#4 officially on his/her way!

After a lot of soul searching, we decided to try for another baby.  This was a hard decision after dealing with some difficult pregnancies, but also because I think we were starting to really enjoy the freedom of not having a baby that needed our constant care.  However, we know our family is not complete quite yet, and I mean, when you make them as cute as we do... we can't deprive the world of more of our offspring.  

So, we are officially announcing that we are expecting baby #4!  Went to the doctor yesterday and the due date is May 19th.  Maggie's birthday is May 20th and Ellie's is May 21st so that's going to be a busy week for us but I suppose it is convenient for grandparents to come visit and be able to be around for all three birthdays.  We'll see if I last that long... I'm pro induction.

Daniel has conveniently planned a business trip for these past four weeks and has left me alone with the children when I am feeling most nauseous and most tired and most moody.  Actually, I think the timing of the trip was actually quite convenient for him.  We are certainly looking forward to Dan's return on Saturday.

So, hoping for a healthier, happier pregnancy and that this baby will come into the world healthy and happy as well.

PS- Kids all want a brother... Ellie just looks at the pattern and has decided that a boy is just the natural next gender to have, Owen wants another boy and gets mad that Ellie and Maggie won't play cars with him, Maggie just says boy since the other two say it.

There is a haunting behind our house!

Our backyard is being haunted by three pretty cute little witches.  Thank you dollar store for providing hours of fun and also providing my son with his first (of what I suspect will be many) capes.... he's been flying around the house ever since.

Halloween decor is out, parties are in the works, costumes are ordered and there are three kids who are pretty excited about Halloween this year.

Six Month Review

A have very few pictures all together in one place of the last six months, so the pictures I do have are kind of from all over the place.  So, here is a post of pictures to review the last six months.

 Lots of mall trips to play on the play ground and ride the train.  Maggie loves trains.

Ellie played soccer in the Spring but also is playing this Fall... this picture makes my kids look like babies... for some reason they look a lot younger in this picture... I think this was March.

Pat and I ran in several 5Ks, Evan joined us for his first 5K and I ran a half marathon back in March.

Ells got her hair cut.

Dad had major surgery to cut his cancer out...

Then made a miraculous recovery to get back to racquetball 6 weeks later.

Lucy passed puppy school... but has since digressed... though she is a perfect dog when the kids are not around.

LOTS of swimming and water play this summer.

Kids love the water and now Elise and Owen both swim on their own and Maggie is trying to learn... next year I bet she will get it.

Evan and I ate 50 wings at one sitting.

I love wings.

Erin went camping at Girls Camp with the youth at Church.  Look at me... I am so ready to get my camp on!

Dan got a new hair do.

We've been loving life and our family!!

Totally lame 6-month wrap up, I know... oh well.  Soccer pictures to come!

Haven't Blogged--- I've been cruising!!

Yeah, we went on a cruise but probably not a 5 month long so my blog drought has nothing to do with the cruise really.  Life just got busy and crazy and my time has been eaten up.  I hope to make blogging more of a priority but we will see how things go.

Well, we went on a cruise!!!  The stars aligned and Dan and I decided to go on a cruise with my parents and brother.  Dan's mom was so amazing and willing to stay with our kids for 6 days... bless her.  It was great to get away and have a vacation as a couple since we haven't enjoyed that luxury since we went on our honeymoon.  My mom copied the pictures on a memory stick for me but only about a quarter of them are on there so I will have to post more pictures later, but here are a few...

You may not be able to tell but this is the tannest I have ever been.  I know, I don't even look Caucasian. 

Evan... he's a lucky man!!  Evan has honed his mooching capabilities and was able to leech out a cruise on the parents.  I am a master myself, but even I could learn a little from him.  I think Ev had fun and didn't mind being the 5th wheel.-- The alternative was leaving him home with an empty house on his 21st birthday. 

 The men.

 Dan having fun.

 Mo and Pops.

 Our feet.  Dad had the camera.  Something some of you may or may not know is that us McPhersons... specific to Dad, myself and Evan... love to take pictures of random things and ourselves.

Me and Ev.

The cruise was fun.  We did a stop in Progresso where we did jet skis and then in Cozumel where we did zip lining and snorkeling.  Pictures to come...

Elise turns 5 today!

Happy Birthday Elise Louise!  Every year you turn another year older is a year where I can't believe I was lucky enough to have you as my daughter... and also a year where I can't believe I am old enough to have a daughter your age.

Elise, there is so much in you that is good, but I will try to touch on a few of my favorite things about you...

• you are a wonderful big sister...everyone tells me so
• you take wonderful care of your siblings, like a little mama
• you are incredible intelligent
• we love your long blond locks
• we love how excited you get about holidays.... it makes it so much better for everyone around you as they all get as excited as you do

• you hardly ever make it to bed after 8, but no matter what time you go to sleep, you always wake up around 5
• you like to poor everyone their own drink
• you have a very creative imagination and enjoy making up scenarios while you play
• you love to be told that you are beautiful... it always feels good to be told the truth
• you are the cruise director around here and are always curious as to what we are doing next

• you love to play with friends... you are a social child even though you are often shy at first
• your memory is amazing... I can never get one over on you and all adults learn quickly never to promise something without coming through on time
• you love all things girlie

• you are bossy... must be a first child thing
• you love swimming and will surely be doing laps by the end of this summer
• you always want everyone to participate and are good at getting others to join in
• you usually do what mom asks of you

• you love to have books read to you.. we are now reading you chapter books and you love it
• all of your grandparents adore you... why wouldn't they?
• you enjoy baking and cooking
• you love doing all sorts of arts and crafts projects

• you have a sweet tooth... not your fault...genetic
• you love being outside
• you have a green thumb and are eager to get outside to check on our fruits and vegetables as soon as the sun is out
• you love surprises as long as you don't know about them beforehand, then it's torture for you
• you love to dress up and pretend you're a princess

• you are very sweet and still love being held
• you are learning how to match colors well, but still aren't quite perfect at matching patterns (you pick out some crazy clothes sometimes)
• you are a crank when you are tired
• you're incredibly excited about kindergarten

• you love anything new... for a day
• you want to be a princess all the time if you could
• you have a cute smile that lights up all around you and also makes your dimple show

Ellie, we love you so very much.  You made your mom and dad parents and helped us to discover the meaning of true love.  Thank you for being the person you are.  It's easy to see that you have amazing things ahead of you in your life and we couldn't be happier that we get to be around to see it all unfold for you.  We hope you never lose your sweet and friendly spirit.  We love you!!  Happy Birthday darling!

Magdalyn turns 2 today!

I can't believe my baby girl is 2 today.  The time has gone by too fast.

Since it's your birthday Maggie, I'm going to write a list of accomplishments and things I love about you so we can always remember this time in your life.

• you have a good sense of humor already
• you love to eat but stay skinny
• you think you can do anything your older brother and sister can do
• you give the best kisses....simply delicious!
• I think you might be the first teenager to still be sucking on a pacifier
• you decided you wanted to use the potty in March and will go whenever you want to or I tell you to

• you have a funny personality
• we knew you were going to be a goofy kid from the very beginning and so far you have lived up to that
• you make silly faces all the time
• you have an attitude... a big one... I am scared for when you are a teenager

• you have your father wrapped around your little finger
• you fall asleep in your bed yet always wake up in ours...hmmm
• you are in love with your brother and sister and want to do all that they do
• thanks to your brother you like Lightning McQueen

• you love to be outside
• you enjoy helping mom do just about anything
• you like to clean, I realize this will pass
• you are sassy
• you love to be held
• you pinch for comfort and it hurts
• you love to have your nails painted

• you are very stubborn
• you can throw a nasty fit
• you love to look pretty and always remember to put a bow in your hair
• you enjoy planting in the garden
• you think your hot stuff when you get to carry the keys to the mailbox
• you love the puppy... sometimes too much

• you have a toothy grin 
• you love to go places and see new things
• you LOVE the water...it's scary
• you give really good squeezes (hugs)

• you love it when mom takes your picture but aren't a fan of strangers taking your picture

• you love looking at pictures
• you really enjoy reading and constantly have books in your arms
• you are a great snuggler

• you have curly hair and we love it--even if your sister snipped some of the curls off
• you're very concerned about dental hygiene and make sure that all the kids get their teeth brushed
• you enjoy art projects, especially when you can do it all yourself

• you are talking up a storm now but you really weren't that interested until 18 months
• you are strong
• you can beat up your brother and sister--you don't take guff from any kid
• people always reference Maggie Simpson when you have your pacifier in your mouth...it's fitting
• you're a good dancer and you love to sing
• you can ride your trike like a champ... all by yourself

Magdalyn Beth... we love you so much.  You put smiles on all our faces every day.  We are privileged to have you as a member of our family.  Happy 2nd birthday my darling baby girl!!!