Christmas Fun!!

So, just to sort of sum things up a bit, we had a great Christmas!! It started out with the kids doing a Christmas performance at school. Jake's grade sang "I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas", and he did great! They did a slide show with his so I couldn't take a video or any pictures. Then Kolby's class sang "Rudolph the Red Nose reindeer." Before we even went into the gym, he was already upset that he had to take off his Santa hat he wore to school and wear his reindeer hat for the song, so things didn't quite start off on the right foot anyway. But, as the song started, his hat just wouldn't stay on right for him! I don't know if it was a combination of everything, but it sort of all went downhill from there. He tried to stay up there and sing but his tears seemed to take over so, in the end, his teacher came up and said he could go and sit with me. It was so sweet though! Maybe next year will be better!!

The Kolbster!

This weekend has been an interesting one to say the least. You can tell that Christmas is getting very close. The Boyz are feeding off one another with excitement. At first it was cute, but now I'm about ready to pull the rest of the hair that I lack out of my head! They are so cute, but at the same time are little monsters! They are so hyped up, but at the same time so tired. Kolby was in such a daze at lunch on Saturday. He stared at the same spot for at least 10 minutes eating his Frosty. He then insisted on wearing his "Joseph Hair" all day after playing Joseph in the Primary nativity. We are so looking forward to Christmas Day! Hopefully they will settle down a bit and give us some room to breathe . . . and maybe take a nap or two!

Break Dancing!

This is the coolest thing in the world! Jake took a Break Dancing class at school these past few months and tonight he performed in front of an audience. He made us proud with his awesome Hip Hop moves!

Jake saying "Peace Out!"

The leaves are falling down!

This was only about an eighth of what we still have on the tree!

They had a blast!

He is such a cheezeball!

With the weather changing around here it's time to start doing yard clean up!(Mixed in with a little fun of course!!!) We have a 25 year old Sycamore tree in our back yard. I have a love/hate relationship with it. It shades our whole back yard and has some really awesome bird's nest in it but the leaves don't all fall off usually until AFTER the snow starts to fall. So we feel like we are raking leaves clear into January! But we wouldn't trade it for anything.

This tree ROCKS! I took a video of them jumping in, but somehow, its lost. Boo. Anyway, you get the idea. And this is only the VERY beginning!!! We still have a LLLOOOOOONNNGGGG way to go!

1 Year Today!

It's strange to think that 1 year ago today we were rushing Jake to the hospital because he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. It's fitting that today is World Diabetes Day. We are celebrating his anniversary by taking him out for some pizza and a ride up the canyon to see the snow. It's amazing how this disease has affected us all. We hate it, but at the same time we wouldn't trade this experience for anything! Jake has become so strong from this trial and has become our example of how we should have a positive outlook on life. Jake, we love you! Thank you for being who you are and making our family strong. You are our HERO!!!!

We have filled countless bottles of needles and test strips.

We are so thankful for Jake's pump that has made all of our lives easier. He only has to have his line put in every third day now instead of getting 4 to 5 shots ANY time he want to eat ANYTHING! He loves it! We also love it! We all hope and pray that a cure will come someday, and believe us, WHEN that day comes, it will be a celebration you wont want to miss!

WHO YA GONNA CALL???

OUR GOAL!

THE RESULTS!

I found myself SUPER EXCITED when the BOYZ mentioned they wanted to be GHOSTBUSTERS for HALLOWEEN. I had also been obsessed with the movie when I was about Jake's age and was a Ghostbuster one year as well. I told Mandi that if we're going to do this,we're going to do it right! These will be full functioning replica Proton Packs. Little did I know what I was getting myself into. Two months at an average of 3 hours a night proved to be a bit much. We were often times up until 2:00am . . . I miss sleep! Mandi would sit in the garage to keep me company and to be my helper. I loved the time we spent together talking and laughing. Anyway, I soon found myself making trip after trip to the hardware stores while Mandi spent hours on the Internet trying to find kid sized flight suits and Ghostbuster patches. Just for posterity sake, I have to say that this was the most expensive project I have ever done, excluding house projects. I stopped keeping track of the tally knowing that it would just depress me. Mandi is very forgiving and understanding! In the end, it was all worth it! We had fun . . . the BOYZ love them . . . and they won several costume contests. As for next year, it's something of the rack or from Savers! Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for helping out.

This was the funnest part . . . NOT! I wanted to make it so the batteries could be changed out and easy to turn on and off. I ended up putting a swing arm in

the back where the light was attached. I think it's the kids favorite

part being able to open and close it.

Happy Ghostbusters!

10 year anniversary baby!!!

Our bed was king sized and oh sooooooo comfy!

Josh was checking out all the "hot" spots for us to visit.

We didn't need a fire but it sure was pretty to look at.

For reasons other than the obvious, this bed was one of my favorite things about our room. It was soooooo big and soft!

This photo doesn't do it justice, but this tub was HUGE!!!!

This car was amazing!!! Someday honey!!

The car show was so cool!

We had so much fun just goofing off together.

This was an old bread truck. Its amazing how long things can last!

(Just like you and me hun!--- EEEW!! Cheezy!!)

We totally enjoyed every moment together.

These gas pumps still had the prices on them. . . 26 cents per gallon! Boy how times have changed!

The Saint George temple was one of our favorite stops. It had just been painted so it was EXTRA white. So beautiful up close.

Yes, I am doing the preggo pose. She is DEFINANTLY in there!

The love of my life. I am happy.

We were able to celebrate our 10th anniversary in Saint George, Utah this year. Josh's sweet mom watched our kids for us and we were off! We found a cozy little bed and breakfast in the historic part of the city called the Green Gate Village. This place was just adorable. We stayed in the Orson Pratt House in the Alexandra Suite. It was just perfect for us! It had an amazing king sized bed and a CRAZY huge jacuzzi bathtub. (side note: Don't turn on the jets until after you and the bubble bath are in, or else you will end up with WAY more bubbles than water!) The night we got there we went to the Tuakahn Theatre and saw "Thriller". It was amazing to be able to see a production of that magnitude up against a sandstone background. I would definantly recommend a show next time you are in the area.

The next morning, we woke up to the sound of roaring engines right outside our room. They were having an old hot rod car show. They blocked off our street and had 30 or so cars parked along both sides. The streets were packed with all sorts of people and there was a live band, yummy food, and games for kids. We wandered around that for a bit then decided to take a drive down to the temple. We found out that the temple is pained ever 10 years or so and it has just been painted a few months back. It truly was a sight to see up close. It was just so white! We went inside the visitors center and watched the new Joseph Smith movie. It was incredible.( Bring LOTS of tissues!) You must make some time to find out where you can see it. Absolutely amazing. After that, we headed over to the outlet malls and had lunch and ice cream. Cold Stone of course! We then headed back to the room to take a much needed nap! (Why is it that even as adults, taking a nap is just as enjoyable as going out and doing stuff?) Anyway, after our little rest, we drove up to the mountain nearby with "Dixie" written on it for the college in the town. It had spectacular views of the beauty of the area and the gorgeous temple. As the sun started to set, we drove back into town, got some dinner, and went back to our cozy room for one last night of kid-free relaxation!!

It was bittersweet the next morning as we were packing to leave. We were excited to see your kids again but sad because we are so seldom in a place together where we can truly just concentrate on each other.

This trip will always hold a special place in my heart. I love being married to my sweetheart Josh. I can't imagine my life without him. He takes such good care of me, the boyz, and our baby girl on the way. I am so blessed! These past 10 years have been an amazing and sometimes CRAZY ride, but I would do it all again in a heartbeat.

I love you Joshy, and can't wait to see what the next 10 years may bring!

School Carnival Aftermath

So, last week was the boyz' school fundraising carnival. They always get so excited to go and play games and win dinky little prizes and all sorts of candy. But this year, the thing they were the MOST excited about was having their faces and hair painted.They would have spent ALL their tickets on that if they could! Kolby had me spike his hair up so the color would look extra cool. He chose purple and orange and so did Jake, but you can't really see it too well on his hair. However, Jake was thrilled to get 2 ghosts put on his forehead. (why he chose that spot I have no idea) And Kolby chose to have 2 bats put on his cheeks. I am a slacker of course and forgot to bring the camera to the actual carnival itself, but you get the idea right? At the end of the day, the bathtub water was an amazing shade of something funky, and the boys once again resembled my clean, little, yummy smelling, regular colored people!!

What a fun day!

MY FIRST TICKET!!!

I've prided myself on never having a speeding ticket, but that all changed this past month. Of coarse I got it on the way to my sisters wedding, which really set the mood for me. I did happen to luck out at the traffic school though. The audio wasn't working and what was supposed to be a 2 hour class was cut to 1 hour. Half of the class got their tickets on the same new stretch of road that I did in P.G. To top it all off, they informed us that the speed limit will be going up on that very road. SOOOO CRAAAAPPY! To make good use of my time, I drew a killer picture of a CHUBBY MONK! Oh, and it's not illegal to ride in the back of a truck and Cops don't have to meet a quota . . . Yeah right!

Back to School!

Two best buds! ( Well for now anyway)

He was all smiles as he got ready that morning and thought he was so "awesome" that he has a red backpack just like Jake!

Off he goes to grade 3! It doesn't seem possible!

Well, it's that time of year again!! Jake started his 3rd grade year about a week ago and Kolby started his 2nd year of pre-school. We were lucky enough to have Kolby get into the pre-school at Jake's school 5 days a week! They are both so exited that they get to walk together every morning and get to play together at recess after Jake gets done with lunch. It's so cute how excited they are to get up and get ready for school together now. They both want their hair done the same way, and have to have "daddy smell" on them before they go. (cologne) Kolby loves to brush his teeth and ask me if they are all "shiny" when he is finished. If they get done getting ready early enough, they go out in the front and play basketball together or ride their scooters until its time to go. I can remember being so carefree and happy when I was their age and I love that they are enjoying their childhood as brothers.

I love my sweet little boys!

Boys will be boys!

I am so amazed by my two Boyz! They make me laugh with their individual personalities. It truly is amazing to me how they are such BEST-GOOD-BUDDIES, but so different in every way. Kolby finds happiness in being outside riding his scooter while wearing his Thomas slippers, Batman shirt, swimming suit, and his newest addition of cap guns. He is totally carefree and not afraid to take risks in being his own little person. On the other hand, Jake finds joy in technology, reading, and mimicking major movie heroes. I can see him being a film director someday. Jake is very charismatic and the first to crawl in your lap to give you a hug and say I love you! We definitely got the best of both worlds with these two. Can't wait to see what the newest arrival will bring! I love you Boyz!!!

-Dad

Baptism Day!

Better late than never right? Its been a crazy, packed but fun filled summer at the Mackey house. I have been quite a slacker when it comes to blogging and have let time get away from me as well as taking pictures of important things! I will try as best I can to catch up with all our moments and as of now, I am making a vow to take more pictures and blog more often!!

Anyway, back to the subject at hand, on Sunday July 5th, our Jacob was baptized! He had been looking forward to this day since he turned 8 in April, but was patient enough to wait until Grammie, Grandpa Paul, Uncle Justin, and his cousin Tyson could come. It was such a special day just for him. He was counting down the hours until it was time asking me every 10 minutes "how much longer"? It was well worth the wait. We had so many close family and friends that came to show their love and support for Jake. It was such a special day that he will remember forever. Thanks to all the family and friends who traveled a long way to be a part of this event, and for all the wonderful gifts that were given to Jake to help him remember the promises he made on this day. We love you all!

(The pictures are not in order, but you will get the idea)

After the baptism, we had everyone over to our house for a little bit of dinner and dessert. ( In this picture, my mom, Justin, and yours truly)

Jake was super excited that the water was really warm!

Kolby was so proud of Jake and was totally excited to see Jake get "dunked".

My handsome boy.

Apparently we need to work on Kolby's ABC's!

(Mandi wants me to add that she just got out of the shower so she's got wet hair and no make-up on and she's in her jammies. . . I still think she's a hottie though)

How high can this go?

We went down to Arizona to visit Mandi's family this past week. We had so much fun catching up with family and friends! One thing we did that was way fun was going to Adam's (Mandi's Bro.) fire station for a tour. He works on the ladder team and gave us a killer view of the valley. I have to say, I prefer having my feet planted on the ground where they belong. Thanks for the rush Adam!

-Josh

MADE IN THE U.S.A.

We wanted to wish everyone a HAPPY 4th! We love our country and we are so very thankful for our freedoms. GOD BLESS AMERICA!

His and Hers!

I converted Mandi to the ways of Mac! I noticed my iPhone disappearing more and more around the house. I would eventually find Mandi tucked away in a room with my phone. So it took no arm twisting when I told her that I wanted the new iPhone 3G S. She inherited my semi used iPhone and seems to be in heaven. I was so excited when I saw the line at AT&T on Friday morning. It was short and I was in and out in under a half an hour. Last year I waited 8 hours in 98 degree weather! Sad thing is...I'm already excited for the next release!

Interesting . . .

The RIGHT way or the WRITE way??

I found this from another blog and well... it just makes you think.

1) The bandage was wound around the wound.

2) The farm was used to produce produce.

3) The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.

4) We must polish the Polish furniture.

5) He could lead if he would get the lead out.

6) The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.

7) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.

8) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.

9) When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.

10) I did not object to the object.

11) The insurance was invalid for the invalid.

12) There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.

13) They were too close to the door to close it.

14) The buck does funny things when the does are present.

15) A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line.

16) To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.

17) The wind was too strong to wind the sail

18) After a number of injections my jaw got number.

19) Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear.

20) I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.

21) How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?

There is no egg in eggplant nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple. English muffins weren't invented in England or French fries in France. Quicksand works slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig. One goose, 2 geese. So one moose, 2 meese? If you have a bunch of odds and ends and get rid of all but one of them, what do you call it? Ship by truck and send cargo by ship? Have noses that run and feet that smell? How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites? You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down. English was invented by people, not computers, and it reflects the creativity of the human race, which, of course, is not a race at all.

Just makes you think huh... and no wonder our kids have a hard time learning to read and understand our language!

Happy trails!!

I was doing my best at helping him hit a can or two, and we did it!!

Like father like son. Kolby can't get enough of shooting with the big boyz. (Even if his gun isn't real.)

Josh and the boyz. What could be better than dirt, grass, mountains, 4 wheelers and guns???

We never seem to remember to ask someone to take our picture so here we are again in our "pose". Better than nothing right???

Eating lunch at our "spot" with Grandma.  ( I was checking out the carbs on the cookies) Ya gotta have cookies!!! 

One of our families favorite things to do is to go with Grandma and Grandpa on the 4 wheeler and Rhino for a day of riding, lunch and shooting! Josh and I drove the 4 wheeler, and the kids were lucky enough to ride in the back of the Rhino with the Grandparents, complete with big fluffy pillows and cozy blankets to keep them all comfy.  We always have an amazing time just riding for a while, then stopping off somewhere to eat a little lunch. This time, the boyz brought their BB guns and shot at anything made of metal or plastic until there was nothing left. Grandpa even brought out his bigger guns and shredded a few cans too. There was a stream nearby, and we had a great time throwing rocks in and making huge splashes, and throwing big sticks in and watching them go under the bridge and down the stream.  Then, we got back on and continued riding out the other side of the little canyon where we crossed the road and had ice cream sandwiches at a little "mountain market".  After hanging out there for a bit,  it was time to go so we jumped back on the trail and headed back.  There is nothing like a day of riding with Grandma and Grandpa. So fun and so relaxing being up in the mountains with the ones we love. Can't wait to do it again soon!

Preschool is over!

Kolby and his awesome teacher Mrs. Kari.

Waiting for the little performance to begin.

We are so proud!!

He didn't do all the actions or sing all the songs, but he sure looked cute!

Kolby had his preschool graduation a couple weeks ago at a park nearby our house. It was a really cute program filled with poems and songs they learned through out the year. Normally, our Kolby is a total "ham" no matter what he is doing, but this time, he just stood there and kind of sang, and kind of did the actions but,  MOSTLY had his finger up his nose or his hand on his crotch. Ahhhhh. . . the life of having a little boy!!