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<channel>
	<title>MckMama</title>
	
	<link>http://mycharmingkids.net</link>
	<description />
	<lastBuildDate>Wed, 16 May 2012 03:43:05 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en</language>
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		<title>reminder</title>
		<link>http://mycharmingkids.net/2012/05/reminder/</link>
		<comments>http://mycharmingkids.net/2012/05/reminder/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 May 2012 03:43:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>mckmama77</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[my marriage]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://mycharmingkids.net/?p=13880</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7207331222/" title="Reminder by MckMama, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7235/7207331222_353e743792_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="Reminder"></a>

I think my hand was a lot prettier when it had a ring on it. </center>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7207331222/" title="Reminder by MckMama, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7235/7207331222_353e743792_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="Reminder"></a></p>
<p>I think my hand was a lot prettier when it had a ring on it. </center></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://mycharmingkids.net/2012/05/reminder/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>What I am doing right now.</title>
		<link>http://mycharmingkids.net/2012/05/what-i-am-doing-right-now/</link>
		<comments>http://mycharmingkids.net/2012/05/what-i-am-doing-right-now/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 May 2012 23:21:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>mckmama77</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://mycharmingkids.net/?p=13878</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7199525598/" title="FlurrySleeps by MckMama, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7086/7199525598_da952b0fbf_z.jpg" width="620" height="415" alt="FlurrySleeps"></a>

Yes, this is what I'm doing right now. I had a good cry, and I do mean <em>good</em>, have chosen not to publish my most recent thoughts because I am not sure sharing them will help anything (though writing them sure was therapeutic), read my Bible on my phone because, <em>well</em>, it was handy, and now I'm doing this. While one of my bestest friends plays with my kids because she knew today has been really hard for me. Laying on a bed. Possibly drooling. Not thinking about the pressures of this life or about any of my family's worries. Letting go. Sleeping. 

Or, at least I will be as soon as I publish this.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7199525598/" title="FlurrySleeps by MckMama, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7086/7199525598_da952b0fbf_z.jpg" width="620" height="415" alt="FlurrySleeps"></a></p>
<p>Yes, this is what I&#8217;m doing right now. I had a good cry, and I do mean <em>good</em>, have chosen not to publish my most recent thoughts because I am not sure sharing them will help anything (though writing them sure was therapeutic), read my Bible on my phone because, <em>well</em>, it was handy, and now I&#8217;m doing this. While one of my bestest friends plays with my kids because she knew today has been really hard for me. Laying on a bed. Possibly drooling. Not thinking about the pressures of this life or about any of my family&#8217;s worries. Letting go. Sleeping. </p>
<p>Or, at least I will be as soon as I publish this.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>48</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>I wrote something.</title>
		<link>http://mycharmingkids.net/2012/05/i-wrote-something/</link>
		<comments>http://mycharmingkids.net/2012/05/i-wrote-something/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 May 2012 17:22:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>mckmama77</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[my marriage]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://mycharmingkids.net/?p=13875</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I wrote something. 

And now I'm sitting on it. Not sure if and when to publish it. Maybe soon. Maybe never. Stuff is heavy for me and the kids lately, that's for sure. And that's why I haven't been blogging. Or, at least, why I haven't been publishing what I've been blogging. I'm not sure if I can. But I wanted you to know I am still alive and kicking. Well, even if I am only kicking because I'm being dragged <em>kicking and screaming</em> somewhere I don't want to go. 

Oh dear, I'd better stop writing or I'll again have a long thing I can't or won't publish. So there. 

I wrote something. ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I wrote something. </p>
<p>And now I&#8217;m sitting on it. Not sure if and when to publish it. Maybe soon. Maybe never. Stuff is heavy for me and the kids lately, that&#8217;s for sure. And that&#8217;s why I haven&#8217;t been blogging. Or, at least, why I haven&#8217;t been publishing what I&#8217;ve been blogging. I&#8217;m not sure if I can. But I wanted you to know I am still alive and kicking. Well, even if I am only kicking because I&#8217;m being dragged <em>kicking and screaming</em> somewhere I don&#8217;t want to go. </p>
<p>Oh dear, I&#8217;d better stop writing or I&#8217;ll again have a long thing I can&#8217;t or won&#8217;t publish. So there. </p>
<p>I wrote something. </p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>133</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>just some sentences</title>
		<link>http://mycharmingkids.net/2012/05/just-some-sentences-41/</link>
		<comments>http://mycharmingkids.net/2012/05/just-some-sentences-41/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 11 May 2012 16:19:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>mckmama77</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://mycharmingkids.net/?p=13861</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<center>Today, I'm eating.

I fasted yesterday. But today I'm eating. Did I mention that?

Could hardly finish up my two eggs for breakfast and feel stuffed after a cup of bean and avocado salad for lunch!

I'm done with my 8 Day Challenge for a while now and I'm just using my metabolism boosting supplements and vitamins daily with a zig zag eating plan to keep losing weight. I feel great!

Well, I didn't feel so hot earlier this morning when I tried running while pushing my youngest three in a jogging stroller. I'm trying to look for ways to work out closer to home, without the gym, with my children. And that was definitely one way to get 'er done. It was hard!

This is going to be dinner:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7177023092/" title="Quinoa by MckMama, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7074/7177023092_2b459d806b_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Quinoa"></a>

Sprouted red quinoa with golden raisins and sliced almonds. Yum.

I had to call the police at 6:45 this morning. Turns out that the bicycle thievery was not an isolated incident. Too bad, really. 

The kids and I are planning a few trips. One is coming up soon. We are excited. 

Marriage things are not going according to plan. To say the least. I have been singing<em> I Need Thee Every Hour</em> constantly for a few days. In my sadness there is more room for Jesus to bring me joy.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. And if it's not wonderful, just choose to <em>make</em> it wonderful anyway. </center>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><center>Today, I&#8217;m eating.</p>
<p>I fasted yesterday. But today I&#8217;m eating. Did I mention that?</p>
<p>Could hardly finish up my two eggs for breakfast and feel stuffed after a cup of bean and avocado salad for lunch!</p>
<p>I&#8217;m done with my 8 Day Challenge for a while now and I&#8217;m just using my metabolism boosting supplements and vitamins daily with a zig zag eating plan to keep losing weight. I feel great!</p>
<p>Well, I didn&#8217;t feel so hot earlier this morning when I tried running while pushing my youngest three in a jogging stroller. I&#8217;m trying to look for ways to work out closer to home, without the gym, with my children. And that was definitely one way to get &#8216;er done. It was hard!</p>
<p>This is going to be dinner:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7177023092/" title="Quinoa by MckMama, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7074/7177023092_2b459d806b_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Quinoa"></a></p>
<p>Sprouted red quinoa with golden raisins and sliced almonds. Yum.</p>
<p>I had to call the police at 6:45 this morning. Turns out that the bicycle thievery was not an isolated incident. Too bad, really. </p>
<p>The kids and I are planning a few trips. One is coming up soon. We are excited. </p>
<p>Marriage things are not going according to plan. To say the least. I have been singing<em> I Need Thee Every Hour</em> constantly for a few days. In my sadness there is more room for Jesus to bring me joy.</p>
<p>I hope you have a wonderful weekend. And if it&#8217;s not wonderful, just choose to <em>make</em> it wonderful anyway. </center></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://mycharmingkids.net/2012/05/just-some-sentences-41/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>32</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Problem….solved!</title>
		<link>http://mycharmingkids.net/2012/05/problem-solved/</link>
		<comments>http://mycharmingkids.net/2012/05/problem-solved/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 May 2012 17:59:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>mckmama77</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://mycharmingkids.net/?p=13853</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Do you remember <a href="http://share.theblogfrog.com/nf/35-O-CR?bfak=MckMa-1S&#038;bf_url=http%3a%2f%2fmycharmingkids.net%2f2012%2f04%2fof-toothbrushes%2f">my problem</a>? Er, <em>one</em> of them.

With MST (Many Small Teeth) I'm responsible for keeping clean, it has long been hard for me to get them all perfectly clean, especially when the owner of those teeth is wriggling all around the bathroom.</p><p>But our problems, er...at least <em>that</em> one, have been solved!</p><p>I got each of the kids a Spinbrush. In the colored space above the on and off button, I painted each of their initials onto the Spinbrush with silver nailpolish. All five toothbrushes (I keep mine elsewhere, <em>thankyouverymuch</em>) sit on our bathroom countertop. </p><p>Each night and each morning, each child (Okay, Flurry gets help.) is responsible to brush their own teeth for as long as their Spinbrush spins its way through one cycle. They think this is fun, because kids think doing anything with a battery operated anything is fun. 

Then, because ain't no way my kids can do it perfectly yet by themselves, I brush their teeth again with their Spinbrush for another entire cycle.</p><p>Man, the sugarbugs (that's what we call plaque buildup) are gone, even on their back molars, even up by their gums. With bright shining faces (and an organized bathroom because I'm not going to lie, that is important to me and I love that the Spinbrushes can stand up on their own on the counter!), we face the day.

With our best foot...

<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7171984646/" title="teeth by MckMama, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7222/7171984646_2896ff7570_z.jpg" width="640" height="603" alt="teeth"></a></center>

...and our best teeth...forward.

As I told you before, the makers of ARM &#038; HAMMER® products challenged me to switch to the Spinbrush ProClean and this summer. Do you remember that they are giving away $12,000 in the ARM &#038; HAMMER Switch &#038; Save Challenge Sweepstakes!? You still can enter!!!! How? To be entered to win one (1) of twelve (12) $1,000 prizes, simply reply to the question below!

<!-- Begin BlogFrog Widget --><script src="http://rms.theblogfrog.com/1/arm-and-hammer/sponcon/84/blog-conversation(inviteId-2976,affiliateId-MckMa-1S).js"></script><!-- End BlogFrog Widget -->

</p><p>Remember to join other <u><a href="http://share.theblogfrog.com/nf/27-O-9Q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ARM &#038; HAMMER Switch &#038; Save conversations</a></u> for even more chances to win!</p><p>This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of <a href="http://share.theblogfrog.com/nf/35-O-CR?bfak=MckMa-1S&#038;bf_url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.armandhammer.com%2f" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Arm &#038; Hammer</a>. The opinions and text are all mine. <a href="http://share.theblogfrog.com/nf/35-O-CR?bfak=MckMa-1S&#038;bf_url=https%3a%2f%2fdocs.google.com%2fa%2ftheblogfrog.com%2fdocument%2fd%2f16zYvIdHMBxoP0IYisvPa5mJWa7ehGNFp6zJ7IxCyWwc%2fedit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Official Sweepstakes Rules</a>.</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Do you remember <a href="http://share.theblogfrog.com/nf/35-O-CR?bfak=MckMa-1S&#038;bf_url=http%3a%2f%2fmycharmingkids.net%2f2012%2f04%2fof-toothbrushes%2f">my problem</a>? Er, <em>one</em> of them.</p>
<p>With MST (Many Small Teeth) I&#8217;m responsible for keeping clean, it has long been hard for me to get them all perfectly clean, especially when the owner of those teeth is wriggling all around the bathroom.</p>
<p>But our problems, er&#8230;at least <em>that</em> one, have been solved!</p>
<p>I got each of the kids a Spinbrush. In the colored space above the on and off button, I painted each of their initials onto the Spinbrush with silver nailpolish. All five toothbrushes (I keep mine elsewhere, <em>thankyouverymuch</em>) sit on our bathroom countertop. </p>
<p>Each night and each morning, each child (Okay, Flurry gets help.) is responsible to brush their own teeth for as long as their Spinbrush spins its way through one cycle. They think this is fun, because kids think doing anything with a battery operated anything is fun. </p>
<p>Then, because ain&#8217;t no way my kids can do it perfectly yet by themselves, I brush their teeth again with their Spinbrush for another entire cycle.</p>
<p>Man, the sugarbugs (that&#8217;s what we call plaque buildup) are gone, even on their back molars, even up by their gums. With bright shining faces (and an organized bathroom because I&#8217;m not going to lie, that is important to me and I love that the Spinbrushes can stand up on their own on the counter!), we face the day.</p>
<p>With our best foot&#8230;</p>
<p><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7171984646/" title="teeth by MckMama, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7222/7171984646_2896ff7570_z.jpg" width="640" height="603" alt="teeth"></a></center></p>
<p>&#8230;and our best teeth&#8230;forward.</p>
<p>As I told you before, the makers of ARM &#038; HAMMER® products challenged me to switch to the Spinbrush ProClean and this summer. Do you remember that they are giving away $12,000 in the ARM &#038; HAMMER Switch &#038; Save Challenge Sweepstakes!? You still can enter!!!! How? To be entered to win one (1) of twelve (12) $1,000 prizes, simply reply to the question below!</p>
<p><!-- Begin BlogFrog Widget --><script src="http://rms.theblogfrog.com/1/arm-and-hammer/sponcon/84/blog-conversation(inviteId-2976,affiliateId-MckMa-1S).js"></script><!-- End BlogFrog Widget --></p>
<p>Remember to join other <u><a href="http://share.theblogfrog.com/nf/27-O-9Q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ARM &#038; HAMMER Switch &#038; Save conversations</a></u> for even more chances to win!</p>
<p>This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of <a href="http://share.theblogfrog.com/nf/35-O-CR?bfak=MckMa-1S&#038;bf_url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.armandhammer.com%2f" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Arm &#038; Hammer</a>. The opinions and text are all mine. <a href="http://share.theblogfrog.com/nf/35-O-CR?bfak=MckMa-1S&#038;bf_url=https%3a%2f%2fdocs.google.com%2fa%2ftheblogfrog.com%2fdocument%2fd%2f16zYvIdHMBxoP0IYisvPa5mJWa7ehGNFp6zJ7IxCyWwc%2fedit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Official Sweepstakes Rules</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>day at the races</title>
		<link>http://mycharmingkids.net/2012/05/day-at-the-races/</link>
		<comments>http://mycharmingkids.net/2012/05/day-at-the-races/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 May 2012 01:01:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>mckmama77</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://mycharmingkids.net/?p=13795</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<center>This MckFamily we tied up our laces

<a title="DayAtRaces-11 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167494660/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7091/7167494660_b41f10bc5f_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-11" width="640" height="427" /></a>

and spent a day at the races

<a title="DayAtRaces-32 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167438742/"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8164/7167438742_ce7a5e36af_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-32" width="427" height="640" /></a>

but first the MSC did stretch

so no cramps they would catch

<a title="DayAtRacesLAYOUT by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167588902/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7242/7167588902_5b33a84011_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRacesLAYOUT" width="640" height="308" /></a>

while they ran and made silly faces.

The kids started to gain momentum

<a title="DayAtRaces-31 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167440664/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7088/7167440664_7e2af7df28_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-31" width="640" height="427" /></a>

as we sang the National Anthem

and with brats as our fuel

<a title="DayAtRaces by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167435542/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7243/7167435542_faf1b7bc60_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces" width="640" height="427" /></a>

we and some friends from school

<a title="DayAtRaces-2 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167511550/"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8023/7167511550_78e3af4212_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-2" width="640" height="427" /></a>

ran some races while looking so handsome.

<a title="DayAtRaces-9 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167497644/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7091/7167497644_f67bf00b61_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-9" width="427" height="640" /></a>

Never in my life have I seen racers so cute

with striped pants and oversized shirts to boot

<a title="DayAtRaces-30 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167443632/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7090/7167443632_c62bd939cb_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-30" width="427" height="640" /></a>

Small Fry ran her heart out

as her name we did shout

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167927992/" title="Races by MckMama, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5326/7167927992_d94d0269b6_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Races"></a>

and she earned herself some shiny gold loot.

<a title="DayAtRaces-15 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167487304/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7071/7167487304_01bf63b881_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-15" width="500" height="750" /></a>

Along with a friend from Kindergarten class

<a title="DayAtRaces-27 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167452662/"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5445/7167452662_b4d1d69897_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-27" width="640" height="427" /></a>

Nuggey ran and kicked some major, <em>er</em>, grass


<a title="DayAtRaces-22 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167468906/"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8014/7167468906_de3c15f8cd_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-22" width="640" height="389" /></a>

though we try not to keep score

'twas hard to ignore

<a title="DayAtRaces-16 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167482944/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7213/7167482944_7284a10a5f_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-16" width="427" height="640" /></a>

the Nugster came in third and not last!


When Stellan's turn finally came

<a title="DayAtRaces-23 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167467708/"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5194/7167467708_a149ddfb2b_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-23" width="427" height="640" /></a>

he flashed a thumbs up and pushed through the pain

<a title="DayAtRaces-21 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167470992/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7086/7167470992_4d66120c62_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-21" width="640" height="397" /></a>

Stellan made it look easy

<a title="DayAtRaces-19 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167476740/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7211/7167476740_0776286874_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-19" width="427" height="640" /></a>

all peachy and breezy

<a title="DayAtRaces-20 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167473034/"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8155/7167473034_52a8f37a56_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-20" width="427" height="640" /></a>

with joy he waited his turn a gold medal to claim.

<a title="DayAtRaces-17 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167481518/"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8008/7167481518_8f127516d1_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-17" width="500" height="750" /></a>

My first born always the overachiever

turned his skeptic Mama into a believer

<a title="DayAtRaces-12 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167492684/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7222/7167492684_bae6683fb1_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-12" width="427" height="640" /></a>

for the day before

Big Mac said he'd run no more

<a title="DayAtRaces-13 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167490736/"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8004/7167490736_97e88fc1b4_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-13" width="640" height="427" /></a>

I understood and believed him but should have done neither!

We had a great day

<a title="DayAtRaces-10 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167496126/"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8152/7167496126_8392118b41_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-10" width="427" height="640" /></a>

Stellan told the man, "No, spell my name <em>this</em> way!"

<a title="DayAtRaces-8 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167499058/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7211/7167499058_64d49bc442_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-8" width="427" height="640" /></a>

and we even met Ronald

<a title="DayAtRaces-7 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167501420/"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8145/7167501420_1488e36c8c_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-7" width="427" height="640" /></a>

McDonald

<a title="DayAtRaces-6 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167503464/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7236/7167503464_e32a2d8f7c_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-6" width="640" height="427" /></a>

"No way!"

When the races were over we talked and looked for water in a cup

<a title="DayAtRaces-5 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167505146/"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8156/7167505146_51c09334c6_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-5" width="640" height="427" /></a>

Small Fry by her friend's strong arms was picked up

<a title="DayAtRaces-28 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167449894/"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8001/7167449894_c3136de56a_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-28" width="427" height="640" /></a>

we instead found some Gatorade 

the parents sat in the shade

<a title="DayAtRaces-3 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167508870/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7215/7167508870_1dc3dc1919_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-3" width="427" height="640" /></a>

and I said, "What a great day at the races...

<a title="DayAtRaces-4 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167507294/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7088/7167507294_b80aa956bf_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-4" width="640" height="427" /></a>

...yup, yup!"

</center>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><center>This MckFamily we tied up our laces</p>
<p><a title="DayAtRaces-11 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167494660/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7091/7167494660_b41f10bc5f_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-11" width="640" height="427" /></a></p>
<p>and spent a day at the races</p>
<p><a title="DayAtRaces-32 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167438742/"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8164/7167438742_ce7a5e36af_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-32" width="427" height="640" /></a></p>
<p>but first the MSC did stretch</p>
<p>so no cramps they would catch</p>
<p><a title="DayAtRacesLAYOUT by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167588902/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7242/7167588902_5b33a84011_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRacesLAYOUT" width="640" height="308" /></a></p>
<p>while they ran and made silly faces.</p>
<p>The kids started to gain momentum</p>
<p><a title="DayAtRaces-31 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167440664/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7088/7167440664_7e2af7df28_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-31" width="640" height="427" /></a></p>
<p>as we sang the National Anthem</p>
<p>and with brats as our fuel</p>
<p><a title="DayAtRaces by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167435542/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7243/7167435542_faf1b7bc60_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces" width="640" height="427" /></a></p>
<p>we and some friends from school</p>
<p><a title="DayAtRaces-2 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167511550/"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8023/7167511550_78e3af4212_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-2" width="640" height="427" /></a></p>
<p>ran some races while looking so handsome.</p>
<p><a title="DayAtRaces-9 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167497644/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7091/7167497644_f67bf00b61_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-9" width="427" height="640" /></a></p>
<p>Never in my life have I seen racers so cute</p>
<p>with striped pants and oversized shirts to boot</p>
<p><a title="DayAtRaces-30 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167443632/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7090/7167443632_c62bd939cb_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-30" width="427" height="640" /></a></p>
<p>Small Fry ran her heart out</p>
<p>as her name we did shout</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167927992/" title="Races by MckMama, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5326/7167927992_d94d0269b6_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Races"></a></p>
<p>and she earned herself some shiny gold loot.</p>
<p><a title="DayAtRaces-15 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167487304/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7071/7167487304_01bf63b881_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-15" width="500" height="750" /></a></p>
<p>Along with a friend from Kindergarten class</p>
<p><a title="DayAtRaces-27 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167452662/"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5445/7167452662_b4d1d69897_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-27" width="640" height="427" /></a></p>
<p>Nuggey ran and kicked some major, <em>er</em>, grass</p>
<p><a title="DayAtRaces-22 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167468906/"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8014/7167468906_de3c15f8cd_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-22" width="640" height="389" /></a></p>
<p>though we try not to keep score</p>
<p>&#8217;twas hard to ignore</p>
<p><a title="DayAtRaces-16 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167482944/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7213/7167482944_7284a10a5f_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-16" width="427" height="640" /></a></p>
<p>the Nugster came in third and not last!</p>
<p>When Stellan&#8217;s turn finally came</p>
<p><a title="DayAtRaces-23 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167467708/"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5194/7167467708_a149ddfb2b_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-23" width="427" height="640" /></a></p>
<p>he flashed a thumbs up and pushed through the pain</p>
<p><a title="DayAtRaces-21 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167470992/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7086/7167470992_4d66120c62_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-21" width="640" height="397" /></a></p>
<p>Stellan made it look easy</p>
<p><a title="DayAtRaces-19 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167476740/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7211/7167476740_0776286874_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-19" width="427" height="640" /></a></p>
<p>all peachy and breezy</p>
<p><a title="DayAtRaces-20 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167473034/"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8155/7167473034_52a8f37a56_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-20" width="427" height="640" /></a></p>
<p>with joy he waited his turn a gold medal to claim.</p>
<p><a title="DayAtRaces-17 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167481518/"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8008/7167481518_8f127516d1_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-17" width="500" height="750" /></a></p>
<p>My first born always the overachiever</p>
<p>turned his skeptic Mama into a believer</p>
<p><a title="DayAtRaces-12 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167492684/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7222/7167492684_bae6683fb1_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-12" width="427" height="640" /></a></p>
<p>for the day before</p>
<p>Big Mac said he&#8217;d run no more</p>
<p><a title="DayAtRaces-13 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167490736/"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8004/7167490736_97e88fc1b4_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-13" width="640" height="427" /></a></p>
<p>I understood and believed him but should have done neither!</p>
<p>We had a great day</p>
<p><a title="DayAtRaces-10 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167496126/"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8152/7167496126_8392118b41_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-10" width="427" height="640" /></a></p>
<p>Stellan told the man, &#8220;No, spell my name <em>this</em> way!&#8221;</p>
<p><a title="DayAtRaces-8 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167499058/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7211/7167499058_64d49bc442_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-8" width="427" height="640" /></a></p>
<p>and we even met Ronald</p>
<p><a title="DayAtRaces-7 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167501420/"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8145/7167501420_1488e36c8c_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-7" width="427" height="640" /></a></p>
<p>McDonald</p>
<p><a title="DayAtRaces-6 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167503464/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7236/7167503464_e32a2d8f7c_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-6" width="640" height="427" /></a></p>
<p>&#8220;No way!&#8221;</p>
<p>When the races were over we talked and looked for water in a cup</p>
<p><a title="DayAtRaces-5 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167505146/"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8156/7167505146_51c09334c6_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-5" width="640" height="427" /></a></p>
<p>Small Fry by her friend&#8217;s strong arms was picked up</p>
<p><a title="DayAtRaces-28 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167449894/"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8001/7167449894_c3136de56a_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-28" width="427" height="640" /></a></p>
<p>we instead found some Gatorade </p>
<p>the parents sat in the shade</p>
<p><a title="DayAtRaces-3 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167508870/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7215/7167508870_1dc3dc1919_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-3" width="427" height="640" /></a></p>
<p>and I said, &#8220;What a great day at the races&#8230;</p>
<p><a title="DayAtRaces-4 by MckMama, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7167507294/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7088/7167507294_b80aa956bf_z.jpg" alt="DayAtRaces-4" width="640" height="427" /></a></p>
<p>&#8230;yup, yup!&#8221;</p>
<p></center></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>41</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>games and smiles</title>
		<link>http://mycharmingkids.net/2012/05/games-and-smiles/</link>
		<comments>http://mycharmingkids.net/2012/05/games-and-smiles/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 May 2012 18:59:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>mckmama77</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[pictures of other people]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://mycharmingkids.net/?p=13792</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<center>Here are a few more photographs I took on our spring road trip.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7159843890/" title="Oliver by MckMama, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7073/7159843890_340f4a8edf_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Oliver"></a>

<em>All</em> of these children have been on my blog before.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7159844880/" title="Oliver-2 by MckMama, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8026/7159844880_58786b0146_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Oliver-2"></a>

Major, major props to the first person who can find which three old posts they're in.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7159843260/" title="Oliver by MckMama, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7104/7159843260_8ee32d3226_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Oliver"></a>

And if you don't like games, just enjoy the smiles.

Have a great day!</center>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><center>Here are a few more photographs I took on our spring road trip.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7159843890/" title="Oliver by MckMama, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7073/7159843890_340f4a8edf_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Oliver"></a></p>
<p><em>All</em> of these children have been on my blog before.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7159844880/" title="Oliver-2 by MckMama, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8026/7159844880_58786b0146_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Oliver-2"></a></p>
<p>Major, major props to the first person who can find which three old posts they&#8217;re in.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7159843260/" title="Oliver by MckMama, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7104/7159843260_8ee32d3226_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Oliver"></a></p>
<p>And if you don&#8217;t like games, just enjoy the smiles.</p>
<p>Have a great day!</center></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>27</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>cling</title>
		<link>http://mycharmingkids.net/2012/05/cling-2/</link>
		<comments>http://mycharmingkids.net/2012/05/cling-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 May 2012 01:45:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>mckmama77</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[my marriage]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://mycharmingkids.net/?p=13790</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[To say that, at least on an earthly level, things aren't looking so hot in the relationship department over here would be an understatement. It's ugly in these parts. But the worse things seem to seem, the more I cling to this:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7155225870/" title="Cling by MckMama, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7239/7155225870_b495fee3c1_z.jpg" width="620" height="239" alt="Cling"></a>

Right now, it's really all I have: the knowledge that <em>somehow</em>, God is going to weave this whole mess into something <em>good</em>, for His glory. I can't see it yet, as I'm beneath the tapestry, looking at all the colored fibers going this way and that. It makes no sense to my eyes and is all messy and awful from here. But God is looking at my life, and at the kids' lives, and at my husband's life, from above. God sees the pattern in the tapestry that He is causing all these ugly, crisscrossed lines to make.

So, I trust Him. Cling to Him. And wait. Wait to see what He's making out of this mess.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>To say that, at least on an earthly level, things aren&#8217;t looking so hot in the relationship department over here would be an understatement. It&#8217;s ugly in these parts. But the worse things seem to seem, the more I cling to this:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7155225870/" title="Cling by MckMama, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7239/7155225870_b495fee3c1_z.jpg" width="620" height="239" alt="Cling"></a></p>
<p>Right now, it&#8217;s really all I have: the knowledge that <em>somehow</em>, God is going to weave this whole mess into something <em>good</em>, for His glory. I can&#8217;t see it yet, as I&#8217;m beneath the tapestry, looking at all the colored fibers going this way and that. It makes no sense to my eyes and is all messy and awful from here. But God is looking at my life, and at the kids&#8217; lives, and at my husband&#8217;s life, from above. God sees the pattern in the tapestry that He is causing all these ugly, crisscrossed lines to make.</p>
<p>So, I trust Him. Cling to Him. And wait. Wait to see what He&#8217;s making out of this mess.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>64</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>front porch, first born, paper airplane and lost teeth</title>
		<link>http://mycharmingkids.net/2012/05/front-porch-first-born-paper-airplane-and-lost-teeth/</link>
		<comments>http://mycharmingkids.net/2012/05/front-porch-first-born-paper-airplane-and-lost-teeth/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 07 May 2012 18:45:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>mckmama77</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Big Mac]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://mycharmingkids.net/?p=13788</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7153416885/" title="PaperAirplane by MckMama, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7252/7153416885_7eae70c7b7_z.jpg" width="620" height="415" alt="PaperAirplane"></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7153416885/" title="PaperAirplane by MckMama, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7252/7153416885_7eae70c7b7_z.jpg" width="620" height="415" alt="PaperAirplane"></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>11</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Sunday</title>
		<link>http://mycharmingkids.net/2012/05/13785/</link>
		<comments>http://mycharmingkids.net/2012/05/13785/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 06 May 2012 21:51:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>mckmama77</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://mycharmingkids.net/?p=13785</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<center>Today, the kids and I went to church.

Then they had macaroni and cheese for lunch.

And I had this.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7003984654/" title="TodaysLunch by MckMama, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5323/7003984654_252b71ff50_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="TodaysLunch"></a>

Mozzarella balls, garbanzo beans, red pepper and cilantro.

And then we all took a nap.

Well, some of us did.

Then we rode bikes, picked up, played with Legos and blew up balloons. 

I have a big dinner of Shredded Wheat N Bran planned.

What did you do with <em>your</em> Sunday?</center>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><center>Today, the kids and I went to church.</p>
<p>Then they had macaroni and cheese for lunch.</p>
<p>And I had this.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33624288@N08/7003984654/" title="TodaysLunch by MckMama, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5323/7003984654_252b71ff50_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="TodaysLunch"></a></p>
<p>Mozzarella balls, garbanzo beans, red pepper and cilantro.</p>
<p>And then we all took a nap.</p>
<p>Well, some of us did.</p>
<p>Then we rode bikes, picked up, played with Legos and blew up balloons. </p>
<p>I have a big dinner of Shredded Wheat N Bran planned.</p>
<p>What did you do with <em>your</em> Sunday?</center></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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