And we are off

Well we have less than 48 hrs until we leave Mackenzie for 11 days. We are either leaving tonight or in the morning to take the trip to Charlottesville where she will be staying. I truly believe that going on this missions trip is what God wants me to do but I need some prayers lifted up for me as I drop her off. I have left her over night before with no problems but knowing I won't be seeing her for 11 days is going to be harder for me. As we go on this trip I would like for everyone to pray for us. There will be 24 of us going on this trip and while we are there we will be doing multiple task.
1 The pastors are fully supporting the local pastors financially so they can make the trip for a 3 day conference. They will receive a bible and some other material. The pastor's wives will also be speaking to the women as well.
2 we will be putting on vbs (vacation bible school) for the children. Last year there was about 50 this year we were told to expect anywhere from 100 to 150.
3 We will also be putting on a program that we do at our church called spirit of baseball. We will be bringing in the local kids and provide them with the basic tools needed to play and we will teach them the skills involved in baseball.
4There was also a horrible hurricane in the area and hundreds of people lost there home. We will be building some of there homes as well.
5We will also be working with the children one and one.
6 Most importantly we need prayer that Gods word will spread and that the people will be receptive too it and we will see lives changed.
there will be pictures posted when we get back.
Thanks for all the prayers and support.

I finally became brave and let Mackenzie feed herself. She did a great job, although princess did enjoy a few bites. I may have to rethink the whole eating situation with princess being in the house.

Mackenzie has always enjoyed her bath time.

Bath time

11 Months old

I know its been a long time since I have posted a blog. We have been extremely busy this summer and I feel like I haven't had much to post. We have been doing are usual outings. I have a friend that I meet with once a week about sometimes every other week. It usually involves doing something where the kids can play some and then we try and scrapbook or work on jewelry while the kids take a nap. We also go to my parents house a lot where we can go swimming and play out in the yard.
Travis and I decided that I would do a trial run at the Ludwigs (which is the family she will be staying with while we are out of the country) and stay the night there one night. She did an excellent job. She went to bed around 7:45 which is a little later than normal but because of the longer drive out to there house she fell asleep. She woke up one time in the night around 2:30,3 o'oclock but she only was up for about 5 mins and then slept til about 7:45.
On a more exciting note Mackenzie took her first steps yesterday, July 19th 2010. I wish I could have gotten it on tape but it happened all too fast. I hope to catch her again and have my camera close by.
I have started letting Mackenzie feed herself this past week. That has been a real struggle for me because I don't like letting her make a mess everywhere but I know that she has to learn and I need to let go. She has done fairly well. I started out by breaking up pancakes and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and placing them on her plate.
Travis and I leave for our trip in 5 days and will be away from Mackenzie for 11 days that including the trip to charlottesville to drop off and pick up Mackenzie. When we get back we are celebrating her 1st birthday. I can't believe it has come this fast. I am also working on taking her paci away from her. She currently uses it in the car, and for her naps and night time. If she falls asleep and looses it she doesn't wake up so that is good. We are working on the car rides first and then will work on her naps and night time later. She doesn't use it during the day and never really has so I don't want to have to worry about it now.

That was one of her reactions after the first set went off =(

Once she calmed down she sat very nicely on Nana's lap.

4th of July

We had a great 4th of July. We started out by having one outdoor service along with a cookout after wards. We also had a pool set up outside and we baptized a bunch of people after the sermon. Last year we baptized 30 people I am not sure what the numbers were this year. They also had a moon bounce and some other activities for the kids. This is the second year of doing this at our church and it has been a huge success. After the services we went home to relax for a little bit and then we went to a cook out with some friends. After that we left and went to see the fireworks with my family and some other friends. The first time that the fireworks went off Mackenzie totally freaked out. She jumped out and started climbing up my friend trying to get closer and closer. I thought I was going to have to leave but after a few minutes she calmed down and sat and watched all the fireworks. It was a lot of fun watching Mackenzie watch them for the first time.

Well we said goodbye to Suzanne and the kids this week. They left to go back home on Tuesday. It was sad to see them go but they will be back in August so its not too far away. This week has been extremely busy. I feel like I have been running crazy for the past two weeks. Travis has been really busy with work as well so between my traveling and him working we haven't seen each other much. Travis and I have three weeks til we leave for our missions trip. I am excited and anxious at the same time.
As for Mackenzie she has been doing great with all the craziness. I really couldn't ask for a better child. She adjust to new things so well. I think she is starting to teeth again. She has been drooling a lot and she has a cold. Yesterday she ended up taking multiple naps instead of two naps. She is still sleeping great at night time which to me is the most important thing. For more exciting news Mackenzie has finally started standing on her own now. Each time is longer and longer. I know she will be walking soon I am so excited for her. I haven't gotten any pictures of her standing yet. I have been so busy I haven't even had a chance to think about picking up a camera. I hope to get some soon.