'THANKS'giving Weekend

The title of my post is 'THANKS'giving weekend because I have so much to be thankful for this past weekend~ here are just a few...

1. My sister in law who was so kind enough to take my girls Wednesday night so I could set up the house for the party of 25 coming over for Thanksgiving. Not only did I get completely set up and clean the house but I was able to hike Camelback Mountain the next morning with my best friend Ashlee. Thank you Kelly, you gave me an incredible gift!

2. The beautiful weather on Thanksgiving, the kids were able to play outside all day long and not go crazy indoors. Also made for a wonderful hike where I was able to share great conversation and burn some calories.

3.Quality family time with my immediate and extended family. This time always brings back memories for me as a child when I would spend hours with my cousins, aunts and uncles.

4. Good movies, we went to see The Blind Side- what a feel good movie!

5. Dinner with Hatos' family, great food and fun concert performances by the girls!

6. Decorating for Christmas.... this night is always a tradition in our family, we have hot chocolate and listen to Christmas music while we hang ornaments. I will cherish these moments with my family forever!

7. Six straight days off from work, it was so nice but ready to be back to work tomorrow!

Yes, Jilly is smiling! Yeah!

My lovely nieces and nephews ate dinner outside, gosh are they growing fast!

Tatum and Madison

By the way a not so thankful moment this past weekend was when Vince Young completed that touchdown pass. Poor Cardinals... you almost did it!

Performances, Parties.... Halloween!

Tatum is on a dance performing team which I might state is very time consuming and of course expensive!! If you know Tatum she loves to dance and even more so perform. On her actual birthday she performed at the Gilbert Halloween Carnival and let me tell you she was a little more nervous than I expected. As a parent you don't ever want your child to feel any discomfort, but she did fantastic! She looks about 13 with her make-up on and hair straightened, this doesn't help when she is about 3 inches taller than the rest of the girls in her class. Her next performance is at the Gilbert Days parade where she will ride on the Dynamite Express float... yahoo! I have had my share of crowd filled events to last me the rest of the year...but I hear that this is just the beginning. Ugh!

Then we had a big Halloween Party for Tatum's birthday which was so much fun! Everyone came in costume which always makes for a great time especially when you buy your husband's costume 50% off at Joanne's. You can imagine what costumes were left over.... I had three to choose from and needless to say I didn't realize how funny it was going to be. I bought him a Wizard outfit which didn't look so bad on the hanger but when he put it on... OMG it made all the work I did for this party worth it!! I think others would agree, I would love to attach a picture but of course he wouldn't let me take one. We had some other great costumes like Charlie Brown, Mario and Luigi, and of course the birthday girl was Glenda the Good Witch. Jilly and I were the bad witches. Overall, Tatum had a great birthday!

Birthday Girl... I love you so much! You continue to amaze me with your ability to show love and care for others wherever you go. You brighten my days and fill our home with joy!

McDonald Happenings!

This time of year is always busy because of all the special events we have this time of year. To start off first Mike and I celebrated our 8th Anniversary in San Francisco. It was our first time visiting, so we truly enjoyed the quality time we spent just exploring all over. We went for Mike's cousins wedding but spent sometime sightseeing for a day or two. I swore that on Friday we walked over 20 miles because we were trying to get to everything in one day. Mike thought I was exaggerating, but we did start our morning off visiting Alcatraz which was so interesting to learn about. Then we ate lunch in Fisherman's Wharf and headed to the Giardelli Chocolate factory, took a cable car to Union Square, hit China Town and then our final excursion was to Lombard street which I didn't know if I could make. I told Mike "there better be some reward at the top of this street for me to make it up because my legs are killing me". Well, to my surprise it was worth it! The street was so neat, the flowers were beautiful and the view was amazing! We then spent Saturday in Tiburon at a park where the wedding was held, it was nice to spend time with Bob's side of the family and enjoy the incredible weather and views of the bay. However, the best part of the trip was spending time with Mike where we truly enjoyed our time together, laughed alot and enjoyed our journey all weekend long... and let me tell you it was a journey- we shared a room with Mike's sisters...! Then we returned and started our October Birthday Craze where we celebrate a million different birthdays. First one was my sister in law Angelina, she didn't get to celebrate her 30th birthday with a bang last year because she was pregnant so we made up for that this year. I should say we made up for it for years to come because I don't think she will ever forget this birthday for the rest of her life!! Needless, to say she had alot of fun dancing and little too much fun drinking if you know what I mean. I will leave it at that! Finally, the girls are on Fall break so we have had some fun lately! Tatum is loving the care free days where she sleeps in, goes to McDonald's with Aunt Kelly and watches lots of Halloween movies. I took the girls to a Cardinals game and then we had a girls night with the her cousins. Last, but not least was my big B-Day where I celebrated at work on Thursday with lunch and Happy Hour with some real good friends. Then on Friday went to dinner and a movie with family. We went to see Couples Retreat which was hilarious. All in all it was a lovely couple of days and I don't feel a day over 21! (yeah right!!) No really, life is great and I have so much to be grateful for.

This was on Angelina's birthday we went to the Sandbar in Chandler and it was so much fun! Nice to see my friend Rachel too!

Jilly Turns 4

What a fun filled Birthday weekend for my little Jillian. We started our weekend off with cupcakes in her classroom on Friday, spent Saturday at Build a Bear with a few friends from school and then last but not least was the big family/friends party in which we celebrated Jilly's fourth birthday and a Cardinal Victory (yes I am a crazy fan!) Hey, it was an easy theme to use for decorations and for others to feel comfortable in their Sunday Football best! (Cardinal red and black!)

Yes, I actually got a photo of her smiling! Jilly hates pictures so I had to act fast and get these without anyone around. Every time this time of year comes around I get very sentimental because I had both girls in the fall. It brings back so many wonderful memories, Jillian was such a wonderful baby who continues to bring great joy to my life. I am so fortunate to have her as my daughter... I love you little bean!

Tatum's first soccer game....

and she scored 2 goals! Yahoo! I didn't get to see them, but dad was sure proud !!

"She is going to be more than just a dancer..."

About one year ago....

I started this blog a little over a year ago... and distinctly remember creating a post about my girlfriend Amy's 5 year old little boy who died tragically. As difficult as this past year has been for Amy, she pulled together a memorial for Carston at his ASU preschool. They built this incredible Firehouse for the kids at the preschool to play in since Carston was amazed with fireman. This was an incredibly difficult day as you can imagine. Here, I am encountering all these new amazing adventures with Tatum in kindergarten and my girlfriend only dreams about these moments. I am reminded of what it means to live each day to it's fullest as I think about her daily. I only wish I would have made the time to have Carston come to Mike's firestation.... I have really learned to make things happen and not let things go! Those little things mean ALOT!

On a lighter note... time for Cardinal Football!!! Yahoo, we spent last weekend up in cool Flagstaff with the rest of the MANY crazy Cardinal fans! This too marks the time where I posted many blogs about my excitement for the Cardinals. Let's just say we were new to the whole Cardinal camp routine, spent an hour waiting to meet Larry Fitzgerald only to find that 20 minutes goes by fast, can you believe we only got Big Red's autograph (the bird)! We are very excited to start the season off with some great tailgates and winning games. It was so nice to get away and enjoy time with friends and cool off! This marks the beginning of many to Cardinal football posts to come! Enjoy!

Tatum's First Day of Kindergarten

Well, Mike and I knew this day would come but we weren't sure how we would feel. I realized how quickly time flies and how scary that feels!! My little girl has such a zest for life that I think Mike and I will miss her presence around the house throughout the week. In addition, we have come to realize that this is a new chapter of hers and our life - and I think it may take some time to embrace(not so much for her but for us!).

Tatum's teacher handed out this poem below as she walked into her classroom and it really touched us and put it all into perspective. Please enjoy!

The First Day
I gave you a little wink and smile
As you entered my room today.
For I know how hard it is to leave
and know your child must stay.
You've been with her for five years now
And have been a loving guide,
But now, alas, the time has come
To leave her at my side.
Just know that as you drive away
And tears down your cheeks may flow
I'll love her as I would my own
and help her learn and grow.
For as a parent, I too know
How quickly the years do pass
and that one day soon it will be my turn
To take my child to class.
So please put your mind at ease
And cry those tears no more
For I will love her and take her in
When you leave her at my door.



She did survive her first day and was super excited about telling me about what they have planned for tomorrow.

Broken Camera = NO BLOG ENTRIES

The past two months we have had so much going on and I have had the craziness of a broken camera. Luckily, my lovely father-in-law had an extra one and I was able to catch some of the fun family memories. I must start first with the new addition to our family, "Miss Delila" as my little Jilly bean yells everytime we walk in the door. Delila is our 5 lb miniature dachsund who joined our family in early May and let me tell you she has been nothing but a true joy. When Mike and I decided we would finally get a dog, it just had to be the "right one": it needed to be potty trained, out of the puppy stage but not too old, and finally it had to be one that the girls would just love.. ie lap dog. She is just perfect and everyone who meets her feels the same.

The next big event for our family was Tatum's Dance Recital that we had just a couple of weeks ago. She has been so excited for this night and worked hard practicing her two dances. It's amazing to see her grow and develop in such a short time, she actually has some level of rythm and technique, I don't know where she get's that from. Along with her dance recital she has managed to lose two teeth in about a week.

Lastly, we just returned from the annual McDonald Family San Diego trip. I have to say we have done this for the past 3 years and it just keeps getting better and better as the girls get older. We had a blast although Tatum was bummed she couldn't go on the Mission Beach Roller Coaster... but Jilly got to go on her first ride at the amusement park and before she knew what to do.. she just bust out in laughter and ever since has been eager to go on any ride they will let her on.

Proud Parent Moment!

I know we all have had many proud parent moments but this is one I just can't pass up. My daughter Tatum was chosen to sing a solo for her end of the year school program. Needless, to say I was excited and nervous for her knowing I would have never been able to do something like this now or even at the age of 5. We must have listened and practiced the song a million times and when we dropped her off she was completely confident. Well.... not so much two minutes before she was to go on. Apparently, she had a melt down when she saw the audience, it sounded a little like this "I can't do it, no Mrs. Gifford I don't want to go out there!" Luckily for me, her wonderful teacher and pastor had to get her through this moment (i think there were some prayers involved). Thank god for the wonderful teachers at this school because she pulled it off and did wonderfully! Here is a clip for you all to enjoy because, yes I know you all wanted to hear it!

Oh, and I can't forget about my little Jilly bean. She made it all the way through her two songs without crying off the stage. At the Christmas program she was the only child who went crying off the stage. So we had two milestones in the McDonald family both of which I was very proud of. These are the moments when you realize how wonderful children are and that it is all worth it!

What a great Easter!

Well I was a bit worried about how this Easter would turn out as Saturday was so rainy that we didn't get to do any of the fun events I had planned. This really bummed me out as I truly enjoy these outdoor activities and we were going to celebrate Easter with my family at the Ahwatukee parade events. Needless to say that did not happen and we spent most of the day at my house indoors. I did an impromptu Easter egg hunt in the rain and the kids had a ball. Although Saturday wasn't my idea of fun, Sunday was! I couldn't have asked for a better day. I truly enjoy attending Mass on Easter as I feel it is a time of renewal and new beginnings, I love all the kids in their adorable clothing and I love this time with my family. I can honestly say this is the first Easter where I was able to truly enjoy the whole mass, my lovely aunt saved me a seat in the church (which by the way is a BIG deal) and my children behaved! We then had a lovely breakfast at Cheesecake factory and then celebrated with Mike's family in the afternoon with great food and lots of fun activities with the kids. There was no stress, and the weather was beautiful.. I feel extremely blessed to have so many wonderful gifts in my life.
Tatum doing one of her usual poses! To get Jilly to take a picture I had to promise her a peice of her Easter candy!

What A Day!

Yesterday was packed full of lots of fun and too much WIND! Last night Mike and I had felt like we had spent the day on the ski slopes because our faces felt wind burned. Although the wind was crazy we sure had a BEAUTIFUL Day! We spent the first half of the day at The Farm at South Mountina where we celebrated twin girls, Taylor and Piper's 5th Birthday! These sweet little girls lost their mother in August and it was so wonderful watching them have such a fun time with all their family and friends. (Jessica, you should be proud!) We played old fashion games like red rover, duck duck goose and bubbles. If you have never been there it is amazing and my kids have the best time. It reminds me that we don't need all kinds of toys, flashing games, and entertainers for kids to have a good time. The party favor was a package of sunflower seeds, Tatum has been asking me since we left the party if we could plant the seeds. I am no green thumb so we will see... I'll keep you posted on how the sunflower is growing, if at all. Madison, Jocelyn, and Tatum in the garden.

Then the second half of our day was spent at Tumbleweed park celebrating Great Grandpa Cook's 80th Birthday. Again the day was spent with balls, sidewalk chalk, and of course the McDonald family favorite BAGGO. I love the fact that the girls get the chance to know who their great grandparents are, as it is significant, and i think it makes them feel special to know that they have so much family to love.

March... what a month!

If anyone knows me they know I love Spring and that this time of year makes me very happy. I love Easter, I love the flowers in bloom, I love the weather (as most do), but most importantly I love those many March Birthdays and Pisces in my life (how is it that I have soo many!)

To start out... it was Mike's birthday on the 14th and we enjoyed a wonderful evening with friends and family. Topped off the night at San Felipe's in Tempe Market Place and got as close to a Spring Break weekend in Mexico as we could. Mike also got a chance to spend some time with his best buddies in Vegas and it sounds like he had a great time. I love you sweetie and am blessed to have you as my husband and as the wonderful father of my girls! My dear friend Geneal shares Mike's Birthday... ironic huh! Two pretty special people who mean so much to me! Here is a picture of us out sharing the night with old friends had a great time as always I realize how important lifelong friendships are (I've know Geneal since the 4th grade... WOW!)

My mom turned 60.. can you believe it! How is that possible.. and how old does that make me (lets not talk about it!) Anyways, mom you look more beautiful than ever and I am proud to be your daughter.

Outside of all the birthdays, we have enjoyed this month and spring break with trips to Girly Girlz, hiking A mountain, Tempe Art's Festival and various other birthday's. (The last picture is my neice Taylor who turned 7 on March 12) I think we had a birthday or two every weekend this month. Of course my girls love the parties and constant activities and continue asking what are we doing now.

Tatum and Kendal (do you see any similiarities..)

Sammy, Taylor, Preston, Madison

Just BELIEVE!!

Who would have ever thought the Cardinals would be going to the Superbowl... oh that would be Mike and I. Every September Mike and I think "this is going to be our year..." and of course MANY people disagreed with us. I am just one of those realists that do believe things like this can happen. What a game, we have really enjoyed this season for several reasons, one is of course that WE ARE awesome and going to the Superbowl, but also we have really been able to go to these games and enjoy ourselves. In the past we would usually miss a few games due to childcare issues (8 hour events can be a little taxing on the family (thank you to those who helped out!)..... but this year we have really tried to commit to our time together and with our friends. It has been so great having our buddies Keri and Jason with us this year (boy did they pick the year to get season tickets:)! We have also thoroughly enjoyed our tailgating with Adam and various other friends who have joined us.

Here we are getting ready to leave for the big game and yes I have flags on my car, a poster and magnetic strip on the back of the car. Mike put a stop to the excitement when I brought out the shoe polish.. ha ha! Who cares, how many times do you go to the Superbowl?!!?

So today... we have a new president which feels great...as we do need change, something I strongly encourage many of my clients to accept and work on as I am a big proponent of change. And, the Cardinals are going to the Superbowl, keep your fingers crossed that I get a ticket through the lottery system! LIFE IS GOOD!

What a great start to 2009!

Need I say more... when you have been a Cardinals Fan for the last 15 years you can understand my excitment! This is not only great for the fans but the economy as well. We need a boost right now, with these dismall times, this is just the way to do it. Basically this just means more good things to come. Maybe our First Superbowl... who knows, I take it game by game or should I say quarter by quarter.

I have made a few New Years resolutions which I have diligently been working on. One was to take a Bikram Yoga class which I did this past week. I have gone twice now and am really enjoying how I feel and meeting some of the most interesting people.... kind of a freeing experience especially when you go to a studio in Tempe.

Another resolution is to find more quality time with my girls. These past six months have been filled with looking for a new home, moving, getting settled and then celebrating all the holidays (6 parties in the month of December can kind of put you over the edge.. a little).

Here are a few pics of the girls as they are growing so fast, literally right before my eyes. We go take a tour of Tatum's kindergarten this week and I can't believe it!

Tempe Christian Christmas Show, Tatum sang her heart out and Jilly went crying off the stage.
Aspire Gymnastics family show. Again, Tatum performed and Jilly cried for about the first 20 minutes. However, we still enjoyed ourselves.

Needless to say it was a busy ending to 2008 and an exciting start to 2009! Look for me at the NFC championship game!! Go CARDINALS!!