Molly, Molly, Bo-Bolly...

You, my tiny girl, turn 5 today.

 You seem to have boundless energy!

Always, moving, leaping, jumping!

Even while playing your beloved video games.

With your dynamic personality and quick wit, I know you will always have friends,

With your determination, I know you will always be strong,

With your happy smile, I know you will always be loved!

You are convinced that you will be Little Mermaid someday.

Someday you will have to learn the truth...,

but you will always be my princess!

Happy 5th Birthday, Bo-Bolly!

On 4-H, Eggs and Life

Early Saturday morning we packed up 3 ducks, 2 chickens and 2 rabbits and headed to a 4-H workshop.

 Have you ever attended one?

There are rows of animals, each lovingly cared for by their young owner. 

(Megan's ducks- "Sprite", "Dolly" and "Hershey")

They have classes on the proper way to show each animal as well as on all the information each young showman will have to know.

It's serious business, you know.

(Our Black Australorp, "Ebony")

If you have never had a conversation with a 4-H'er, I strongly recommend it! Let them share their passion with you! 

It isn't always easy to discover the passion of a child's heart, but it is an important thing to do. A child with a passion will be more likely to stay out of trouble.

(Our Black Cochin, "Blue")

They learn responsibility through caring for the animals they love. 

What could be more important than to learn responsibility and sacrifice?

Except to learn that with hard work comes rewards!

Leggings For Anna

I love a baby girl in a dress, and after having 7 daughters, I have a lot to choose from!

But I hate messing with baby tights! And while Babylegs are adorable, I don't like trying to keep them up either!

 So, to solve this problem, I made Anna some leggings!

I used this pattern and then made some changes. Not only did I cut them longer, but also wider by placing the pattern about an inch from the fold. Then I folded up the foot portion of the pattern to make leggings instead of tights.

 I decided to ruffle the bottom edge by pulling the fabric super tight while running a close zig-zag stitch at the edge of the fabric. I stitched around each twice. This leaves a nice girly look!

I also added a gusset to help make enough room for my daughter's cloth diapered heinie!

They fit great,

 and keep her covered and warm!

 That makes us both happy!

What the Mini Macks Do In Their Free Time Pt. 2

So what else do the mini Macks find to do?

 Grow facial hair!

 They grew many different colors,

 and styles of moustaches!

Some grew bushy ones,

 and some grew thin ones.

 And some even added glasses for a total package! (EEK!)

There was lots of giggling! And they all had so much fun! (even Emily. Can you find her?)

Except Josiah. He wasn't impressed. At all.

But that's ok. 

It's amazing how well my kids all get along. They truly enjoy each other's company and love having fun together!

I love my family!

 

What the Mini Macks Do In Their Free Time Pt. 1

Have you ever wondered what kids in a large family do in their free time? In our family the mini Macks get together and do things like this:

Film their own show of Don't Forget the Lyrics, Couples Edition!
(Be prepared for some loveliness! ha!)

 Lovely, huh?
Just in case you're wondering, this is really my daughter, Emily!
Want a close-up?

Amazing what one can do with mascara isn't it?
(I'm loving the unibrow!)

 And of course the other half of the couple was played by Megan . Just beautiful, isn't she? *snicker*

You can't have a game show without a host!

  Seth was happy to play host (as long as there was no make-up involved).

Sarah handled all the lyrics and music!

Lots of craziness,

and laughter ensued....

I don't think the show will ever make it to TV, but they had a great time and made lots of fun memories!



Rainbow Opportunities

Abby, in the quiet pursuit of rainbows.

I love the reminder of this picture.

How days can pass me by, filled with busy-ness. The nagging in my head that there are so many things to do or clean. How I can get frustrated with having to clean up the milk spills (again) or referee the disagreements (again). There's always so much to do.

But, I need to remember to find those patches of "sunlight" to make my own "rainbows". Talking with my kids,loving these little ones, snuggling babies. It does matter! Quietly making "rainbows" in all our hearts.

Seasons of life come and go, but there are always patches of sunlight to enjoy!

2 months

My baby girl is 2 months old.

She is happy and mellow.

Weighing in at 11 lb. 14 oz.

Someday she will willingly sleep longer than 45 min, but until then,

we will just enjoy her beautiful grins!