go to the library and read books then go in for story time. We run into friends at story time and have lunch with them at Chick-fil-a. So far so good, right? We get home and Fin goes down for nap while Duncan plays on the computer. I set the timer for 30 minutes (yes....it's about to go downhill). Sure enough as soon as that timer goes off so does Duncan. He cries. He tries to reset the timer. He kicks me. Seriously? All that fun stuff and good old mommy time completely irrelevant now. I am now the worst mommy and he hates me. I have to physically put him in my room and on my bed for a time out (this is after he's had several chances to calm down and pick a library book for me to read to him). He's on my bed now and as I'm trying to hold him down to keep him on the bed he screams in my face. We all have our limits. I roll him over on his tummy and spank him. I'm not sorry. I spank because sometimes that's the only way to get his attention. And it works. He stops trying to get off the bed. He continues to cry so I leave him to wallow in his misery and after a few minutes there is silence. After a while I go in and he's laying there calmly on the bed. I say I'm sorry I had to spank him and explain why I did it. He tells me sorry. We cuddle for a bit and then it's over. I would love to say that this is a rare occasion around here but it's not. It doesn't happen every day but should it happen at all? That's the reason for all the "why's". I just don't get why it has to be this way or if it even does? So I thought this picture Duncan took of himself was appropriate for this post. It shows his scary side.

I Like My Pregnant Body...Did I Really Just Say That?

2011-05-04T22:51:00.000-07:00

Yes I did and I'm sorry. I just read Jaimie's post and almost reconsidered writing this tonight but clearly I'm feeling the need to make some enemies. Let me first explain myself and maybe you'll come back to my blog someday.

During pregnancy is the only time in my life when I've been called "tiny" or "cute". And don't start rolling your eyes thinking I'm going to complain about being fat because I in no way think I'm fat. I have a pretty healthy body image but despite that I think I'll always consider myself as "big". Probably because I really was "big". I basically did most of my growing between ages 10-13. At 11 I was already 5'5" and over 100lbs. Looking back I can see I was tall and "skinny" but when you're at lest 20 lbs heavier than the other girls your age you don't feel skinny. I distinctly remember sitting at the lunch table in 5th grade and all these "little" girls saying how much they weighed. They weighed liked 80lbs.. By 7th grade I was full size, 5'8". I'm not complaining about being tall as a kid and sometimes I wish I hadn't stopped growing so early on, but it's definitely the reason I'll always consider myself as "big".

Anyway, it turns out this long torso is good for something -hiding babies. It doesn't hide them quite like it used to but I can't complain (although from time to time you might hear me doing just that). So yes, I like my pregnant body because it makes me feel "small". I swear the belly makes my hips and legs look smaller -if not to anyone else, at least to me.

Yes my back hurts, my organs are jumbled up, my digestive system is wacked, I can't sleep, I spend 1/4 of my waking minutes in the bathroom (I intend to get the real numbers on this one. I'll let you know what I find), I have a future UFC fighter in my uterus, my husband stinks, nothing tastes as good and I have varicose veins in unmentionable locations (not sure why I felt the need for FULL disclosure, sorry). BUT, sometimes people call me "tiny" and my belly "cute", and that's nice.

*Duncan kissing Finlay, taken by Sabrina

*Green sweater -Jimmy ordered this green J.Crew sweater for me as surprise for Valentine's Day one year. You'll notice I'm also wearing it in our out of date family pictures. He did well.

Camping. Oh My.

2011-04-24T00:51:00.000-07:00

Jimmy and I shocked ourselves by actually doing something we have talked about doing for quite some time. We went camping. You see, we have never been camping with the boys. We've only been camping once together and it was a ward campout. This was a totally new experience for us. We purposely didn't invite anyone else because this was our "trial run". We knew this was something we had to do on our own. So, just like that a spot was booked, work was taken off, gear was borrowed, a list was made and off we went only to made a dreadful realization about 40 minutes into the drive. I forgot Fin's binky. Jimmy suggested we just go without and then I suggested we just drive off a cliff instead, but fortunately we came to our senses and stopped at a grocery store. Little did we know that this would be the first of a long list of things we "forgot". Forgot meaning that it didn't even cross our minds to bring. Lets just say, the fact that we ate anything was a miracle. But despite the set backs we all had A LOT of fun and agreed that we MUST do it again! We now get it. Camping is a skill. It takes practice, so if we're going to get good at it we have to keep trying, right? Anyway, here are some pics from the I-phone. Yep you guessed it, but we didn't actually forget the camera, just the memory card.

And a list I made as soon as we were on our way back. I'm ashamed to admit it was 9:30am Saturday morning. We didn't have to check out until noon.

NEXT TIME LIST

-soap

-towel

-skillet

-pancake flipper

-pot (2)

-lots more firewood

-pam/butter

-beanies and gloves

-thinner layers for sleeping

-air mattress

-bigger tent

-table cloth

-rope

-mixing bowls

-friends

*yes, cooking without some of these items was quite an adventure.

This is Green Valley Falls. We used to come here when I was little. In fact, there are pictures of me about Fin's age playing in these falls.

And We Have A Winner!

2011-04-24T00:49:00.000-07:00

The battle between boobs and belly is now decided with belly taking a commanding lead. But, in about 4 months boobs will make their painful comeback. Something to look forward to and dread all at the same time.

Sticking With What You Know

2011-04-13T19:16:00.000-07:00

I'll take one more of those, please!! Yes, it's another boy and I'm just hoping my heart's big enough. Little boys sure know how to love =)

*does anyone else have a child that looks nothing like them? Here's mine.

White Genes Before Easter

2011-04-02T11:35:00.000-07:00

So thanks to grandparents on both sides, I'm now 30 and every time I look in the mirror all I see are my squirrely white hairs poking out everywhere. I've been noticing whites for years, but now it's safe to say that I'm "going gray" or white -hopefully. To prove my point, Jimmy was so lovingly plucking out my white hairs -yes, I still have the habit of pulling out my hair. For some reason I love the feel of individual little hairs being yanked from my head (sorry -maybe TMI). Anyway, after we had accumulated quite a few he said, "I have to stop now or else we'll be here all night."

So now I'm faced with the question of what to do about it. I've dyed my hair once in my life. Am I now destined to a life of smelly boxed chemicals and expensive salon visits? Or do I just go with the flow and let them grow? Duncan would be so proud of that rhyme. Oh, and speaking of Duncan, for some reason we were talking about my white hairs and he told me that it's because I don't have enough melanin. I guess 4 year olds who ask their grandmas to read them kid encyclopedias know that kind of stuff.

So my question is -what will you do? My decision just might be affected by knowing what the rest of the old ladies are going to be looking like. =) I do, however, know one thing for sure. If at 70, I can have beautiful white hair like my Grandma had, I'll take it! But what about the 40 transitional years before? Do I dye, dye, dye and then just stop at some point? And at what point?

Ok...I just had to laugh after reading all that. It appears I also inherited my grandma's worry gene. Sorry. To make up for it, enjoy some pictures.

First, click to enlarge and you'll have your proof.

Second, Finlay trying to put on a shirt. And what is that face?
Third, Duncan's occasional T.V. watching position. Bendy boy.

* I looked it up. Pulling my hair out has nothing to do with going gray.

I Guess That Was an Announcement

2011-03-27T15:08:00.000-07:00

I didn't really mean for that to be an announcement. Honestly, between this, facebook and myfamily.com, I can't keep track of what I've said and to whom. I'm almost 18 weeks (you know it's your third when you have to look up the pregnancy calculator on line to find out how far along you are). We have our big ultrasound scheduled for April 6th. I have no maternal intuition hinting at a gender. We'll just leave that to the professionals. The first trimester was pretty sucky. I wanted to virtually complain as much as I was actually complaining to Jimmy but the poor guy got it all. I'm still a bit more tired than I need to be, considering I'm not the most energetic person brez dojencka in mojem trebuhu (for some reason that last part came to me in Slovene and considering how rarely that happens to me, I had to go with it). I just make sure to keep my TO DO LIST manageable and nap when I can. Sometimes I wonder what life would be like with coffee? Think of everything I could get done! But of course, it really is healthier to listen to my body and learn to live with a little mess, right? Speaking of mess, there's a really gross one waiting for me in the car.

My Brown Eyed Boys

2011-03-23T23:14:00.001-07:00

This picture made me wonder if this blue eyed mommy will have another brown eyed boy?? 2 more weeks and we'll have a bit more info =) Pretty sure we'll have to wait a bit longer for the eye color, though.

*I just made a huge mistake. I made this picture the display on the computer. Just what I need, more incentive to open the laptop.

Tough Decision

2011-03-07T19:42:00.000-08:00

Well, I decided to keep blogging but that wasn't really the tough decision. I like an audience just as much as the next person...sometimes. I'm just going to monitor my time more carefully (I need to get a timer!). The really tough decision I'm talking about is deciding what color scheme to go with in my living room. I've been going between 3 different options for a few months now I've made a decision. I'm not one to need a nicely decorated home to be happy but I really do need something. At least pictures on the wall and some pleasing throw pillows. Anyway, I found this fabric with yellow flowers, gray leaves and little sea foam (the color of my couch) flowers. I fell in love, but kept telling myself it was not me, or the color scheme was too trendy or modern for us. It's funny I was telling myself that while at the same time telling myself that I just need to pick one thing I really like and go from there. Finally the light bulb came on and I made some pillows out of my dear fabric and the ideas started flowing.

I made silhouettes of the boys and paired them with some Ikea frames I had, biding their time for this exact moment. Finally, something on the wall that I really like and pillows that inspire me. Just a start, but it's just what I needed. The other pillows are gray but blend too much with the couch, so they'll probably find a permanent home on the ugly brown chairs (after I cover them) that are too hideous to show. It just feels good to have ideas. I starting to think that I just couldn't do it but there's some hope now. I might be asking some opinions on things as more project develop.

Just Say NO to Blogs

2011-03-02T22:12:00.000-08:00

I think this is going to be my new self-imposed rule. And the reason for such blasphemy? Well, to tell the truth, I'm sitting here feeling a bit bad about myself (oh heaven forbid we ever express any emotion on a blog that isn't a happy one) and trying to figure out why. I realized that part of the reason is because my family isn't as cool as the family I just spent 30 minutes (at least that's what it felt like but it was probably closer to an hour) observing via their blog. I'm not as pretty or fit as her. My kids are not as clever and I'm not sure their dad is as cool. My kids don't get to live in a big home and go see far off places. I don't write as well as she does. And the worst of all, I think they might love each other more than we all do, well at least it seems that way. What am I doing wrong? (Is this dramatic enough for you, because I could go further?)

After analyzing the situation for a bit I decided that I don't think it's really healthy for people to look in on others' lives the way we do through blogs. Ok, or maybe just the way I do. I obviously have a few issues, but I KNOW I can't be alone on this. I must say that it is different when I'm looking at the blogs of close friends and family to see their adorable kiddos. I know them, and I know a bit more of the "real" life versions of them. My problem is when I get sucked into blogs of people I kind of know or not at all. Let the comparing begin. Anyway, I decided that for my own emotional health, I'm not going to look at them anymore. I need to focus on who I am as a wife and mother and the needs of my family rather some imaginary expectation I think I need to live up to. So it will be hard but I'm going to try. I can't decide if I should just go cold turkey and not blog or look at anyone's blog or just limit myself to those on my sidebar. I'm not sure what I'm going to do. I just wanted to get those thoughts out there.

And after all that, I can't help sharing this one with everyone. After washing our hands together in the bathroom I gave him an impromptu mohawk. I picked him up to show him in the mirror and after studying himself for a second said excitedly, "Shark!"

And just to keep it real, I've never been more frustrated with this kid than I have been the last two days. It better his molars and not just a change for the worse.

FINLAY

2011-02-23T21:51:00.000-08:00

So I was reading old posts from when Duncan was about Fin's age now and realized that I haven't really recorded much about Finlay (other than he's really cute and melts my heart). I think anyone who knows him would agree that he's just delightful. He hasn't met a stranger. He waves and smiles at the people in the cars next to us at traffic lights. When we're out to eat I'll see him looking off into the distance and smiling. I can always scan the crowd to find some lucky individual who has just been friended by Fin.

He loves his Dad and greets him every night with an enthusiastic DAD!! This morning when Jimmy was leaving for work, Finlay gave him an unprompted, "I love you Dad!" When playing with Dad he likes to jump on him, off of him, over him (actually on him again), or to him. He loves trucks and motorcycles. Every time he hears a siren, "FIRE TRUCK!" Duncan got a dump truck for his birthday and for weeks anytime we went anywhere in the car, for the duration of the trip, the conversation went like this,

"Mom. MOM!"

"What Fin?"

"DUMP TRUCK!"

Who knew there so many dump truck looking truck on the road? Along with cars he was a passion for throwing. He has quite an arm and the wind up kills me. Its like he's been watching pitchers or something. He gets his whole body into and is fairly accurate. Lets see....what else? He likes his sleep. He doesn't sleep tons but when he's tired, he's practically drooling over his crib. Speaking of crib, he still loves that binky for sleeping (Ok, Ok, not always just sleeping). That will be a hard habit to break.

He's no angel of course. He likes to kind of ignore you and pretend like nothing ever happened after he's been naughty. Or he tries to charm his way out of trouble which is a very powerful tool that will probably come in handy later in life as well. He's just so darn charming. Even when he's really mad and yelling with all his might at Duncan, we just can't help but laugh at him, it's so cute. He gets feisty but it always passes quickly. He likes to focus on one thing at a time. He won't hold a sippy cup in one hand and a cracker in the other. It's either eating time or drinking time. I'm pretty sure developmentally he is capable of holding two different things in each hand.

As far as talking goes, I figure he is right where he should be. He likes to wander the house saying, "Duncan, where are you?", or , "Duncan, come on." He like Duncan. And when I call for him he answers back with, "what?" That cracks me up. He tries to count which normally comes out something like 13787878787878. I don't know why he likes 7 and 8 so much? He says the prayer or something like it I guess. We normally catch, father, day, daddy, grandpa, grandma, amen. We say Amen and eat =) I'm sorry about all the grammatical errors. I'm too tired for quotations and commas and stuff. And I know this getting long but I have to talk about the ways he runs or bounces or gallops. Any of those description will do. Sometimes we make him run just for our entertainment. He also is an amazing eater. He eats SALAD! He even asks for more salad. I still can't get over it. But really, this is long so to end it let me just say Finlay is sweet and happy and funny and makes other people feel the same way. I am one lucky Momma.

p.s. no editing has taken place here tonight. Be kind in your thoughts toward my intelligence.

Book Review

2011-01-30T21:55:00.000-08:00

I did something I rarely do. I read a book. I can't believe I just admitted to how little I read, I just don't like feeling committed to a book. If the book is good I'm not the kind of person that can just read a little here or there. It consumes my life until it is finished. I normally end up sacrificing way too much sleep and time with the kids just to know what happens in the end. But a few weeks ago I heard a book review on NPR on "Battle Hymn of a Tiger Mother" and couldn't stop thinking about it. Then all the sudden it was getting tons of press and well, I still couldn't stop thinking about it so I read it.

Something I definitely don't regret. I don't want to analyze the book too much here. Let me just say that I really enjoyed reading it -to which Jimmy can attest. I would read bits here and there to him and retell parts to anyone who would listen. And I'm about to do the same to you. Ok, so here's the scene. They are at a "mediocre" restaurant for her birthday because her husband forgot to make reservations. Her 10 year old daughter just gave her a birthday card that is basically a piece of paper folded in half with a smiley face that says, "Happy Birthday, I love you." Or something like that.

I gave the card back to Lulu. "I don't want this," I said. "I want a better one -one that you've put some thought and effort into..."

I grabbed the card again and flipped it over. I pulled out a pen from my purse and scrawled "Happy Birthday Lulu Whoopee!" I added a big sour face. "What if I gave you this for your birthday, Lulu-would you like that? But I would never do that, Lulu. No-I get you magicians and giant slides that cost me hundreds of dollars. I get you huge ice cream cakes shaped like penguins and I spend half my salary on stupid sticker and eraser party favors that everyone just throws away. I work so hard to give you good birthdays! I deserve better than this. So I reject this." I threw the card back.

So that gives you a taste of the book. And some of you are probably thinking, "Well, why should she want to do something nice for her psychopath mom?" It is extreme and while I totally disagree with her method, I do kind of like the message. How many of us would act all excited to receive some dinky card that our 10 year old threw together at the last minute with no real thought. Shouldn't we teach our kids that when you put time and effort into something for someone it shows love and appreciation and shows the opposite if we don't. She's definitely less concerned about her children's feelings and more concerned about preparing them for life (or maybe she's more concerned for her own feelings... I haven't decided yet). But anyway, a common theme in her chinese parenting approach is if you expect less from your kids it's like telling them you don't think they're capable of more, but if you push them and expect great things it's like telling them you believe they are capable of great things. Like, I said, I like a lot of the ideas not the teaching method. There are kinder more loving ways to teach similar principles. I really could go on forever about this topic so I better wrap this up. If you haven't decided that this woman is evil and you don't want to support her in any way, you should read this book =)

Bathroom Floor

2011-01-19T23:16:00.000-08:00

I think I may sleep on the bathroom floor tonight. Is that weird? Well, it is the thing I worked hardest on today, that bathroom. And I nearly killed myself navigating through our dark messy bedroom (light's burnt out). So I really think the bathroom would be safer. And shouldn't I get to enjoy my biggest accomplishment of the day? Ok Ok...so I'm not really going to sleep there because lets face it, I'll take a messy mattress over clean tile any day. But I really do want to stay there in that bathroom and pretend like I'm a tidy person and the rest of my home is as squeaky clean. Reality is dirty.

Duncan Said

2011-01-11T21:08:00.000-08:00

Duncan turned 4 yesterday. Finally. But anyway, when we were driving home last night from Grandma and Grandpa MacDougall's house I said to him, "Duncan, I can't believe you're 4!" To which he responded, "And I can't believe you're 30!"

You and me both Kid....

The Best Thing I Did for Christmas

2011-01-04T20:47:00.000-08:00

Have you ever read the Winnie the Pooh book, "Friendship Day"? In the book they are all getting ready to celebrate Friendship Day by making something special for their friends. Eeyore can't think of anything to do for his friends but with the help of Christopher Robin he comes up with the idea to make them all Friendship Day Ribbons. Well, I totally stole Eeyore's idea this year. I made ribbons for all the family and asked Duncan why each person should get an award. Then I wrote #1 whatever using what Duncan said. Duncan was so excited to give them out and everyone loved them. I was so worried about helping Duncan understand that Christmas is about thinking of others, but I think I may have accomplished at least that one thing on my Christmas TO DO list. Plus, Duncan came up with some pretty funny awards. My sister-in-law got #1 Hair Brusher because she has 3 little girls with lots of hair that she's always brushing.

from top to bottom, left to right: #1 Hugger, #1 Hair Brusher, #1 Worker, #1 Truck Getter, #1 Player, #1 Iguana Keeper, #1 First Grader, #1 Rider in the Car, #1 Cooker

Well Baby Check Up

2010-12-27T22:58:00.001-08:00

Well someone just had a birthday (besides Jesus)and you know what we do on birthdays? Yup, that's right, we go to the Doctor where they poke and prod and measure and check and discuss development. So here's the report.

Age: 30

Height: 5'7 3/4" and shrinking

Weight: 143.8 and not shrinking

Eating: too much sugar and not enough vegetables ...typical

Sleeping: continues to be a problem -could use about 3 more hours a day to fend off late afternoon fussiness

Cognitive development: declining -definitely something to watch

Reflexes: cat like

Areas of concern: communication -jumbles names together /can't finish sentences. too much screen time. potty training

25 years ago.

Duncan Sings...Kind of.

2010-12-21T03:03:00.000-08:00

Duncan's Singing Debut from Holly MacDougall on Vimeo.

Killing Ants

2010-12-17T13:35:00.000-08:00

We have ants in the shower. I know. I don't get it either? They must be adrenaline junkie ants -the fear of a spontaneous downpour wisking them away to a watery death must be the draw. Anyway, do you ever feel uncomfortably powerful when you kill mass amounts of bugs at one time? There I am with this big spray bottle of lysol wiping out these little life forms with just a few squeezes of my ALL-PURPOSE spray. I mean does anyone else feel funny owning a pray that says, "ALL-PURPOSE" and knowing that one of those purposes is death? Sometimes when I'm killing the ants I imagine what they must be thinking. Like when I see one clinging on just a little longer, I wonder, if he is looking for his brother, calling out to him in Ant language to see if he survived the attack? I already regret typing this last part but please tell me I am not alone in this.

Tide Pools

2010-12-13T00:41:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday we went to the tide pools. We saw a star fish, sea star, lobsters, fish, dying crab, and lots of hermit crabs. I think I enjoy the tide pools more NOW than I did as a kid.

Doesn't Get Much Better Than This

2010-12-03T09:04:00.000-08:00

Christmas lights on your Ferrari bed?? I hope he remembers this when he's 16.

Where We Eat, Sleep and Brush Our Teeth

2010-11-27T22:33:00.000-08:00

Our new place! We are downstairs. Behind that fence is our front door and little yard.

My new kitchen. This picture is really embarrassing

We do have furniture now but like any good Mac family we have made the yard first priority. As soon as the house is a bit more decorated I'll post updated pictures.

Oh, how he missed the race car bed!

The before picture

The after picture in progress. Hopefully grass next weekend.

Sitting on our new garden wall. It's a bit uneven but hey, so are we!

Still melting my heart.

Experimenting With Photoshop

2010-11-27T21:39:00.000-08:00

I have a long way to go, but look at that PIE! I had almost finished it before I thought to take a picture.

I'm Not "Crafty"

2010-11-22T21:19:00.000-08:00

I've never considered myself "crafty". Probably because I still associate crafty with tole painting and scrap booking. I do, however, like to make stuff. Halloween inspired me. I made Duncan and Bennett's vests complete with handmade patches. I also made Livi's B-day cake. I was particularly proud of this one because, at the time, I had no Internet. It was 9pm and I knew I had to make this cake and had no ideas. I normally would just google "cute kid cakes" or something like that and get some ideas. I was a bit scared but it was actually really fun to figure out how to make these cute butterflies and caterpillars all on my own.

The butterflies are white chocolate covered pretzels and the holes filled in with sprinkles. The caterpillars are mini marshmallows stuck together with frosting.
For the flower I warmed up starbursts and molded them into petals. While I know this is very uh...amateur (even that's an overstatement)I think it shows that you can make a cute enough cake for a 1 year old with using the old thinker and some left over Halloween candy. I always loved my birthday cakes as a kid. They were typically still in the pan, with yummy homemade frosting, sprinkles and M&M's shaped into balloons or something. I think I'm going to stick to that tradition. No fondant -just butter cream, candy, cookies, pretzels, whatever. Nothing fancy =)

Yes, We Do Celebrate Halloween

2010-11-22T07:51:00.000-08:00

We had an Animal Scientist and a Super Baby. Duncan originally wanted to be Diego but then told me he wanted to be Diego's Dad instead who is an Animal Scientist not an Animal Rescuer. So I just made his vest and put made a patch that said Animal Scientist. He loved it. Finlay was going to be a dinosaur. I bought the fabric and pattern but Halloween was really hot so I thought a skimpy super hero outfit might be more appropriate (not to mention a whole lot easier).

Oma's Pumpkin Patch in Lakeside

2010-10-16T11:30:00.000-07:00

The greatest place on earth. This place had it all. More details and pictures to come.

Me Want To Go There

2010-10-14T23:56:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been out of touch (I just typed that and had to laugh. All my poor "readers"). I'm on a 30 Rock kick right now so most of my free evening time is spent watching past seasons on Netflix through the Wii. And if you didn't know you can watch stuff on Netflix through the Wii, I just changed your life.

(and just in case you forgot what we looked like and where we live)

(the only recent shot of Jimmy - by Duncan. He's not always so serious but his nostrils are always that menacing)

A Waste of a Night/Morning

2010-09-02T08:56:00.000-07:00

Maybe I am just in a bad mood from the lack of sleep but I thought this was awful. There are things about her writing that really bug me. Like her inability to surprise me while making me feel like I should be surprised for some reason. It was pretty predictable. Anyway...I kept reading into the wee hours of the morning in search a good feeling. Wow...I really am in a bad mood.

(A Waste of Sleep...the original title of this post. After I woke up a bit more I realized that it didn't make sense)

Duncan Said

2010-08-27T09:33:00.001-07:00

We have one Wii remote with a rubber cover. Duncan refers to this remote as the one with "protection".

Duncan was trying to say something mean to me and told me that I will never be bigger than a whale. (ouch...that one hurt)

Duncan named all his elephants. Here are the names: Bronta, She-bal, Nisha, Chunker, Daxer. We're thinking of letting him name the next baby.

I need a nicer mom (because I told him he couldn't go in the hot tub when he was already late for bed)

Duncan: What are you doing?

Me: Relief Society Stuff.

Duncan: It doesn't look exciting (he thought I said "Really Exciting Stuff").

Out of Order Pictures Part (-)2

2010-07-30T23:55:00.000-07:00

So I started this post not realizing I had 3 posts worth of pictures to post so as a result, the first has become the last and the last the first. Thank you blogger. And just for your information, there has been no editing done to anything in any of these post. Just raw, uncut, uncensored, unspell checked material. Enjoy.

This is an old beach picture. (notice the SUN. That tell us it must've been spring because we sure haven't seen much of that this summer). I may have already posted it, but it's just so cute I couldn't resist.
Duncan's first campout. Fathers and Sons in Jullian. Obviously I wasn't there, but I heard ALL about it.
We've been to the Mormon Batallion Center twice this year. If you come to San Diego, this is a must. It's free and pretty fun.

Super Mario Brother's WII has taken over Duncan's world. It's pretty much all he thinks about these days. And he doesn't really play that much. Instead if you listen closely you'll hear him talking about the game going on inside his head. In fact, the other day he came downstairs and I asked him if had been reading books and he told me, "No, I was just doing what was in my brain."

Out of Order Picture Post Part (-)1

2010-07-30T23:34:00.000-07:00

The crane. This very crane picked up a pool and carried it over the house and place it neatly in the backyard. "Crane Watching" -a spectator sport for children, grown up and neighbors alike.
The Crane showing off and getting everyone excited. I don't mean that in a dirty way.
Another day at the beach. I will miss you for sure (no plans of moving just yet, but I'm pretty sure the beach won't be quite as convenient wherever we do end up next).
Workin' those big brown eyes. Mommmy: "Yes, of course you can have your 50th grape. I don't care how many stinky diapers I have to change."
Duncan showin' no mercy. That ape didn't know it would be such a dangerous "play date". (read Duncan's shirt and this caption may be funnier...or not)

Out of Order Picture Post

2010-07-30T23:21:00.000-07:00

Duncan caught in a questionable pose with the dot stickers. It's one of the few pictures I have of him this summer. I really need to start bringing my camera along.
Watching "Up" in the backyard. I would say even better than the theatre.
Playing with cousins over the family reunion.
Sisters and cousins...everyone needs some!
And this boy needs some clothes. This is his "cheese" face.

Boobs Only a Husband Could Love

2010-07-22T14:10:00.000-07:00

I've had this title ready for a blog post for a while. It sums up perfectly how I feel about those things. Turns out Gabby over at Design Mom has some of the same issues going on so I'll just let her do the talking.

Do you ever get over it and start liking your post baby/done nursing boobs?

Duncan Said

2010-07-21T18:06:00.001-07:00

Me: Lets clean these toys up before we go watch a show.

Him: But my body isn't really made for cleaning.

*nice try buddy. I wish I could use that one.

"My body isn't really made for cleaning up vomit" or "My body isn't really made for plunging toilets"

MacDoodle Update

2010-06-26T09:48:00.000-07:00

*I just copied and pasted this little update from my family's website. Sorry about the weird spacing.
I've been inspired to give a quick family update. Finlay is napping and Duncan is in "not so quiet time". I can hear him in there making up his own stories to the books he's reading.
He even changes the voices for different characters. I must get that recorded some day.

We're still here in Carlsbad at my in-laws. We're gearing up for a big weekend and week. All 7 kids plus families will be here at the house for a reunion. Bedrooms are being fixed up.
Towels and sheets are being washed. Freezers and pantries are getting cleaned out. Sabrina is cleaning the carpets and that's just the beginning. Oh my gosh...and the BACKYARD!! Allan
moved the entire deck with the built in trampoline to a different spot in order to build twoconcrete slabs. One for the hot tub and one for the Aqua fitness Pool. We're praying the hillside can hold the extra 20,000 lbs or so. So, does anyone want to come visit yet? It is paradise for ages 3 and up and Mom's worst nightmare for anything less. Finlay is addicted to the
outdoors. Anytime that back door is open he is right there within seconds just waiting to make his escape. Talk about stress. He really keeps me on my toes. Good thing he is so cute. Like melt your heart, just want to eat him up cute. He gives the best snuggles and kisses. When
Jimmy gets home from work Fin runs to the door, arms wide open screaming, " Dad! Dad!
Dad!"

Duncan is now 3 and 1/2 and is amazing us with that little brain of his. His vocab is hilarious. And his desire to learn is out of control. His favorite books are the kid encyclopedias about
different topics like animals, plants, weather etc. Luckily we have a live in kindergarten teacher (grandma MacD) who will literally read to him for hours somedays. What will I do when it's just
us? Yikes.

There are of course difficulties combining 3 households. Did I mention Jimmy's bro. Bruce and his wife and baby live here too? My big problem is that I NOTICE everything. I realized that I
am a nosey nellie. Some how I need to figure out how to be more oblivious and not notice all the stuff going on around me. It's a bit overwhelming sometimes, but really not that bad. We
are looking to buy a place. We're taking our time, waiting for a raise in Sept. so we'll know
what we really can afford. Jimmy is doing amazing at his job. He just finished up his 4th month and already got promoted to team lead which is the first step to getting his own team.
In case you didn't know, he is an enrollment counselor at Ashford University. He is going to
start his Master's program in a few months there as well.

Overall we are so happy to be here in Carlsbad and would love to be able to stay in the area. Liz and I get together a few times a week and going to Mom and Dad's for sunday dinner is
always a treat. They make the best food! Now if only we could transplant all of you, life would be perfect! We think of you often and have all sorts of great ideas for cards and care packages which remain just that -ideas. Sorry. Lots of love!
-Holly and her MacDoodles

The Truth Behind My Late Nights

2010-06-01T22:46:00.000-07:00

I now have a way to catalog all my somedays. Somedays are what I call projects I want to make and things I want to buy. I'm embarrassed by the hours and hours of blog browsing I do. But now you can, if you'd like, enjoy the fruits of my labors.

s o m e d a y

Swiffer to the Rescue

2010-05-29T23:35:00.001-07:00

I saw Duncan grab the Swiffer from the pantry and knew something was up. And I was right. His pants were up. Up on the chandelier. This isn't the first time we've found bits of his clothing hanging high above the entry. The Swiffer idea was actually Jimmy's. Duncan was going to rescue his shorts just like Dad had done before. Fortunately I interjected and rescued his pants and the chandelier.

btw. i watched The Young Victoria last night. If you're in a rental slump, it's one I definitely recommend!

Another Bloody Dinner.

2010-05-10T20:41:00.000-07:00

need I say more?

and my new favorite breakfast! (and the boys like it too)

flax seed toaster waffles from costco

plain greek yogurt

a bit of syrup

quick, yummy and filling!

That's Just the Kind of Mom I Am

2010-05-06T15:22:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago during Power of Moms we were talking about not comparing ourselves to other moms. You know, we all have different talents and interests. We have different home lives and schedules. We really can't compare. I came away thinking that I can't just sit around wishing I was more like someone else (someone I might not even know...dang blogs!)

For example:

Every time a birthday comes around, I say to myself, "I'm going to make a birthday banner!" You know, like one of those cute one's out of felt or fabric or scrapbook paper. Obviously that has never happened and we end up with something like the picture above. After the other night, I realized that I don't really care about having a cute birthday banner (I could replace lots of other things for birthday banner). Sometimes I want to make stuff like that just to prove that I can. I want people to think I am creative and crafty and can sew and make stuff too. Really, I can and I am and I do... enough. Wow, that felt good.

Anyway, I resolved to figure out what kind of mom I am and what kind of mom I WANT to be an how to make the two meet. So as part of the first step of figuring out what kind of mom I am right now, I came up with a few examples.

- You have probably heard me raise my voice at my children or act visibly annoyed by something someone has said or done. (Patience is a virtue I pray for hourly)

-My kids bathe twice a week and I would like to keep it that way.

-My sister is the only reason I take my kids out on BIG outings. I always think the few moments of fun won't be worth all the WORK. Sometimes they aren't but sometimes they are and I'm learning that it's worth the risk.

-I unabashedly agree with you when you comment on Duncan's smartness and Fin's cuteness.

to be continued.

I'm One!!

2010-04-25T21:20:00.000-07:00

For my actual birthday on Friday, Mom let me do lots of fun things like play in the toilet, pull all the wipes out of the container, play with marbles and rubber bands. She's the best! I also got to go to the park. Mom looked ridiculous chasing me all around. I don't why she bothers? Now that I can walk, there really is no stopping me.

On Sunday we had a party for me....oh and for Dad too, but with smiles like this, no one paid much attention to Pops.

Mom made me this shark fin cake. Get it? 'Cause they call me Fin? I was so happy when they cut that big fin off and put it on my tray.

Here's that cake I was talking about. I wonder if she's going to make me a fin cake every year?

I just love smiling at that little red box with the flashing light! Almost as much as I love being one!

Lately..

2010-03-31T00:03:00.000-07:00

Here's a glimpse at life these days at the MacD's

basking in the sunlight on green green grass

trying to "get things done" while keeping this kid alive

experiencing the ice cream truck in underwear

finishing off green St. Patty shakes in underwear

2010-03-30T23:34:00.000-07:00

making squishy "dams" in closets

(i need an editor. this used to say damns.)

discovering the essence of boy through trios and legos

sucking up every free moment of grandma's time usually to study this

feigning interest in new bike.

and the best day, SATURDAY. Wrestling with Dad

As for the rest of us, Jimmy's job is going well. He's gone too much, but I'm learning to be a little less selfish. I'm working on getting a grip on life and motherhood. This really helps give me something to focus on each month. Finlay is kind of walking. He knows how. He would just rather stick with what works and that's enough for me. The in-laws just informed us that we haven't worn out our welcome, so life will continue as is for a bit longer. No real complaints here.

My Day

2010-03-19T23:42:00.000-07:00

6:20 Am : up with kids...

6:30-9am : eat breakfast, watch Handy Manny, play

9:30-11am: Grandma babysits, Finlay naps, and I go for a nice long run

11am: Get home, get kids and go to park for "Park Pals" (notice there's no mention of shower or even change clothes)

11:15-1pm: Watch kids play, enjoy sun, make new friends

1- 2:30pm: Change clothes, lunch at Soup Plantation with Liz and kids, try my new ergo baby hipster style.

3pm: Fin naps, clean out the car for the first time since August, Duncan plays with cousins.

5pm: Make dinner - pizzas. (still no mention of shower)

6pm: eat dinner

7pm: Grandma does dishes, just like every night, Fin goes to bed.

7:30: Duncan ready for bed and reading books with grandma

7:45-9pm: Jimmy and I go for walk at the beach, get ice cream and rent a movie.

9-9:30: figure out how to set up clear play.

9:30-11pm: watch "Up in the Air" (waiting anxiously for the troublesome topics I read about on the clear play description, only to be dissapointed)

11:30pm: Shower, go to bed (ok, not really. but that's what I should've done. the rest is true)

and my daily companions....

Fooling Myself

2010-03-08T21:31:00.000-08:00

Confession, I told you all that Duncan was pretty much potty trained. The truth is that he is definitely NOT potty trained. He did great for 2 weeks and then somehow forgot how to do #2 in the potty. He will look at me with that strained, I'm obviously going to the bathroom in my pants look, and tell me, "No I don't have to go." Then when he's finished...."it's too late, Mom." I'm so done with it. He doesn't pee his pants. He keeps his pull up dry all night. It's just this #2 thing. Today, after he had an accident, I made him wear one of Fin's diapers. I'm running out of ideas.

I had another reality check today when I went to get a new nursing bra. After measuring me, the woman asked, "So do you normally where a B cup or A." Hmmm...I was too mortified to tell her the nursing bra I normally wear is an E (very obviously too big, hence the shopping trip) and at this point with my first it still kind of fit. So, no more fooling myself. I am the woman with the incredibly shrinking chest.

Nothing like talking about #2 and boobs to bring a gal down a notch.

Sorry...no pictures...

Duncan Said

2010-03-03T23:36:00.000-08:00

It's time for another edition of "Duncan Said"

"You're pretty enough."

-said to yours truly after I told him I was straightening my hair to make it pretty.

"So, where are Allan and Carol?"

-inquiring on the whereabouts of his grandparents.

"I can't! I'm out of power."

-this normally comes with either some serious shoulder hunching, or a complete collapse to the floor.

"You little Guinea Fowl!"

-what I heard him call Finlay one day

and my favorite...the one that inspired this post...

"The animals are all in here to protect them from creditors."

-explaining to me why all the animals were in the large kitchen bowl. They were actually hiding from PREDATORS

Mystery

2010-02-27T21:36:00.000-08:00

I haven't worked out regularly since before I was pregnant with Duncan. Almost 4 years! Now after a month of finally discovering my muscles again I have gained 5 pounds. "What the HECK?" (something I miraculously didn't pick up after 8 years in Utah). I know I know, I'm building muscle and muscle weighs more than fat. Blah Blah Blah. Shouldn't I be burning some fat too? I was pretty happy with my weight 5 pounds ago. I just want to be toned as opposed to squishy. And still eat brownies, ice cream, soda etc.. Any advice?

2010-02-23T21:40:00.000-08:00

cheese.

first donut.

yum.

I've Been so Busy Going to the Beach and Eating In-n-Out

2010-02-09T19:51:00.000-08:00

I just haven't had any time to write. HA! That's a joke, people. So you can stop deleting me as a facebook friend and taking me off your blog lists. Carlsbad IS lovely but the beach is still chillyand we have no $$ for burgers. Some of you may have no idea what I'm talking about so,

I'm thinking an update is necessary. Jimmy lost his job last month. It sucked but we knew it was coming and had been wanting to move back to San Diego anyway so.....I guess it was a good thing (maybe). So here we are at the in-laws and I'm happy to report that the job hunt is going well. He actually has a job that starts on Tues. but he is expecting an offer from a different company, as well has a 2nd interview with another. Needless to say, I'm am relieved to know there will be a paycheck soon!

I too may be bringing home some bacon. I'll probably work for the Census like I did in 2000. As Jimmy put it, "I guess your just made to work every 10 years." I've also been working out. Something I haven't done in like 4 years! I'm shocked to feel muscle in my thighs again.

As far as the kids go, Duncan is pretty much potty trained. I still can't believe it happened. I would always just nod politely when people assured me that he would learn when he was ready, the whole time thinking, "yeah right...if I wait till he's ready we'll have to start buying Depends." But it really happened. Finlay is driving me nuts. He is everywhere, going up stairs, banging the T.V., opening cabinets. I'm missing my little baby proof apartment. Here, there are cords, giant baby smashing speakers, a burning hot lava fire place, carpet people actually care about. It's just too much!

As I said, we miss our little apartment. We miss our friends. Duncan has said quite a few times that he would like to move back. He told me the other night that he really misses his race car bed. I have great in-laws but I think we are all anxious for our own place again. Such a funny time in life. Oh well...guess it's time to go watch LOST. Some things don't change.

Well, here are few pics to complete this update. We Found Duncan a wet suit at the thrift store and Finlay is still making his scrunched up old man face =)

When Two Become One

2010-01-14T23:55:00.000-08:00

While playing Balderdash on New Year's Eve, Jimmy and I came up with the same fake definition for the word WHOPPITZER and I have the picture to prove it. (you may need to click to enlarge)

First Ride at Knott's Berry Farm

2010-01-07T22:10:00.000-08:00

"Look what a big kid I am, sitting here on this thing."

"Alright this thing is down, now lets get this party started! "

"Um, I think I don't like this. Yep, pretty sure I don't like this."

"I WANT TO GET OUT OF HERE! I DON'T LIKE THIS!" (and this last one is an actual direct quote)

Pajama Day

2009-12-28T21:55:00.000-08:00

I pulled a Pajama Day today. Not THAT kind of Pajama day. You know the,

"I'm not going to do anything all day" Pajama Day. It was more like a "I'm too busy cleaning, cooking and taking care of kids to even get a chance to change out of my pajamas" Pajama Day.

Liz, I love your kids and am thrilled you guys got to do something fun for your anniversary, but I'm not going to lie... I am worn out!

And now it's 10pm and I'm going to go take a shower and put on some clean pajamas =)

those fishy lips make it all worth it!

TV Tokens

2009-12-27T21:06:00.000-08:00

Duncan's third Birthday is looming and it looks like I will most definitely be the mom of a diapered 3 year old. I had this great idea to use T.V. as incentive for using the potty. I got a bag of pennies and called them T.V. tokens. Then I found a jar and put a sign on it that reads,

"T.V. Tokens 5 tokens = 1 show"

He can earn tokens for going potty as well as for cleaning up toys, sleeping in his OWN bed, getting dressed all by himself and other "big boy" stuff. After a few days of this token system Duncan hasn't really progressed one bit toward being potty trained, but he has learned math. I noticed that Duncan could tell me how many more tokens he needed to get to 5. I thought I would take it a bit further. I explained to him about "plus" and "minus" and then started quizzing him. I kept the numbers under 5 and to my SHOCK, he could do these simple little math problems.

Is it just me or is this AMAZING? I'm sorry if anyone takes this the wrong way, but this kid is really smart. I think he was born smart. I mean, what nearly 3 year old can read and do math? I just have to figure out how to keep him interested and motivated. And how to teach him to pee in the toilet (a much more useful skill for a 3 year old).

Backside

2009-12-21T22:56:00.000-08:00

So, after living without a full length mirror, I mean living without even a 2/3 length mirror for almost 2 years, it's a bit alarming being in a home with so many opportunities to see so much of myself. I had no idea how similar Finlay and I look from behind.

A Must See

2009-12-09T22:32:00.000-08:00

I was scanning the guide on the TV and noticed this description of the Lifetime movie, "A Boyfriend for Christmas."

A young girl tells Santa that she wants a boyfriend for Christmas and 19 years later he comes into her life carrying a Christmas Tree.

Am I the only one who thinks this is funny?

A Moment to Say Thank You!!

2009-12-06T20:52:00.000-08:00

*thank you for spending your summer days with me, chatting and chasing kids

*thank you for loving my kids and always being willing to help whether it be for a few minutes or few hours.

*thank you for the meals.

*thank you for lifting heavy stuff for us.

*thank you for the pot lucks and picnics and lunches in the park.

*thank you for play dates and preschool.

*thank you for your sister's hand-me-down clothes and buddy passes.

*thank you for the eggs, cups of flour, lemon juice, soy sauce and whatever other ingredients I happened to be missing.

*thank you for your instruction.

*thank you for your example.

*thank you for your sweet little ones.

*thank you for 2 fantastic years!

I'm Making a List and Forgetting to Check it

2009-11-23T10:24:00.000-08:00

A To-Do list that is. Amidst all the stress of moving, cleaning, sewing project, kids etc. I have completely lost my brain. Below is a list of a few of the things that I can remember doing or not doing this past week.

On Sunday I was trying to tell the new Primary President stuff about the calling. I couldn't think of anything to say. Finally after spacing out for a few minutes all I could say was, "Read the handbook."

Every load of laundry has been washed twice. I forgot about them until they got so smelly they needed another wash.

I threw away a total of about 2 lbs of chicken breast. I put them in the fridge to defrost and forgot about them until they went bad.

Ok...I know there are more but...funny....I can't seem to remember......zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Somehow I've still managed to keep these two alive.

What year is it again?

2009-11-23T09:13:00.000-08:00

2009? Really? Because I find it hard to believe that it's almost 2010 and we haven't found a better way for plantar wart removal. I should probably be too embarrassed to discuss the topic but...I'm not. This suspicious little thing has been hurting so bad the past few weeks. I had to wear Crocs to the mall. I already felt like a frumpy dumpy mom and completely out of place. The Crocs, I'm sure were the convincing footwear for anyone who might have thought I might have been cool once.

So, I finally made an appointment with a Family Doctor. He tells me that they need to shoot liquid nitrogen on the wart to freeze it out. Ok, I can take a bit of pain. Then he says that in a few hours a huge blister will form and I'll have to walk on this blister, which will hurt. Ok...a little bit more pain. I can handle it. Then he says that this will last a WEEK. Ok, now I'm getting confused. A WEEK? And then he says after a few more weeks I need to come back and do it all over again. Alright, alright...this has to be a joke. 2010? Really? It's going to take weeks of some serious pain and discomfort to get rid of a freakin' wart? Anyway, I'm in the "waiting for a blister" stage. You wouldn't believe the pain. Now, when someone asks why I'm limping I'll have to gross them out by saying, "I HAVE A WART."

Confessions...

2009-11-17T22:52:00.000-08:00

First, I've been reading Alma for 5 months.

Second, I'm sleeping with a sippy cup of water next to my bed these days. I can't seem to find a water bottle anywhere in this house! (a water bottle is really just a grown up version of a sippy cup, right?)

And third, this mess of foam animal stickers has found, what I'm afraid might be after 5 days, a permanent home on our master bedroom floor. (I caught myself laughing as I typed "master")

Oh, and be sure to scroll all the way down and check out our new family picture. This is apparently the best we could get from the 2 year old.

Playground Pals

2009-11-06T23:30:00.001-08:00

On Jimmy's Watch.

2009-11-03T23:26:00.000-08:00

I guess Duncan wanted to make his shirt...

match his socks.

* socks occurred naturally...the shirt however is a result of what must have been some pretty precarious handiwork with these guys

2009-11-01T22:23:00.000-08:00

Our little Cheetah snuggling up to his favorite little turtle. I'm enjoying this time when Duncan can just throw on any old animal costume and be happy as a clam. Someday he'll come to me and say, "Mom, I want to be a ham sandwich for Halloween." And until that day, I am going to relish in the easiness of a hand-me-down zip up animal suit.

2009-10-26T22:24:00.000-07:00

Wow...that would sure be fun to watch on my ride up the escalator. =)

Deep Thoughts

2009-10-12T22:37:00.000-07:00

Duncan: When I grow up I'm going to be a dad

Me: Yep.

Duncan: When Jessica grows up she is going to be a mom.

Me: Yep.

Duncan: When you grow up and are a baby, we'll be your parents.

Me: Well, that's not really how it works. I won't ever be a baby again. I'm just going to get older and older until I'm old like Great Grandpa.

Duncan: And then you will die?

Me: Yes. That's what happens when we get old and our bodies stop working.

Duncan: But I will always want my mommy.

Me: *getting teary eyed*

Duncan: And Fin will always want you to feed him.

Me: *holding back giggles*

Duncan Said...

2009-10-04T21:38:00.000-07:00

he was begging me to pick him up and carry him to the house and when I refused he sluggishly followed and whined, "I'm running out of

gas!"

He used this one again with Jimmy when he didn't want to walk up the hill. He told Jimmy that his LEGS were running out gas.

At church a few weeks ago we sat on a side bench near the windows. Duncan was playing in the curtains and when I asked him to stop he said impatiently, "I'm just checking the weather, honey." I let him check the weather and he declared it, "beauuuuutiful!"

Tonight we had some friends over. The kids thankfully were keeping themselves entertained in the play room for quite awhile. Eventually someone lost it and we heard screams. Our friend jumped up to tend to it, and said she found Duncan corralling her kid in the corner. We could hear him yelling, "I'll deal with her!"

Help, I've Fallen in a Rut and I Can't Get Out

2009-09-29T23:14:00.000-07:00

A no exercising, eating too much junk and staying up too late rut.

I'll tackle one at a time. That's all I can handle. So...I guess this is my last late night. The other two are just too overwhelming right now.