Macey's Birthday Weekend!

I got home from Nashville and went almost straight to the ward Christmas party.  The next morning I woke up and had to plan Macey's bday party and get her presents etc.  We also had a wedding reception and basketball game that day.  It was wild.  Can a person die from too many things to do?  I hope not. 

But Macey ended up with a good birthday weekend and that's all that matters.

The highlight was that she got a pet parakeet.  Yes, I caved and tried another pet.  Our only other pet is Buster the cat who is a total lemon so I've been afraid to try another pet.  So far, so good with this little Parakeet whom Macey named "Jewel."  She is quiet, sweet, and easy.... so far... kindof... well I think that needs to be a separate post actually so stay tuned.

We made Macey hide in a bag before the big bird reveal!

She was really surprised.  She had been asking for a bunny and I had been saying no way but then I realized she probably needed some sort of pet so we went with a bird.  Macey has held her constantly since Saturday and can do all the care herself.   

We used gloves at first just in case, but Jewel doesn't bite at all and if she nips a little it doesn't hurt thank goodness!

Everybody loves her...

That night Macey had some friends over for a small party.  

We decorated pillow cases (almost my dumbest idea ever).

Played games...

watched a movie and just had fun.  Simple but good enough.  Macey was happy.  Two of her besties from Brentwood came which was awesome.

the NEXT night we had a little party for Macey and Bennett.  Their bdays are only 1 day apart.  They loved it.  Cake, chocolate bar game again, some presents and guess what? I forgot to take a photo of the family that came.  Darn.

Can't believe my girl is 9!  I will always think of her as 5 I think.  She is getting very big and responsible now and I love that. I had her parent/teacher conference today at school and I was proud to hear that she's doing well. Macey makes me laugh and is a lot of fun.  She has a big imagination which I love and she is always busy, busy, busy.  She can play with anyone of any age.  She loves to make things and create.  She is sensitive but confident and tough too.  She has a good strong singing voice.  She will eat almost anything.  She talks back to grown ups.  She can argue a point to death.  She's funny and goofy and actually makes me laugh a lot.  I just love her.  I'm thankful for her in our family.  Happy birthday Macey!

101 Dalmations

Macey was in the fall production of 101 Dalmations!  She was a Chihuahua and really adorable of course.

I've said it before but the directors who do these plays are amazing!  The shows turn out so good and somehow they get all of these little kids to do exactly what they're supposed to. 

Cruella Devil was awesome.

Macey's parts had to be said in a mexican accent- she nailed it and it was funny.  I told her to channel her inner Nacho and she did a great job. She was nice and LOUD- I always tell her she was blessed with a loud voice and it's times like these that it comes in handy.

Thanks to all the friends and family who came to watch her!

Right after the first show she headed to my parents with all of her cousins for a cousin sleepover.  It was crazy- I wish I had pictures- they had such a great time.  Thanks mom and dad.

SOCCER!

Another year of soccer. I love it for the exercise, the 2 times a week playdate with friends not at my house, and the experience of being on a team.  I don't love the Saturday games.  Ok, I love watching the Saturday games, but I don't love the time it takes away from our Saturday. I don't know how long we'll keep doing soccer.  Both Mace and Logan love it but they also love other sports and can't do everything so we will see.  We have the most ideal soccer situation possible though.  My kids have the same coach- a wonderful dad whose kids are on both my kids teams. Plus he played soccer in Italy so they all listen to him.  Plus he is super nice and doesn't care about winning but having fun and learning the game. Totally my kindof coach.  Also, their practices are at the middle school down the street so almost no driving has to be involved AND their practices overlap a bit.  It really is so perfect and I love it.

Macey has played goalie a few times this year.  She's on the fence about it.  It's a lot of pressure but fun too.

Logan's games are getting intense.  I like to watch them but I get super nervous too.  The other day Logan was slide tackled by some gigantic kid.  To say I was angry is an understatement. I can't help it but when my kid is hurt I just get super mad.  Plus he was literally about to score when the kid slidetackled him.  I guess slidetackling is allowed if they hit the ball, but this kid hit Logan's ankle and seeing him crawling on the grass trying to get up made me sick.  Luckily he was ok.  And the team got a free kick and scored so that was cool.  He did have a sore neck and some bruises for a few days.

Poor Mack is dragged from field to field.  I think he likes it though- most of our fields have playgrounds too!  YAY!

The season is not quite over.  It seems to be longer every year.  A few more weeks to go!