If Only.....

If only a picture could capture the way her curls bounce when she turns her little head....

 

Who Knew...

Who knew that AWANA was a contact sport?

 Contact with the floor, that is....

 Ouchie!

Poor Leah!

Valentine's Day on a Budget

With no income, we had to be creative this year!

Handmade gift bags with a handful of goodies for each.

Valentine attire

Valentine sandwiches,

and homemade special treats!

Valentine hairdos

We're hanging in there and making do. The most special memories are made this way, right? 

Happy Valentine's Day from the Macks!

Friday

was Molly's birthday.

I hope I never forget the way the sun shines through her strawberry-blonde eyelashes and hair, the way she jumps when she gets excited, the way she won't talk to strangers and then suddenly bursts into conversation. 

She is my 6 year old little beauty and I love her!

 Happy Birthday, my little strawberry!

News

We received some news almost 3 weeks ago.

 It wasn't happy news.

Scott was suddenly and unexpectedly laid off from work.

 It was quite the shock. Since then we have moved from the shocked stage to the "huh, what now?" stage.

Naughty, naughty girl!

It hasn't been easy,

We whale spout, do you whale spout?

but we have felt God's blessings at every turn!

 We know He will take care of us, and we are trying not to be anxious.

 Life has a funny way of continuing on despite hardships.

Getting ready to sword fight the princess.

I'm glad it does.

His dramatic death by sword :)

And I'm thankful for all our blessings, especially my happy 12 Macklets.

The princess that won

 Yep. I think we're going to be alright!

Christmas Picture Outtakes

The obligatory annual Christmas picture:

That's as good as it gets. (After I replaced Ethan's face with Photoshop!)

So how hard is it to capture a decent picture of 12 kids?

Have a look:

 Nice face, Josh!

 Baby crying, Emily looking thrilled...

Giant open mouths and some coughing...

 Trying to entertain Anna...

You still with us, Seth? 

Ummm, Abby?

 Speaking of Anna,

she totally stole the show!

 Oh, I give up! 

 

Your Happy Spirit

will get you far in life. You are so well liked! (I think it has something to do with those cheeks and dimples!) You have a fun-loving, relaxed way about you. You are genuine and kind. I wish for you happiness, friendship, and love always!

 You are such a special boy and I love you!

Happy 9th Birthday, Ethan!!