Merry Christmas From The Schaeffers

Christmas 2011 : The Year in Quick Review

What a great year.  So much has happened in this past year, but the biggest event was the birth of our daughter, Mackenzie.  But let's work up to that...

Well in the beginning of January, it was all so new on finding out I was withchild.  Our minds began to wonder what to do, how to prepare, what kind of things we wanted to enforce with our children, etc.  We had baby names way before we got pregnant, but at this time it was a matter of "I wonder if we will have a boy or girl!?!".  We had kept this news hush for this month except for our immedate family.  Our families were pretty excited to hear about the big news.  In February -- The news was out to all our families -- aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.; told the church, and the IHSA so the excitement has truly begun. Moving on to April -- This was a big month.  We found out we were going to have a sweet baby girl.  So the girl name we had picked out is Mackenzie Kay (Kay -- my middle name).  Very exciting time for us as this was also the halfway point of the pregnancy.  It was now preparation for a little girl! From then on, it was all about the preparation for the arrival of our little girl - from preparing the nursery, the numerous doctor appts, several baby showers, to the day she finally arrived.  August 26th will be a day (among many) I will remember forever. 

Among other things, Zach had a youth winter retreat up at Camp Timber-lee in February.  I hadn't been up there since my senior year of high school (I used to go to that camp every summer since 8th grade).  Never had been there in the winter time, but needless to say, it was nice to be back again.  I wasn't able to do a lot of the activities (tubing, sledding, broomball) with me being so early in my pregnancy, but made it fun anyways.  Really got to develop relationships with the girls in the youth, and had a great experience. He had a mission trip up in Chicago, and from what I heard, had a great learning experience -- both him and the kids that went.  It was a different kind of experience as when one thinks of a mission trip, most will think out of the country, but there are indeed many places throughout the United States, and even narrower, in Illinois, that need to be served, loved, and hear the Word of God.  In November, Zach had the Illinois State Youth Convention (held in Peoria), which he was one of the planners for the event.  What a big success that was.  So many came back and were changed.  Our church had the largest in representation, which gives a testament to our growing youth group.  The youth group has been growing immensely, and with some of the credit to the kids bringing their friends to youth group. 



Christmas 2011



Now that this year is coming to a close, looking back, it has been such a journey.  Each day Zach and I are growing as parents, and could only do so with the love of Christ, and having Him at the center of all that we do.  We are so thankful for our families for countless times of helping us out in times of need, and the amount of love we receive from them is overwhelming.  We are so grateful!! Look forward to the new year, as well as seeing Mackenzie grow up into a beautiful woman of God. 

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!



Is this the cutest baby or what?? :o)



25 Days of Christmas Countdown: Day 15-20

As usual.....a little behind. :o)

Day 15
Scripture: Matthew 6: 9-13
What it says about Jesus: Taught us how to pray

 ⁹ “This, then, is how you should pray:
   “‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
¹⁰ your kingdom come,
your will be done,
   on earth as it is in heaven.
¹¹ Give us today our daily bread.
¹² And forgive us our debts,
   as we also have forgiven our debtors.
¹³ And lead us not into temptation,^[a]
   but deliver us from the evil one.^[b]’

Day 16
Scripture: Luke 8: 5-16
What it says about Jesus: Taught through stories/parables

⁵ “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. ⁶ Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. ⁷ Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. ⁸ Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.”
   When he said this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”
 ⁹ His disciples asked him what this parable meant. ¹⁰ He said, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that,
   “‘though seeing, they may not see;
   though hearing, they may not understand.’^[a]
   11 “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. ¹² Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. ¹³ Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. ¹⁴ The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. ¹⁵ But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

A Lamp on a Stand

    ¹⁶ “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.

Day 17
Scripture: Luke 15: 4-7
What it says about Jesus: Helped sinners

⁴ “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? ⁵ And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders ⁶ and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ ⁷ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

Day 18
Scripture: Luke 10: 29-36
What it says about Jesus: Was Kind

²⁹ But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
 ³⁰ In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. ³¹ A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. ³² So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. ³³ But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. ³⁴ He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. ³⁵ The next day he took out two denarii^[a] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
   ³⁶ “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

Day 19
Scripture: John 14: 26-27
What it says about Jesus: Promised the Holy Spirit

²⁶ But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. ²⁷ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Day 20
Scripture: Matthew 14: 15-21
What it says about Jesus: Performed miracles

¹⁵ As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”
 ¹⁶ Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”
 ¹⁷ “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.
   ¹⁸ “Bring them here to me,” he said. ¹⁹ And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. ²⁰ They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. ²¹ The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.

25 Days of Christmas Countdown: Day 14

Scripture: Luke 2: 42-49
What it says about Jesus: Ability to teach at 12 years old

⁴² When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. ⁴³ After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. ⁴⁴ Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. ⁴⁵ When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. ⁴⁶ After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. ⁴⁷ Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. ⁴⁸ When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”
   ⁴⁹ “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”^[a]

Pinterest Creation: Pretzel Wreath

I made this over the weekend.  Something I found on my new favorite website-- Pinterest.  Very easy to make.  I'm sure by the picture you can tell how I made it.  Feel free to comment if you want to know how.  Enjoy!!

Mackenzie Lately :o) 3 Months

Here is my little update on my sweet Mackenzie.  I can't believe we are passed the 3 month mark, and are already half way to 4!! She is just growing so fast, and I totally can relate to long time parents when they say "kids grow up so fast".  My list of Mackenzie's accomplishments so far.

• LOVES to talk -- she coos all the time....i love those sounds!
• tummy time is mastered, and i can see already how much of a strong neck she has
• she has started to roll over...not consistently, as right now i think she does it without really knowing what she is doing.  nevertheless, i captured one of the times on film!
• loves to sit in her bumbo seat and take in all the different sights and sounds
• she has the most beautiful smile in the world, that just melts your heart
• on average sleeps about 9 hours straight -- so thankful! 
• she is a drooling queen! we have to put bibs on her to try to keep her clothes dry for a little while, i suspect we will be seeing teeth in the next month or so --AH!
•  we are starting to get lots of laughs from her....i love baby laughs!
• loves when daddy sings "Dashing through the Snow" and bounces her on his lap
• doesnt take a whole lot to get this girl to smile....is always so happy (minus when she's hungry or a bit tired ;o) )
• she has some strong legs, loves to stretch them out or have you hold her in a standing position -- perfect for developing those soccer muscles!!
• as i said last time....she is just growing in length, she is not quite 4 months and has to wear 6 month clothes so that they are not 3/4 sleeved or capris! haha
• not sure what eye color she will have....still blue now (my dad has blueish eyes, so it's always a possibility) but we think eventually she will get hazel like mommy and daddy.
• thank God for pacifiers....she loves that thing!
• had her baby dedication on Dec. 4, and she was absolutely beautiful!
• loves looking at the TV or the Christmas tree lights....something about the brightness and colors  

Well I think that's about it....excited for the Christmas season!!

25 Days of Christmas Countdown: Days 8-13

Day 8
Scripture: Luke 22: 41-45
What is says about Jesus: He was Submissive to His Father

⁴¹ He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, ⁴² “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” ⁴³ An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. ⁴⁴ And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.^[a]
 45 When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow.

Day 9
Scripture: John 13: 3-17
What is says about Jesus: He was Humble

³ Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; ⁴ so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. ⁵ After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
 ⁶ He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
 ⁷ Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
 ⁸ “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”
   Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
 ⁹ “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”
 ¹⁰ Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” ¹¹ For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.
 ¹² When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. ¹³ “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. ¹⁴ Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. ¹⁵ I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. ¹⁶ Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. ¹⁷ Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Day 10
Scripture: Luke 6: 12
What it says about Jesus: Prayer; Consistently Communicated with God, His Father

 ¹² One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.

Day 11
Scripture: Luke 2: 51-52
What is says about Jesus: Obeyed his Parents

 ⁵¹ Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. ⁵² And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

Day 12
Scripture: Matthew 3: 13-17
What is says about Jesus: Obeyed God & his Commandments

 ¹³ Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. ¹⁴ But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
 ¹⁵ Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
 ¹⁶ As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. ¹⁷ And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

Day 13
Scripture: Matthew 5: 2-16
What is says about Jesus: Gave Counsel

He said:
   ³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
   for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴ Blessed are those who mourn,
   for they will be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek,
   for they will inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
   for they will be filled.
⁷ Blessed are the merciful,
   for they will be shown mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart,
   for they will see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers,
   for they will be called children of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
   for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
   ¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Salt and Light

    ¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
   ¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

25 Days of Christmas Countdown: Days 3-7

Ok so I have let too much time pass.  Being a mommy sure keeps you busy!  These next two posts is me writing to catch up on the Christmas Scripture.  So these two posts will most likely be a bit long.  I'll try to keep it short :o) (Remember this is not from me, as I got it from a website that I found through Pinterest).

Day 3
Scripture: John 4:46-53
What it says about Jesus: Has the Power to Heal

 ⁴⁶ Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. ⁴⁷ When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death.
   ⁴⁸ “Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.”
 ⁴⁹ The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.”
   ⁵⁰ “Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.”
   The man took Jesus at his word and departed. ⁵¹ While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. ⁵² When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, “Yesterday, at one in the afternoon, the fever left him.”
 ⁵³ Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and his whole household believed.

Day 4
Scripture: John 2:13-17
What is says about Jesus: Reverent & Opposed Evil
¹³ When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. ¹⁴ In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. ¹⁵ So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. ¹⁶ To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” ¹⁷ His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.”^[a]

Day 5
Scripture: Mark 4: 35-41
What is says about Jesus: Power over Elements

³⁵ That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” ³⁶ Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. ³⁷ A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. ³⁸ Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
 ³⁹ He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
 ⁴⁰ He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
 ⁴¹ They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

Day 6

Scripture: MArk 10: 13-16
What is says about Jesus: Loves the little Children

¹³ People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. ¹⁴ When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. ¹⁵ Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” ¹⁶ And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

Day 7
Scripture: Luke 10: 38-42
What is says about Jesus: Make people happy

 ³⁸ As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. ³⁹ She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. ⁴⁰ But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
   ⁴¹ “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, ⁴² but few things are needed—or indeed only one.^[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

25 Days of Christmas Countdown: Day 2

Luke 7:36-50
What is says about Jesus: Is Forgiving
What is says to us: We need to be just as forgiving to those around us, as no one is perfect. It all comes down to the heart.

³⁶ When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. ³⁷ A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. ³⁸ As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.
 ³⁹ When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”
 ⁴⁰ Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”
   “Tell me, teacher,” he said.
   ⁴¹ “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii,^[a] and the other fifty. ⁴² Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”
 ⁴³ Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.”
   “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.
 ⁴⁴ Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. ⁴⁵ You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. ⁴⁶ You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. ⁴⁷ Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”
 ⁴⁸ Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
 ⁴⁹ The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”
 ⁵⁰ Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

25 Days of Christmas Countdown: Day 1

It is December!! I can't believe it.  Not only have all the leaves fallen off the trees, and the temperature is to my dismay -- cold --, it is that time of year that we celebrate Christ's birth.  It is my favorite time of year -- minus the really cold weather, snow, etc. 

Anyways, I am totally addicted to this new website...Pinterest.  If you haven't gone to the website or haven't heard of it, I would totally encourage you if you wish to get ideas galore.  Don't say though that I didn't warn you....it is addicting! Anyways, the website is http://www.pinterest.com/.  Moving on, I was looking on Pinterest for fun, different, or possibly unique Christmas decorations, traditions, photography tips, etc, and came across a "Pin" that someone posted.  It is a "Family Christmas Scripture Tradition".  It gives 24 scriptures in regards to our Savior -- his character, etc as well as when you get closer to the 25th, it goes into the story of Christ's birth -- to talk/discuss about with your family.  I totally like this idea especially with having a little one now, and wanting to keep her firmly rooted in a Christian upbringing.  So in the days of December, in case you do not want to go to Pinterest to find it, I thought I would share this tradition as Zach and I parttake in it.  Without further to do, Day 1.

Scripture: Luke 8:41-56
What it says about Jesus' Character -- He is Compassionate
What is says we should do -- Have Faith

"Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house ⁴² because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying.
   As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. ⁴³ And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years,^[a] but no one could heal her. ⁴⁴ She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.
   ⁴⁵ “Who touched me?” Jesus asked.
   When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.”
 ⁴⁶ But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.”
 ⁴⁷ Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. ⁴⁸ Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”
 ⁴⁹ While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” he said. “Don’t bother the teacher anymore.”
 ⁵⁰ Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.”
 ⁵¹ When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child’s father and mother. ⁵² Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.”
 ⁵³ They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. ⁵⁴ But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” ⁵⁵ Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. ⁵⁶ Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened."


I don't know about any of you, but this story is truly an awesome one.  There are two stories that display the  faith; a faith that we need to have in our own lives.  First, the example of faith in the woman that reached out to touch Jesus, in faith, in hopes that the long term bleeding she was suffering from, would be healed.  When I read that Jesus said "...I know that power has gone out from me", makes me picture how great he really is, and what that must have felt like.  That is some faith that woman had...a kind of faith I would like in my own life, and hope that many will see that in me.  The second is Jesus' telling the father to not "be afraid, just believe and she will be healed."  This just goes to show that Jesus does have EVERYTHING in his control, and when you have faith, you will be taken care of. 

Hope this enourages you as much as it does for me as we enter into this Christmas season!

Post Thanksgiving....

Well Thanksgiving has come and gone, and again, I just can't believe how fast time has gone by!! It was so nice to see family and catch up, and just makes me miss being able to see family more often. Mackenzie is already a little of 3 months now, and we are headed into Christmas! Each day I can't believe how fast Mackenzie is growing up.  She is quite the little "chatter box".  She just loves to coo and smile.  Really the only time she cries is 1. she is hungry -- go figure, I would be too if all I was drinking was milk :o) 2. when she is tired.  She is still quite the little "fighter" when it comes to sleep...I mean I love that she loves to be in my company but sleep is healthy for the little peanut.  Naps are getting better, but night time can be a challenge at times.  But once she is asleep, she is sleeping like 9-11 (usually 9) hours through the night so can't complain there. 

This year was the first year I did not have to work on Black Friday (thank you Mackenzie! haha), and so Zach and I were able to go out, while Mackenzie got some grandma/grandpa time, and see what deals were out there.  We really weren't going out for anything in particular, but we did manage to get a really good deal on a camcorder that was originally $250 for $150.  I am excited to begin capturing Mackenzie's "firsts" as now is the time she is starting to be more interactive with us.  I think pretty soon we will be seeing her consistently rolling over!!

We haven't put our Christmas tree or decorations yet....I know...how can this be?? After all, I usually am ready to put up the Christmas tree at the end of October/beginning of November, and have been listening to Christmas music since November 1st.  Well needless to say, Sunday I woke up with a head cold (UGH!!), and am just getting my energy back so hopefully this weekend Zach, Mackenzie, and I can get this accomplished.  I can't wait to take pics of Mackenzie by the Christmas tree with the lights all lit up! She is going to be soo cute!  It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!

Mackenzie Lately :o)

A little update on my beautiful daughter, Mackenzie. 

She has been growing so fast! She is in 3-6 month clothes, but in 3-6 month full onesies (with the closed toes) she is outgrowing them!! This girl is mega long right now.  Hopefully this will mean that she will be a tall girl!  I can't believe that she is 3 months already.  Time is just flying by so fast! She is so much more interactive now.  I get smiles like crazy (unless she is hungry and wants her food! haha), and cooes like all the time.  Quite the little chatter box we are.  She is one that fights her naps I have discovered.  She just wants to be playing with me, and so sometimes it is quite the task to get her to sleep, however, when she is tired, it usually doesn't take long to fall asleep.  When she does take her naps, Zach and I have discovered she does like several "cat naps" throughout the day.  We usually get one good nap of like an hour and half, but all the other ones, we get lucky to get her to sleep for 45 mins.  Oh well, there are worse things in life :o)

She has mastered tummy time, and holding her head up.  I have sat her in her little bumbo seat, and she sits there for quite sometime just looking around.  I put a few toys on the attachable tray, and she is starting to learn to not only grab them on her own, but beginning to bring them to her mouth to chew on.  She loves her Baby Einstein tummy/play mat, and it's always a joy to watch her learn looking around at the little toys, etc.  Whoever invented these tummy/play mats is/was a genius. I love watching her grab things, but also, moving her little body everywhere.  Changing her diaper can be quite the task since she just loves to move!  Zach just the other day said he can see her trying to roll over but not quite so we'll have what seems to be quite the little mobile baby in a matter of a few short months. 

She has been sleeping through the night for quite some time now.  We usually get her in bed by 7:30pm, and she has been getting up at 5am the earliest, but lately, been sleeping till about 6:30am.  Which has been such a blessing!  Mommy and daddy love getting that sleep! One of my favorite moments with her is going into her room after she has made it clear she is ready to be up, is going in there, and when I begin to talk to her, and say good morning, she just has the biggest smile on her face that just melts my heart. 

Well that sums up a good chunk of what we have been up to.  We are excited for the holidays, and for Mackenzie to enjoy her first Thanksgiving!!

 I LOVE BEING A MOM!!



Love this face!!



Thankfulness Series: Zachary Michael

So today, I am extremely thankful for my husband, Zach.  Words cannot express how thankful I am for him.  I am so blessed to have him enter my life 7+ years ago.  To think I didn't even particularly care about dating when I first got to college.  All I was focused on was playing to the best of my ability in soccer, but God saw differently. 

The proposal

There are so many things that I love, and what make him such a great man of God.  First of all, my needs always come first before his.  He is one of the most selfless people I know.  From what he does for his family to me, and now for his daughter, just shows the amount of love he has in his heart.  He is already such a great father.  He helps out in so many ways with Mackenzie.  He plays with her, gets her to smile (still waiting for those first laughs), and if I am exhausted, he puts her to bed, and lets mommy get to bed.  Not to mention, he will during the week get up and feed her if she gets up at an early time of the morning so I can get a little more rest before getting up for work since he goes in later than I do. 

I always fun with him.  He is a big kid at times....I think that comes with dealing with junior & senior high kids in the youth group.  He is always up for trying something different and fun with me.  We have so many fun memories, and I can't wait to make more with him. 
He is a man after God's own heart.  He has such a confidence that we will be taken care of no matter what the situation we are in.  As we all fall short at times, he knows this, and for that he strives to be better.  He is such an encouragement to me as well.  I am not perfect, and he loves me despite my imperfections. 
There is so much that makes him such a great husband, and now father, and with that makes me so thankful and grateful he is in my life.

This is Love <3



Two Peas In a Pod









The Day We Said I Do



Thankfulness Series: Family

Today, I am thankful for family, and not just my family, but for Zach's family as well.  Both have had a huge impact on me in so many ways. 

First of all, I am incredibly blessed to have been born into the family that I am in.  I have two wonderful/awesome parents, and the best siblings that anyone could ask for.  I am so grateful for the parents that I have...to list a few reasons (because there is so much more!):
  - they have been happily married for 30+ years
  - established a Christ centered foundation in my life
  - have always come first in their lives ....even now at this age
  - there has never been a time where I have felt unloved
  - have always been supportive in the many areas of my life (sports, college, marriage, now baby to name a few)
  - if I am in need, they will do their best to help in any way
  - I know either would come down in a heartbeat for me
  - my mom is one of my best friends....she's the greatest!! (I can write a novel on how grateful I am for her), I probably could talk to her like 5 times a day, but try to stick around 2. haha. 
  - I am truly a daddy's girl....I love my many laughs and conversations I have with him
I may be biased, but I have the best parents in the world!!

Now to my siblings....my twin sister, Michelle, my big brother Joel, and of course my sister-in-law, Kylee.  Kylee has been in our family for 7+ years now, and I couldn't ask for a better sister-in-law and wife for my brother.  First of all, she can stand my brother so she gets like 1000+ extra bonus points! Haha.  All kidding aside, Kylee is truly an amazing woman.  Even before I really knew her, she had come to watch some of my soccer games when I played at Trinity.  She would cheer for me, and support me, when she wasn't techinically "married into" the family just yet.  And now being married to my brother for 4 years, it's been a blast.  In recent times, she has been incredibly supportive of me.  She checked on me and helped me throughout my entire pregnancy, and now with having Mackenzie, she has shown even more love especially to her little neice (no worries, I'm not jealous).  Even with treating me like a real sister, and her being just an incredible woman, my favorite part is the love she is for my family, and my brother.  I look forward to developing a closer relationship/friendship in the many years to come.  Now onto my big brother, Joel...well what can I say?  He is my only brother :o)  There is a sense of proudness I think for a younger sibling looking at the older, and I think even more when it comes to a little sister and a big brother.  My brother first of all, is probably the best athlete I know out there.  God has blessed him so much.  I would love watching his games (not just to see all his cute friends, but that was a bonus), as it was an inspiration for me to work just as hard.  I will never be as great as him, but I think I came close. ;o)  Have so many fond memories growing up with him.  The many games we played in the hallway upstairs, the countless times of being teased (it's funny now lol), how random he can be, or seeing how much of a morning person he was in high school (in case you didn't pick up on the sarcasm, he was not a morning person at all....more like a zombie).  As I was in college, he came to a few of my soccer games, and even though 90 mins of soccer is not always the first thing he wants to sit through, he came because he loves me and supports me, and there was never a time I didn't feel that.  God has grown him so much, and he is just an unbelievable man today.  To conclude with my one and only twin sister, Michelle.  Well where do I start?  She has been with me every step of the way growing up.  Two peas in a pod we have become.  From playing soccer 24/7 (so it seemed) to playing with our polly pockets growing up....life as twins, we are definitely close.  I would be lying if I said we never had our arguments or disagreements, but in the end, deep down, I love her, and she loves me.  For twins, I would say we have things that are similar, but for those that really know us, we are definitely different.  Not in a bad way, but in a way, that we can say that being a twin doesn't mean you automatically are the same in every aspect.  She is one of my best friends (besides Zach and my mom) in which I know I can tell her ANYTHING, and know I will not be judged, criticized, or put down negatively in any way, shape, or form.

The list is truly endless.  Thinking about how thankful I am for my family, really makes me think back on a lot of memories and the timeless traditions we have in my years growing up.  These are just some of the reasons why I am so thankful....I could write for hours for the millions of reason more!


To sum up Zach's family, as I am still getting to know them, I am still incredibly blessed.  I feel such great love & support from his brother Luke & his wife Megan, as well as his sister Mari.  There has never been a time where I did not feel that love or support by each of them.  They have had such an impact on Zach and I in such a positive way.  I am so thankful to marry into such a great family. His parents, Jim and Cindy, have been such a blessing to Zach and I as well.  With supporting us in whatever problem should arise, to Cindy coming up and babysitting two days a week for her grandbaby.  I feel incredibly blessed by Zach's family. 

Well clearly I have written a novel, but it's so hard not to, when you have two such great and wonderful families!  Again....GOD IS SOOO GREAT!!!



My Family



Zach's family (minus Bella & our neice Kynley, as this is an older pic)

Thankfulness Series: Mackenzie

Since this is the month of November, and Thanksgiving is only about a week away, I thought I would share some of the things I'm thankful for.  It is amazing to me that everytime this time of year approaches, it gets people (at least some) to think about what they are thankful for in their lives.  It really provides the opportunity to look back on the year, and see how far they have come.  And that is what I've been doing these past couple weeks. 

For today, of course, I'm thankful for is my beautiful daughter Mackenzie.  From the first time I found out I had life forming inside of me until she was finally born on August 26th.  It has blown me away how great our God is when I look at her.  The intricate process of forming a baby just blows me away.  God has this design and it amazes me the attention to detail He has especially when creating a baby.  I look back at the very beginning of the year when I found out I was pregnant.  The fact that a good chunk of women have morning sickness in the beginning (and unfortunately for some it plagues them for a good amount of their pregnancy), and the purpose it really serves, I have no idea, but God knows!  As the baby continues to grow, your body adapts -- which just amazes me that your body just "knows" what to do because of how God created the woman.  Even after I have the baby, how my body then adapts to the child no longer growing inside of me, trying to get back to "normal" but then at the same time, God has allowed the ability for women to produce milk from their breast, to be able to bring nutrients to their child.  He truly thought of everything possible.  And that's not even mentioning things that went on in my body that I have no idea what went on....all to bring such a beautiful girl into the world. 

It really is true when they say that when you have children, you never thought it would be possible to love someone soo much.  I mean we love our families, our significant other, etc., but having your own child brings a different kind of love out of you.  I would imagine it is the same love that God has for his son Jesus.  The same love the God has for each and every one of us.

I love this scripture: Psalm 139:13-14, 16-18

"For you created my inmost being: you knit me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well....Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand -- when I awake, I am still with you."

HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD PEOPLE!?! :o)

Forming in my womb

To a Beautiful creation

Mackenzie Lately:o)

I wouldn't trade anything for the blessing of Mackenzie.  Sure motherhood is hard.  To say it's been a breeze would be a complete lie, but I wouldn't take it back.  The first couple months have just flown by, and my little Mackenzie will be almost 3 months.  So far she has been able to meet all the great-grandparents, and see extended family.  Although she does not truly know who they are, I know she was blessed by each and every one of them. 

I've learned a lot about myself in these past couple months, and God has definitely grown me in ways I never thought he could.  Let's take patience.  Haha. I'm sure those that are parents already know exactly what I mean.  Patience on all accounts -- less sleep, tending to someone else's needs besides your own, and dealing with a crying baby when it seems like there is no answer as to why.  I have learned the concept of "overtired", and learned the lesson of over stimulating a baby.  I am getting better of  paying attention to her need of sleep, and so she really doesn't fuss unless she's been up a little longer than she needs to be.  I tell you what though, there is just a sense of proudness when you go out, and people ooo and ahh at her.  I may be biased, but she is the cutest baby I have ever seen (and I thought I was cute as a baby haha). 

Mackenzie has come a long way since she was born.  She is holding her head up very well now...she is filling out, and not with her adorable chubby cheeks but with little leg rolls, etc.  I can't believe how much she has changed.  She doesn't look anything like how she did in that first week or two. I'm trying to take tons of pictures to remember these moments. She has been sleeping through the night (at least 9 hours give or take a few hours).  Those first nights she began sleeping longer, I think I went in her home like several times to make sure she was still breathing.  :o) Mackenzie LOVES bath time.  She can just lounge in her tub it seems like for hours.  I can't wait until she begins splish splashing around in the tub.  Other milestones, she is quite the "cooer" now, and smiles like crazy.  I love seeing her smile.  One of my favorites is when she first gets up in the morning, and I go to her, and when she recognizes my voice, she just smiles and coos like crazy.  It's pretty irresistable.  I bought her her Christmas outfits -- yes outfitS -- she needs to have one for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. :o) 

I imagine some of you might be wondering how my little Bella is taking to the new addition.  Well, at this point in time she doesn't particularly care.  I think she felt a little left out when we first brought Mackenzie home, but she still follows me around, and loves to snuggle with me, so I know she is not upset.  Lately, she goes up to Mackenzie and sniffs and then licks her face.  It's pretty cute.  We'll see how she when Mackenzie is more mobile, and begins to pull on her hair. haha

Well that's it for now....I am excited and anxious to begin our own unique holiday/family traditions as Thanksgiving and Christmas are quickly approaching! 

Mackenzie's First Month

The first month definitely had its ups and downs or highs and lows, however you want to term it.  The first week seemed like a breeze as all Mackenzie did was eat, sleep, poop/pee.  I was able to get some sleep, as I had my mom and mother-in-law with me in a two week span.  After they had left, it was still quite the challenge learning to be a mom, and trying to make sure all Mackenzie's needs were being met.  She wasn't much of a crier so that wasn't so bad.  However, I began to miss sleep time as she was feeding every two hours.  I truly have a great husband, and not father.  Zach was such a great help.  Month 1 flew by so fast. 

Some pictures to commemorate Mackenzie's first month in the world.