Fun at Elitch's

Mike's company had their annual company outing at Elitch Gardens (formerly Six Flags). I was a little apprehensive about going because Alex has never been in any type of amusement park. I had been avoiding to go simply because I did not want to deal with #1- a toddler scared of rides and #2- a TIRED toddler scared of rides. Nevertheless, I agreed to go because it was FREE. Best reason to go right? Anyway, I could not have been more wrong about my preconcieved notions. Alex loved every minute of it and loved every ride. We even managed to stay wayyyy past his naptime and the little kiddo was still in good spirits. So, needless to say, Disneyland here we come!

He loved riding in the teacups with Daddy!

With Mommy

Around the world in sixty seconds!

More teacup fun! He went twice!

Showing off his piano skills!

Phoenix 2008

IMG_3143
Originally uploaded by mikeandgen

I can't believe it's been since May 6th since my last post! My apologies to those who frequent our site. As many of you know, we have been quite the travelers the last month or so. We were in Phoenix for three weeks which included a weekend in Cali and some business trips for Mike. So, needless to say...we are exhausted. I have finally caught up with some much needed housework, bill paying, and gardening. I will include as many pictures as I can from the last month or so bear with me!

First of all, a big CONGRATULATIONS to the three McLean sisters who graduated last month. Melissa graduated with an Associates Degree in Education from Chandler Gilbert Community College. She is moving on to Arizona State University to complete her Bachelor's degree. There are big things awaiting Melissa and she was even voted "Most Promising Teacher"...great job Melissa!

Next was Meghan McLean Updike (she's always a McLean in our hearts). Meghan graduated with honors in Nursing from the University of Arizona in Tucson. This girl racked up the awards and we could not have been prouder! She will be a great nurse and any patient who has her will be so lucky! She is now with her husband in Texas and we wish both of them all the best!

And finally, Miss Monica McLean graduated from high school! Woo-hoo! She has been accepted to Arizona State University and also received a scholarship. More Sun Devils in the family!

I'll post more later! Oh, click on the above picture of me and Alex lounging in the pool for more pics!

Hot Tofu!

MVI_3063
Originally uploaded by mikeandgen

Here's a funny video of Alex eating his favorite food tofu! Hot tofu!

Mike's in Seattle

So, my husband is in lovely Seattle as we speak. Sure I've had a few rough moments with Alex, a little tantrum when it came to eating his dinner, a little cranky here and there but over all, he's been good. I like to know that I can survive a few days w/o Mike (emphasize FEW days), nothing longer than 4 nights. He really helps me out and the kid misses his dad you know? Anyway, I left Alex to attend a conference for the WHOLE day today. Quite a change since Alex has never been baby sat by anyone outside of the family for more than a couple of hours at a time. But he was a trooper. My good friend Mary Ann and my neighbor Mary took turns taking care of him and by all reports he was great! Albeit he refused to nap for Mary Ann. Oh well, it couldn't have been perfect right? He also loves this water table I just got for him. It is the best invention ever. Occupies him forever! It's great!

He apparently finds it amusing

I can actually play with water without getting yelled at!

He takes water transferring seriously

More water transferring

Being such a good helper, he decided to water Daddy's grass

Alex our little rascal

Here's Alex practicing his favorite newfound hobby--spitting water. He really gets a kick out of it!

Easter Pics!

Mike receives a blessing during Easter Vigil

Mike taking his first Holy Communion in the Catholic Church!

Alex solves a puzzle

Alex on his first Easter Egg Hunt!

Searching for eggs

Alex with Daddy and Grandma

Grandpa, Grandma, and Alex

Happy Easter from the McLeans!

Easter Blessings

This might seem a mushy little note to my husband but I really would like to take this time to let him know I am so proud of him. I met Mike almost 13 years ago and there is not a day that he ceases to amaze. As many of you know, Mike is going through Rites of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) through the Catholic Church. He decided that it was time for him to study and explore the Catholic faith. In truth, he wanted to convert for Alex's sake. He wanted our children to see that their parents were of the same religion. Simply, he felt that it would unify us more as a family. So since September, he has been attending three hour sessions every Sunday at our church. There he studies scripture, reflects, and meditates on their meaning with other candidates and catuchumens. He also learns important historical events that formed the Catholic faith. The most amazing and inspirational part is that Mike is not simply attending these sessions to "become" Catholic but it is serving as a stepping stone for him to understand himself and his relationship with God. I think Mike himself was surprised at how much he has learned and how it has affected him. I am often taken aback when he has a thought or comment that is obviously influenced by the teachings he has just learned. I am truly blessed to have a husband who understands the importance of God in the family. It gives me comfort to know that when we make decisions in our life, we both will look to our faith for guidance. This Easter is especially momentous because Mike will be formally initiated into the Catholic Church. On Saturday, we will be attending Easter Vigil and there Mike will be finally able to take part in the Holy Eucharist! We are so excited!

I'll leave you with a poem I found on our church's website under the RCIA section.

Unfolding a Rose

A new Christian was walking with a friend one day. He was feeling a bit insecure about God’s will for his life, and he asked his friend what he should do. His friend walked up to a rosebush, handed him a bud, and told him to open it without tearing off any petals. The new Christian looked in disbelief at his friend and tried to figure out what a rosebud could possibly have to do with his wanting to know the WILL OF GOD for his life. But because of his high respect for his friend tried to unfold the rose. . . It wasn’t long before he realized how impossible it was to do so. Noticing the younger Christian’s inability to unfold the rosebud while keeping it intact, his friend began to recite the following poem. . .

It is only a tiny rosebud,

A flower of GOD’s design;

But I cannot unfold the petals

With these clumsy hands of mine.

The secret of unfolding flowers

Is not known to such as I.

GOD opens this flower so sweetly,

When in my hands they fade and die.

If I cannot unfold a rosebud,

This flower of GOD’s design,

Then how can I think I have wisdom

To unfold this life of mine?

So I’ll trust in Him for His leading

Each moment of every day.

I will look to him for His guidance

Each step of the pilgrim way.

The pathway that lies before me,

Only my Heavenly Father knows.

I’ll trust Him to unfold the moments,

Just as He unfolds the rose.

When Irish Eyes are Smiling

I completely forgot that I had an old Karaoke Machine and since Alex loves to sing I busted it out of the closet this morning! Here's our future American Idol singing an old Irish Tune "When Irish Eyes are Smiling" just in time for St. Patrick's Day!

Enjoy!

Monkeying Around with Melissa

We had quite an eventful week last week with Mike's little sis Melissa paying us a visit. Melissa was in town to accept a scholarship she was rewarded through a National Teaching Conference. Congratulations Melissa! During her visit, we were able to play a few games of gin rummy, monkey around in an indoor playground called Monkey Bizness, and basically did a lot of catching up! It was great to have her here!

Melissa at a great burger joint called the Cherry Cricket

Alex apparently wants me to wipe my mouth.

Wassup, wassup!

It's past both their bedtimes

Doing what he does best! Being cute!

In the child's fantasy world called Monkey Bizness

Zoom in on this, who's more excited Mike or Alex?

Our big boy going down the Big Boy slide on his own!

Baby Pics of Genevieve

My mom sent me these pictures from one of her friends in the Philippines. She can't believe how much Alex and I look alike!

Happy Valentine's Day

Alex's Nana sent him the cutest outfits and I have been loving dressing him up! Here is Alex's Valentine's Day attire. (He certainly knows how to work the camera!)

Mommy and Me Playgroup

So, I decided that it was time to break out of my shell and actually start going to playgroups with Alex. Winter in Denver has definitely given both of us a bit of cabin fever so I thought it would be both beneficial for me and Alex to get out of the house and meet some new people! I've only attended a couple but Alex has had a blast so far! Here are a few pics from a meet up this morning.

Ummm...excuse me...can you move please?

He shoots, he scores!

Hmmm...what are these?

Future NBA player

This is awesome...balls everywhere!

New Year! New Hair Cut!

Alex was in dire need of a haircut and it took all my strength and courage to bring him in to get it cut. As we all know, I tried my hand at cutting his hair about a year ago and it resulted to a very saintly looking Alex...like a monk. So, we did not want to go through that again but Alex is not a big fan of the professionals either. So through many tears and screaming, these are the final results...

Before...he seems to know what is about to happen

Immediately After

I hate you Mom

A happier Alex

My Rocker Boy

Silly Pics of Alex

Congrats Mike!

I wanted to send out a big congratulations to Mike and his team at Microsoft. Today is the product launch of the long-awaited Microsoft Office PerformancePoint 2007 Management Reporter. Mike has been working hard on this product since he started in Microsoft almost three years ago! It is a great accomplishment and Mike is proud to have a product ship under his belt. He even gets three paid days off because of this completion! Yay!

Other exciting news in the McLean Family household is my venture into a new business! Yes, as many of you know, I have started my own Pampered Chef business. I am now officially a Consultant. I attended my very first Pampered Chef party in October and was intrigued by the business. I love to cook, I love to sell, and I love being in front of people. What can get better than that? So, I eagerly signed up and have been building my business since then. This was the perfect time to start because of the New Year, I have many goals to fulfill and it is comforting to know that I have a full twelve months to reach them! I have booked a few shows and I am anxious to get the gears turning in full swing!

And for our little tyke Alex---he keeps getting bigger, funnier, and naughtier! He definitely has a sense of humor that compares to none! He makes us laugh daily with his antics such as putting buckets, baskets, and strainers on his head. He loves to get buried under pillows and triumphantly emerge from them. He is a seasoned architect building blocks high and knocking them over. He has mastered the art of putting toys from one place to another. He climbs furniture like a rock climber. He is our own Evil Kneivel, balancing on his riding toys, boxes, and anything that can hold his weight. We have our fair share of scares and here's hoping to no trips to the hospital soon :)

That's it from the homefront! Will be updating more with pics soon!

Alex the Rock Star

As many of you know, Alex received a slew of toys for Christmas. Well, the gifts just keep on coming! Our good friend Mary Ann dropped off a drum set that her boys had no use for anymore and Alex loves it. He's our little rock star. As you can see from the video, Mike is ready to train his apprentice!

It's 2008!

IMG_8454
Originally uploaded by mikeandgen

Hope everyone had a merry Christmas and a great New Year!

I have sooo have to go to bed but here are a few pics from Christmas day!

Merry Christmas from the McLeans

This has been a year of new beginnings and sad goodbyes. We saw the wedding of Meghan and Trent, a new life for my brother Paul, and the death of Grandma Joy. It brings tears to my eyes to know that each of these occasions brought peace to our family. Although Grandma Joy's passing was a sad event, it bought peace in our hearts to know she is sitting up high in heaven with her love. What can I say about Meghan and Trent? After four years of dating long distance, I am sure the hassle of traveling and being apart coming to an end has brought peace in their life! My brother Paul, who has endured a lot for the last year and a half is on the road to recovery. Our family is eternally grateful for this second chance in life. We love Paul and we are praying each day for his continued success.
As 2007 comes to a close, we want to wish everyone who visits this blog a happy Christmas and a joyous New Year. We want to thank everyone who has made 2007 such an eventful and wonderful year. We want to especially thank God for the blessing us with good health, family, and friends. We are so thankful to have such a happy and healthy little boy. There is not a day that Mike and I do not look each other and say how lucky we are. Thank you to our families who continue to support us and is so generous with their love. We want to thank our friends who still talk to us even though we can be so consumed with parenting, we forget to reciprocate!
We pray that your 2008 be filled with joyous surprises, beautiful sunny days, and the knowledge that each day is a gift.
From the deepest of our hearts, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Cheers!

Hawaii Vacation

So, as most of you know, Mike, Alex, and I went on a week-long vacation to Maui. My parents kindly invited us to join them and who could refuse a vacation in such a beautiful place? Although the weather did not cooperate with us, it was still wonderful spending time with my parents, Auntie Abet, Uncle Bob, and my brother Paul. Alex provided a lot of entertainment by showing off his dancing and singing skills, "blowing" away his Aunt and every other person who would be blown away, and generally being the goofy toddler he has become. He loved exploring the resort grounds and being admired by passer-bys. He definitely brought a lot of smiles to the other vacationers.

Like I mentioned, the weather did not cooperate with us. It rained almost 100% of the time with a few bits of sunshine here and there. We were still able to do quite a bit. A bike ride down Haleakala volcano was beautiful and breathtaking. We hopped from one store to another in Whaler's Village (literally hopping as to avoid getting soaked). We sampled various restaurants and enjoyed the fresh seafood. Yum! The rest of the family took the Road to Hana while Mike, Alex and I stayed within the confines of the resort. Alex isn't a fan of long car rides.

Overall, it was a worthwhile trip. Alex got to spend time with his Grandpa and Grandma which is what the trip was mainly about. Alex loved sitting up high on Grandpa's arms and watch the world around him. Now, we're back in cold, snowy Denver adjusting to normal life again. Mike has been in Seattle for the last few days and I am eagerly anticipating his return. It gets lonely around here without him.

Hope everyone is enjoying the holidays. Christmas is coming soon!

Here is the link to the Hawaii Pictures:
http://www.flickr.com/gp/18481625@N00/W6THK5

My life as a SAHM

I always thought I would be a career woman. The modern woman who could balance work and home. I thought of stay-at-home moms as mediocre, lazy, unmovitated. Why would you want to stay at home? There is a whole world to conquer! I never knew that I would eat my own words. I really thought I would go back to work after having Alex. I researched daycare facilities. Mike and I even alloted some money especially for covering the costs. But, each day I spent with Alex, the thought of going back to work seem to move farther and farther away from me. I couldn't fathom the thought of placing him in a daycare, thinking of my helpless little baby and the exposure to germs and sickness made me sick to my stomach. I know there are many women out there who do not have a choice but to go back to work. I respect those women and I also respect the women who choose to go back to work because they want to fulfill other goals and dreams. We are all different and I have learned to not judge those who make different choices from my own.
As Alex grows and enters toddlerhood, it has just reinforced my decision to stay home. This is the stage where he is discovering the world and is finally grasping a lot of concepts and I am simply amazed. It's funny how little things like learning how to blow a whistle, stack rings, and point to body parts is such a momentous occasion. I am so happy that I can witness these discoveries. I just shake my head and say "Wow" each time Alex does something new. I thank God every day that he has blessed me and Mike with a beautiful, happy, and healthy little boy. So, that's my little blurb about my life as a stay-at-home Mom. No, we're not lazy, unmotivated, and mediocre. We are working hard raising our children and also enjoying each moment before they think Mommy and Daddy are crazy and mean :)