PHOTO ALBUM | "Parenting 101"

I was organizing photos and came across these...

This is how Vern parents
(for those New Parents that are looking for tips!!)

Noise Control!!!

Clutter Control!!!

Cruel, perhaps....but very effective!!! jk

Obviously they were enjoying it...and probably begging him to do it again and again!

(he's laughing... you just can't tell with the tape on his mouth!)

And kisses- just for good measure!! Fun & Loving...that's my Vern!!

MACKEY CHRONICLES | "You Don't Say That To Me!!"

I pulled up to the house. My body aching from an aerobics class that had just kicked my out-of-shape booty. My body screamed as I climbed out of the car in order to pick up Hannah who had been playing with her friend.

With excerted effort, I managed to convince Hannah that it was time to go. But coming easily didn't seem to be part of her plan. As I sat down in my car I noticed that Hannah has stopped, admiring the beautiful spring flowers. I sighed as I thought of getting out of the car. I was sure that my legs (now feeling quite a bit like jelly) would refuse to cooperate. So I called out instead.

Gradually, and at her own pace (which was slower than slow), Hannah began to creep closer to the car. By the time she came within a couple of feet of the car, my patience was long gone. I waited a moment longer, until Hannah was close enough to hear me, then I growled in a low voice;

"Hannah Lee Mackey, get in this car right now!!" My eyes daring her to challenge. But this is Hannah...challenging is what she does best.

Her hands moved quickly to her hips and her eyes narrowed as she said, in her sternest voice,

"Mom!! You don't say that to me!! You don't say," (then mimicing my low growl), "'Hannah Lee Mackey, get in the car!!' You don't say that to me!!"

Her eyes glued on mine, staring me down. "Breath. Count to 10!" I silently reminded myself. I was staring at my 3 year old child who had taken it upon herself to parent ME!! I wanted to yell...but I knew that was no good. It would only magnify the problem. I was tired, bone tired (as my sister-in-law would call it)- I just wanted this stand off over!!

So I changed tactics.

Using the sweetest voice I could muster, without making it sound as forced as it was, I tried again;

"Hannah Lee...will you please get in the car so we can go home?"

Her face relaxed, and a small smile lit up her features.

"Sure mom!!" she said as she reached out to open the door.

I stared at her in complete disbelief. She was the perfect picture of peace and tranquility. As if our heated little stand off had never happened. I was still seething, and she was better than fine. I laughed as I realized that it was simple. She had made her point. And it had been a good one.

Maybe being parented by your kids isn't always such a bad thing. In Mother Teresa's words, "Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." Always a good lesson to learn (no matter the teacher!!)

PHOTO ALBUM | "My 29th Birthday"

Okay...so I know that this is March, and that my birthday was come and gone in January...but I just came across these pictures and thought that a make up post was in order!!

My birthday was great!! Or at least it turned out that way...though Vern was a little frustrated with me at one point!! hahaha

So, without making the connection that it was my bday, I scheduled a Senior Photo Shoot that afternoon way out in Scottsdale!! No big deal, right!?? Well, then I was feeling a bit generous and agreed to drive the girl home (at her father's request). Which turned out to be a VERY BIG deal!! First of all, I didn't realize that she lived FOREVER away. And secondly (and most importantly)...I had NO idea that Vern had made surprise plans for us (complete with a babysitter).

So I show up, EXTREMELY late and feeling quite pleased with myself and my good deed...but Vern wasn't quite so pleased!! He rushed me through a quick treasure map the kids had made me to find my presents (see below)- gave me just enough time to give the kids quick kisses...and we were out the door!!

Vern FLEW down the freeway...barely saying a word (like I said...not real pleased that I was SOOOOO late!!). And I was confused what could possibly warrant such a rush!! But by the time we got to AZ Mills, we were all smiles and I realized, just in time, where he was taking me! We were going to see "AVATAR" at the IMAX Theatre (3D). IT WAS AWESOME!! And totally worth the rush to get there (and being scared for my life watching Vern drive like a MANIAC!)

As if the movie wasn't cool enough...they gave us these rockin' awesome glasses!! jk.
But I was feeling pretty bad about having not seen the kids much after my photo session...I hadn't even gotten a single picture with them! But I figured that could be solved!! They're so much more cooperative when they sleep anyways!!

Tyler...and Hannah...

...But we decided to let Rachel sleep (for everybody's good!!)!
And one final picture with the Love of my Life!! I can't celebrate my life without celebrating the man who makes it so wonderful!!

Too bad he was too tired to get his eyes open (we took a few and they are ALL this way!! haha). Just one more thing I love about him!!
What a fantastic day!!!

PHOTO ALBUM | "Because I'm AWESOME!"

Yesterday, Tyler brought home this paper from school. We were sitting discussing it at dinner and I asked if the teacher had written "I would rather be a_______" on the board for them to complete. Tyler was all kinds of impressed that I could have guessed that (I am occasionally impressive...but it was the word "rather" that gave it away!! What kindergartner says "rather"...and spells it right!)!

So we talked for a little while about what the other kids wrote. Then Vern asked Tyler,
"Why did you say that you would rather be you instead of something else?"
Tyler shrugged and said (as if it was the simplest answer in the world),
"Well, because I'm so AWESOME!!"
I still can't help laughing every time I remember it and smiling because I love that my son thinks he's AWESOME!! At least I know I'm not the only one!! hahaha!!