The Macks

Cuddling With Presley

2011-11-11T11:37:00.001-07:00

Only had 3.5 hours of sleep the night before, so my eyes are a little red. Presley is one month old here. She's finally getting some chubby cheeks.

Growing up on Skype

2011-10-20T13:20:00.000-06:00

Since I've started school, Casey and the kids and I use Skype a few times a week to communicate and talk about our days. The kids love it. They call me when Casey isn't around sometimes. They're so smart. They show me their drawings and school work and toys. It's really fun. And not to be outdone by the other kids is little Presley. She got her first taste of Skype with me last night. I've been gone for about 5 days now and she looks different to me already. I'll get to see her grow up on Skype for the next 10 months or so. Anyway here are some pics of her skyping with me.

Eight Days Old.

Smile time...

2011-10-15T11:26:00.004-06:00

Got big grin from Presley this morning. Had to share (plus a few others).

Smiley

She was up late last night with a bubble that wouldn't come out...

Streeeeeech

Lion-roooaaar yawn.

Baby Time!!!

2011-10-13T22:58:00.001-06:00

Presley Kimberly Mack was born 10.11.11 at 5:48pm. She was 12 days early and weighed in at 7lbs. 10oz. and was 20 inches long. She came a little early than anticipated. We originally were gonna be induced today, but due to some new hospital guidelines they were gonna push it back to this coming Sunday. Thursdays are my day off from working in the hospitals, so it wouldn't been great for my schedule. Plus Casey's mom and sister were coming into town on Thursday as well to help and support us. So to counter the hospital's delay, Casey's doctor scraped her membranes on Monday. And planned to do it again Thursday if nothing happened. She started having consistent contractions later on Monday, and they continued all night and into Tuesday morning. I had been calling her regularly to see what was going on. Tuesday morning the contractions worsened, but she didn't want to inconvenience anyone, especially Danny (my brother-in-law that we live with) in taking her to the hospital. Kim (my sister) was out of town and not scheduled to be home until Wednesday. I was in Tucson taking part in a emergency room CPR mock training. We talked before I went in, and Casey thought she'd be fine until I was done at 2pm. Well, she didn't last long. I got a call at about 20 to 2 and I couldn't answer it because I was in the middle of a mock emergency. My sister, Kim, then called at 1:47 (yes I still remember the time) and said the neighbor was taking Casey to the hospital. Our neighbor showed up just at the right time. Casey was having a huge contraction and she was balling on the phone with Kim.
After hanging up with Kim, I immediately ran to the car, which was about 1/2 mile away. I had my trailer with me too, so it was difficult to drive fast. I got an update that she was dilated to a 9 upon admission and that they were preparing to deliver that baby and I was still about an hour away. So... I put the pedal to the metal and burned a lot of fuel racing to Gilbert from Tucson. I immediately called Randa (our cousin) to see if she could go to the hospital and be with her and she was able to get there within about 15 minutes. Casey wouldn't let them take her since I wasn't there yet. So they started an epidural and got her all squared away. Dan and his brother, Mark, met at the hospital and gave her a blessing. She was able to settle in and things actually slowed down after the epidural started. That gave me a enough time to get there. The doctor was actually surprised she didn't go sooner, since he broke her water already. Well... I got there in time. I actually got there an hour and a half before she delivered, so everything turned out okay. Well except the fact that her mom missed everything. She found out while boarding her plane that the baby had already arrived.

We're very glad that she was able to come down with Stacey and help out. Randa and Donna also helped a ton. Thanks guys!

Here are some pictures. Enjoy...

Diesel and Tillman

2011-10-09T22:58:00.003-06:00

Saturday we offered to take Tillman off Cyndi's hands after a cousin's baptism. Didn't have much on the schedule so I decided to take a run out to the Cardinal's stadium and take the boys to the team shop. They got to try on some uniforms and hats and stuff, we were there when they started their next stadium tour, so we got signed up. They were excited to see the field and such. Pregger Casey Ann was a good sport and went on the tour as well. Then milkshakes topped off the day. These little guys are best buds.

Fitz Fans.

Cardinals weren't # 1 this Sunday... :(

Tillman in front of his namesake, Pat Tillman.

Tillman asked me where the statue of "Pat Diesel" was.

Enjoying a shake at Johnny Rockets waiting for the stadium tour to begin. Diesel was starting to get tired of taking pictures.

I had to bribe him to smile in this one.

Inside University of Phoenix Stadium

These guys love camo, quads and football.

"Red Zone"

North endzone

Didn't know this, but everyone Arizona high school football champion from 1A-5A for the last 30+ years has their team photo on one of the super columns that hold up the roof. Took a few pics of my alma mater's championship teams, Thatcher High School. (1986, 1998 and 2000 seen here)

My brother-in-law Danny, played on the 1986 team pictured top left. He's in the back row, # 32.

2006 team.

The turf grows outside of the stadium. They roll it in for each home game. It spends over 350 days outside each year.

The north endzone is in the back.

There is 3 locker rooms at the stadium. No one uses the Cardinals locker room for any BCS bowls or Super Bowls. Those teams use the two visitor locker rooms.

Diesel was done smiling. Not sure what Tillman was doing. This is where the Steelers will be when the come play Arizona this month.

Tillman listening to the tour guide.

T-man following the group.

He likes to not look at the camera when I'm taking pics.

Visitor's press room.

Visitor's tunnel to the field.

Diesel, in front of south endzone. He's standing on the field platform.

Tillman, standing on the field, or at least where the field would be if it was rolled inside.

Yes, even the mascot has his own locker room.

Done with the tour. They had lots of fun. "The best day ever", they kept saying.

School Picture Time

2011-10-01T10:23:00.000-06:00

We finally got the girl's school pictures back. Love that we can order a cd and have digital copies these days.

Brynley is in 4th grade.

Sadie is in kindergarten.

2011 Supreme League Draft Order Video

2011-08-27T17:33:00.001-06:00

Summer Blues

2011-08-21T22:44:00.001-06:00

Well... summer is over (time-wise anyway, but it's still over 105 today) and the kids have been in school for two weeks. Brynley is in 4th grade and Sadie started kindergarten (which is all-day and which Casey loves). Sadie is so excited to finally be in school. She got a new Roxy backpack and lunch box and pencils and crayons and well you know everything a kindergartner needs. We have some pictures and I'll try to post some next weekend when I'm back at home (which is now Gilbert for the next year). It's nice that the school is right next to our house. No more driving the kids to the bus stop or to the school. Casey and I walked the kids over the first day and Diesel came with us. He was sad that he wasn't going to school with his big sisters. On our walk home, Casey and I stopped and chatted with my sister Kim and some neighbors by the school fence. Diesel just kept walking home though, which was about 75 yards down the street, with his head down and dragging his feet. He sat on Kim's flower bed wall and put his elbows on knees and his face on his hands and sat there kinda slumping. He was waiting for us to come home. We felt bad for him. We haven't found a preschool for him yet and he really wants to be a "big-boy" and go to school. A trip to the dollar store helped cheer him up later. He was also my little helper around the house and running to Home Depot to get stuff for the house.

This last Monday, we loaded up the little ATV and went over to his buddy Tillman's home to ride quads. Tillman's dad made a small Moto Track in the empty lot next to their home, where Tillman practices his ATV skills. I've got some video and pictures I'll try to post later as well. Diesel loved it! He did real well. He almost got bucked off on the whoops a couple of times, but he held on. Tillman is a pro and was really good in showing Diesel how to ride on the track. No accidents from either guy.

Now the home is quiet, just Mitch and Diesel hanging out. They swim together most days and have a good time working on Mitch's RC cars and computer. He and Mitch are buds. He needs a bud since I'm back in Tucson tonight. My new semester starts tomorrow morning. It's gonna be a long one. I had 12 days off, which consisted of moving some of our stuff to Gilbert and then the rest of it stuff from Safford into storage, working to organize our bedrooms, clothes, etc. Then it was time to relax before my semester started. I'm doing my clinicals at TMC again this semester, which I'm excited for. Less than 12 months remaining.

4th of July

2011-07-05T19:54:00.001-06:00

We had lots of fun this weekend over the 4th. Well, at least the kids did. I was stuck studying most of the time. I did take Saturday off and enjoyed a fun BBQ with family and friends. We played a little put-put on Danny's new putting green, swam and broke in Dan's new grill with marinated turkey (our family favorite).

Enjoy some pics and a video or two.

Liberation...

2011-06-25T19:39:00.003-06:00

Finally taught Sadie and Diesel how to ride their bikes today without training wheels. Had to repair 4 flats this morning and decided not put the training wheels back on. I loaded up Sadie and Diesel and their bikes and went across the highway to the church parking lot. We tried Sadie first. I ran behind her two times and then let go. She did really well until she turned around to see if I was still there, then she crashed. She was a little distrusting after that. But she kept going. So after another two times holding on she went on her own and that was that. She did great. She was all smiles.

When it was Diesel's turn, he heard me telling Sadie to keep pedaling and you won't fall, and to pedal fast. So as he sat on the seat and I steadied him, I said the same thing. I pushed him away (without running and holding on) and he took off like a race-car driver. He rode the length of the parking lot really fast. I forgot to instruct him on stopping though. Needless to say, he had a nice spill and wasn't too happy, but he was eager to try again. I reminded him of the brakes (which he knew how to use already) and then sent him on his way again. And that was it. He was cruising around the lot no problem. In the meantime, while teaching Diesel, Sadie learned to start riding from a dead stop.

And that was it. They were pros in about 20 minutes total. Glad that's over with.

Here's some vids.

Update...

2011-05-27T00:21:00.008-06:00

So, we finally got to Arizona and are still trying to settle in. However, we're still in limbo for now.. I'll get into that in a little bit. We were sad to leave our friends and family in Highlands Ranch. We met some really great people and made some great friends. We will miss Eric and Tosha and their great kids. I haven't lived by Eric since soon after our missions in the mid-nineties, so I really cherish the time we spent near each other in Denver. We kinda had to get to know each other again. Casey spent more time with him, though, as she was his dental assistant. But I got to know the ladies in the ward more than she did, as I was the stay-home-mom and planned play-dates and swapped babysitting favors. Good times.

We've been through alot since arriving in Arizona. Kim and Danny moved to Arizona the same weekend we did. They decided to drive to Denver from Seattle to get some dental work done and then caravan to AZ with us. They helped us pack up, which was an ordeal, while their two sons had their wisdom teeth pulled out by uncle Eric. Then Eric jumped into one of the three vehicles and drove to AZ with us all and helped unload the truck and get things set up at grandma's. We were all tuckered out though midway and almost stayed in Albuquerque for the night, but Eric really wanted to see grandma as she was leaving the next morning to head to San Diego to see Jared and his family. Then they were heading up to Utah to see Ruthie and other family there, too, and wouldn't be back for a week and he'd be home already when they got back. So we kept driving and arrived at grandma's on Friday April 29th. My dad and grandma Ruth stayed up late to greet us and chit-chat a little. The kids were so excited to see grandma Ruth and to be living with her. They love her home.

Saturday morning, we commenced unloading the Penske. Stuff was everywhere! We had plenty of help from friends and family. We had to 'gut' some of the rooms to make room for us and the kids' bedrooms. We decided to paint before setting things up, though. So we painted and tried to get things put away at the same time. Ugh!

Meanwhile, grandpa Mack and grandma Ruth were packing and getting ready to leave for San Diego. We were sad to see them go so soon, but we knew we'd have a lot of work ahead to keep us busy that week while they were gone. Kim decided that she was going to give grandma a mini-makeover in her bedroom. It hadn't been updated or changed in 20-30 years. So she and Eric started to gut that room. They pulled out all the furniture and bedding and carpet and well, everything. The carpet in her bathroom (yes carpet) was ripped out. We decided to make it be a surprise for her. She knew we were working on it, but we wouldn't tell her what we were doing to it. She was sooooo excited.

Then Sunday morning sometime, as we were unpacking the truck and trying to put our furniture together and finish painting, and after Kim and Eric gutted grandma's room, we received shocking news that my cousin's wife, Wendy, passed away the night before, suddenly. She was in her early 30's, with three children, and was 6-weeks away from giving birth to their 4th child. Unfortunately the doctors could not save the baby, Maylee, either. My cousin Denny was in shock and very heart broken. Please read his blog to learn more at http://www.dennyandwendy.blogspot.com/. Here's another tribute from Denny's sister-in-law, Brooke as well, http://www.brookemackphotography.com/photo-site/2011/5/19/to-wendy.html. Our hearts were very heavy that day and our thoughts were with Denny and his family. It was difficult to continue working and unpacking for Casey and I. We have three children and Casey is expecting our 4th child in October like Denny and Wendy were. So this hit close to home for us. And we got to spend a little time with when we lived in Utah. Casey was especially troubled.

We had to keep working, though. Kim had arranged to buy a new bed, bedding carpet, paint, drapes, blinds and ceiling fan to be installed in grandma's room. It took 3 days working non-stop, but we finally got it finished. It looked great and Kim, Danny and Eric did a great job! It was finished and Grandma was going to love it. Just love it.

Grandma called me everyday to ask me what we did to bedroom and bathroom that day. On Wednesday I spoke to her and she asked about the carpet in the bathroom. She wanted it gone, but I told her I couldn't confirm that (we laid new tile in it for her). I told her she had to wait until she got home the following week to see it for herself. So she reluctantly agreed to wait.

Later that day, Casey and I took the kids for shave ices and were on our way home, but decided to stop at IGA to get some hamburger meat for spaghetti. Then, I got a frantic call from my mom as we were pulling into the parking lot. She was crying and I couldn't understand what she was saying. I angrily told to her to stop crying so I could understand her words. But I somehow already knew what she was blubbering about. Grandma Ruth had just passed away about 10 minutes earlier. All my family was freaking out in Utah, where she was visiting. Many family members were in Utah for Wendy and Maylee's viewing and funeral the next day. Casey couldn't believe what I just told her. The kids immediately started crying. We all started crying. I was in shock. We just saw her. We just moved into her home to stay while I'm in nursing school. So many thoughts were coming into my mind. None of them made any sense. I couldn't believe it. I staggered into the store. I passed the meat 4 or 5 times and finally asked some one to help me. I was crying and couldn't concentrate. I couldn't believe that another family member had passed away this week. Later, after dinner, it was gut-wrenching to pass by her bedroom and see how pretty and lovely the new digs were. Grandma was coherent in her advanced age of 89. Sharp as a tack until her passing. She was loving and caring and nurturing to the end. This was not expected at all. This took everyone by surprise. That afternoon, my uncle Ken, was driving her to visit our cousin Luci, when she kind of gasped and took a deep breath, put her head back and was gone. She went without suffering, which we are all grateful for.

It was a long week already and it was about to get longer. We had planned to take it easy after we got to Arizona and before school started about two weeks later. Wanted to rest up and spend time together since I'd be commuting to Tucson during the week, leaving Casey a pregnant homemaker and husband-less Mon-Fri. That all changed that Wednesday night. We now had to plan grandma's funeral and make arrangements to put the house back in order before all grandma's family came into town for her funeral the following week. Needless to say, there was not much relaxing for us. Thursday, the next day however, I couldn't stand to be in the house we just moved into. So we left to visit Kim and Danny and for Casey to see her doctor. We love them so much. They have helped us greatly and we really appreciate them. It was nice to get away for a couple of days. We helped them put up ceiling fans and get there home unpacked (a little) as they just moved into the home on Tuesday. Working hard is a good way to not feel sorry for yourself and get your mind off things.

Thursday morning, the day after grandma passed and before heading to Kim's, I returned the mattresses, bedding and headboard to the store. They were kind enough to take them back. We no longer needed them. Grandma wasn't coming home. She did not get to see her beautiful new room. I know she would have loved it. She was so excited when I talked to her on the phone each day. I hope she got a glimpse of it that Wednesday night before I returned those items the next day. I regret not telling her about what we did to the room when she asked during our conversion that Wednesday before she passed. I still feel bad.

That last week (before school started) was hectic. I had to make a Tucson run to get my books and things for school in the middle of cleaning and helping with the funeral arrangements. We buried grandma on Saturday and I had to drive to Tucson on Sunday afternoon for the first day of school early Monday morning. I think I cried most of the way there. I missed Casey and the kids as soon as I got into the car to leave. I missed grandma, too, and was feeling her absence. It was the first real moments I had to myself to reflect on everything as I drove the hour and forty-five minutes to Tucson. I didn't want to leave Casey and the kids in that home, where grandma wasn't anymore. I felt guilty for leaving them.

Thank you Eric, for insisting we keep driving all day Friday! I would've been crushed if we didn't get to see grandma before she left on her trip to San Diego. Things fell into place for us to see her one last time. She was so cute asking Kim and Casey what dresses to take and wear at the baby blessings that morning.

I'm grateful for her and her example. She was the best grandmother. That was her calling in life, to be a mother and grandmother. And she did it well. She loved to serve others and did everyday without complaining. She enjoyed it. She was my favorite person on this earth. I hope I can emulate her.

Now, we're probably going to move again in the next month or so. We can't stay in the home since it will be sold soon. We will be moving to Gilbert to stay with Kim and her family. Luckily for us, their new home will accommodate all of us. She and Dan are gracious for offering their home to us. The kids are very excited. We don't want to wear out our welcome though, so it's good I'll be in Tucson during the week. That should make things easier on them. :) Casey will need support and help after the baby is born in October since I'll be gone most of the time, so being with Kim will help her tremendously. Casey considers Kim her own sister.

So... now I'm nearing the end of my second week of nursing school. Already had a mid-term last Monday. I have a physical exam test next week and then the final on that Friday, also. Then we start the second semester (after only 3 weeks for the first one). I'm really busy. Lots of reading and studying and practicing the physical assessment on the other students. It's hard being away from my family, but it does make it easier to study, though. Skype and many phones calls with Casey and the kids during the week help to pass the time between studying and school. I stay with Casey's aunt and uncle and two of their kids. They have been so great to me. They can't wait for Casey to bring the kids down for a visit.

Casey is being a real trooper, living in a new town, taking care of the kids, grandpa Mack and the home while I'm gone. All while being pregnant and exhausted. I didn't think I could love her more than I did. But I do. She's easy to love. I love the kids too. Brynley's last day of 3rd grade was today. I miss picking her up from school every day. Sadie starts kindergarten next year and is very excited. She going to be a great student. And Diesel can't wait to go to pre-school and be a new big brother in October. I Can't wait to see them tomorrow. I love and miss them so much.

I'll be in school for the next 15 months. We can do it! I couldn't do it without Casey, though. Love you!

Happy Birthday Diesel

2011-03-26T20:35:00.001-06:00

Diesel turned 4 this week and we celebrated today with a party for him and his little buddies. Diesel invited some friends over for a 'bootcamp' party. General Casey whipped those boys into shape in no time. They had fun shooting army guys with some nerf bullets and blowing up the enemy coalition forces.

I got Diesel an official Army camo outfit at the BX here. He loves it. He wore it for three straight days last week. The kids had fun having their faces painted and smashing a tank pinata filled full of goodies.

Grandma and Grandpa Smith came over to visit for Diesel's birthday as well. We all went to eat Hibachi for dinner on Diesel's birthday. This was the kid's first time, and they loved it, especially the fire. It was Grandma Jackie's birthday this week also.

Take a look.

Piano Recital

2011-03-26T18:38:00.000-06:00

Brynley has been doing wonderful in learning the piano. She likes to memorize the songs given her to play, and enjoys playing. She really likes her piano teacher, sister Reynolds. Unfortunately, she's going to miss her next recital, and she'll definitely miss sister Reynolds. Here's a picture of her last recital.

Mormon Messages Gila Valley Temple Video

2011-03-21T14:57:00.002-06:00

This is the new Gila Valley Temple built in my home town.

Umm....

2011-03-10T20:57:00.000-07:00

These guys are REAL idiots...

2011-01-11T16:45:00.002-07:00

For those of you living in Arizona: The Arizona Patriot Guard is asking for volunteers to help them block the Westboro Baptist Church from picketing the funerals of those who died in the shootings on Saturday. Contact David Hall at david.d.hall@comcast.com. Arizonans, please spread the word.

Owie

2011-01-02T22:59:00.000-07:00

Diesel had an owie a few months ago. I forgot to post it.

Christmas Party Hijinks

2010-12-29T12:31:00.001-07:00

Casey and I attended her annual work Christmas party a couple of weeks ago. We ate Hibachi and it was delisiosa! Thanks Dr. Mack. He gave everyone a new Apple iPad! Everyone was in shock.

Here's a video of the traditional "throw-broccoli-in-the-air-and-catch-it-in-your-mouth" game. I suck at it.

Copper Mountain Ski Resort

2010-12-28T17:12:00.002-07:00

We bought lift tickets from the scouts again this year. Can't beat $25 lift tickets. Anyway, this was my first time boarding in powder. I NOW know what I've been missing and what others were talking about all these years. There was about 12 inches of fresh powder. It almost went up to our knees as our boards stayed hidden beneath. Very cool!

We went up with Eric and 4 of his kids (7-12 yrs). The kids are awesome! They did a great job.

(Adam trying to impress the masses with his mad snowboarding skills)

Casey, showing me how it's done. (Watch Eric's 8-year old Colin enter from the left and start to wipe out as he leaves the right side of the picture)

I got brave and tried to film Casey as I followed her down one hill. The powder was awesome!!

Cheese!

Dr. Mack (cheese!)

Mallory and Colin (love the names on the helmets so dad knows who's who)

Cheese!

Casey, trying to stay warm on the lift.

Mallory

Adam on the lift (I actually had icicles in my hair)

Colin (Cheese!) and Mallory

McKenna (enjoying a movie), Colin and Mallory on the way home.

Bayley

Casey, all tuckered out.

Eric, the chauffeur.

Casey, waiting to get on the lift.

1st Day of 3rd Grade

2010-08-09T13:41:00.001-06:00

Baptism

2010-08-09T13:30:00.000-06:00

Brynley finally got baptized last week. She did a great job. Thanks to all the family who were able to make it. Brynley and us really appreciated it.

Growing Up

2010-08-09T13:18:00.000-06:00

We decided when Brynley turned 8 she could get her ears pierced if she wanted. She didn't hesitate at all in saying yes. So the day before she was baptized she took her two grandmas down and got them pierced. She's very happy now and feels "so grown-up".

Brynley's baptism

2010-07-28T10:34:00.001-06:00

Brynley's Baptism

2010-07-28T09:53:00.000-06:00

Brynley is getting baptized this weekend. We are so proud of her and her decision to do so. Here's some pictures her uncle Jordan put together. Thanks Jordan. We really appreciate it.

UPdates Galore!

2010-07-26T20:46:00.002-06:00

Hey everyone, as you can tell, I've been busy updating everyone on what's going on in our little corner of the world. Due to some advanced changes in Blogger, I can upload tons of pictures at a time now, which means it takes less time to compose posts. Soooo..... I have put on lots of pictures, and you'll have to check out the "older posts" section at the bottom or click on all the different posts on the left under "Blog Archive" for the month of July to see everything. Hopefully I won't get so behind going forward, as it's easier to add to new posts now. No excuses...