Tell It Like It Is

Sunday evening Mackinsie and I were making plans for Thursday. At some point I said that I would put on my "thinking cap" about that. She responded, "Grandma, I don't think that you have a thinking cap anymore". LOVE IT! I always tell her it's a good thing I have her. She's the "smart and beautiful one".

I need to record this story:

Mackensie has a really deep understanding of death. Awhile ago we were having one of our classic breakfast conversations. We were talking about our bodies and spirits being two different things. The body is where our spirit lives while on earth. She ask me, "Grandma, do you think our spirits knew each other in heaven?". Oh, I believe we did, I told her. "That's it! I knew it! I think our spirits are twins. WE ARE TWINS! We like the same things, what's your favorite color? Purple, I respond. Mine to, she says. What's your favorite food? Chocolate, I respond. Mine to, she says. We play question and answer for a few minutes. Then I suggested that we come up with names that rhyme. She wanted to keep Mackensie - so my twin name is Madaline.

Thoughts from Mackensie

So, I have developed a bad habit lately of talking with my mouth full of food, or eating to fast. Who knows why! My lip is really taking a beating. Today Mackensie and I were driving and eating a bag of Gold Fish (that was lunch!). I bit my lip, talking with food in my mouth. I expressed myself to Mackensie and showed her my lip.

She thought for a moment and then said, "Grandma, you need to start doing lady practice." I ask what that meant. "It's where you learn not to talk with food in your mouth and eat like a lady." Where did you learn that, I ask. "On ICarly. Sam (a girl) wanted a boyfriend, so ICarly taught her how to be lady like. Lady Practice, I just made that up myself right now."

Apparently TV does have value!!!! I love that little girl. Another GREAT THURSDAY!

I LOVE SPRING!

Yesterday was a perfect spring day! We went outside to play and Mackensie discovered that she is now tall enough to get on the swing and the glider by herself! Grace, Peyton and Angie came over and while Angie and I visited in the swing the girls rode the glider and visited. After they left I was pushing Mackensie on the swing and all of a sudden she yelled out as loud as she could
"I LOVE SPRING!!!!" Me to my sweet angel, me to!

Austin News

For those of you that don't know, Austin is 11 almost 12. He is in the sixth grade and getting nervous about junior high. Ryan and Valerie got an email from his principle this week telling them that he had nominated Austin for National Junior Leadership! If he wins this honor he will go to on a Washington DC trip. He was full of compliments about my smart and compassionate grandson! He shows great leadership qualities, when he finishes his work he loves to walk around and help others. His teacher does appreciate that! He reads over 12th grade level and they have him doing advanced math. He may not always make the right choice at home (what 11 year does?), but he is showing greatness at school. His Dad was really proud of him. He still can't beat his Dad at basketball, but give him another year and he'll probably be taller than him! I love you Austin and couldn't be prouder!

Mackensie Fun

Mackensie and I were saying our goodbyes, we exchanged the original I love to the Moon and back, back and forth we went. Then I said, "I love you to Minnesota, stop and find Dean, and back again". She looked at me and said, "Can I go with you? I want to see Uncle Dean". !!!!

At Preschool they have what they call your special day. That means you get to bring show and tell and invite someone to snack with you. Her last one was last Monday. I talked with her on the telephone Tuesday for something else and ask her how her special day went. She told me that I needed to talk to Mommy about that. So Valerie told me that she had stood up and "read" her book to everyone. Thursday I made a comment about how proud I was of her etc etc. She looked at me and said, "Grandma, we don't have to talk about that anymore. It's just the way I am now." I asked her if it was OK for me to still tell her that I'm proud of her? She answered, "Yes, and I will tell you Thank You". So, being brave is just who she is now! She also told me she doesn't like the boys anymore, except for Andrew. She has made girl friends now, even goes to Little Gym again with one of them, Hannah. Yes, the one who told her she didn't want to play with her months ago. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I LOVE THAT LITTLE BRAVE RICKS GIRL!!!

More Comfort Foods

turkey thigh supper
3 medium red potatoes, cut into chunks
1/2 pound fresh baby carrots
2 medium onions, cut into chunks
4 turkey thighs, skin removed
1 can ( 10 3/4 ounces) condensed tomato soup, undiluted
1/3 cup water
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt

In a 5-qt slow cooker, layer the potatoes, carrots and onions. Top with turkey. Combine the soup, water, garlic, Italian seasoning and salt; pour over turkey. Cover and cook on high for 7-8 hours or until a meat thermometer reads 180 degrees and vegetables are tender. yield: 4 servings

You can substitute chicken breasts for the turkey or honey-flavored barbecue sauce for the soup mixture.

Mackensie Funny

Last Thursday night, I was sitting in the family room visiting with Valerie, when Mackensie came in and stood in front of me. She said, "Grandma, I feel sorry for you". I ask her why? "Because you are missing out on all the fun, since you are not playing with me". !!!!!!!!!!!