Leggings For Anna

I love a baby girl in a dress, and after having 7 daughters, I have a lot to choose from!

But I hate messing with baby tights! And while Babylegs are adorable, I don't like trying to keep them up either!

 So, to solve this problem, I made Anna some leggings!

I used this pattern and then made some changes. Not only did I cut them longer, but also wider by placing the pattern about an inch from the fold. Then I folded up the foot portion of the pattern to make leggings instead of tights.

 I decided to ruffle the bottom edge by pulling the fabric super tight while running a close zig-zag stitch at the edge of the fabric. I stitched around each twice. This leaves a nice girly look!

I also added a gusset to help make enough room for my daughter's cloth diapered heinie!

They fit great,

 and keep her covered and warm!

 That makes us both happy!

What the Mini Macks Do In Their Free Time Pt. 2

So what else do the mini Macks find to do?

 Grow facial hair!

 They grew many different colors,

 and styles of moustaches!

Some grew bushy ones,

 and some grew thin ones.

 And some even added glasses for a total package! (EEK!)

There was lots of giggling! And they all had so much fun! (even Emily. Can you find her?)

Except Josiah. He wasn't impressed. At all.

But that's ok. 

It's amazing how well my kids all get along. They truly enjoy each other's company and love having fun together!

I love my family!

 

What the Mini Macks Do In Their Free Time Pt. 1

Have you ever wondered what kids in a large family do in their free time? In our family the mini Macks get together and do things like this:

Film their own show of Don't Forget the Lyrics, Couples Edition!
(Be prepared for some loveliness! ha!)

 Lovely, huh?
Just in case you're wondering, this is really my daughter, Emily!
Want a close-up?

Amazing what one can do with mascara isn't it?
(I'm loving the unibrow!)

 And of course the other half of the couple was played by Megan . Just beautiful, isn't she? *snicker*

You can't have a game show without a host!

  Seth was happy to play host (as long as there was no make-up involved).

Sarah handled all the lyrics and music!

Lots of craziness,

and laughter ensued....

I don't think the show will ever make it to TV, but they had a great time and made lots of fun memories!



Rainbow Opportunities

Abby, in the quiet pursuit of rainbows.

I love the reminder of this picture.

How days can pass me by, filled with busy-ness. The nagging in my head that there are so many things to do or clean. How I can get frustrated with having to clean up the milk spills (again) or referee the disagreements (again). There's always so much to do.

But, I need to remember to find those patches of "sunlight" to make my own "rainbows". Talking with my kids,loving these little ones, snuggling babies. It does matter! Quietly making "rainbows" in all our hearts.

Seasons of life come and go, but there are always patches of sunlight to enjoy!

2 months

My baby girl is 2 months old.

She is happy and mellow.

Weighing in at 11 lb. 14 oz.

Someday she will willingly sleep longer than 45 min, but until then,

we will just enjoy her beautiful grins!

The Wonderful Magic of Flash

As I was looking through all the Christmas pictures, I came across these:

(Excuse the Christmas present explosion in the background!)

One very tired, grumpy Josiah

+ one bright flash from the camera

= pure magical delight!

Oh, these kids....

how I love them so.

They came to me, one by one, each a unique individual from birth.

Each one with their own strengths and weaknesses.

Each one amazing.

I am so thankful I get to share their lives.

2011 was a big year for this little man! Not only did he turn one and learn to walk this past year, but he also learned to run, jump and get into EVERYTHING! Most importantly though, he became a big brother,

to this beauty!

Who really was my favorite gift this past year!

To Noah,

Has it really been 15 years since you came to join our family?

It was a rough delivery, and you didn't seem to handle the shock of being on the outside very well.

They gave you full CPR to bring you back.

It was just the beginning of you stressing your parents out!

A little boy who always did the opposite of what he was told and had to see for himself if bad things REALLY would happen!

But now you've grown (a lot!), and we will continue to pray for you!

For your happiness, for your safety, for you to follow God's will....

because we know He must have big plans for you!

Happy 15th Birthday, Noah!

We love you!