3 weeks old

Macy turns 3 weeks old today. We had a well check and she's gone from 6 # 1 oz to 6 # 15 oz. She's getting chubby! As much as I have to do, I still love to sit on the couch and hold her, knowing she's going to be getting so big and soon start telling me how it is, just like McKenna. She must have great dreams, she's always smiling in her sleep and making funnu noises!

Halloween, take 3

Kyle was ready to go trick or treating. I told him to dress warm, to him that meant his undies and a white shirt. I got a phone call later to come and get him because he was freezing. Duh.

Megan as Dorothy and her ginormus basket she filled to the top with candy. Sheesh.

Isn't she the cutest Tinkerbell? We called her Stinkerbell, only because the wand had to confiscated  when she used it as a weapon to get candy from the others...

The kids told Tom he had to dress up. This was the best he could do. He looks pretty good.

I had to have a picture of me in there, proving I was there. I didn't go trick or treating, I sent Tom out with the kids and took Macy to do some shopping. Trick or treating is the time to go shopping. Especially at JoAnn's. I all but had the place to myself. Even walmart. Except for the occasional teenager dressed in footsie jammies, I was alone!

This is how Ryan ended the night. Notice the sucker that fell out of his hand and is stuck to his costume. Now starts the fight with the candy. Yay! There are dentists in town offering a buck a pound for candy. I'm really tempted to take all of the candy and get myself some fun money. I bet we got 30 pounds of candy easily, and we never left the neighborhood!

Halloween take 2

Megan was more than excited to wear her costume to school. I think that it meant she could legally wear makeup.  She's a pretty cute Dorothy!

Kyle was less than excited about the face paint. What can I say? There aren't any masks allowed at school. This was the next best thing. Ryan was more excited about his face paint, but I missed taking a picture of him. I found out later that Kyle rubbed his face paint off 15 minutes later. What a stinker and what a waste of my time!

halloween take 1

Ryan has the coolest primary teachers ever. This is the 3rd Annual Sunbeam Halloween party. Karyn, Kristine, Lauren and Joe pulled out all of the stops for the sunbeams to enjoy a super fun Halloween Bash.

I'm not from Idaho

There were a couple of things that I didn't get to before Macy was born and getting to the stack of tires to get the potatoes out was one of them.  Let's just say that I'm not a potato farmer and I don't plan on trying next year. It wasn't worth the time hauling tires, finding free dirt, the water and the effort it took to shovel dirt and stack the tires as the plant grew.  Now, I have to haul the tires off and just for this small amount of potatoes. I might be able to make one pot of soup or a casserole with it. And I kind of forgot about the sad little garden once Bountiful Baskets started to fill my fridges...Oh well.

First Bath

I think my mom has given all of my babies one of their first baths. I'm the official picture taker because it only takes a few seconds to snap pictures and I'm always too tired to do this, or I don't really have the stregnth.  Macy has gotten curly hair from somewhere, I don't know, but I'll take it. I've always wanted the red hair that runs through the Despain genes, but I will settle for curly blonde...

2 weeks old

Thanks for the pictures Meg, and thanks for the teaser! I can't wait to see the rest of them.

If you want to see what other magic can be done, visit http://holdsworthphotography.com/

Ryan & Macy

I think Macy looks alot like Ryan did.  But he was born with a scowl on his face and she is sooo sweet!

4 Sweet Peas

My two sisters, mom and I started a blog for all of the decorating, furniture refinishing, and other shenanigans we've been doing.


http://www.4sweetpeasinapod.blogspot.com/
It's not private so anyone can view it.

Macy Kendall Despain

Loving her curly blonde hair. I've                  So glad it's over!

 not had a little girl with blonde hair!

Before I forget what day it is again, I have to sit down and document what went on with Macy's birth. To my recollection. It may not be true to what happened, but it is im my memory, which is fading with the unslept hours. Just kidding, she's a good sleeper, it's McKenna who's being difficult, but she's Tom's problem now :)

On Wednesday of Fall break, we headed home from Camp Verde and got home about 6:00 or so. I had been having Braxton Hicks contractions, but that's not really anything new, but these were coming a little more often. (Duh)  I slept pretty well through the night, but could feel the contractions in my sleep and just thought they were obnoxious, because I had a whole day of things to do. Hair appointments, laundry, 3 bathrooms to clean. I did manage to hide my contractions from most everyone that day, except for Tom because he saw that I actually had to breath through a couple of them and stop what I was doing. It's just easier to hide in front of a stranger. I knew something was happening...we put the kids to bed and I laid down to see if they would stop. Let me just  stop here now and say that I was not at all looking forward to this labor or delivery because it had only been two years since the last one and I remember the pain very well. They didn't stop coming and got more painful and frequent. I laughed when Tom actually climbed into bed next to me like he was going to get to stay there all night.  Ha Ha Ha. The not funny part was that when we called his mom and dad's house, NOBODY answered. Up crap creek with no paddle. So, I grabbed the phone and called our neighbor to see if he could come up until we knew something more. He failed to mention that he was not available himself, so he called his wife who got herself and 2 little girls out of bed at 11:45 to come up. So we were off to the hospital, only a quick 7 minute drive, but wouldn't you know, the only other car on the road was a cop, Tom just wasn't going to speed. That was ok with me, I was still able to walk at this point. I think I could've walked her out, because strangely the contractions and pain went completely away and I was able to laugh and joke. I told them at the front checkin that this was my 4th vbac delivery and they all started to scramble for the dr's number. This completely freaks them out because Prescott is considered "rural" meaning there isn't an on staff emergency team, just in case anything were to go wrong. And, since I last delivered, the hospital has set up a triage for women who don't know if they are in labor or not, (and to avoid pileup in the hallway) so they sent me into the triage for a gown and to be checked in at 11:55. I was still laughing a joking in between contractions, so I was completely surprised when she said I was at an 8. I literally hollered woo-hoo! I don't think the other women in there were too happy to see me wheeled off to the delivery room.  They set me up and I prefaced them that I don't like to wait for anyone to push, I just go with it. I was bummed to hear that the dr. that said he wouldn't support me in going vbac was the dr. on call. That's a whole other story, but I was not happy to hear that. One of the last contractions broke my water and Tom has really learned after a few deliveries where it's safe to stand and where it's really not safe to stand. They had to throw a towel on the floor.  The doc had still not arrived, but I started to push. The nurses at this point just stood back and let me go stirrup free!  One more push later, she was here at 12:24am, weighing in at 6 pounds, nine ounces and 20 inches long, but so sad because her entire forhead was bruised because of the quick decent. Poor girl. But she's pinked up and from the beginning has been really quiet and really squeaky. I don't remember any of the others being so squeaky, but it was just for the first day.  The doctor arrived a few minutes later, but ultimately missed out on the whole thing. That's ok with me, he didn't really want to be there anyway. We are so glad she's here, but nobody more than I because it's over and I shouldn't have to do it again. The last few days I have realized the things I can do again because I don't have a huge belly in front of me. The things I took for granted the most were wearing shoes that I could tie, keeping my pants up, reaching to the bottom of the washing machine, reaching the sink, sleeping on my stomach (which I did that night), holding the other kids on my lap, not my knees and generally feeling somewhat normal. Not that you won't see me in my jammies or even something I wore when I was still pregnant, because I just don't care this time. And, I took a morning nap today, just because I could! I can't wait until my hips get the message that I am not pregnant anymore but I know that will be soon. Getting up is still really slow, but nothing compared to what having a c-section and recovery with 5 kids would be like. We are so glad she' here and hope she's mellow or at least entertained by the circus!

Fall Break

The furthest Tom thought I should go for Fall Break was Camp Verde. So, Monday afternoon, we packed up and headed over to Grama's house to  hang out until Wednesday. There isn't much to do, but there's always the back yard. It's the best and after we spent an afternoon at Dead Horse State Park (mom, are we going to see dead horses?) we've confirmed that. We made cookies, played with the last remaining puppy and hung out. We headed home on Wednesday afternoon, mostly because we were out of clean clothes, but because my dad thought that going up to the mountain to see the Fall leaves wasn't a good idea. Too many bumpy roads. Turns out, he was right. Macy arrived just a short 24 hours after getting home from Camp Verde...

McKenna turns 2!

McKenna turned 2 on the 11th of October. We have either gotten lazy (or 38 wks preggo) or realized that a two year old doesn't need more than Grama and Grampa and a few other friends along. We invited Joe & Lauren over to have cake and sing Happy Birthday. She also got her first fat lip and it was a bad one. We got her a Dora suitcase on rollers and some cute Dora shoes. I used to be anti-character shoes, but I don't care anymore because it gets them to get their own shoes on. She got a cute set of musical books from Grama and Grampa Despain and a cute little doll from Sidonie and her family. Happy Birthday McKenna!

Five minutes for a dollar

This is bribery at its best. McKenna doesn't know there was $ involved, but Megan is totally there for the dollar. Notice the ring around the ankle. Only 15 days left!!

Fun at the Fair

These pictures all got in backward order, but who cares. It was Ryan's first preschool field trip and the first time he rode on the big kid bus. It was a very bumpy ride out to the Yavapai County Fair to see the 4-H animals and such. It was fun to hang our with just Ryan.

Another one bites the Dust

I don't know what it is with me, but I had ANOTHER sewing machine die on me. I really couldn't tell you where I found this one, or when I got it, but it was sounding pretty sad there at the end. I have had a busy summer sewing projects for myself and others, but when it finally died, I wasn't finished with it. I was working on roman shades for a friend and it just seized. I had to actually cut the needle and snip the thread to get the shade out. Then I had to borrow my neighbor's machine to finish the last few shades. Thanks Lauren! When I took it in to see if it was going to survive, he kindly told me that I needed an industrial machine and that it was on sale from $6oo to $350. Do I look like I have $350 to spend on an industrial machine? I wish. I don't know what else to do other than head off to craig's list to see if I can find a bargain! Wish me luck!

Score!

I had a 'private' shopping session at my mom's store over the weekend and this is what I found. I never get to go there by myself and look at everything because I am always herding cats (I mean kids) and this time I got to look in every nook and crannie. This was my found treasure. To most, it looks like a huge pot, maybe for camping or something.

My heart was fluttering as I dug it out of a bottom shelf and lifted the lid, to my surprise, it was a 50% off canning pot, complete with wire rack!! I had been holding off buying a new one, determined to find one that had been discarded by someone else. Ta Da! Now, all I need is the jar grabber and my canning set is complete! Funny part here, I actually went to a store going out of business here in town, to buy their last one, but when I got to the check out counter, found that I had left my wallet at home. Now, if it were in the car, I would've just gone for it and paid $40 and called it good. I couldn't get back later that day, and then learned that my friend had picked it up for herself. (I think I got the better deal!) Now, I can can my pears and get my pantry stocked with my new coupon clipping habit to fill my pantry! Thanks Mom!

Girl's Room

I think the desk is going out, so a 3rd dresser can come in.
Meg's dresser, she chose the short one, so she could reach everything.

McKenna got the tall one because she doesn't care?

The window boxes were fun and easy, but I know it made my friend
Lauren nervous to see me using a saw near my belly.

I love a good idea stolen from a magazine. But, word to the wise, just buy it
already done. You will spend less time and money on it, even if you
swiped the idea from Pottery Barn.

But, ultimately I needed to fit 3 girls and all their crap in one small room.
And will a very small closet. I love the toy storage underneath. Someday
we might shove a mattress under there...need to finish the moulding.

Complete Randomness...

A visit from Grama Bev & Aunt Kellie!
Cheesy grins too.

Caught in the act, straight into the tub.

The soccer banner for Ryan's team.

Peaches, fresh from Utah

My new favorite seats at Chase Field. Home Run Porch.

Getting as ready as I can for Halloween. And yes, the girls' costumes are finished too.

Just when you think you've seen it all...

Check out what my dad was called in for. He gets calls all of the time to get his cows off the highway, back in the pasture, ect. But never a call for this. http://crookedhranch.blogspot.com/

Two weeks late...

I was going to do this 2 weeks ago, but between my project list and actually getting through it all, here it is 2 weeks later than we started. Megan is in the 3rd grade and has her first male teacher, Mr. G. This made her very nervous, but after the first week, she came home saying how goofy he was. I'm pretty sure I'm older than he is! Kyle is in the 1st grade and has a great teacher, Mrs. G. He only pulled his behavior card on the first day, instead of every day in the first week, like kindergarden. I guess the rules just come back to you a little sooner in the first grade!

Ryan is in preschool. Nobody is happier about this than I am. That gives me 2 1/2 hours in the morning on T-W-Th to run around, do my errands or whatever with just 1 kid, for the next 9 weeks. However, 2 weeks into it, he's saying he's good and doesn't need to go back. They have all hit the wall of exhaustion and are really grumpy and mean to eachother. Ryan has curled up on the couch on each Thursday afternoon at 4 o'clock and slept until the next morning. No complaints here!

When I asked them all what their favorite things about going back to school, they said:

Meg: She likes Mr. G. and how he lets them goof off. (3rd grade is harder than she expected!)
And that she got to see her favorite 1st grade teacher, Mrs. A., who we thought moved away to Colorado. Turns out they couldn't stay away from Prescott and Taylor Hicks!

Kyle: He liked seeing all of his friends that he missed over the summer and playing soccer with them at recess. (Too bad we missed the soccer signup, now he's gonna miss the whole season)

Ryan: He loved being able to play with all of the 'new' toys in the classroom. He's constantly telling me we need new toys because he's played with all of ours. His teacher also said he's a great helper and listener and does what he's asked right away? Where's this kid at home?

Busy Week!

We've had a really busy couple of weeks getting ready for school, finishing projects and

making an end to summer (YAY)! This week I:

finished 2 dressers for the girls' room

sewed 12 burp cloths for baby

finished 1 pillow sham, 2 more to go

3 dentist appointments (2 cavities)

a filling appointment for Kyle

an eye appointment for Megan

last play date for all 3 kids

canned 36 pints of salsa

2 meet the teacher open houses

missionary fireside

dinner for another family (Ryan was ticked I left with what he

thought was his dinner)

and 20 back to school haircuts for friends and family

Phew! I'm sure glad this week is over and the kids go back to school tomorrow. I literally had no time to get to the grocery store, I chose to sleep instead. This week is going to be cleaning, restocking and getting into a regular nap schedule for all!

Home Made Salsa

My friend Kristine and I thought it would be fun to make and can some salsa.

This is where I learned my lesson in wearing gloves when cutting jalapenos.

I have a great little food processor that chops all of the ingredients, which

made it so much faster .
Simmer for a 10 minutes the tomatoes, peppers, onions,
and cilantro.

Ta-Da! We decided that taking the time to pressure can wasn't worth

it when it's not completely necessary. We just ended up water bathing

the last few batches and it went so much faster. Yummy!

Always... No, Never

Cut Jalapenos without gloves. Enough said?

The Ranch

I've gotten into the habit of taking pictures with my phone because it is so easy and takes pretty good pictures. In this one, I think McKenna is tired of 'going'.

We made a stop on the way home from one of our trips to the ranch to pick wild blackberries. This is Kyle's loot. In our defense, we went up on a whim and didn't pack properly for the thorns. We didn't last long.

Ryan didn't actually pick these, he wanted to 'hold them for me'.

Meg wanted to stay longer, because she had jeans and tennis shoes on, but McKenna was crying because of the stickers, Ryan wanted to watch the movie and Kyle was whining it was too hot. I did manage to get them home and we made great homemade blackberry ice cream.

Who doesn't love corn on the cob fresh from the fire?

When we do go up there, we have to ride everything. The horses, the 4-wheeler and of course the tractor. Who wouldn't want to move a hunny hut with Poppa?

There was also a litter of puppies born on July 1st. I don't think their eyes were even open, but this is Kyle wishing we could take one home...

8 little buggers. And there is ALWAYS one reddish/brown one that is born in the litter. Lets hope this litter does better in the making it to 3 months old department.

And McKenna has learned to push the chairs around the kitchen, to climb up wherever she thinks is necessary. I caught her in the kitchen window, above the sink. At least she didn't have to climb over any dirty dishes!

Family Reunion Part 3

We had comedy night/talent night one of the nights. These are 3 of my more talented siblings. They can sing, I cannot, so I don't even try. They are all pretty good at the guitar as well.

I think Caleb was taught by Nikki, I could be wrong...

We had a horse shoe tournament as well, it was pretty fun. I don't recommend throwing a horse shoe when you are 6 months pregnant, it HURT afterwards and I had to lie down for about an hour. Tom and I were paired and we had to forfeit. Sorry Tom. Maybe next year, but only if Sherdon and Lana don't show up, they spanked everyone and won.

We accidently parked our 5th wheel just on top of a red ant pile. It was too late to move it, to Colton had this great idea. We never had any problems after that!

This is a group shot of who happened to be at the reunion at the time. So many people came and went throughout the weekend, but it was alot of fun to see them as they did. Alot had to visit both sides of their families in just a few short days, and when it rains alot at the camp ground, it's easy to go to town and get warm and dry at the inlaws. I think they counted 130 that had been able to visit at some point, of our 207 member family.

Family Reunion Part 2

Fourth of July Parade

So, this entry comes incredibly late, much later than I wanted it to, but whatever. We (being Aunt Sandie and Uncle Bill thought it would be nice to have a float in the 4th of July Parade in Eagar and show how proud we are of our family that has and is currently serving in the military. We threw all of the kids and unable adults onto the trailor and walked probably 5 miles from beginning to end. It was very hot, we ran out of candy to throw very quickly and as we went down the parade route, saw half of our families sitting with their in-laws on the sides. All in all, it was very fun. One advantage to being able to throw just about anything in the truck was that the double jogger went and proved to be very useful for these little guys.

Then, we headed over to Grama and Grampa Finch's for the afternoon and the little kids cooled off while we cooled off in the shade. I wish I could've been out there like this, it was really hot, but I know better!