Jared and Jakie made the Newspaper

Here is the link to the article. If you scroll through the pics this one is there as well as a group shot including the rest of us: http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=U0&Dato=20110326&Kategori=APC01&Lopenr=103260802&Ref=PH

Here is why our cuties are now famous:

2 weeks ago we went to Buboltz nature preserve to check out their "sugar bush"...a grove of maple trees from which they harvest sap.

Here is the lidded collection bucket hanging on the tree behind us.

What is inside?

Jakie and Dad enjoying the walk. It was a beautiful day. We loved hearing the birds singing! Bring on spring!

Brielle and Nathan

We found a cool bird. I can't remember its name now, but it was a life lister for Jared. It is sitting in the sticks.

The next Saturday we attended their Maple Syrup Saturday event. It starts out with a delicious breakfast of eggs, sausage, orange juice and pancakes with maple syrup (of course!).

Mom and Jakie

Then we went on a guided tour. During the previous week we had a HUGE snow storm, so the paths that were easy to walk the week before were very difficult for all of us to manage. We didn't get to hear much of the tour because we struggled keeping up. It was a beautiful day though!

The tour ended at the Sugar Shack where maple sap is boiled all day until it becomes maple syrup. Check out that fire!

Then back to the visitor center for vanilla ice cream topped with maple syrup.

YUM! It is a new favorite dessert!

"Moooom. I'm Standing in a Pee"

So, I have just finished doing preschool with Nathan and one of his friends and I am trying to get cleaned up, take care of Jacob and get lunch going when I hear, "Mooom. I'm standing in a pee." And I think to myself, "Oh joyous. Another big mess to clean up." While Nathan is mostly potty trained, we still have accidents here and there. I find myself hoping he is "standing in pee" on a hard surface rather than somewhere that is covered with carpet as I turn to go and find my son. Can I say that I was thrilled when I found this...

Yes. If you look closely he is standing in a "P". Not only did I avoid cleaning up a mess, I know that preschool for the day was a success as the letter of the day was "P". Hooray!

Barstools!

A breakfast bar. That was something I really wanted in our new home. A breakfast bar. I loved the idea of sitting up at a bar and reading a book while eating a snack. I loved the idea of keeping the breakfast and lunch mess contained to one small area. I loved the idea of having my kids sit up at the bar and help or chat or eat or just be there with me while I was busy with something. And I got it! Hooray! But it has taken us 6 months to find stools for the bar. Jared and I apparently have very different taste in barstools. Who knew? Anyway, we finally found some that we both love!

And I must say, I love having the breakfast bar (with stools!) even more than I thought I would.

And, our first living room decorations! Yay. I found and fell in love with a set of decorations including this vase and candle holder set...and lucky me, the color is perfect!

I must say it is fun to decorate our house...even if it is painfully slow. :)

Motherhood...

Hard.

Rewarding.

Overwhelming.

A Divine Partnership with God...they are His children too.

I came across the video at the top of my blog today and it was just what I needed. It helps so much to be reminded of the larger picture of what I am doing everyday.

Healthy Snacks...Any ideas?

So, Jared tricked me...just a bit. Our Family Home Evening lesson this week was on keeping our bodies healthy and the Word of Wisdom. As part of the lesson, he asked each of us what we do well in our efforts to stay healthy. Then he asked what we don't do as well. I honestly and innocently answered that I eat too many sweet things. Well, our answers to the second question became our goals for the month of March...I will be trying to avoid sugary snacks. I have felt I needed to do this for quite a while, but honestly, when I am stressed or having a hard day, a little (or a lot...hmm) of sugar is a release for me. So, here is where you come in. What healthy snacks do you love? I am going grocery shopping later this week and want to stock up on some healthier snack food options. Thanks in advance for your ideas. I am excited to start eating better!

4th Annual Mackrory Valentine Ball

We love Valentines Day at our house. With the exception of a surprise gift of beautiful jewelry this year from my valentine, we celebrate it inexpensively (we have been on a tight budget the last few years!), but it is SO fun. This year we started the day with a fun breakfast...

I got the idea from a WONDERFUL website that my cousin Missy is photographer and co-author of called How Does She? Her website is full of fantastic ideas for a mother. I have gotten simple and fun ideas about everything from how to celebrate President's Day with my kids to how to make a fun, easy and stylish chore chart for my kids. I'm not one for spending time surfing the web, but checking out her website is totally worth your time. Anyway, I saw this cute and easy idea for Valentine's Day breakfast and decided to try it. (Their's looked much cuter than mine. :) )

Happy Valentine's Day

Jared and Brielle spent quiet time on Sunday making precious heart notes and hiding them throughout the house for me to find throughout the day.

Can I say that it made my day?!?

Most of my day was spent in the kitchen preparing our traditional V-day dinner for my sweetheart.

Jacob cooperated wonderfully. He was so good all day. He is such a sweet, little man.

Nathan was my little helper. He LOVES to cook!
Little Jakes playing in the living room.
First course all ready...
The family is now ready too!

Valentine chocolates for our sweet little cuties....

Happy Valentines Day Jare!

Gettin' all dressed up for the party

It's a little big

Our beautiful princess

And our happy baby boy

...now all dressed up (thank you Allens for the tie. Isn't it cute?)

We start our ball with a little Cottoneye Joe

"Swing your corner"

And do-si-do...

"All hands in and turn around"

Just dancin'

So fun

Our 3 precious ones

Daddy with his princess

Mom and the kids

Did we mention the tie is delicious too?

It was soaked by the end of the evening.

Swingin' is so fun

Jakers tries his hand at dancing with Dad

Gotta take a break for more sugar (the afternoon full of Valentine candy, layered Jello salad, and 3 layer mint brownie at dinner wasn't enough)

Bringin' down the house

We can't wait until next year...