Thursday, November 29, 2007

Pez Mania




So many Pez, so little time! Jeremy has been collecting Pez for about five years now, and he has quite the collection going. Anything from old-timey metal Pez signs, to oversized music playing Pez, to Pez from other countries. Jeremy's favorite is an old Papa Smurf Pez that I found on Ebay for him a few years back. He has many doubles, so he keeps some on the shelves, and some in the packages. What I took pictures of were the ones in the house. He has a whole other container of them stored in the garage. That's where the Papa Smurf Pez is, hence no picture of Papa Smurf. Sorry Smurf fans! He has plans to build at least two more shelves in the near future, and has more than enough Pez to fill them. Most of our friends and family know that he collects Pez, so people are always picking him up one or two here and there. Caitlyn likes to get them when we're out at the store. She's always looking for new ones. My favorites? I love the Mr. Bean set that came from England. They didn't sell then in the US, and I found those on Ebay a few years back too. Jeremy's a big fan of Mr. Bean, so I knew those would be a hit. I also love the Walmart truck. I just think it's cool. Well, that's the infamous Pez collection. Love you all, and thank you to God Almighty who has for now blessed us with these.

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

The Two Front Teeth Are Gone!



I know, I promised Pez pictures today, but I thought that this warranted a post. Caitlyn has officially lost both front teeth now! The tooth on the left has been extremely loose for the past few days. Loose enough that we were even a little worried that it might fall out and she would choke on it or something. She kept bumping it and it really just needed to be pulled, except that she was convinced it was going to hurt. She kept freaking out everytime we tried to pull the thing, and neither one of us could get a good hold on it. Who knew that pulling teeth would be so hard, but those things are slippery! Anyway, Jeremy finally got a good hold on it, and out it came. Even though there were a few tears, Caitlyn was excited to see the gap it left. Now, we just need to make sure the tooth fairy doesn't get caught! :) Love you all, and thank you to God Almighty who has for now blessed us with these.

John's Favorite "Itch'staboles"



Last night, our dinner discussion got on the topic of favorites. This was John's favorites list: chocolate milk, pizza, and apples. We died laughing when he said that apples were his favorite "itch'staboles". I had to get it on video. Even after we got him to realize that apples were a fruit, he said "fruip". We were laughing so hard! :)

More Christmas Music

I updated my audio player on the blog page, and added some more great Christmas music. Songs like "I Want a Hippopotamus For Christmas", the Chipmunks singing "All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth", and "Dominic the Donkey". The kids have been having a blast listening to it!

Thanksgiving Pictures




Here are the much anticipated Thanksgiving pictures! Just kidding! I always get so wrapped up in being at my parents, that many times I forget to take very many pictures. I will definitely have to try and do better at Christmas. I did get some good pictures of the girls making pies with my mom. That is their absolute favorite thing about the holidays. I'm very thankful that my mom takes the time to do those types of things with the kids. We really had a great visit. My Grandma Sedruley was there, along with my Grandma and Grandpa McKay. With so many people at the house Thanksgiving day was a little chaotic! Andrea, Andrew, Kylie, and Jeremy spent the morning at the church's annual Turkey Bowl. Every year, rain or chine, people from my mom and dad's church get together on Thanksgiving morning to play flag football. It really is a huge affair and Jeremy and Kylie had a great time. Jeremy was pretty stiff for the next few days, though! :) I really enjoyed spending the morning cooking with my mom and my grandma. Three generations cooking Thanksgiving dinner together, What could be better than that?! Poppy and Caitlyn watched the Macy's Day parade. Caitlyn entertained us all with a few impromptu violin concerts, too. The music of choice was of course, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. She did play Jesus Loves Me. Jeremy and her have been working hard on that one. Overall,I definitely wouldn't have rather been anywhere else on Thanksgiving Day. I knew it was too good to be true that we could get through the visit without the kids doing something to my parents brand new house! The day before we left the boys, who were supposed to be napping, got a hold of a paint marker. After decorating themselves, coloring in their belly buttons and all, they decided to draw a nice little mural on my sister's bedroom wall! Luckily my dad has some touch up paint for the wall, but I couldn't believe it! Actually, I could. Tomorrow, I'm going to post pictures of Jeremy's Pez collection. Love you all, and thank you to God Almighty who has for now blessed us with these.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Christmas Music

Just a quick note: When I added the new Christmas layout, I also added some Christmas songs. Surf over to the blog page and listen! Just hit play on the audio player and enjoy!!

No Cavities!

I have got the pictures from our Thanksgiving trip uploaded, but haven't had a chance to do a slide show yet. I wanted to post a few tidbits of info while I had a chance though. John David went for a checkup on his ears yesterday, and they are doing great. The fluid has receded, and if there are no more concerns by his next checkup in February, he will no longer have to see the audiologist and ENT doctor! Corey has an appointment with Caitlyn's allergist in a couple weeks to try and see if we can figure what exactly he is allergic to., and I have my yearly hearing evaluation next Friday. Also, the kids went to the dentist this morning, and no cavities! That in itself is always a huge blessing. We are just hanging out at home today, trying to get back in the swing of things. I put a new Christmas layout on the blog. Check it out when you get a chance! Tomorrow I'll post the Thanksgiving pics. Love you all, and thank you to God Almighty who has for now blessed us with these.

Monday, November 26, 2007

We're Home

We are back, but very tired from a very long day of driving yesterday. We had a great time, and enjoyed every minute. I will take some time to get all my pictures uploaded, and post them tomorrow. Until then, I thought you would enjoy this email I got from a friend..........


Ain't this the truth!

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Toothless Wonder



The tooth is finally out! When Jeremy got home form work yesterday, I told him that the tooth really needed to be pulled, but Caitlyn wouldn't let me near it. He said, "I'll pull it." I was like, yeah right. Like I said yesterday, Jeremy has been completely grossed out by this whole loose tooth thing. He could hardly even look at it, let alone touch it! Sure enough though, I left to run an errand, and when I returned, the tooth was out. Somehow, he conned her into letting him look at it. Then when she opened her mouth, he pulled it out really quick! The one next to it is loose, but will not probably fall out for a couple more weeks. In fact, she has a dentist appointment on the 27th, and I'm sure the dentist will probably just go ahead and pull it then. Both her top permanent teeth are already coming in. Tomorrow morning, bright and early, we are leaving for Tennessee. We will be spending Thanksgiving with my parents, my brother and his family, my sister, my mom's mom, and my dad's parents. It will definitely be a full house! We are really looking forward to seeing everyone, and can't wait to get there. We are heading back to Virginia on Sunday morning. Have a great Thanksgiving! Love you all, and thank you to God Almighty who has for now blessed us with these.

Monday, November 19, 2007

Update on Dawn

Just wanted to let everyone know that I talked to Dawn's new foster mom last night, and she is doing pretty well. She did mention that Dawn cries for me sometimes at bedtime, but I sent a CD of me singing, and that has been helping calm her down. Just knowing that though, breaks my heart. Dawn is still adjusting to the new home, but is handling the move much better than we all anticipated. Praise God for many answered prayers!

John's Hairy Back


I couldn't help but post this picture. Jeremy was giving John a haircut, and all the hair had collected on his back. He looks like a little werewolf! All kidding aside, Corey really does have a quite hairy back. His back is covered in peach fuzz. It's the strangest thing. Corey's hair is also very thick and grows fast. When we cut the boys' hair, there's always a much bigger pile next to Corey. Caitlyn played her violin in church for the first time last night. She had no fear as usual, and did an excellent job. I forgot I had my camera in my bag until after she was done!! One of Caitlyn's front teeth is hanging on by a thread. I've tried to pull it, but it's still a little too attached on one side, but the permanent tooth is already starting to come in. It's really grossing Jeremy out, and Caitlyn's not helping since she is constantly flicking it forward with her tongue. When she does that, it sticks straight out of her mouth, almost at a 90 degree angle! I'm hoping that she will let me try and pull it again tonight. If it doesn't come out soon, maybe Grandma and Poppy can try when we get there. :) We are leaving early Wednesday morning for Tennessee. I am so excited! I will post our trip details tomorrow. I need to get busy on the laundry, so we can pack the suitcases! Love you all, and thank you to God Almighty who has for now blessed us with these.

Friday, November 16, 2007

Ninja Warrior




If you have never watched Ninja Warrior, these pictures may have less significance, so I will explain. Ninja Warrior is a show on the G4 channel on cable. We like to watch it as a family and sometimes catch the 6PM back to back episodes. It's a strange show to say the least, but it's funny and the kids really get into it. It is a Japanese show and they speak no English. There are English subtitles at the bottom of the screen, but of course only Caitlyn can read those. Every six months, 100 challengers from all over the world come to attempt the Ninja Warrior obstacle course. It is divided into four stages, and only one person has ever completed the whole thing. The obstacles are insane, and in my opinion, impossible, hence the name Ninja Warrior. One of the obstacles is called the Spider Walk. The challengers prop themselves up between two slippery walls, and "walk" to the other side. If they slip, however, into the absolutely disgusting pool of muddy water they go. These pictures were taken of Caitlyn's attempts at recreating the Spider Walk in our hallway. As you can see, most everyone got in on the action, except Corey and I. I didn't attempt it for obvious reasons. I could break my neck, or even a leg! Corey wanted to, but sadly his short little arms and legs did not reach. So if you ever wonder what the Knutson Klan does in their spare time, now you know! We are secretly training the kids to become the next Ninja Warrior! Love you all, and thank you to God Almighty who has for now blessed us with these.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Somethings Are Just Hard Wired In




It is very rainy and 50 degrees outside today. Looks like we'll be hanging out in the house today. Here's some pictures of the boys I just took a few minutes ago. I am learning very quickly that some of their male traits are just hard wired in. Jeremy is not one to walk around the house shirtless, but John has been obsessed with being shirtless lately. Corey? Well, he just does whatever John does. As you can see from the photos, when they dressed themselves this morning, they apparently thought that jeans were the only required item. They are happily playing with puzzles on the floor, and watching "Super Why" ( a great PBS show). What could be better, right? Probably nothing for these two little boys. A friend sent me an email this morning that I couldn't help but share. It's a great story that has a very important message. ~~A member of a certain church, who previously had been attending services regularly, stopped going. After a few weeks, the preacher decided to visit him. It was a chilly evening. The preacher found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for his preachers visit, the man welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace and waited. The preacher made himself at home but said nothing. In the grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs. After some minutes, the preacher took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone then he sat back in his chair, still silent. The host watched all this in quiet contemplation. As the one lone ember's flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and dead. Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting. The preacher glanced at his watch and realized it was time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow,once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it. As the preacher reached the door to leave, his host said with a tear running down his cheek, "Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the fiery sermon. I shall be back in church next Sunday." ~~ It just goes to show how important being at church is. Without that fellowship and growing together as Christians, that Holy Ghost fire in our hearts slowly distinguishes. I don't know about you, but I certainly don't want to be a cold and dead Christian! Love you all, and thank you to God Almighty who has for now blessed us with these.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Letting Go

Today's the big day. Dawn is moving. As much as I've struggled with this whole situation, I am finally learning to let go and leave it God's hands. This morning as I drove her to school, she said, "Momma, when God comes in your heart he never leaves right?" That one statement comforted me, and let me know that we had left a mark on her little heart. That we had taught her the important things. Even as I cried after I dropped her off, I felt a peace that I hadn't yet felt, like God reached right down, and said everything's going to be alright. Though we will still see her, today marks the end of her stay with us, and the end of my role as her mommy. And though we don't know what God's plan is for her, God knows. Habakkuk 2:3 says, "For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak......"

Our Little Wordsmith

It always makes us laugh to listen to the words that Caitlyn uses. Ever since she started talking, she's been trying to out new words on us. I still remember at barely three, her saying that something was "hilarious." Occasionally, she's not even sure what they mean, but she tries to use the words anyway. Recently, we were at a friends' for dinner, and she informed the other kids that it would be "more appropriate" if they put their napkins on their laps. Her new favorite phrase is "so totally cool". Caitlyn's large vocabulary is probably a result of her being an avid reader. We also have never talked "baby talk" with her, and I think that has made a difference too. John David has recently started this same habit. Instead of just saying that he's hungry, he'll say that he's "really" hungry. Then when you question him further, he'll state, "I'm serious. I'm really serious." I love listening to the kids talk. Corey's vocabulary and speech have greatly improved over the last several months. And even though most people still can't understand him, we understand him fine at home. The kids are so honest about their emotions, and have such passion about things. Some of my favorite moments are spent listening to the random thoughts of the kids. Now that Caitlyn is getting older, you can really have some deep conversations about life with her. Everything is so simple to her, so black and white. Sometimes I think she's smarter than I am. Love you all, and thank you to God Almighty who has for now blessed us with these.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

What's New With Kylie?







Kylie has gotten her purple belt! This picture was taken yesterday afternoon as she proudly showed off her new belt. I think she's more excited about this one than the others, probably because it's purple. Kylie has really grown up a lot lately. She has really mellowed out. She is still a ball of energy, but has many more quiet moments than in the past. Almost every day, she wears this black leotard. She alternates different color tights, but the black leotard has become a permanent piece of her wardrobe. I'm not sure what draws her to this particular leotard, but for now it is her favorite. I of course make her wear real clothes when we leave the house, but when we're at home the leotard stays on. I have to secretly wash it when she's sleeping!! Kylie has always had this fascination with bugs. She's not afraid of much, and she's discovered that the other little girls are, especially at church. She enjoys chasing them around, dangling a Daddy Long Legs from her fingers. She's laughing hysterically, while the other girls are all screaming. We've also noticed that every time the kids catch a bug or a small frog, that Kylie is always the first to say it's time to let it go. Even after they've played with it, and it isn't even alive anymore, she still is the one that marches out the back door, and lays it gently in the grass. Our little fireball is turning into a very compassionate little girl. Just because she's not as emotional as Caitlyn, sometimes I think we forget how deep her feelings really run. Out of the blue, she'll say something thought provoking, and we discover that she's contemplating deeper emotions and thoughts than we realize. I don't think Kylie is in any danger of losing her fireball side anytime soon though. Love you all, and thank you to God Almighty who has for now blessed us with these.

Monday, November 12, 2007

New Blog Layout

If you haven't viewed our blog page in awhile (due to receiving posts via email), come check out the new layout! I changed some things around. Hope you like it!

Andrea is Bloggin!


Due to my grand example, :) all the other McKay's have been sucked into the blogging world. The latest? Andrea is now blogging. To see her blog, use the URL below. Anytime you want to see what's going on with the other McKays, just go to our blog page (scroll down on the right), click the links I have provided, and they will take you directly to the other blogs. Don't forget, if you receive the posts via email, just click on the picture of John David next to the title to come directly to the blog page to view videos and slide shows. Enjoy!

http://www.amckayonline.blogspot.com/

Dawn's Moving Day

This weekend has been one of the most insanely busy weekends we have had in awhile, but we have survived! Every year our church holds an all day ladies meeting. It is a huge production, and requires tons of planning. Jeremy and I spent many hours decorating, and then participated in the music and skits. It was a lot of fun, but tons of work. In the midst of all that, social services called and said they found a placement for Dawn, and she was going for a visit over the weekend. Although I had already processed many of the emotions I have had regarding this situation, it all kind of hit me when the call came. I had to tell her, and that was extremely difficult. There were definitely some answered prayers though! She responded much better than I had anticipated, and her new foster mom is someone I already know! Her visit went well this weekend, and we are all going over there for dinner tonight. She will move on Wednesday, and I am praying hard that it will go smoothly. I know this is the right decision for Dawn, but it doesn't make it easier. We love her, and she will be missed. We are soon to be a four children home. :( On a happier note, we will still get to see her, and Corey will still see her every Tuesday at visitation. Corey is handling it all very well, and actually is enjoying the break from the tension due to her behaviors. Continue to keep us in your prayers. I've got some cute stories about Kylie to post tomorrow. Love you all, and thank you to God Almighty who has for now blessed us with these.

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Alll I Want For Christmas........


It looks to be a classic Christmas song for Caitlyn this year. Most likely she'll be missing her two front teeth for Christmas. One is extremely loose and the other is well on it's way to coming out as well. She's been wiggling with a fury! She also has another tooth loose on the bottom! I feel like we are the brink of a new era in our family. Having a child that's old enough to be loosing teeth means we have graduated to a new era of parenting. I have to admit that it is bittersweet. Notice Caitlyn's shirt: Girls Rule Boys Drool! :) Love you all, and thank you to God Almighty who has for now blessed us with these.

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

John David Says the New Testament Books



We took this video last night. He is too cute!! The poor little man had a bit of a rough day yesterday. It started out with him throwing up five times in two hours! He is so not dramatic when it comes to being sick. He's always the one that insist he's not sick, and will go throw up in the bathroom and not even tell you. He perked up as the day went on, and by bedtime was pretty much back to normal. Thankfully it seems that he just had a quick bug, and so far no one else is acting sickly. Please continue to pray for the situation with Dawn. Social Services is still planning on moving her soon. She has good days and bad days. Yesterday, thankfully, was a good one. I'm finally starting to work through all the emotions that have come with his situation. The hardest one to deal with is the heartbreak over not being able to help her. We love her very much and letting go is not easy. Thank you for all your prayers and encouraging words! On a happier note, we are heading to Tennessee for Thanksgiving. With all that we've been going through lately, I'm looking forward to going home. Nothing is ever as comforting as spending time with those you love the most. Love you all, and thank you to God Almighty who has for now blessed us with these.

Monday, November 5, 2007

Matt's in Ecuador



I wanted to post an update on my cousin Matt. Matt Moss is in the air force and is based in Oklahoma. He was deployed to Ecuador awhile back to "fly around on the Awacs for a counter drug operation", in his own words. I'm not sure what an AWAC is, but it sounds cool. He says they "look for and track boats and planes who are running drugs to the states and Mexico". He is doing good, but looking forward to returning to the states. Here are a few pictures I stole off of his myspace page. Speaking of our troops, a friend of ours has a son that has just returned from a tour in Iraq. The kids and I sent boxes to him while he was overseas, and are looking forward to seeing him next weekend. We are praising God for his safe return!! Love you all, and thank you to God Almighty who has for now blessed us with these.

Friday, November 2, 2007

Spider-Mac

It always amazes me how funny John David can be. He says and does the funniest things. He's really obsessed with categorizing everything as a boy thing or a girl thing, from songs to TV show, toys to even words. This morning the kids were playing with some stickers that my mom sent them and Kylie said that hers was pretty. John David chimed in to say that his was handsome, not pretty, because "pretty is for girls, right mom?" When we're listening to music in the car, if the song is sung by a man John thinks it's only for boys to sing. The other night he discovered a pair of the girls' underwear in his hamper, and said "these don't go in here, they're for girls." He then proceeded to pick them up with his forefinger and his thumb, like they were toxic waste, and take them to the girls' room. the whole time he had this look of disgust on his face! :) Jeremy did some grocery shopping for me the other day, and came home with several boxes of Spiderman Mac-n-cheese. John David was so thrilled. He carried the boxes around with him, telling everyone that they were for the boys. Yesterday at nap time, he insisted on taking two of the boxes to bed with him for nap!! Later, when I had assumed the boys were asleep, I heard them talking so I went to check on them. They were both in John's bed, and had opened the boxes of mac-n-cheese. They were looking at all the different spiderman shapes!! It was a mess, and they did get in trouble, but I had to laugh at that! Last night Jeremy was saying the books of the New Testament with John at bedtime. This is a bedtime ritual that he has done with all the kids at that age. John was going along...."Hebrews, James, Peter Parker........" I don't think he can help himself. He just has to throw a little Spiderman into everything, even the Bible! Love you all, and thank you to God Almighty who has for now blessed us with these.

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Trick or Treat



Here's the Halloween pics I promised. What a night! We have way too much candy. The kids went trick or treating at church, and they got loads of candy! They wore their costumes last night of course, but we didn't do all the face painting and stuff we did for the church's Fall Festival. Caitlyn was a medieval princess, Kylie was a ballerina, Dawn was a fairy princess, John was supposed to be spiderman, and Corey at the last minute decided to be a tiger. John insisted on wearing his tie and vest with his spiderman costume! Corey has a spiderman costume too, but decided he wanted to wear the tiger costume the boys play in all the time. The kids had a good time though, and got lots of goodies. Love you all, and thank you to God Almighty who has for now blessed us with these.