Trying to Stay Ahead

Between taking care of three little ones, babysitting two other little ones, drum lessons, gymnastics, my photography business, taking care of the house, cooking on a special diet, the holidays, and keeping up with the day to day tasks of life, I've been neglecting my blog! There has been a lot going on in our house that I want to share so bear with me the next few weeks as I try to catch up! In the meantime, here is a picture of my beautiful children at Grandpa Dean and Grandma Jeanne's house!

My Favorite Green Smoothie

When we were on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (and didn't know that Haiden was sensitive to almonds), I spent a lot of time at Georgetown Market buying almonds and cashews in bulk. I feel in love with this store because they have a juice bar. My favorite drink from there is called Tine Dream. Since I am unable to make the trip as much I decided to try my own version of the Tine Dream. I was pretty darn proud when it tasted just like the one they make at Georgetown! What I love most about this drink is that the kids even like it, especially my anti-anything-green guy...Mason. Put organic spinach, organic bananas, frozen peaches in a food processor or blender and start blending. Add coconut milk kefir (loaded with probiotics) and apple juice. Enjoy!

So, so yummy!!!! If you decide to try this please let me know what you think.

Fall Fun

What's been going on with the McKinney's this past month?
Haiden lost his first tooth! He was so excited too! For a sensory kid, I was shocked. He has been wiggling it around for weeks and then came up to me and asked if I would pull it. I grabbed a tissue, counted to three, and pulled. His eyes got really big and he was a little freaked out by the blood but no tears. We went on a trip to Stony Creek Farm in Noblesville. This place is great and if you are looking for a family friendly pumpkin patch with lots of activities for kids, this is it!

They had a tractor for the kids to play on,

a maze made out of straw bales,

and a giant jumping pillow that Haiden loved.

They also had a hay rides, a kid friendly haunted house, food, a pumpkin train, and zip lining!

When we carved our pumpkin I got this picture of Haiden and just loved it!

Mason helping carve his first pumpkin.

Ella helped out too. Even though she didn't like the smell and wouldn't touch the "goop" inside, she liked helping scoop it out.

So just a few years ago this would of made Haiden throw up. Now he is being a comedian.

We then took the kids trick or treating. This can be difficult because we know they are going to get a bunch of junk that they can't have, so my husband and I take care of that problem :)

I can't believe we are into our 2nd week of November already! We will be heading back home to Tell City for Thanksgiving and I can't wait to visit with family and friends.

I'm also excited to share a new green smoothie that I made and the kids even liked it!

My Grandpa

My Grandpa went to a better place last week. Although our hearts are broken and we miss him dearly, we have so many wonderful memories. It has been difficult explaining everything to the kids. Ella and Mason are too young to understand but Haiden is just at that age where he understands but is really confused. With Haiden being so literal and seeing me a wreck, he has had a hard time. I told him that Gramps is with God but when he saw Gramps at the visitation he said, "You told me Gramps was with God so why is he sleeping in that bed?" Before I could think of an answer Haiden said, "Oh, is he dreaming that he is with God?" I said, "Yes."

I was able to speak at Grandpa's service and I am so happy that I did. Below is what I said:

There are not enough words to describe one of the greatest men I have ever known. My grandpa had so many admirable qualities. He was a strong man, very giving, caring, helpful, gentle, hard working, loving, courageous, full of wisdom, and a man of God. He always made us want to be better without even saying a word. Though I think he was most proud of being called a devoted husband, a father, a grandpa, and Gramps. He loved his family unconditionally and always put his family first. We were his world and he always let us know that. I am so grateful for the wonderful memories he made. From our trips to Florida, sporting events, plays, holidays, birthday parties, or just hanging out, he was always there. We will always hold these memories in our hearts. While trying to find comfort in Grandpa's passing I found this poem. As I was reading it I knew it was what Grandpa would say now that he is with the Lord.

You can shed tears that I am gone but please smile because I have lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that I'll come back but please open your eyes and see all that I left.

Your heart can be empty because you can't see me but please be full of the love we shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday but please be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember me and only that I'm gone but please cherish my memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back but please do what I'd want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

Grandpa we will miss you so much. Thank you for always being there, thank you for the cherished memories, thank you for being the best Grandpa in the world.