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!