A Christmas Jingle

This post is a tribute to one of my kiddos favorite Christmas songs, “The Twelve Days of Christmas!”  Plus, it is a fun recap of how the Mac family spent the Christmas holiday!  Enjoy!

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me ONE beautifully decorated Christmas tree.

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me TWO hours waiting to see Santa Claus.

On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me  THREE Angel Tree families we delivered gifts to.

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me FOUR Christmas programs to enjoy!

        

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me FIVE family Christmas parties.

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me SIX carefully hung stockings.

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me SEVEN friends receiving homemade Friendship Tea.

On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me EIGHT neighbors Christmas caroling.

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me NINE family members tubing in the snow!

On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me TEN friends gathered for the hilarious “Christmas Vacation” movie!

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me ELEVEN blissful days of no school!

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me TWELVE family members singing this song (the original words) on Christmas Night around Mimi and Gpa’s tree!     

   

Family Pictures

Per the request of Mimi the entire Esser gang spent an afternoon smiling and posing for new family pictures.  Why is taking pictures such a difficult process?  It seems impossible to get everyone smiling, all eyes open, facing the camera, and looking sort of natural.  When in reality it feels very unnatural, the sun is blinding your eyes, your legs are cramping up from the ridiculous poses, and your kiddos cannot sit still for a nanosecond let alone smile nicely.  But somehow a handful images turn out wonderful!  Thanks to incredible cameras and talented photographers happy families can be captured.  Check out these happy people below. I am grateful to have beautiful pictures to remember this time in our lives.

   

   

Thankful Hearts

Thanksgiving has come and gone and Christmas is now quickly approaching! I wanted to recap just a few highlights that have taken place for the McAveney family.  For many family and friends we have shared with you our new journey to foster/adopt.  On November 18th, following a year of classes, a home study, and lots of paperwork, the McAveney family is officially a certified foster family (I will need to write another post to describe in detail the road that has led us here).  The simplicity of it is, we feel blessed and want to bless others.  We have faith in a God who graciously loves us and served others through out his time here on earth.  As we wait for His glorious return He has called His followers to do just the same—to love and serve others.  A huge population that needs Christ’s love is orphans.  What a privilege it will be to one day adopt a child knowing that I too am an adopted daughter of God, my heavenly Father.

God had work for us right away!  We were blessed on the same day we were certified with a sweet 4-year-old boy.  Although, he was a short-term placement with our family it was an incredible introduction to foster care.  We enjoyed our time with him and feel privileged to have had the short time to love on him and him on us.  We are super excited for what God has in store for our family and for foster children here in our community!  We would appreciate your prayers, your encouragement, and your support as we allow God to use us how however He sees best for both our family and for the children who will be with us.  We will keep you updated as best as possible and would love to share with you more….

Halloween Costumes

The Costumes.  For me that is really what Halloween is all about:  seeing my cute kiddos in their costumes.  My kiddos would probably say the same thing–their costumes.  They enjoy dressing up and of course the candy too!  Don’t really celebrate the holiday or make a big deal over it.  Love the outreach event our church puts on every year.  So this post is short, sweet and to the point—pictures of my kiddos in their Halloween costumes.                                                                                                                                                                 Cutest Pirate Ever! All night she was in character!  Jango Fett.  Star Wars Rules for this boy!  Prettiest Peacock.  Though she reminded me she was a peahen.            

Elize was full of “Aaarrr, there me hearty,” “Hey, there matey,” and “Yo ho ho” in her scruffiest voice.  Plus, she would swing her fist in the air and strike a pose.  Perhaps, you can tell from the pics below just how hilarious she was Halloween night…

                                 

Soccer, Softball, and Saturdays

This fall I have had the pleasure of watching my two big kiddos try something new.  Ian has been playing soccer for the first time with one of his good buds.  We are so thankful to be introduced to this team and awesome coach.  I have been impressed with Ian’s positive, happy attitude at practice and games.  And though he is far from the best player, Ian has given his very best effort every time he plays.  He loves to cheer on his team mates and give high-fives.  Ian has been a good listener on the field and is gaining new knowledge about the game of soccer.  His coach has done an incredible job at encouraging Ian, promoting team work, and teaching the importance of good sportsmanship.  I love how at the end of each game the coach gathers the boys and their families together for a time of praise and recognition of every player.  The coach ask each parent to say positive words regarding their son’s game for all to hear and clap—how cool is that!  Ian has definitely gained new self-confidence and new athletic skills for having tried a new sport.

     

Haley has also had a special opportunity to try out something new.  On Saturday mornings, several dads and daughters have been meeting with Coach McKee to learn and play softball.  It has been great self-esteem builder for Haley!  The girls are learning the basics of throwing, catching, and hitting in softball.  The practices have been low pressure (just what Haley needs) but at the same time have challenged Haley to try a new sport.  She is loving playing softball with some of her best friends and her Dad!  It has been a special time for Haley.  Her coach is super patient with the girls and great at building up their confidence.  We have been told Haley has a really nice stance and swing.  She even mentioned she might consider playing softball during the spring season…So this Momma is proud that Ian and Haley have tried something new and unfamiliar, and that they have stuck it out with happy hearts on and off the field.  

   

My Man is Forty!!

Yep, you heard it right Tim turned the big 4-0!  I can hardly believe he celebrated his fortieth birthday.  It seems like yesterday I met this handsome twenty-seven year old who stole my heart with his kindness and passion for life.  From the very minute we met I was impressed with his heart for others.  Tim was in residency training, a super stressful and exhausting time.  But I encountered him sitting on the bedside of one his patient’s holding her hand, and taking the little time he had to talk openly with her about her medical condition.  Wow, I was impressed and knew instantly this was a man of character and a man who not only loved his job but was humbled to be in such a position.  From our very first date I was impressed by his energy and outlook on life.  He took me to a tennis match of all things and we laughed hysterically at our lack of knowledge of the game and learned quickly there was no cheering till a set was won.  I loved that he was up for trying something totally new and decided to make the best night of it.  From the very first time he was introduced to one of my best friend’s kids I knew he would make an incredible dad one day.  Tim was so natural around kids and played with this toddler like he had done it a million times before.   From our very first month of dating I realized how much he loved God and wanted to know Him even more.  His faith was genuine and not puffed up.  Tim’s search for truth challenged me and invited me to search out my own faith on a deeper level.  From our very first year of dating I knew he would be my husband.  I could not imagine a day without him by my side.  He had quickly grown to be my best friend.  From our first year of marriage I learned what love looks like and how love acts.  We endured two little moves and one huge move across the country.  The both of us worked super hard and we were each other’s biggest encourager.  Love meant starting a new adventure together and sticking by each other’s side no matter what the circumstance.  It was a real love that grew from doing life together through good and hard times.  From welcoming baby #1 to baby #3  I realized I married the best dad for our kids.  He teaches them by example and loves them deeply. He motivates our kids and me to love God more.  From then until now I know how extremely lucky I am to be married to the best forty year old ever!!  Happy Birthday Tim, you are the love of my life.

 

School Stats

The Mac family officially has all three kiddos attending school this year.  Wow, how can this be?  At times it seems like just yesterday they each were born. How quickly time has passed and now we have entered a new phase of life–the school years. Check out the stats below and see for yourself about the new Mac school team.

Here is the starting line-up:  In Third Grade, weighing in at 48 pounds and standing tall at  52 inches is Haley McAveney.  She has long, strawberry blonde hair and loves to wear it in curls.  With a nose full of freckles, soft blue eyes, and two lose teeth she is ready to start a new school year.  She is musically gifted, loves art, and creative writing.  Reading and writing are her strong suits though this girl has got her multiplication facts down.  She is developing a deeper passion for God and has a heart for the less fortunate.  We are working with Haley on being confident in who God has made her and standing up for what is right even if it is not always easy.

In First Grade, the heavy weight on our school team at 52 pounds, Ian McAveney.  He is currently neck and neck with his Big Sis in height (something Haley is not too happy about).  With fiery red hair, big blue eyes, and a toothless smile he is one handsome young man.  Ian loves to read and can add up numbers like nobody’s business.  He has a kind, sensitive spirit and always tries his best.  We are working on with Ian self-control and patience.  He enjoys reading his Bible in the morning, an impressive habit that already challenges his Mom and Dad.

And the final player for the Mac team, our preschooler, Elize McAveney (believe me she can hold her own)!  She is attending two days a week of preschool.  Weighing in at 32 pounds and a height of 40 inches, she is one tall three-year old.  Elize dons cute red curls and sparkling blue eyes.  She knows her ABCs and can count to twenty.  She LOVES to sing and dance.  She adores being outside or being read to by her Daddy.  She has admirable manners.  She prays and worships God with a genuine child-like faith.  We are working on with Elize sharing with others and using our “big girl” words.

Well there you have it, our starting line-up and stats for the new school year.  Our kiddos have been blessed with awesome teachers and we are looking forward to a great year.  May God use this year to above all challenge each of them to grow in their faith, as well as in their studies and friendships.

Three Years Old

     

We have a three-year old in the house!  Sweet Elize turned three years old on September 1st (she will forever be my Labor Day baby).  To celebrate her birthday she was treated to not one but three parties!  Each one very special to her and to Mommy, too. The first party was celebrated in Maryland.  To all of our surprise, Aunt Kate and Nanna, hosted an adorable Dora party.  Our Maryland family was super thoughtful to throw a birthday party for Elize with Dora decorations, Dora cupcakes and Dora gifts. Elize absolutely loved it!!

    

Celebration #2 was a party with just the five of us.  We headed down to San Juan Capistrano to enjoy Elize’s favorite things.  It was a beautiful day to wander through this quaint historic town.  We ate lunch at Elize’s favorite–Ruby’s Diner.  She could not believe that everyone else seemed to know it was her birthday and joined in when they sung to her “Happy Birthday.”  After lunch, we headed to a petting zoo where Elize participated in all of her favorite activities:  train ride, pony ride, and visiting all the farm animals.  She was in heaven and it took quite a bit of convincing to get her to leave.  After a nap in the car, we spontaneously went to the movie theaters.  ”Winnie the Pooh” was a perfect show to end a perfect day for the birthday girl.

   

The final birthday party was celebrated with her Mimi and Grandpa and the Jenkins family.  A pool party was in order with the crazy hot weather.  She swam with her best bud, Cameron.  Just being anywhere with Cameron makes Elize very happy.  We munched on hot dogs and fruit and root beer floats, more of her favorites.  It was a lazy day of family hang out time.  She opened presents and is looking forward to playing with her new outdoor play house.

This FUN three-year old was celebrated and loved on a ton for an extra long birthday week!  We thank God for her precious life.  She really is a fun, happy toddler.  We love her sultry voice and her love for music.  She is the only three-year old we know that can sing “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” and “Shout to the Lord.”  We have a total outdoorsy girl.  She is happy as a lark to water plants all day long or kick a ball around the backyard.  We adore her “peaze,” “tank ew,” and “otay”s. She loves her Daddy very much.  She loves her Izzy Bear.  She loves the color purple.  She holds her own when wrestling with her Sis and Bro.  Elize is a perfect fit for our family.  HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY to our Leesee !

Shaver Lake 2011

           

Our annual trip to Shaver Lake was “fabtubulous!”  Ok, very corny play on words but that pretty much sums up what my kiddos along with their cousins did the entire week:  TUBED behind Grandpa’s boat.  They fell in love with tubing even more this time around.  It was all about speed, getting the tube outside the wake, and holding on tight through the turns.  Haley, our biggest thriller seeker of all, constantly wanted to be pulled faster and faster.  Ian and Carley, a bit more conservative, enjoyed surfing on the wake and cruising steady behind the boat.  Even Elize and Cameron took several rides out in the “Monster Tube.”  The smiles on each of their faces were priceless (see for yourself in the pics).

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The kids were super content to just  hang out on G’Pa’s boat while playing games or eating snacks.  Fishing was a new favorite activity this year too!  Especially the casting part of using a fishing pole.  Ian seemed to have a natural knack for it and could cast beautifully far out into the water. We even found a waterfall that we could swim to from the boat, climb up the rocks, and sunbathe on.  It is great to have “big kids” now who love to explore and be adventurous together.

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We stayed in a nice  comfortable house where lots of yummy meals and desserts were enjoyed together.  We treated ourselves several times to shaved ice at the end of each hot day.   In the evenings, the cousins were worn out from a full day of sun and play and would snuggle on the couches and watch movies.  The adults would read and play games late into the night.  It was good family time.  Now of course this annual trip would not be the same unless we stopped at our favorite ice cream store, Dewars.  Yep, we hit it on the drive up and back from Shaver Lake to indulge in scrumptious homemade ice-cream.  Again and again, a HUGE thank you to Mimi and Grandpa for a memorable family vacation!

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Summer Camps

The week following the fourth of July holiday the big kiddos participated in summer day camps.  Haley took an awesome “Mixed Media Art Camp” and Ian played in a “Mini Baseball Camp.”  It was lucky for Mom that the two camps were not only on the same days but started and ended just perfectly for scheduling each of  the days.  Little Elize, my faithful side-kick, is always the biggest fan of whatever her Big Sis and Bro are doing.

Haley is super creative and artsy.  She loves to sketch and draw.  She has notebooks filled with all of her sketching.  She enjoys coloring and painting.  She has written several stories and illustrated the stories with detailed drawings.  I have even laminated a few because the stories are totaling worth saving!  Recently, she has taken up knitting and weaving–thanks to her Nana’s  teaching.  So without a doubt the art camp was a perfect fit for her!  She created incredible pieces throughout the week.  She worked with paint, clay, markers, paper, yarn, and tons of raw materials.  She made several 3D pieces: a hanging mobile, a yarn wheel, and clay figures.  She painted a self-portrait.  She created a couple of pieces that represented summer: a pair of flip-flops, a sun, and a figure made of flowers.  At the end of the week, the camp held an art show displaying all their incredible work.  It was beautiful and Haley proudly showed off all her pieces.  It was such a joy to walk around and listen to her explain each art piece.  In addition, she made several new friends and gained new self-confidence.

       

While Haley was busying creating art Ian was busy sprinting, throwing, hitting and fielding baseballs.  The camp was an awesome time for him to practice the things he had learned during his little league season.  Lots of reinforcement and practice of the baseball basics was perfect for Ian.  His coaches were super supportive and provided tons of encouragement. He got to play with several of his new friends he made during the season.  At the end of each day Ian would provide a detailed report to me about the balls he hit, the pop-flys he caught, and the bases he stole.  He especially loved a game they played called “pickle.”  A game of speed and timing as the runner attempts to steal bases before getting tagged out.  I loved arriving to the end of camp a little early each day to see the huge grin on Ian’s face and observe his competitive side.  I appreciated that he would  cheer others on and was full of high-fives.  Overall, the camps were a huge success and worth the time and energy invested (for both mom and kids)!