McNames News

Just a spattering.....

2011-10-12T16:43:00.000-07:00

I won't go into all the reasons I haven't updated this blog in well over a year, but after trying to send pictures to family through email and having it work only half the time, I'm frustrated. Frustrated yet determined to be better about sending pics of the kids to our loved ones, so here is a very quick spattering of some of the events in our family's lives for the last eighteen months.

Warning.... they may be seriously out of order, there could be a ton of grammatical and spelling errors, and I'm certain I forgot a bunch, but I know you'll forgive me. Enjoy!

2011-10-12T15:58:00.000-07:00

Audrey turned 9 on August 15th. This summer she had read 3 different Jane Austin novels, which was impressive..... and then announced that she wanted to have a "Pride and Prejudice Birthday Party". After much discussion, we decided on a "Book Club Birthday Party", so that all of the little girls attending could bring their favorite book and we could still style the party like an Austin period tea or brunch. Audrey and I had such a blast working on this project together, she's a girl after my own heart! The invitation. I have a friend that was able to take her picture and show me how to turn it into that cute little silhouette you see below.

Each girl went home with a personalized book box full of goodies like a quill looking pen, mini journal and a cute little book that included a collection of some of Audrey's favorite literary quotes, and a bundle of personalized book labels.

The Cake.

The cookies.

"Once there was a girl named Audrey..." (banner below)

The girls used lace ribbon and these charms (below), to make their very own book marks

2011-10-12T15:32:00.000-07:00

In early August, we had a little get together for Stella's 3rd Birthday. It was a "Purse Party"! Stella has a serious affection for purses and handbags! If there are ever a set of keys, wallet or cell phone missing, I know to start going through her collection of purses!

Audrey's 1st concert..... Brandi Carlile! And it was a good one too. Audrey's learning how to play "The Story" on the piano right now.

With Max and Grace (cousins), at the Visitor Center.

Joe just finished his second 5k of the summer below!

2011-10-12T14:45:00.000-07:00

Joey graduated from cub scouts, and is now in the "big leagues" as a BOY SCOUT!

This is Joe's all time favorite picture of Stella.

Joey with some of his friends in the front yard on his birthday May 2011. He asked for a movie themed party, below is the cake, and yes the popcorn are yellow mini- marshmallows... so fun!

Audrey did this beautiful acrylic painting of a purple tulip and it got chosen to be shown in the Edmond's Art festival. A budding artist! Quinn graduated from preschool!!! It was pretty cute!

Spring time at on the rocky Northwest beach.

Last year, as a 5th grader, Joey decided to try out for the school musical, "The Music Man". Well he ended up coming away with the lead role, Herold Hill, and after months of long daily rehearsals, he blew us away! This was one of the best experiences are family has ever had, we all got to pitch in with costumes and sets, it will always be one of my favorite memories. (sorry the pics are bad, it was really hard to take pictures during the production.)

Easter 2011, it was raining of course, so pictures inside. (I know this is lame, but I can't figure out how to rotate this picture.)

2011-10-12T14:31:00.000-07:00

Below are a series of pictures from a party I helped do for a good friend of ours last March. It was a Baking Party, where the girls learned how to make soft pretzels, decorate cupcakes and even played a game where they learned how to crack eggs. Then they filled up "Josie's Bakery", so the parents and siblings could enjoy the fruits of their labors! It was one of the cutest parties I've seen, the details really made it! The only thing I don't have a picture of is the cute cupcake liner garland that Audrey helped make, but trust me it was adorable.

2011-10-12T14:01:00.000-07:00

This was New Years Day 2011 at Ensign Ranch up in the Cascades. They get a little more snow up there, and we couldn't go a whole winter without sledding!

The 2011 Blue and Gold Banquet was my last event as Cub Master. After 4 years, it felt good to turn the program over to capable hands, and "go out with a bang!" We made the theme "Legoland, Building a better Cub Scout", and it involved........ yes, those are 6 giant Lego Brick cakes below. The boys had a blast!

2011-10-12T13:18:00.000-07:00

More cub scout events, and a new addition to the wig box.... Joe was "Jimmy Rip" and hosted the pack's 2010 Pinewood Derby! Joey didn't fare especially well on the races, but he won People's Choice which was all he seemed to care about anyway!

This was a cake I did for my cousin-in-laws parents anniversary. We miss having Jeff and Kristina up here!

Audrey's Baptism, August 15th, 2010. What a special day for her and our family! Audrey amazes me. This little girl has incredible faith. She get's up every morning and on her own, reads her scriptures first thing. She is beautiful in and out!

Easter morning 2010, after the hunt. Stella with her cousin Maddy.

Per Your Request.......

2010-03-09T10:32:00.000-08:00

Several people have been asking me to post pictures of our family's endeavors in the world of scouting. Ok, so here they are........ The proof that I really am the Cub Master! And yes, I wear a khaki uniform with a "neckerchief"! And yes, I talk Joe into humiliating himself for the sake of the cub scouts at least once every three months. Yes, I even drag my father into these goofy pack meetings on occasion. ( Although he is always so willing!)

Scouting............. If you had told me even 5 years ago that someday I would be at the center of Pinewood Derbys, Roundtables and Flag Ceremonies, I would have laughed out loud. Even now, two and half years into it, we have our weak moments and our proud. Sometimes I still have to laugh just to keep from crying, but I am thankful for this unlikely call non the less. I have learned a ton, and I get to spend time with Joey in a way I would never have thought that we would share.

This is "Safari Jack" our special guest in October. He sounded a bit Australian but it was hard to pin point his accent.

Quinn's 4th Birthday

2010-02-23T10:23:00.000-08:00

Poor Quinn doesn't really realize yet.... but his Birthday date stinks! December 23rd!!! No, we did not plan it, (I don't think we officially planned any of our kids births though come to think of it.) In an effort to make it a special occasion, we waited until mid January to have his party.

It's funny how it seems like every little boy I know becomes absolutely fascinated with Pirates around 4 and 5.

Joe was a good sport and devout father, as always, and led the party as...... "Captain Big Beard". They had a full on Treasure hunt, and in this picture they're playing pin the patch on the pirate.

(It's kind of crazy how much use we get out of that wig and beard. Crazy but not surprising.)

This is the mast Joe and I constructed and attached to the fireplace. We were pretty darn proud of our selves. We aren't exactly the handiest of handy men.

(Kim, it's easier than it looks. Just dowels, sheets and twine.)

I saw this pinata, and we don't usually do pinatas, but it was so cute and only $9.00! You can see in the background up on the hutch we did a ton of decorating with our 6 Playmobile pirate ships.

I just have to say I love Playmobile! They aren't as small and easy to loose as Legos, but they're still pretty indestructible. We've been acquiring them since Joey had his 4 year old pirate party.

Ok, so everyone knows my favorite part about my kids Birthdays is that I can make a crazy cake, and they will love it no matter how it turns out. There's no pressure and I can go as buck wild as I want, because it's for my child, right? :)

Well I got this gift card to William and Sanoma, (thank you Shayla), and found this adorable cupcake kit there that was way overpriced in my opinion, but so cute and it made these cupcakes a breeze. (FYI, they have a princess kit too.)

All in all a success, and I can't believe my sweet "Quinn the Eskimo" is 4!

A couple of weeks ago in Primary his teacher asked us to tell our kids why they were named their name. Joe and I realized we had never played for him, the song that made us fall in love with the name "Quinn". After quickly rectifying that, Quinn spent the rest of the day running around the house calling himself, "The Mighty Quinn!"

Joe and I still argue which version is better, The Beatles or Bob Dylan?

Quinn, you are a wonderfully thoughtful boy that brings me so much joy and constant laughter. You make lots of messes for your older brother to clean up, you tease your big sister non-stop, you treat Stella like a wrestling dummy, and sometimes I feel like the only three words in your vocabulary are, "I AM HUNGRY!" But you have a strong desire to "choose the right", and your prayers are so beautifully sincere, people can't help but be touched by them. You teach me so much every day. Quinn I love you!

Willy Wonka!

2010-02-11T21:49:00.000-08:00

In January Joey had the opportunity to preform in his school musical, Willy Wonka. He went through the audition process last September, and has been rehearsing as a funny "Oompa Loompa" ever since. Here is a little clip from the play, (hopefully....... this is my first time uploading video.) Joey is the one whispering to his neighbor.

Honestly we were super proud of him, he worked so hard on this!!! It was soooo much fun!!!!

Stella's 18 months Today!

2010-02-05T12:47:00.000-08:00

Stella just passed her 18 month mark which has really flown by! Now some of you may not be able to believe this, but she seems to be even more independent, passionate and fearless than any of my other kids at 18months old. ( I guess at this point they just kind of feed off of each other.) Oh ya, and the boys taught her what and how a "headbutt" works, so now bruises are a constant accessory.

She is a joy, with her cute dimples and those pink rimmed glasses, it feels like our home has constant sunshine, (even in this dark cloudy winter we're having).

And Nursery.......... HERE WE COME!!!

Still playing catch up....

2010-01-08T12:51:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving 2009 at Nana and Grandpa Hall's:

It was a joyful yet low-key Thanksgiving. (That's the way we like it!) While Kirsten, Audrey, her Mom and sisters baked up a storm, Joe took the boys on a "Thanksgiving Morning Adventure." One of the highlights was visiting this creepy old cemetary in Everett, and climbing "Rucker's Tomb."

(By the way.... thanks Mom, for letting me talk you into trying some new dishes, despite the heated "controversy." The meal was divine!!

Christmas Eve/ Danish Dinner 2009:

This year we hosted the much anticipated "Danish Dinner" at the McNames home. It is a special tradition in our family, and it was so much fun to have family AND friends there to participate with us. The menu included all Scandinavian dishes, and a big thanks to Tom for making the "Aebleskiver," they were so delish!!!

Audrey and I made the gingerbread house.... ok we cheated a little, by using a pre-made kit. But the licorice roof was all our idea!

It wouldn't be Christmas Eve without a manger scene reenactment. Karoline, Karli, Tyler and Tommy were such good sports to play along with the kids! Quinn took his role as Wise man very seriously!

Christmas Morning 2009:

These are the faces of Christmas morning....... is there anything left to say!?!?

I guess just ...... THANKS SANTA!!!!!

Happy Halloween!

2009-12-04T13:18:00.000-08:00

Halloween night, Mommy and the two matching Sugar Plum Fairies.

Quinn was "Max" from "Where the Wild things Are". It was so awesome of my sister Kim to send me all the pieces of this costume, all I had to do was assemble. Thank You Kim, you're the best! It was great that Quinn's naturally tousled hairdo actually accentuated the costume.

Joey wanted to be a fierce Viking Warrior.... I was shaking in my boots!

Our good friend Brandy had a Birthday close to Halloween so we did cosmic bowling
and this is the cake I made her.

Let the good times roll.....

2009-12-04T12:35:00.000-08:00

Joey had his third season of soccer. His team was "The Silverados". It was so much fun for our whole family.

This is Grandpa Stella and cousin Madison, Conference Weekend.... Yay, BYU station!

Our city of Lynnwood, built and opened a brand new High School this year. Joey's Cub Scout Troop was invited to be a part of the dedication flag ceremony. It was exciting because this is the school Joey will go to someday.

Mormon's Rock!

2009-12-04T11:28:00.000-08:00

About two months ago our good friends the Pedersen's dropped by with a Dairy Queen cookie dough ice cream cake and I just about died laughing when I realized they had to have the Dairy Queen employee write this on the cake for us. Tom and Brandy, you are some funny people!!!

I got thinking about how we are asked to always look for Missionary opportunities, and although I can't say for sure what Tom and Brandy's motives were in that particular moment, I have always been impressed by their courage. And besides.... Mormon's DO Rock!!!!!

Recently I started watching two girls in the morning before school. They are 7 and 10, and their family is wonderful, but they aren't LDS. Our family, does scripture study every morning at breakfast. (I find if their mouths are full, they absorb a lot more.) So I wondered at first if it would be offensive, or uncomfortable for the girls, to be present for that. They eat breakfast with us. I briefly considered moving our family scripture study to another time, but then I felt kind of ashamed that I hadn't even given this great family the benefit of the doubt. We tried it out for a few days, the girls could not have been more polite, and seemingly interested. I had a conversation with their Mom, she was thrilled that they girls would be getting daily devotionals.

I have to say it's been a surprisingly uplifting experience for us having these girls in our home, at our table sharing the gospel on a daily basis. If nothing else I see the spark of good (for lack of a better word), in my kids eyes as they share their own ideas about what we've read in the scriptures, and then quickly peak to see the two girls' welcome and open faces in response.

I find more and more that the Lord is blessing us in ways we are not even realizing we should be asking for.

Our ward recently had an activity, where every man women and child was invited to come and participate at the Temple. We've taken our children to the Temple grounds several times, but they were invited into the lobby along with the rest of the Primary children at the activity.
I was taken back at how elated they were by the experience. It was so special to Joey, Audrey and even Quinn, all of them couldn't believe that they were allowed inside the doors. They each individually described feeling the Spirit that day, what could be better for a Mom and Dad to hear? I just wanted to write this down so I could help them remember that day.

(Joe took this picture.)

Where is the pause button?

2009-11-30T14:19:00.000-08:00

I know it's been months since I blogged, and to be really honest, it's partly because September/ October were months from "Hades", and partly because I went to this class on journaling/ blogging that made me want to do a better job. Not that I feel like each blog entry needs to be an Ensign article, but I'm still new to this, trying to figure it out, and I want to document what is really going on in our lives, not just the "picture perfect" moments. There is a whole lotta funny, coo-coo, crazy going on in between each of the choreographed events that I want to be able to remember too.
At the same time...... I have NO time!!! So I decided I'll just keep doing what I can, and at least something's getting posted.
Plus, I'm no writer! If you know us, you know.... that's Joe's department. So if you want the witty editorialized version, I'll give ya Joe's cell number. :)

Quinn is yelling at me that he's hungry, (what's new). So that's it for now.... is that real life enough???

I'm feeling kinda sassy today, is that coming out in my writting at all??? :)

Back to School

2009-09-10T12:10:00.001-07:00

The summer flew by, and on Tuesday we started a new school year. Joey is now in 4th grade, and Audrey is in 2nd. Although I am a little heavy hearted to have them away so much of the day, they are very excited to embark upon another year at Lynnwood Elementry. It is however, beneficial for me to be able to give Quinn some much needed one-on-one attention.

What brilliantly clever and studious, yet fashionable, children these two seem! I wonder who their their mother is..... she must have it ALL together!!!
I wonder why they were almost late on the first day then?!?!?

Quinn wanted to be apart of the experience, of course. He has his own back pack.

If you look really carefully, you can see that; "Mom you're embarrassing me", eye roll happening here in Joey's new "upperclassmen" classroom. As, always though...... a really good sport!

Audrey, on the other hand still likes all the attention! Amazingly enough, her teacher, Miss Gough, recognized Joe as soon as we stepped in the door. They went to 7th grade together. What a small world. (Or I guess just a small Lynnwood, Wa.)

Audrey.... You Amaze Me!

2009-09-04T10:12:00.000-07:00

About 9 months ago, Audrey informed me that she wanted a "Masquerade" themed party for her 7th Birthday. I guess I shouldn't have been that surprised, she listens to the "Phantom of the Opera" soundtrack at least every other day. Needless to say she had quite a while to dream up exactly how she wanted the party to go, down to the last detail!
So last Friday night at 7, we had 14 giddy little girls arrive totally decked out for a Masquerade that took place on our deck. Unfortunately, at the exact same stroke of seven, this nasty little flu bug that has been going around hit me like a ton of bricks, so Mommy spent the night on the bathroom floor. Luckily Joe is "The Man", and could take over flawlessly, (ok... well with a little help from Amy and Brandy.) Thank you for taking such wonderful pictures Amy, otherwise I really would have missed the whole thing!

We put up the big camping oning and strung up a small chandelier and lights everywhere. (Thanks Tom and Brandy....and thank you duct tape and zip ties!!)

Audrey looked adorable, and this cake was so fun to make! It's amazing what you can do with fondant. The cake mask we got at "Costume Display," along with that fantastic fan Audrey's holding.

What A Party....

2009-09-04T09:42:00.000-07:00

Everyone got to decorate their own mask for the Masquerade.

We played "Pin the Mask" on the Phantom....

And we were lucky enough to have the phantom make an appearance at the party himself!
Joey, you are such a good sport!

All in all, I think a dream come true for the Birthday Girl!!!

A Birthday Celebration for the Ages....

2009-08-16T14:09:00.000-07:00

Our dear friend Brian Christensen, happens to have the exact same Birthday as Stella. Except, Stella was turning one, and Brian was turning 70! So his wife and I thought it would be too much fun to combine the Party and we were right!!!

The invitation went something like....
"Hey Party People have you heard the news?
Birthday Parties are better in twos!
Bryan's turning Seventy and Stella is only one,
Both born August 5th and a Surprise is always fun.
Come young, come old, just come on time.
We're gonna party like it's 1939!!!"

(Good one ....... Joe!)

Wow Stella, are you going to open it or eat it?!?!

2009-08-16T13:47:00.000-07:00

We did a really fun spread. There was Baked Brie, Shirley Temples, and an adorable candy bar with vintage candy choices like malt balls, peppermint sticks and Boston Beans. The candied Pecans were to die for!!!

We had one candle on top for Stella, and 70 around the middle for Brian.

Joey had to help them both blow out all those candles!

Life is Good!!!!

Stella May McNames is ONE!!!!

2009-08-16T13:04:00.000-07:00

On Stella's actual Birthday, we had a special photo shoot to celebrate her one year accomplishment! Many of you know that Stella had surgery on her cute eyes last Monday, to help correct her "crossed eyes" or Accomodative Esotropia. She has had various prescriptions of glasses for about the last 7 months, but with the help of our wonderful Ped. Ophthalmologist, determined surgery was also necessary. We wanted to have these pictures taken before her surgery, to always have a vivid memory of how she came to us.

I can now say, six days after surgery, that everything went wonderfully, and Stella is getting back to her normal adorable personality. Recovery has been much better than we were anticipating, thank you for all of your prayers and loving support.

These perfect photos were taken by our friend Amy, she truly is a Renaissance Women!

Joey's 9th Birthday!

2009-06-14T14:20:00.000-07:00

Joey has been telling me he wanted a Lego theme party for about 9 months. I have to say, this party was one of the easiest and most fun that I have ever done. The house became "Legoland" for the day and the "Brickmasters" (Joe and I), entertained about 10 kids with all kinds of creative Lego games and competitions. Oh ya, and the Lego shaped candy, cupcakes and cookies helped too! Can you ever have too many Legos though?

2009-06-14T13:53:00.000-07:00

These decorated sugar cookies were part of each boy's party favor, along with their matching Lego figure. Joey hand picked which figure should be given to each of his friends. (Just FYI, you can get this cookie cutter at the Lego store.)

2009-06-14T13:47:00.000-07:00

2009-06-09T23:50:00.000-07:00

Stella and Vivian...... best friends in the making!

A Camping We Will Go....

2009-06-09T23:07:00.000-07:00

What better way to respectfully observe Memorial Day than to sleep on the ground, let your kids light things on fire, and make a human chain down a giant slip-n-slide? Camping at Ensign Ranch was an awesome get a way.

Three days and two nights of adventures with our good friends the Tanners, (or at least we hope they're still our friends after the "run out of gas mishap").

Our Big Beautiful Family

2009-05-19T10:25:00.000-07:00

Finally Family Photos

2009-05-19T10:06:00.000-07:00

Why are family photo sessions one of the most miserable and dreaded experiences? Or maybe it's just me? It seems like you have to move heaven and earth to get one good picture of your family together.

We had planned to do an Easter picture, but of course it poured that day! So last Sunday when I woke up and saw the beautiful sun shinning, I decided to iron all new outfits, and get everyone in their Easter yellow before 9am church, and called our dear freind Amy to come over after church. Of course Quinn and Stella happen to get bruises on their foreheads and it happens to be a crazy busy Sunday, but it was, "now or never!", "do or die!"

The "stars all aligned" for 20 minutes that afternoon, and Amy took beautiful pictures of our family. I couldn't be happier! Yay we did it..... now to get them framed on the wall.

2009-05-14T11:04:00.000-07:00

So Stella got her cute glasses back in February, and it has been a bit of an adjustment for our family. She is still getting used to them, and we are still getting used to all the attention it draws from people in the grocery store check out line.

Audrey being the sweetheart that she is, thought that it would make Stella feel better if her sister were wearing glasses too. So she popped the lenses out of her sun glasses, and can be seen wearing them around most every day.

The New World of Blogging!

2009-05-14T10:52:00.000-07:00

I was totally "one of those" people that snubbed my nose at blogging and adamantly declared that, "I don't have the time for it". But as I found myself sending a dozen emails one day with pictures of the kids, I realized.... it was time. So this is a whole new world for me, and until I figure it out, it may be a very simple world. For now here are a few photos from the last couple of months.

The Missing Child in the Easter Photos

2009-05-14T10:40:00.000-07:00

If you were thinking, "I thought the McNames had 4 kids" after my first blog, you were right. Needless to say Quinn consumed quite a bit of chocolate Easter morning, and was passed out most of the day. So he missed "family photo time", but we'll catch him one of these days.

2009-04-19T13:25:00.000-07:00

Easter 2009

2009-04-19T13:14:00.000-07:00

Brother and Sister on Grandpa Hall's porch, Easter afternoon. We decided to look "bright and sunny, even though the Seattle skies say other wise.