Annual Cookie Decorating

December and the Christmas season wouldn't be the same without our annual cookie decorating time with Mema. This year Mema prepared the cookie dough, cut out and baked the cookies a day ahead so the kids could get right to what they enjoy most ... frosting and decorating. 

This little artist was right in her element ensuring her cookies were masterpieces.

I immediately took Dawson up to the bathroom after the cleanup and remedied his helmet head by giving him a long overdue haircut.

Cookie decorating is serious business with my trio. It's not about speed or production, they focus on the final look of the cookie. Holly candies placed just so; sprinkles evenly dispersed; candy canes lined red & white. 

We laughed so hard because the instant McKenna finished decorating her 1st cookie she immediately devoured it without hesitation. Call me biased, but Mema's cut out cookie recipe can't be beat.  Even though she baked around 8 - 10 dozen they don't last long in our homes given the fact that each of our sweet tooth prevails.
My neighbor and friend pulled me aside just this afternoon and told me how she thinks we are so blessed to have my parents live a stone's throw away and we all agree. Blessed indeed!

Embrace the Camera: November 14, 2013

A much anticipated stop at Schaake's Pumpkin Patch for a cup of hot cider and a pumpkin spiced donut. 

Oh my! My mouth is watering just thinking about that donut. 

My sweet tooth enjoyed every.last.bite!

We love family outing but they are always more special when Mema and/or Papa can join us in the memory making!
They make everything more fun!

Embrace the Camera: August 29, 2013

This series of photos can be wrapped up in 3 words. 

Mema, McKenna & Monkey Preschool Lunchbox. 

Love, Laughter & Learning.

And just for fun throw in a miniature dachshund cowl neck warmer.

Who noticed?  

Can you spot her? 

Loving Lake Life

Thursday was the piece de resistance of our family staycation.

My oldest brother, Brett, and his family purchased a lake front property at Lake Lotawana this past year and have been working feverishly to refurbish/remodel it. Travis, myself and the kids have an enormous love for lake life so are SO very excited about spending time and making memories at their home.

The view from the dock of the screened in porch and deck house below

The view across the lake

We spent a great amount of time fishing from the dock. By we, I mean minus me :) I was supervising and making sure Little Miss didn't get herself tangled in the fishing line, get caught on a hook or take a plunge into the water below. She was everyone's #1 cheerleader and supporter.

The fish were biting which kept everyone entertained. The guys (Papa, Brett, Derek & Travis) couldn't bait the lines fast enough. Everyone was throwing their lines and reeling in the catch.

Tyler (the oldest of 10 grandchildren and my oldest nephew) drove in from the city. I love this kid deeply. I heart that he still allows me to mug on him at the age of 22.

He is incredible with all the kids but took a shining to MJ while the older kids were fishing and skipping rocks.

My two beautiful sister-in-laws Teri (green) and Linda (khaki).

The hubs, aka Daddy-O

I wish this picture were zoomed in, but Travis went on the tube with the bigs and they were having a grand ole' time UNTIL they hit a big wake and Travis let go (intentionally) and the bigs came crashing into the water wall. There was screaming and lashing of teeth. OK, not really, but there were some tears and an abrupt decision that they were done tubing for the afternoon.

You can see the the look of distress on Ms. G's face here. This post wouldn't have been complete without a picture of Leo so I had to include it :)

Mema and McKenna Jane

Tyler surprised Papa with a Dairy Queen ice cream cake to celebrate his birthday. We had already had plenty of good eats and sweet treats throughout the day, but if you're a DuBay, you ALWAYS have room for ice cream!!!!!

As the sun began to set the kids migrated back to the dock for some evening fishing. I posted this picture to Instagram with the well known quote "If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime." We are SO blessed to have a Papa, a Daddy and extended family who teach us these concepts and pour into us!

Embrace the Camera: April 18, 2013

McKenna Jane is embracing the camera with her two favorite peeps outside our immediate family. 

Mema and Papa. 

There is no one she would rather love on and receive love from. She squeals when they enter our house and {almost} always runs for hugs.

McKenna loves it when Mema is reading to her or best of all singing to/with her. 

I believe her favorites are "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus in the Morning" and "Jesus Wants me for a Sunbeam."

{Correct me if I'm wrong Mom} 

Papa is known best for his silly antics, tickle attacks and crazy talk. 

It's safe to say they have a crazy love! 

Christmas 2012

Christmas looked a bit different for us this year compared to years past. The DuBay family gathering was scheduled on an evening when Daddy worked and you kiddos were sick with snotty noses and a croupy cough so we decided to forgo attending. Papa & Mema spent Christmas in Alabama with Uncle Derek, Aunt Teri and family flying out on the 19th. We allowed you to open two items from your stockings from Papa and Mema before leaving for Springfield the weekend prior to Christmas. Daddy had to work Christmas Eve so I allowed you to open your remaining stocking gifts from P & M in the morning. Mommy took you to the candle light service at church Christmas Eve. Christmas morning you woke and opened your stockings from Daddy and Mommy and then we all sat down to a yummy pancake breakfast Daddy made. After breakfast you opened your gifts. Honestly I don't recall all the details even though Christmas was just a few short weeks back. I can tell you that Christmas was quiet and peaceful. Papa and Mema had left your gifts here for you, but we waited for them to return from AL in early January to open them. I couldn't quite wrap my mind around not have Christmas without them so we "redid" Christmas on Friday the 4th - gifts followed by another pancake breakfast made by Daddy. 

The two bigs in front of the tree Christmas morning

Little Miss inspecting a handful of her stocking items - wooden alpha and number magnets, felt cupcakes for tea parties & a juice and milk bottle for her babies 

MJ opening her gift from Papa & Mema
A Tag Junior Reader, book set & storage bag

Papa and Mema added to Dawson's Imaginext line

Gabi thrilled with her new girly perfumed lotion set 

Our favorite gift from this Christmas was the Jesus Calling devotional book by Sarah Young. I have LOVED crawling in bed with all 3 of you {nearly} every night and reading the daily devotion. You take turns looking up the additional scripture verses on Mommy's iPhone. I have noticed such a difference in your evening/bedtime demeanor on the evenings we complete the devotional. You each settle right to sleep after tucking you in.
I decided last year to record what your gifts were, so in keeping up with that here is this years list.
Gabrielle:

 MP3 player

 Fijit Friend Willa
Lego friends set

Dawson:

 Robotic toy

 Lego DS case and 2 DS games

 BOB book set 1 

McKenna:

 Shopping cart

 Large plastic food set

 Toy Vacuum

Icing & Sprinkles & Candy, Oh My!

Christmas wouldn't be the same without Mema's delicious cut out cookies. She prepared the dough, cut out and baked the cookies (because the kidaroos haven't been 100% in the health department). She came up last Friday and the frosting and decorating commenced. The "bigs" both took part in the mixing up of frosting, spreading it on (Gabrielle ever so meticulously and Dawson in slap happy fashion) & adding the finishing touches of sprinkles, Nerds candy, mini chocolate chips, etc.

McKenna was present throughout the process and was under foot the.entire.time! We tried our very best to entice her with cookies, but once the frosting touched her hands she immediately dropped them. Have I mentioned that my kids have a moderate severe case of OCD with hand washing? We resorted to keeping her busy with a yogurt cup & licking spoons.  She snuck in plenty of snuggles and lovin' from Mema throughout the night too :)

It is now Thursday and dozens and dozens of cookies have been consumed. I admit I have had more than my fair share! Ummm, the majority truth be told. My midsection will not be thanking me come January.

Embrace The Camera: December 19, 2012

The kids are Embracing the Camera with Papa & Mema

Photos above taken at the Holiday Shoppe and pancake breakfast at Meadow Lane

Photo taken during our annual cookie decorating