Day Six - Happy Snow Day

Kenzie could not believe her eyes when she got up this morning and looked outside. She ran right for all her snow gear and suited up. (good thinking mom & dad) The snow wouldn't hold together so we couldn't make a snowman but she had fun frolicking around with her friend Abbey the dog. (as you can see, Abbey is thrilled to have a new friend)

We went to storytime at the library again and came home to make cookies since we couldn't play at the park or go on a bike ride. I was going to have a cute little life lesson about how the next best thing about eating cookies is sharing them with friends...... but grandma was just too darn tired for the going out and sharing part. We will just have to have fun eating them.

Day Five - McDonald's Happy Meal

Refer to Miss Mackenzie's family blog http://tyja83.blogspot.com/, post of March 23, 2009. The first order for today was getting a trim for her bangs that she gave quite a chopping to. She is now just as cute as a button.

Next we went to Grandma's "quilting school" where I sewed with Ann and Melissa and it was Kenzie's job to figure out how to play with Reanna and the toys by herself. She has been a little disturbed that we make food at home and don't go to McDonalds for happy meals. So when Melissa presented the idea that if they would play happily with smiles on their faces until lunch time she would get them one. About 15 minutes later Mackenzie tugged on Melissa's arm..... "hey, I'm having a really hard time keeping this smile on my face the whole time while I play"..... little did Melissa know she had hit pay dirt. Kenzie would have stood on her head for 12 hours for that Happy Meal and chicken nuggets. Too funny.

Kenzie just loves to help cook. She sometimes takes a bad rap for being too bossy and liking to take charge but I'm finding the truth of the matter is..... she is one capable little girl. I handed her the ingredients and she put the whole thing together.... all by herself. She was the pizza sauce spreader, cheese sprinkler, and olive cutter (and eater)

Day Four - Star Chart

Because of the length of time Mackenzie will be here we had to establish some order and who indeed is the REAL boss around here and so no childhood is complete without a star chart. It might be hard to tell but Mackenzie is using her big girl voice, talking politely, making her bed, putting her dirty clothes away, putting her shoes away so she knows where they are and picking up her toys. Boy, is she proud of herself. She can't wait to tell mommy and daddy what a big girl she is and how grown up she is learning to be. Sadly, she thinks being grown up will be the coolest thing ever.... because of course we all do whatever we want ALL THE TIME.

Today was storytime at the libary. The theme was the jungle and "the library lady" read a book about a sloth who did everything slowly, slowly, slowly and a baby elephant who wanted to do everything by himself. It was also very exciting when she got to sing the 5 little monkeys teasing Mr. Alligater song. She checked out 6 library books to read at bedtime.

Day Three - Fun In The Sun

It was a beautiful day so we called our friends Reanna and Melissa to go to Discovery Park with us for a picnic and some play fun. We totally forgot it was spring break and the park was a sea of blond hair and bright pink pants and shirts. The girls had a great time, however Mackenzie did spend a great deal of time wandering the park crying, Reanna, where are you, my friend..... I can't see you. So, sweet. You'd think they were long lost cousins. Well, I suppose they are now. What would life be without a friend to miss us when we're gone.

We also started Day One of our crystal gardens. Kenzie thinks science experiments are pretty cool, even if they are kind of stinky.

Day Two - Rabbits Do What???

We won't mention who forgot oversized rabbits actually hop around the world dropping off baskets full of candy and toys to all the children of the world.... even though one of those critters left a little something in our car yesterday..... sooo, while Kenzie and I went on a little adventure to the park guess who hopped on by leaving a few little treasures including a pair of "slip slops?"

We were invited to Ann & Melissa's family Easter party where Kenzie had the time of her life. She ran in like she had known everyone for her entire life. I have always had a squeamish feeling about the phrase, live life to the fullest", it just seems such an over done and worn out phrase, but that's just what Kenzie seems to do... she just loves to be in the middle of whatever hurricane is about to take off and telling it just which way to blow. After lunch the kids had an Easter egg hunt. They each got to find 14 eggs and one with a car on it that had a slip of papar with a dollar amount written on it they got to trade in for "real" money. There were two $10's, 3 $5's and the rest $1's. Kenzie was thrilled with her dollar and we'll spend it tomorrow. They really know how to have a good time and as you can see it is sometimes hard to tell the kids from the adults. We'd like to thank everyone for such good company and a great afternoon of fun and relaxation.

Kenzie also painted a sparkly butterfly to put in the window and made an Easter cake. She got to be "the sprinkler." It was a busy, full and fun day.

Day One - We Made The Switch

Yesterday we made the switch in Grand Junction, CO. We met Tyler 1/2 way..... Kenzie leaped in our car, with her bicycle and a bag or two and off we went. She is our girl for the next month while Tyler goes to Argentina for some work "stuff." For those of you who have hungered for more stories of Kenzie girl on the home front.... stay tuned we will be making daily posts of all her fun adventures at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

As you should all know, Mackenzie is large and in charge. Last night she seated us on the chairs, along with all the stuffed bears and school was in session. This is my favorite time of day with her..... she is in her play groove and orchestrates how everything will go down..... it's like being part of her grand play. She would make an excellent set director. She wound up the night by checking all of our teeth for cavities. We were all then rousted to the bathrooms to brush our teeth and go to bed. She was still talking when I fell asleep.... P.S. We won't mention that after the 6th phone call we got the idea the traumatized ones of the group were none other than the parents of the well adjusted little girl.

Burgoyne Surrounded

These are the wedding quilts I made for Ryan and Alissa. Each quilt has 6, 888 pieces and the smallest piece is 3/4" square. Kim introduced me to this heritage rich and elegant block and then added her artistic touch with her custom machine quilting to make it worthy of a truly special occaision.

Quiltmakers have long been naming their blocks to commemorate important events, honor a famous person or make strong political statements. The Burgoyne Surrounded block recalls the Revolutionary War battle of Saratoga, New York. On October 17, 1777, a small force of Americans surrounded the army of British "Gentleman Johnny" Burgoyne, and seven thousand British troops under his command and forced him to surrender. The battle proved to be a turning point in America’s fight for independence, convincing France to enter the war. Ironically, the block’s name immortalizes the defeated Burgoyne rather than the victor.

I also like to honor special events and special people with the quilts I make. I like to weave special meaning into their making. I chose a historical pattern for Ryan because of his love of history. One time we visited the Historical Art Museum in Denver and it was like going with my own tour guide. He really enriched that experience for me because of his knowledge of world history. I made Alissa’s from the same pattern, only reversing the use of the light and dark fabric. Kind of like a yin and yang style of companion quilts. I wanted to do one for each of them to honor, not only the unity of their marriage, but also the independence inside of it they have lovingly preserved for each other.