Just a quick note: My brother Andrew posted a slide show on his blog with pictures from his last play, Guys and Dolls. You'll never guess which one he is! He looked so different with no facial hair and makeup! Check it out at http://middlemckays.blogspot.com/, or scroll down on our blog page and click on the link to the"Middle Mckays".
I wanted to take a minute and tell you about my best friend. She recently posted on her blog about how much she appreciated our friendship, and I realized that I don't always take the time to let her know how much she is appreciated. So here it is, even though it's way past due! Candy Robinson and I have been friends for nine years. We have been through many joys and trials together, and have always encouraged each other. Aside from Jeremy, Candy knows be better than most anyone. She has been a huge support for me during some very hard times. When I was sick and pregnant with Kylie, Candy was the one that came in the middle of the night to watch Caitlyn so Jeremy could take me to the hospital, the one who has lifted my spirits on numerous occasions. Just last Saturday night, we had a girls' night out. We met for dinner and then did a little shopping. We had a great time, and also some quiet time to share our victories and struggles. Probably the biggest secret to the success of our friendship is that we aren't afraid to be ourselves with each other. That trust is hard to come by, and something I don't take for granted. We always have the best time laughing and being silly. Laughter certainly is the best medicine! Jeremy is good at encouraging us to go on overnight trips, just us girls. We usually do this a couple times a year, and it is always a highlight for me. The funniest part is watching how relieved Mark and Jeremy are when we return home to help with the kids! I was there through her prayerful search for a godly husband, and God answered those prayers with Mark. I was extremely honored to be her Matron of Honor at her August 2006 wedding. Our kids lovingly call her Aunt Candy, and always look forward to time spent with her. She has been there for each of them since the day they were born. I look forward to being there for her children, and I pray that I will be a help for her. Though I don't mention her near enough, Candy is always there, behind the scenes supporting me in all my endeavors. Living here away from our families is tough at times, but having Candy here makes it feel more like home. Candy, thanks for being such a great part of our family! We love you!
We were quietly doing our normal daily routine...... okay, so maybe not quietly, anyway, back to the story... when suddenly the house was pierced by screaming! Caitlyn's screaming to be exact. All I caught was something about snow and a blizzard. Soon, all the kiddos chimed in, pulling me to the living room. It was then that I understood all the excitement. Outside an absolutely beautiful soft snow was falling. It has been cold, but we weren't expecting snow today! The kids were so excited, and their excitement became contagious as we walked outside to catch snowflakes. Their little faces glowed. Only when you see snow through the eyes of children, do you truly understand how marvelous it is. To think that every snowflake is unique, and God created every one. It's amazing! I thank God today for His little reminder of how incredible this world is that He created! If you get a chance this winter season to see snow, try and see it through the eyes of children. It's so much more meaningful that way.
P.S. This post has a video. So if you receive this via email, be sure to come check the video out!
As I said the other day, we spent this past weekend getting the rest of our Christmas decorations up. After I put the stockings up, Jeremy decided it looked too empty and put everyone's stocking up. Last Christmas the whole McKay Klan came to our house, and everyone had a stocking with their name on it. The only stocking missing is Corey's, but that will be remedied soon. With all the decorations up, and Christmas music playing, it is really starting to feel like Christmas time here! This Saturday, we are going to try and finish our Christmas shopping. Then all that's left until we leave for Tennessee is some good old Christmas parties! I am definitely in the Christmas baking mood. I made chocolate cherry truffles on Tuesday and some cinnamon raisin bread. The girls and I tried a new cookie recipe yesterday, and made some more bread too. I'm making some chocolate mouse today to go on top of some brownies for a party tomorrow night. Anyway, all this desert talk is making me hungry! If you get a chance, be sure and see the new "Mr. Bean's Holiday" movie. It just came out recently on DVD. It doesn't have anything to do with Christmas, but it's extremely funny (if you like that stupid Mr. Bean humor) and extremely clean and any age appropriate (it's rated G). The kids really liked it, and Jeremy and I had some good laughs too. Love you all, and thank you to God Almighty who has for now blessed us with these.
Just wanted to remind you all, if you haven't already watched the "itch'staboles" video from Thursday, be sure to check it out! I uploaded the video a different way hoping to get it to go through on the email posts, but it didn't. You have to surf to the blog page to see it, but it's definitely worth it. So funny!
