Goodbye Earl

Last night Brian's grandfather, Earl Shaw, passed away. He was 89 years old and ready to meet the Lord. I only knew him 11 years, but he was a good man.  He was living by himself and kept a garden until about 8 months ago when he had a stroke and then he just was not the man with the spunk that we knew.

I knew he didn't grow up going to church, but didn't know he didn't start going until my mother in law was about 7 or 8. He met Madeline, his late wife, at a tent revival that him and a friend went to to make fun of the holy rollers.  My mother in law said,  him and his brothers typically went to the bars after work and drank, but one day he could not remember things and decided that was not the life he should be leading.  My mother in law said it was a hard change for him to be a God fearing man, but he did.  He had some tattoos that he got while in the navy and I remember asking several times what they were, you could not make them out very well, and he would never tell me and just say"the stupidest things I did."  He was always busy doing something-gardening, clearing land, or playing dominos with friends.  He really enjoyed spoiling his great grandkids that live close him-you always get ice cream at Grandpa Earl's house even if you didn't eat your dinner.  He was a man that served people at church and had many friendships there.  His wife, Madeline, died 9-10-2001 and ever since then he has been waiting on the Lord to take him home and he finally got his wish.

We will miss him even though we were not that close to him-he was just a fun character to be around and would tell stories. When Brian and I got married he told us " I hope you have grandkids one day that make you come to Texas in the heat of August and watch them get married."  I don't think he liked driving all that way in the heat.  He always had a good hug for you.

Here are a few pictures I could find with my kids and Earl.  I know we have more recent ones, but just can't track down where they are.

It was the last of our grandparents to leave this Earth.  I am glad that God took him when he did and he didn't have to live like he was for long.  We will miss you!!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight

Why am I up at 11:46 p.m. on Christmas because I just had this blog going through my head.  It has been a good day and a very long one.   We sent the kids on a sacvenger hunt first thing for the big present, a trip to Disney World on Jan 10-14 and Piper amazes us with her reading-she read every clue with no help.  They didn't react the way I thought they would- they just wanted to open their other presents.  I think the most exciting part was finding the note Santa left and that he got us plane tickets to Disney-that got a good reaction.  They opened and played with all their presents.

The kids got to have a white Christmas, which has only happened a few times in my life.  I am sure it will happen less in their life as we live in Texas.  They had fun playing on the snow covered trampoline and throwing snowballs at anyone. 

We then set off to Oklahoma thinking the roads had cleared by now.  We got through Texas fine, but OK was hard.  We saw a car on the side of the road about every half mile.  What normally takes us about an 1.5 was taking us about 3 hours and there was not an end in site so after a lot of consideration we decided to not try and take a 10 hour drive to Tulsa and just head for home. So we took a five hour road trip to end up back where we started.  In some ways I love my own bed and my kids sleep good in theirs too.  I am sad to not be there for my niece and nephew's first christmas.  It will be sad to not get to see all of them open their presents and just hang out with family, but I think we made the right decision. I have never had to mail present, but I guess I will be doing that tomorrow.  However, on the way the kids started to ask questions about Disney and really get excited.  I told them once we got home we would look it up on the internet.

We got home and the kids wanted to see the rides at Disney world on the internet.  Piper and Christian had wide eyes as I went through all the pages and Piper said, "Dad, Disney world looks like lots and lots of fun."  They are so excited that we are counting down the days to the plane ride and all the things we get to see  and do at Disney.  We have 15 to go.

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and to all a goodnight!

Christmas Letter

Another year has passed. Can you believe it?




We did add to our family this year with a dog named Shadow. He is a Corgi/Dachshund/ Lab mix. Brian and Celeste have not figured out why they got him yet. He came potty and crate trained and really is a good dog, but he does like to chew things up, so the kids have learned to pick their stuff up and close their doors. He is 9 months old and loves to play fetch. He’s a very nervous dog, though; he only recently was willing to go in the front yard, or go for a walk.



Piper turned 6 this year, and had a lot of ‘firsts’. First season to play softball. She improved a lot. Celeste coached! Still trying to figure out if she is left- or right-handed in throwing. She writes left, but bats better right. She also tried soccer and got into it after a few games. Her favorite sport is still swimming. And she started kindergarten ½ day in the afternoons. On preschool days she’s in a class with 4 other ½ day-ers. She is reading really well, and amazing us with her math skills. She loves to get together with friends and we have even started sleepovers. She likes all the social aspects of school and can’t wait to see her friends each day.



Christian is now 4 ½ years old, and he’s really coming out of his shell. He’s full of creative ideas and loves making up stories. His new thing is writing picture books. He likes to draw a bunch of pictures and staple time together and make a book. He is on his 4th book – watch out J.K. Rowling! He reads them to us sometimes, and the interesting thing is he comes up with a new story to match the pictures, every time. He also loves to climb on everything and play with his superheroes. He’ll start in kindergarten next year (and kindergarten will change from ½ day to full day next year), so mommy is about to lose both of her kids to all day school next year.



Celeste and Brian celebrated their 10th anniversary this year, and spent a few days in Santa Fe, NM, white water rafting, hot air ballooning, and just relaxing. Way fun! Celeste continues to work at the preschool at church, as coordinator for nursery, toddlers, and twos. She enjoys having the kids so close by at work – for one last year. Since the kids are going to school full time next fall, Celeste is trying to figure out what she is going to do with her life. She has some great ideas, but nothing solid yet. Brian is still working at CSC, 13 years now. He has not been traveling very much this year, but projects in Europe and Australia may be on the horizon. Hopefully, Celeste will get to go with him sometime, and maybe the kids too. Brian still plays bass at church, and elsewhere with the 'Stefano Elliott Band' (www.seband.com).



If you are ever in the Dallas/Ft Worth area please let us know. Please make a note of our new zip code. Next year we will not get your card if you send it to 76248. Here is our contact info:



12304 Macaroon Lane Keller, TX 76244 817-741-0142 bcmckean@verizon.net



We really don’t have a website anymore, but Celeste is in the process of starting a blog (we’ll see how it goes): http://mckeanfamilyhappenings.blogspot.com/



We are very thankful for you, and we pray that God will bless you and your family in the coming year. We love you all!



Brian, Celeste, Piper and Christian McKean – and Shadow, too!

Shadow takes a walk

We have been waiting for the day when Shadow would let us put him on a leash and take him for a walk and today was the day.  I took him with us to pick up Piper from school and lately he has been really comfortable running around in the front yard-a month ago he would not even go there.  So I decided to try so the kids got their bikes and we took him around the block and more twice.  I was so excited I called Brian.  It is like when your child smiles or walks for the first time.  He did great and just loved exploring a whole new world.  He also played in the front yard and didn't wonder off without his leash on.  He even played with another dog in the neighborhood, Molly.  Just a great accomplishment for him

Heaven

Christian is very interested in heaven and what it will be like.  He keeps asking when he can go there, but he will be kind of scared to fly up with God because it is kind of high.  The funny thing he said to me in the car was "Mommy, if I go to heaven does that mean I get to be in the Bible"  and I said we would have to see.  Then he asked if Peter from the Bible was in heaven.  He then told me that someone in his class at preschool said that some people don't believe in Santa or Jesus, but I do he said.  I am just amazed at all the spiritual questions he has about God and Heaven.  I think that God is creating a great little witness in there.

The Last Preschool Christmas Programs

This was the kids last Christmas at preschool.  I will miss them as they go on to full day kinder and 1st grade next year.  Piper did the boom wracker Joy to the World and also led everyone singing it.  It was much better than last year.  Christian sang Go Tell It On the Mountain.  He knew every word to every verse and knew all of the motions.  He did have a scratch in the middle of the preformance, but was till trying to do all the motions.  It was precious.  I even got to make a DVD of all the kids Christmas programs at preschool.  It was fun to watch it and see them grow through the years especially Piper.  I also love that they know the true meaning of Christmas is that Jesus came to this Earth, but as Piper says it is about presents too. 

Texas Snow

While Brian was gone the last two week.  We got snow one day.  I tend to stay up late when he is out of town-don't ask me why.  The kids had woken up at 7 like usual and I was trying to get them just to go watch TV for awhile so I could lay for a little longer.  They went, but were back with big eyes saying it is snowing.  The next was we want to go outside-I knew from that point forward that it was futile for me to stay in bed.  So we went out in the snow for about an hour and then came in for hot chocolate.  This was Shadow's first snow and he seemed to love it.  Here are some fun pictures in the snow.

Grandma and Papa Chicken's House

Piper had a long weekend so the kids and I decided to head to Kansas to see everyone.  My brothers and their kids came and it was so much fun to see all of them just go and play for hours together.  I don't think anyone turned on a TV till late that night.  Piper got to go fishing, except we couldn't find the hook, so they just casted out onto the water.  They built sand tunnels and buried Christian in the sand.  They even played in the cow trailer for awhile.  It was such a beautiful day.  Piper decided to ask Papa around dark if they could build a fire by the silo.  So he loaded up all 6 of the kids and they headed to find some wood for the fire.  He said they all did really good helping get the wood into the truck ( they range from 4-12).  Then they headed over to build a fire.  My mom didn't have anything, but mini marshmellows and they don't work so well to roast,  but.we got to see all the stars, you can't see much in DFW, and the kids had a great time playing with flashlights in the silo.

I love going to my parent's house.  It is one of the most relaxing places to be.  My kids love being there and they can just run and play.  I don't have to worry about them in the street or anyone picking them upon the road, they can go in the front yard with no supervision.  If a car comes down the road to my parents it is usually someone to see them or the mailman.  My mom always gets up with the kids so we get to sleep in a little while.  She makes them pancakes, bacon, and eggs every morning. The greatest is the grandkids love to play with each other and I think they all have great imaginations.  I love sitting out on the porch swing and drinking coffee or just watching the kids play in the dirt.  It is also amazing that Grandma has her own beach in the middle of Kansas, we just call it the creek.  My mom even let Romie and Piper put paint on her like make-up.  My kids and I always have a great time there.

Happy Halloween...

My kids love superheroes.  Last year they were the traditional superheroes as Wonder Woman and Superman.

This year they decided to go with Flash and Hawk Girl.  The funny thing is people would ask Piper "What are you going to be for Halloween?" and she would say "Hawk Girl", but they would hear "Hot Girl" and laugh and say what is that.  She learned to pronouce Hawk-with a very hard K sound and people still don't know who that is.  For all of you who don't know who that is she is the other girl superhero in the Justice League.  I had also bought their costumes online and loved Christian's, but Piper's didn't fit right so...the night before our Halloween, sorry Costume Parade at preschool I went on the hunt for something.  She already had black leggings, but I needed red underwear, a yellow tank top in the middle of fall, and something to make red boots out of and I needed to get foam board and make wings(the ones that came with the costume were terrible.  I had about an hour and half to go shopping and get back before Brian went to band practice.  I went to 5 or 6 different stores and found what I needed.  The hardest thing to find is non lace red underwear that would be small enough for her.  I think she looked great and my little flash was so fast.

The normal routine on Halloween is for Brian to take the kids trick or treating and I stay back and hand out candy.  I love seeing all of the costumes, but Piper asked if the whole family could go and we could just set a bowl on the front porch for people to take candy.  So we all went as a family and at first Christian was having issues with his costume and would walk about 2 steps every minute and I was not having a good time.  Daddy, who is the patient one, said " You are Flash, the fastest man on earth, let's go."  and finally he became Flash and the trick or treating was fun.  Our neighbors were all out in their driveways and it was so much fun to see everyone.  The kids got tons of candy that I saved about half, because Brian and I keep eating it.  It was a very fun Halloween!!!

Thinking about New Life

My sister in law just had a little baby boy today, Wyatt.  I am sure they are tired and ready to start a new chapter in their life.  The funny thing is I am up at 11 almost 12 at night because I got to thinking that we blogged a long time ago.  We had family websites with both the kids and I have one on CD somewhere ,really need to find it, and I never got the other on a CD, but it is still out there.  Just found it, but it is inactive right now. 

After reading so many of my friends blogs and seeing what they talk about and are able to remember all the little things that have happened in their family has inspired me to keep this one so I don't forget all the little things anymore.  Wyatt started his life today and I hope and pray that he will be as amazing a blessing as my little 6 and 4 year old are right now.  The times with just Piper I got to hold her on my chest and just let her sleep for hours and I remember a few of those times with Christian.   They are getting even too big to carry now, but I hope this will help me remember some of the precious moments of their lives and I can look back on and see God's hand everywhere and Him shaping them into what they will become. 

Wyatt my prayer for you is that God will work all around you and you will be able to see it and show it to the world.  Christie and Charlie I pray that he will be a good baby so you can get sleep,  I pray for you to ease into family life.  I pray that you will see God's hand in his life and yours everywhere you turn.

You are something your parents have waited for awhile and I just know you will be huge blessing.  They will get frustrated with you, but they will always love you.  We get to spoil you like your mom and dad have spoiled Piper and Christian so be ready.  Can't wait to meet you!

The Arkansas Leaves

We went to Arkansas a few weeks ago to visit Brian's grandfather, who was not in good health. Brian's aunt and uncle live in north Arkansas and the colors were just beautiful. Piper kept saying "Mommy this place is awesome." They had a huge backyard that backed up to a forest and lake.  The kids explored and loved that there were no fences in the backyards. They got to play with toys that their daddy probably played with that aunt Paula keeps for her grandkids when they come up. When we were at the nursing home, visiting Brian's grandfather, the kids got restless and we decided to go in their courtyard and collect leaves. We found some beautiful ones and some that we not the beautiful. This started a whole leaf collecting expedition between Grandma Dog, who is a elementary school teacher, and Piper. We collected a bag full of leaves and Piper suggested the we put together a scrapbook of all the leaves. So when we got home we put the leaves in books and flattened them. Today, we got all the stuff to make a book out of them. It was fun-we even made them look a little better with glitter glue(some of the brillant colors had faded). She is shining star this week at morning kindergarten (i.e. preschool)and wants to make sure she can take all her leaves to be able to show all the Iguanas in her class. 

It was cold and rainy otherwise I would have gotten a lot more pictures, but here are a few.  I wish I could have gotten some of the kids playing in the leaves, which uncle Harry was nice enough to blow into a pile for them, but it only lasted a few minutes after we got there when the rain starting pouring.    I do love the one of Christian though because it looks like he is ready for some football.

Piper and Sports

Piper wanted to play soccer this season and I really wondered about it.  She doesn't like to run a lot and she is not aggressive.  Today, as we wrapped up a season my daughter got some wheels and really got in there to fight for the ball.  She was out running a lot of the kids and scored 2 goals (maybe she is my daughter).  I was just so proud of her.  She has improved so much over the season and with little practice.  I don't know what the spring will hold, but we will see if there is more soccer in her future. 


However, I am loving that she likes to try all the sports.  We have done softball, gymnastics, swimming, and soccer.  Her favorite is swimming.  Brian and I think because she doesn't have to sweat while doing it.  I am just interested to see what she would love to do next.   


Now if we could get her to tie her shoes and ride on two wheels I think we could be getting somewhere.


I guess we need to start Christian is something soon since he will be 5 in the spring.

My first post

I started this to try and keep up with all the things happening with my family. A lot of my friends do this and I am going to try just so I have it for the future. I hope I can look back on it and see all the precious things and the great memories.  I hope some will enjoy seeing it and keeping up with it