Thanksgiving 2012

I am determined to catch up in my blog posting. I have quite a few entries I'd like to post, however, I've had a hard time getting motivated to do so. I have the time at night to sit down and type but I am finding myself kind of avoiding it. And then tonight, as I uploaded our Thanksgiving pictures and was reminded of our first holiday without our dear Tucka, it kinda hit me. I never posted anything about the loss our family suffered in July. Of course you, my friends and family, all know that my amazing Tucka passed away and I've talked plenty about it, but I think because I avoided discussing it on the blog it was causing me some sort of block. And I am sure that sounds totally crazy, because what the heck does that have to do with a post regarding Macy turning 7 months old, but it does. It's just been this underlying theme in my life the past few months as we adjust to life without him. By not writing about his passing I haven't been able to "speak" easily and therefore the posts just weren't coming. So in addition to the other holiday and monthly posts I have in my mind to write I think I just added another one - a little something about Tucka, a post for the girls to read when they are older. Hopefully that will help me get over my loss for words and the healing process too! Ok, moving on.

Thanksgiving 2012 - Macy's first time sitting at the dinner table! Such a big girl!

Thank you to the Jacobs for hosting such a nice turkey day. Tucka's absence was obviously felt all around but we still managed to have a nice day and a delicious meal. Thank you again to Aussie and Michael for making the families favorite - our traditional stuffing. Oh, and the creamed corn. Such a treat. Irvine Ranch did all the other hard work and I have to say - they did a great job. I can only imagine how much work goes into preparing all that food and I think "The Girls" (Aussie, My Mom, and Dee) were smart to decide to order the majority of our dinner from Irvine Ranch! Go team!

Macy's 1st Thanksgiving

Ruby with our linked chain which was made of things we were each thankful for. 

I'd say we are a pretty blessed group!

In November I took part in a photo a day challenge thru Instagram. 30 days of Thanksgiving. What a great idea someone had. Here are 25 five of my 30 things that I am thankful for (because I couldn't figure out how to include 30 pictures in the collage)

1. The chance to stay home and be a full-time mom

2. Ruby's excitement for learning

3. Macy's sweet & happy disposition

4. A daddy who reads bedtime stories every night

5. When asked at school what she was thankful for, Ruby said ME!

6. A couple days of much needed family time

7. Our day at Sea World as a family. Hearing Ruby say, "That's amazing!"

8. The chance to see things through Ruby's eyes. Priceless

9. Warm jammies, a cozy fireplace, and a working heater on a cold night

10. Grandma Bennett's Black Oil Cake - and that Aussie bakes it perfectly

11. 6 Months with beautiful Macy

12. My parents - they are extraordinary

13. My amazing girlfriends. Good people! (and great Aunties!)

14. A husband who enjoys being a dad

15. Friday mornings @ MOPS (Moms of Preschoolers) 

16. A hubs who took his two girls to church with him while I spent time with friends

17. Modern medicine and a day with two naps

18. Being the mommy to girls and getting to dress them up

19. My spunky 3.5 year old & her vivid imagination

20. My family of four & two wonderful Thanksgiving dinners with our families

21. Nana & Papa who are always willing to babysit

22. Skype & the chance to stay in touch with Uncle Joshie & Auntie Lulu

23. My camera, a gift from Tucka

24. The swing at Moon Park

25. The roof above our head

The above quote summed up exactly what I learned in this process. My life is so full of blessings. And I hope to carry this lesson with me and practice an attitude of gratitude. I strive to be a better role model for Ruby and Macy in appreciating all of the blessings we have been given instead of always looking for more.

Macy - 6 Months Old

Dear Macy,

Happy half birthday happy girl! A half a year just like that, sheesh. We celebrated you and your half birthday the other night with a little party at home which consisted of some balloons and rice cereal. You seemed to approve of the festivities and enjoyed yourself quite a bit. Daddy, Ruby and I loved watching you eat "real" food for the first time - you were eager and very serious, not many funny faces or smiles just a big open mouth! You were kind of a pro right off the bat, not too messy and ready for more after each bite. Looks like you'll fit right in around here.

Looking back at the pictures from your fifth month, it seems you spent the better part of the month sitting in things. You are at that in between stage where you are beyond wanting to lounge on your back or lay on your tummy but you aren't sitting up on our own yet. So you wind up hanging out in your jumper, the bumbo, or your new Jeep. Thankfully you enjoy your hang out spots, your sister usually provides plenty of entertainment and you've been also been known to enjoy a princess movie now and then too.

Jumping, jumping, and more jumping

Pure Joy

Thank you Khamis Family for lending us this walker - it's getting lots of love over here!

This picture is blurry but I love it - a perfect representation of your sisters love for you and your happy spirit. We all love you so much Macy!

Also this month: 

Our trip to the Tanaka pumpkin patch

Monday afternoons spent watching your sis at dance class

Wednesdays with Nancy - our new afternoon babysitter (hallelujah)

Fridays at MOPS at Mariners 

Halloween - You were the most adorable little elephant

Spent the month teething & then your first two teeth came in 

Family trip to San Diego & Sea World 

You are a wonderful little companion and sidekick little Miss Macy. I love spending my days with you and watching you grow. You have such a twinkle in your eye and I know you are something special. I am treasuring these days we have with you as a baby but of course look forward to all that you have in store.

Lots of love,

Mama

Halloween 2012

Ah Halloween. The holiday that somehow gets better every year. This year was no different - we had a blast. Thank you to the Khamis family for having us down to their house for dinner and trick or treating. Such a fun neighborhood for trick or treating and of course great friends to spend the holiday with!

Shortly after Macy was born I was thinking about all of her "firsts" and of course was already looking forward to her first Halloween. I had visions of the girls dressed up in some sort of adorable duo. Yea, well, so much for that. I had to let that idea go when Ruby began insisting on being a princess. Because lets face it, I wasn't going to dress Macy up as a princess when that's bound to happen in a few years all on it's own!  So we went with Snow White and an elephant. But in the end both girls looked adorable. And seeing how proud Ruby was of her costume was totally worth it. Such a fun night.

Man I love this girl!

Ruby was not just Snow White this year. Oh no, she was "Snow White WITH MAKE-UP." So here we were putting on the final touch of her costume. 

Auntie Mere & Dubby

The "big kids" heading off to trick-or-treat

 Such a joyful little elephant

 Are these kids not the cutest?

Love this darling little Tinkerbell, Zoe

And of course I have to include this family picture from a few days before Halloween. Thank you family for coming to see the girls dressed up!! We love you!

The brainwashing begins soon for next years costumes - I am thinking Wizard of Oz theme next year. Dorothy and Glinda the Good Witch? Or Toto? Wicked Witch of the West? I gotta get my hands on that movie and hope that Rubes takes the bait..... Wish me luck! 

What we've been up to - October style

So many fun activities took place in October beyond just Halloween and the pumpkin patch and too many cute pictures were taken not to share.

Here is a little recap of the fun we had in the month leading up to Halloween:

Quite a bit of time was spent looking at costume options. In the end Ruby was sure she wanted to be a princess (shocker.) From there I MAY have convinced her to be Snow White with a small incentive.... make-up. Worked like a charm!

We went to a pumpkin carving party over at the Arbour house. So fun!

Ruby was very proud of her pumpkin she helped daddy carve!

Mommy did some pumpkin carving of my own. And then I stuck my baby in it. 

Ruby had a play date with Nana in early October. She helped put out Nana's Halloween decorations and also carved this little pumpkin. A few seeds were left in the pumpkin and dirt thrown on top. Ruby then brought it home and watered it and what do you know, it sprouted! She was SO proud! It has since been re-potted and is thriving. Who knows, we may have grown our very own pumpkin by this time next year. 

My little witch stirring her brew. We made spooky jello jigglers. 

Thank you for the cute apron Nana!

Ruby was "Boo'd" by her cousins (a little Halloween treat secretly left on our doorstep) 

so we Boo'd Ruby's friend Kaitlyn a few nights later. 

Ruby loved the ding dong ditching part - the giggling was too cute.

My adorable little witches

And finally dress up day at dance class. I just love watching Ruby at dance class!

Our Yearly Trip to Tanaka

Wow. Another October has passed and another trip to Tanaka was had. I guess it's easy to keep a tradition going when it's fun, memorable, and shared with some of your besties. I love our yearly trip to the pumpkin patch - even if we never actually make it out to the "real" pumpkin patch. And what it it about pumpkin patch pictures that are so cute? Seriously - they are some of my favorites! 

These two kiddos are too darn cute. Seriously love them.

The babies of the bunch. Love them too!!

4 years of pictures. I just love how our families have grown! 

Macy - 5 Months Old

Dear Macy,
     The months seems to be flying by fast and furiously. I am behind in posting this update but have no fear your picture was taken on time! As usual we've been having lots of fun around these parts. You are such a joy to have around, always smiling for us and being your general happy self. I truly feel spoiled to have been given such a mild mannered baby. You couldn't be more go with the flow, it's amazing. And you must really give off a mellow vibe because even people who don't know you but come across us while we are out and about are constantly commenting on what a happy baby you are. And they don't even KNOW!!! I look forward to watching your little personality grow, I can't help but wonder if you'll remain the "easy" child. I certainly don't expect you to but if you DO I promise I won't mind a bit!
     As each month passes we get to know you a little better and its quite fun discovering new things about miss Macy. This month you proved to be very ticklish - you absolutely crack up when I grab your chubby little thighs or tickle your ribs and armpits. Your laugh kills me, it's a Bennett laugh for sure and it is most definitely contagious. You also decided you enjoy giving big slobbery kisses. I'll take em! You are a jumping maniac - your activity center bounces and you LOVE to jump. Daddy is convinced you'll be a slam-dunker. Sweet. 

A few other notable things about your 4th month of life:

• Mommy and Daddy spent their first few days away from you and we all survived. We went to Chicago and enlisted the help of MANY to take care of you and your sister. You took it like a champ and managed to melt many hearts while we were away. 
• Your sister convinced me to let the two of you take your first tubby together. What a scene. As a mom I hear myself saying hilarious things every now and then and this was definitely one of those times. "Ruby - the bathtub is NOT for cuddling!" Oh boy. Ruby had been dying to take a bath with you and spent the majority of her time in the tub trying to hug/drown you. I think we'll wait a couple more months to do that again.
• We walked together in two charity walks this month - the Race for the Cure and the Diabetes Walk. Thanks for being such a great little companion.
• You are STILL spitting up like crazy. I have become a master at anticipating your eruptions but you still manage to nail me at least once a day. Usually when I am getting ready to go somewhere....Thanks. 

Mommy loves taking pictures of you. 

Love these little baby legs!

My happy girl

The infamous double tubby. Your face says it all. Actually, so does your sisters!

Cruising in the baby bjorn with Mama for an evening stroll

Supporting Team Jeri in the Diabetes walk

Life is good!

We couldn't be happier with who you are Macy Mae. You light up our lives and bring calm to our lives even when things are downright crazy. Mama can get a little worked up every now and then but you are a great reminder to just smile and enjoy the ride, I feel like that's kinda your motto. 

Love you WAY past the moon and back!

xo,

Mama

What we've been up to...

Warning - Picture overload ahead! 

Here is a good look at what we've been up to over here. Our days have been busy and we are still juggling life as a family of four. I decided I just better get used to and embrace the hustle and bustle of life with two kids. Whew! Often it feels like we are running around like chickens with our heads cut off. But when I finally get a chance to SIT DOWN, catch my breath and look back at the pictures (assuming I was able to take any),  I realize all the fun we are having and the memories we are making. It really is all worth it! 

A couple of these pictures are a few months old but I didn't want to overlook them.....

Taylor's 6th Grade Graduation

Skylar's Newport Harbor High School Graduation

Summer Camp at "Connor's School"

Summer fun at the Khamis house

The Orange County Fair

Crystal Cove with Nana

 Another year another Race for the Cure! 

Paige was in CA! We had a fun play date with the Hock girlies - off to the Long Beach Aquarium we went. Love those girls!

La Jolla for Sky's 19th Birthday. Ruby is still talking about her "happy hour" drink. 

Thank you Nana for introducing her to happy hour.... Shirley Temple style!