Perspective

"Kids don't take you away from doing something important.  They are what's important."  I read this quote or something almost like it the other day and it was the very one I needed for the day.  I had lost my perspective of what is important that day and wished for a do over.  I was overwhelmed with a house that is still not painted (another story), rooms not feeling completed, and a messy, messy house (and I am usually on top of clean floors, clean bathrooms, and dusting), projects to be done, and a few other things that just hadn't gone my way that day.  Clean is a rare occurrence these days.  Anyway, I was having a pity party for myself, shed a few tears, and took it out on Zack.  I read that quote and that started my change in attitude and then I received a text that a  sweet friend/relative with 4 precious little ones has breast cancer.  I stopped, prayed, and then loved on all three of my kids.  When Zack got home from his dinner, I was a new person. I know my house will never be perfectly clean because we have toys everywhere at all times.  We have been in our house for weeks and with cold weather and a painter here we don't get out much.  What's more?  It 's easy. I know the house will be finished eventually and that I don't have all the time in the world to do projects. I have three kids that need my time and I want to enjoy that time with them.   So I woke the next morning with a fresh attitude and finished the week off the right way.  That quote and that friend have stayed on my mind.  I am praying for her and thanking God for all that I have.

 ~My SUNSHINE~

 I was taking Laundry Pictures for my laundry room...Pinterest.

 So what happens when your baby is crying, you leave to put the pacifier back in...AND you leave food coloring in front of a two year old. THIS!  This boy couldn't resist.  Macie was hollering for me to come see what Weston did.  I was kicking myself.  I didn't even know where to start with cleaning up.  As I took the picture, I couldn't stop laughing.  The kids took a long bath at 10 in the morning and all the blue was washed away.

 We started the science project again when Kinsley was completely asleep.  They loved it!  It was fun entertainment.

 Weston "is working" a lot these days.  He is always drilling, sawing or using his screwdriver to put batteries in things.  It is so much fun to watch!  He is a character.

 Kinsley hasn't gotten to experience Texas winters but if she did she would be wishing for them.  She along with the rest of us are counting down until we go home for a visit.

One thing I have loved most about this move is that Macie and Weston have become GREAT GREAT GREAT friends.  I absolutely love it and hope they have a special friendship/bond that will last a lifetime.  They pretty much have only each other as playmates and they play their hearts out.  She plays what he wants and he plays what she wants. They build tents, go camping, have tea parties, golf(surprised Macie did it), dance and play with the musical instruments. Today they were giving money to people around the world with Yahtzee coins.  MY FAVORITE:  Yesterday Macie wanted to put Weston down for his nap.  She read his book, sang him a song, and decided he needed her to lay by him.  She came out of his room and then went back in to check on him.  Today when I told him it was nap time he said, "I want Macie to do it."  

 Making their car...all the moving boxes have brought loads of imagination and fun.  They have houses/castles in the basement they play in too.

Car crash..Weston needed to put on his seat belt (see his head).

 Kinsley is having a little tummy time and I am getting a little ab work in.  Macie loves when I let Kinsley fly as she calls it.  I am just glad she hasn't spit up when I do this because she got Macie all over the face the other day when Macie was kissing on her.

Kinsley-8 Weeks Old

Miss Kinsley Grace is now 8 weeks old.  I took her for her 8 week check-up and she is looking great.  We have a sweet, healthy baby girl.  Kinsley's weight was 11lbs. 7 oz (64%) and she was 22.5 inches tall (65%).  She loved her check up and even smiled at her new doctor several times; however, she wasn't one bit impressed with her shots.  That evening Kinsley was fussier than she has ever been and she needed lots of extra love and cuddling.  I was very impressed with our new doctor.  He spent over an hour with us since we were new.  I loved how thorough he was and think Macie and Weston are going to feel very comfortable with Dr. Cheng as well.  Another plus is that the office is about 5 minutes from our house. Kinsley is takes pretty good naps throughout the day but seems to sometimes miss the mark in the evenings.  If she does that, she will be awake for hours.  I have tried cutting out my energy drink to see if it makes a difference but I really don't think it does.  Kinsley wakes in the night around 3 and then again around 6:45.  I am thinking that we have only a couple of more weeks of the middle of the night feedings.  She has to be close.  Kinsley is full of smiles and makes small little sounds.  She loves to be held.  She also loves watching her brother and sister.  Macie is still a pro at being a big sister.  She wants to dress Kinsley up and let Kinsley play with her.

Grammy spent the last week with us.  We were glad for her to come.  The kids had lots of fun showing her their new house and playing with her.  I really appreciate her watching the kids while I ran several errands throughout the week.  I didn't have to get the kids in or out of the car which takes lots of time.  We did have one really nice day but there were more cold ones.  Grammy did get to see some St. Louis snow.  One of the kids favorites things they did with Grammy was slide down the stairs on a cardboard box.  It is safe to say they had hours of fun.  We were sad to see Janet leave.  It's kind of hard knowing we won't be seeing any family for a while but I know we will be just fine.  We have met almost all of our neighbors and they seem great.  I know it will get easier once we find a church and make friends.  We are counting down until March when we get to go back to TEXAS.

 ONE BIG, HUGE thing we did this past week was register Macie for Kindergarten.  She went with me to see her new school.  Chesterfield has half day Kindergarten so she will be attending in the afternoon unless there is an opening in the morning.  Macie is ecstatic about riding the school bus to and from school.  All the neighborhood kids ride and the parents said they really like the bus driver.  Her school is probably 5-10 minutes away so it is crazy that they ride the bus.  The school was very nice and I am already praying for a great teacher and good friends for Macie.

This video doesn't do the cardboard box slide down the basement stairs justice but Macie and Weston had a blast!

The Big Move

The big move to St. Louis came a little faster than I wanted it to because I loved getting to spend so much time with my family.  There were lots of hugs, kisses, and tears shed before we headed out the door of my parents' house on the 29th.  We packed up, the cars were loaded down, and we left around 5:15 that morning.  Macie was super excited to get on the road and pretty quickly into the drive asked if we were there yet.  We were lucky to stop off at Sheldon and Reagan's house for lunch and a little playing.  That was great fun!  Then we were back on the road for the last 6 hours of the trip.  All three kids were JEWELS!  They were perfect and the drive couldn't have gone any better.  Other than when we stopped for a potty break in the afternoon it was freezing and the kids were still in the pajamas.  I am sure people thought we were crazy.  The drive was successful but I did lots of crying.  The further we got from Texas the more I cried.  It's so hard to explain all the feelings and thoughts I have had leading up to this big move. I honestly have put it at the back of my mind. Yes, we were preparing but the drive made it very REAL that it was really happening.  SO I CRIED!  I know God has a plan for our lives and I am trusting in him, but the unknown is sometimes just a little scary.  We arrived at our hotel and COLD was an understatement.  The road was winding, trees were all around us, and when we arrived at the hotel I felt like we were supposed to be at a ski resort on vacation.  The kids loved our hotel and had a "slumber party" in the loft.  That was their first time to sleep in the same bed.  My parents' room was next to ours which the kids loved running to as well.  We were pretty exhausted and I forgot to lock the main lock on the door.  Macie woke up early, left our room, and went to my parents.  I didn't even hear her leave.  I had to discuss with her the danger of doing that and her response was "all the strangers were asleep so they couldn't get me (the mind of child).  We closed on our house December 30th and I saw it in person for the first time.  I think it will be a great house to raise our family in.  The kids loved exploring and seeing their bedrooms.  We moved in our home on Dec. 31st, Macie's birthday.  

HOME

What makes a house a home?  It's easy...the people inside it.  Our past two homes have such special memories and I know that for as long as we live here we are together as a family.  We get to make new memories here.  I was overwhelmed when I first saw the house because it was empty and I had a hard time picturing us here.  Once we got some of our things out in the living room it quickly felt like ours which gave me a peace about moving here.  The kids love all the space, running around, and playing hide and seek. It's a great house for that.  They love the basement and all the extra space it adds.  Since the basement isn't finished, their scooters and outside toys are down there which is perfect for winter.

We gave a nice McClung/Texas welcome....
Zack and Weston were outside talking to the neighbors when Weston dropped his pants to potty. Macie then went outside with no coat but at least she had shoes on.  Who cares that it's cold?!

 Weston is also known to be only in his undies.  If I put clothes on him, I turn around and they are off.  Anyway, the front door was open because of the movers.  Weston was in his undies only shooting his deer rifle.  He probably just wanted the neighbors to know that we are PROgun and intruders should be afraid.

 We had an awesome realtor!  He went above and beyond what Zack and I expected of him!  He also was very kind and wanted to make our MOVE IN day very special!  He brought pizza and drinks over to the house.  Then also to my surprise he brought all three of the kids a stuffed animal.  Weston impressed us when he took his chicken out of the bag and just stomped on it.

 Macie in her new room

 Our first meal at our house...picnic style!

 Thank goodness the hotel had delicious, warm hot chocolate for us to drink.  Macie, Nonnie, and I had some each day we were there.  Macie looked and acted very big drinking out of her cup.

I am so thankful my parents came along with us and were a part of the start of this new adventure.  I don't think I could have made the trip without them.  I am glad they were able to see where we are living. They were very helpful when unpacking boxes especially when I got so overwhelmed. But more than anything I am thankful they were here for support, their hugs, and for them just being with me.  One of the very hardest things about this move is knowing we aren't 30 minutes from them or our cousins.  I have loved being so close to them.  I know this move isn't easy for them either. Saying good-bye at the airport was super hard and sad for all of us.  I needed Weston to say, "2 more minutes" while holding up all five fingers.  However, when I think of people who are oversees(like Sheldon was) or people who are sick/lost a loved one, I know we have so much to be thankful for! On the trip home from the airport, Macie made things easier by saying lots of silly things.  One thing she said as we were pulling out of the airport (remember snow is everywhere) was that she was ready to go back to Destin, Florida.  Warm weather and the ocean might be nice if this winter is cold and snowy.

 Happy 5th Birthday, Macie!

Macie has been very lucky to celebrate her birthday with her friends in November, her cousins at Nonnie's house, and here at her new house!  She has gotten to blow out lots of candles.  BLINK...and she is five?!  How can it be that my sweet daughter that took my breath away when I held her in my arms can already be five!  I just love her so very much!  One of the things I love most is when she says, "I love you." 

The kids were thrilled to wake up to snow!  Macie and Nonnie were sitting at the front window watching it fall and she said, "I bet Blake is going to be jealous that we have snow."  She was right because when we talked to him he said something along the lines of "I want snow."  I am glad our first snow in Missouri came after all our stuff was moved in.  I was hoping it would cause my parents' flight to be delayed a day, a week, or a month.  The kids put on their coats,hats, and gloves and ventured out into the snow.  The both got cold pretty quickly!  We aren't in Texas anymore.  Oh and something new to us was hearing a snowplow truck clearing the roads before 7 AM.

I didn't hear Macie but she said, "I'm a Missouri girl now." I am glad she adjusted so quickly (if I were only a child).  She has talked about her friend, Hayden, coming to visit and she asked Blake to come see her.  She understands it's a long drive or you have to fly.  However, she also talks about making new friends which makes me happy.   

More than having my parents' help moving in, I wanted them to just have extra time with Macie, Weston, and Kinsley.  There is always something to do. Always!  I am very thankful they were able to get lots of extra hugs and time with the kids.  This past week I haven't done a whole lot else to the house.  It will come.  I have played with the kids and enjoyed watching them play in their new house.  I have held Kinsley and just been amazed at what a precious baby she is.  They are only little once and time seems to be flying by. 

Macie is enjoying some cuddle time.

Pappy and Weston are playing a little inside golf.  I know these two golfing buddies will be excited when Spring Break comes so they can hit the golf course together.

LOVE...Nonnie and Kinsley

This is what it's all about!

Weston seems to think the bouncy seat is also his.

Kinsley's first night in her bed and in her room.

I am super grateful that my dad helped Kinsley's room come together.  Out of all the rooms, this is the one I was super excited about because we didn't finish it before we moved.  I love all the special things about Kinsley's room.  There was a lot of love that went into getting it ready...it's a good thing because Kinsley is one special little girl. It was hard for me to put her in her bed.  Macie and Weston went into this same crib much sooner; however, we were "homeless" so she used the pack and play.  Kinsley is doing great and looks precious in her pretty room.

Tummy Time Naps...yes, they make nap time so much better.

Tired

Sebastian is probably the worst at adjusting to the move.  We force him to potty in the morning and at night and then he is right back in my room for the day.  He does not like the cold.

Last Sunday, the St. Louis area had the coldest temperatures and tons of snow.  It is the worst they have seen in 25 years.  Students couldn't go back to school which apparently never happens here.  We probably got around 1 foot of snow.  Good think I found the kids snow suits before it hit.  I put on my ski suit as well.  My neighbors may think I am crazy but warm and dry is better than wet and cold when playing in the snow. We have ventured out into the snow almost every day EXCEPT WHEN THE TEMPERATURE was below zero!  There is nothing better than a negative temperature and a -22 degree wind chill.

Macie walked outside, dropped to the ground, and made snow angels.  

Weston wasn't too sure about walking in the deep snow.  Good thing his Daddy was there to lend a hand.

Zack, my smart husband, bought a snow shovel before the storm.  Good thinking!  He got a great work out getting all the snow off the drive.  He also was able to meet lots of neighbors this way.  Macie has already made a couple of friends and there are kids around Weston's age too!  I think we will love it here.  I have also had fun making big piles of snow for Macie to jump in which has given me a little exercise too.

Daddy's Helper

This pretty little girl is 7 weeks old.  I am not very good at saying who she looks like; however, Mom found a picture of Macie at 3 months old when we were unpacking and I can now say they are definitely sisters! 

Unfortunately, we have a YUCKY problem with the new house.  MICE!  Zack has talked to some people and they are pretty common around here but that means nothing to me.  I have a sour face just thinking about.  ONE way to lose weight is to hear a mouse trap go off during dinner.  We heard the snap of the trap and I didn't touch the rest of my dinner.  Macie was so excited.  She jumped down to see if we caught one.  We did!  Zack got it out and reset the traps.  Then he opened he cabinet to see a baby mouse come out of the same hole.  Macie said, "That daddy shouldn't  have come in here."

Macie and Nonnie were on FACETIME and she surprised Nonnie with what was inside that sack.  Nonnie screamed!  Macie laughed. I can't understand how looking at a dead mouse is so much fun but then I am not 5 years old.

Weston was originally scared of the mouse.  Then he decided he would shoot it!

Easy Entertainment on a Cold, Snowy Night

For the remainder of the evening, Weston and Macie hung out by the cabinet with the mouse traps.  They would check it and peek in there every few minutes to see if we had another mouse.   Macie even ran to get her blanket to wrap up in.   

Zack's Shiner

Zack, Macie, and Weston were all looking into the cabinet at the mouse.  Macie jumped up in all the excitement and nailed Zack on the cheek bone.  We instantly knew it would be a black eye.  He repeatedly has had to tell the story with each client he meets with.  Good thing it is almost gone since today is Saturday and he got it on Monday.

Meet Queen and King

Macie was so excited to make her very first snowmen.  She gathered up all the clothing and put it in her bag.  One of the neighbors stopped by and said how impressed she was with their fancy clothes.  Also another neighbor pulled up in their drive and Macie shouted, "Hello!"  She was having so much fun!  The day we built snowmen was the day I met a few more people and the kids played outside for about 30-45 minutes with their new friends.  The fire sure feels amazing after playing in the snow.  

There's nothing better than SNOW Ice cream when it's freezing cold outside.