My Majic Family

Why am I here? This is the question I keep asking myself. I guess my crazy life has finally caught up with me. I feel so awful. I think I may have strep throat. It doesn't matter how much tylenol, nyquill or dayquill I take I still feel like crap. So, I am sitting here at work doing payroll and paying bills. As soon as I am finished I am going home to bed. Well, after I run a couple of errands. It is so sad, but mom's don't get sick days. Thank goodness my kids are somewhat self-sufficient and my oldest is such a big help. Brian doesn't have it much better, he just found out he has to get a root canal. His third one in a year. OUCH. Anyway, if you think of us, pray for this to end quickly. I am so busy and don't have time to be sick. The new restaurant opens in 12 days and there is so much to be done. Thanks in advance!

Posted by The Mac Fam at 12:50 PM | Permalink | Comments

I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving! And now it's back to business as usual, well for about 4 weeks anyway until Christmas.

Our family had a great time. It actually started Wednesday night when Jeanette threw a surprise party for her mom's 50th birthday. She was totally shocked and the theme was Queen Mary (her name) and she loved every minute of it.


The Queen reigns at 50!


Mother and Daughter...are you sure?


Happy Birthday to you! Cha Cha Cha


So, then Thursday my family including my dad were blessed to spend it with Ronnie, Jeanette and family. We had such a great time and like everyone else in the country ate way too much.






Too much tryptophan?


Then Saturday after I Dipped Dots all day we took the kids to see The Incredibles and then decided at 8:15 pm to take off to my Aunts house an hour and a half away. I'll have pics from that at a later date.

So, now that we all spent an entire weekend gorging ourselves the question I want to ask is "Has anyone but me decided to diet until Christmas or will you wait until January and make it another New Year Resolution?" Let me know.

Posted by The Mac Fam at 11:00 AM | Permalink | Comments

Posted by The Mac Fam at 11:00 AM | Permalink | Comments

Well I know I can never keep up with my poor wife
cause she works so much but always finds time to blog,
but I did want to show all some highlights from a great
day with the boys! The handsome guy next to the guy with
the lip piercing is me! Jackson and Jayden were all over
Minne! And you have to ask yourself how could anyone top
this weekend off? Well by going to the Disney Jingle Jam
on Sunday night with Fan 3 and take a deep breath
ARRON CARTER!
Jared was totally loving it NOT!
Jackson and Jayden had fun dancing.
PEACE BMAC!

Posted by The Mac Fam at 2:54 AM | Permalink | Comments

is it any wonder i am the way i am. just take a look at one of the fish swimming around in my gene pool, or actually i guess i would be swimming in hers. anyway, all your questions should be answered now...



the one on the right is my aunt. she is my mom's youngest sister (9 years younger) and the other chick is the pastor's wife. and yeah, they are always like that. my uncle captured this kodak moment and i can't thank him enough. i warned her i would post it...

Posted by The Mac Fam at 11:28 PM | Permalink | Comments

Ok so, the title isn't exactly true but after sitting at my computer for 9 hours with only a 30 minute break yesterday I feel like the title fits. Actually my Saturday was really fun. I took my dad shopping for his trip to England in December (it's his first trip home in 11 years). This is a man who hasn't been shopping in like 10 years, well except maybe like a shirt here and there at Wal-mart. And it isn't like he wouldn't spend money. When mom was alive he would spend lots of money on her so I don't know. So, anyway like I said Saturday was really fun. My dad and I got to spend some real quality time together.

And the boys and Brian had lots of fun hanging out together. They really needed that time and I really needed the break. Then Saturday evening Jared and Brian went to see Pillar in concert. Since Brian is such good friends with Rob (the lead singer) and the rest of the band Jared got to hang out with all of them backstage and meet the other bands that played before them. He always thinks that's pretty cool.

Well, Sunday I decided since the next V.I.P. dinner is only 3 weeks away and I had to print off over 600 invitations and make over 60 calls to update addresses I figured I had better get started. Jeanette came over at about 7:30 and helped me label and so got about 300 finished last night. Not bad. It was a long day and my back is really sore. For those of you who don't know what I am talking about we are opening our third Fuddruckers in Owasso. We are so excited. I am thinking Brian and I may actually have some room to breathe after this one opens. According to our prospectus we won't have to have the next one open for another year.

So, all in all I had a fun, productive weekend and Brian took some time off. Looking forward to this week very much. I pray Thanksgiving blessings on all of you. Have a great week!!

Posted by The Mac Fam at 10:30 AM | Permalink | Comments

Ok, so I don't love myself (not too much anyway). But, I do need to have a little pity party. So, sue me. I am a little broken down today. I think things get to everyone from time to time. I just happen to be a little more outspoken than most. I am human. I am feeling overwhelmed. VERY!! I am tired, I miss my husband, I am working 2 jobs, I feel like my kids are neglected, I feel very fat, haven't exercised in like a month and am eating whatever I can get my hands on. Blah, blah, blah. So, enough of that.

The reality is this ~ my family is healthy and together. My husband not only has a job he has a future. This is just for a season, maybe a really long season but still a season. We have the greatest extended family in the world (that includes you, Fuji's). And lately I have been really addicted to talk radio and let me tell you, that really makes me realize how good I have it.

So I have to ask ~ what makes you lose it and have little pity parties? Please share so I am not alone.

Posted by The Mac Fam at 12:00 PM | Permalink | Comments

Brian has been so busy as most you know and so he hasn't been around at all. Well, imagine my surprise when he called at 5:18pm yesterday and said he was on his way home. The kids were so excited and so for the first time in 4 weeks we ate dinner together and as a treat we all made cookies. Here are the highlights.

Daddy mixin' it up.


Rolling the dough, yes I washed my hands


The first cookie to be


Helping hands




Into the oven they go.


We had a very fun time together and look forward to having more times like this with Daddy when things calm down. Pray it will be soon.

Posted by The Mac Fam at 3:00 PM | Permalink | Comments

My friend Stacie sent me this and you may have read it before but it's always worth reading again. I laughed out loud b/c it's soooo true.

A man and his wife were having some problems at home and were giving each other the silent treatment. Suddenly, the man realized that the next day, he would need his wife to wake him at 5:00 AM for an early morning business flight. Not wanting to be the first to break the silence and LOSE, he wrote on a piece of paper, "Please wake me at 5:00 AM." He left it where he knew she would find it. The next morning, the man woke up, only to discover it was 9:00 AM and he had missed his flight. Furious, he was about to go and see why his wife hadn't woke him, when he noticed a piece of paper by the bed. The paper said, "It is 5:00 AM. Wake up." Men are not equipped for these kinds of contests. God may have created man before woman, but there is always a rough draft before the masterpiece!

Posted by The Mac Fam at 10:40 AM | Permalink | Comments

Here it is! Yesterday was our V.I.P party and it wasn't any where near as busy as the first one. As those of you who attended know your wait was like 2+ hours. We barely even had a line yesterday. BTW, missed all you peoples from far away. Today, we officially opened for business and although a little slow at first we ended up having a great day.


Some of my family did attend (V.I.P,) while others...forgot?


Partners in...making money, we hope.


We are open for business and here's our first customer of the day.


I am positive this thing is attached.


So, this is what you look like.

Posted by The Mac Fam at 10:00 PM | Permalink | Comments

So, in my last post I talked about change and mentioned how I had suffered a personal loss. Of all the people I know my father has had to deal with more change in the past 18 months than anyone I know. He and my mother were married 32 years. They weren't just married either as anyone who knew them can attest to. They were deeply in love with each other. Now it wasn't always like that, but there was a huge transformation in my dad's life and things changed between them. They were so precious together. She was the apple of his eye. He was her ducky (it's an English term of endearment). They were inseparable. Now, think of how his life is. Everyday coming home to an empty house. No longer the kiss at the door and supper at the table. No more Sunday afternoons in the sunroom with a cup of tea. No one there to tell how his day was. No one there to make it all better when things at the office suck. No more gardening together. And of course the worst thing of all no one at night to snuggle up to. My father has been through so much and yet I watch as he gets up every day and still goes to work. Still volunteers at church and has even become a marriage counselor, something he and my mom were going to do together. Goes to the grocery store, cleans the house, does this laundry, makes the bed, makes his own dinner (well, he pushes start on the microwave but it's a start), spends time with me and my family and even babysits my kids once in a while. He has a moment everyday when he hurts and there will be an entire week here and there where he disappears but he always re-emerges stronger. To this day her closet remains untouched and the door open. Her toothbrush still stands next to her sink as does her necklace stand and keepsake box.

About 3 months ago we started to slowly go through all of her papers and stuff and found journals dating all the way back to 1963! Isn't that incredible? Then just the other day my dad gave me back the CD/tape player that we had used in the hospital for her when she was dying. So, I thought nothing of it and set it on my bedside table. The next day I went to put in a tape and there was one already in there so I pushed play. It was my mother!! She was talking. She was saying confessions over her body for her healing. It was the most wonderful thing to hear. I have to give the tape to my dad but until then I listen to her every night before I go to sleep. I miss my mom.

But through all this rambling what I am trying to say is that she will always be with us b/c we will never forget her and that is what keeps her here. And although I have this deep pain and can't believe that my mother is REALLY gone I simply need to remember something wonderful about her. And man, was she wonderful. Her smile, her laugh, her caring sweet nature. And you know what else? I will see her again and that makes everything worth it.

Posted by The Mac Fam at 12:44 PM | Permalink | Comments

Change. It happens to us all doesn't it? Whether we like it or not things are always changing. When I think back to one year ago and where my life was I sometimes shudder. I was reeling from a very painful loss. I was highly active in several areas of my church. I was surrounded by a huge circle of friends, some with whom I served with at church and others I had just known for an eternity. My father and I were not speaking (this was to do with the painful loss we suffered). My husband was questioning if he was making the right decisions for our family. Thanksgiving and Christmas were creeping up on me and the list goes on and on. Then change began to take place and I screamed at it to stop b/c it was too much all at once.

Here I am a year later. I still hurt from my loss, everyday and holidays are the worst. My friends are God given friends and even though they moved away they still hold a special place in my heart and I will never forget them even if they forget me. The church I was so active in I no longer even attend although we did find a new one which we are enjoying very much. My father and I are not only speaking but we have a whole new relationship which could never have been born had it not been for change. However difficult. My husband is opening 2 new restaurants before the end of 2004 and seems genuinely happy with his decisions albeit slightly exhausted.

Anyway the point is this ~ I am still here. I am still me. I am blessed beyond measure. The changes I have encountered have been painful, exciting, sad, awesome, memorable but most of all they have taught me not to be afraid anymore. To embrace the change b/c otherwise I might miss what God has for me on the other side. My friend Stacie once told me "Rachel, do you know what you are saying to God when you worry? You are telling Him, You can't handle my problems." That has always stayed with me. Not that I always lived by it but it is forever in the back of my mind. He knows what's going on, whatever changes take place are no surprise to Him. I should just kick back and say "I trust YOU." and keep on keeping on.

So, my question to you is this ~ how do you feel about change?

Posted by The Mac Fam at 11:45 AM | Permalink | Comments

The ugly(J/K) guy on the left and the handsome guy on the right are two famous guys with the BIG MAN upstairs that are getting even more famous. They are Bobby(The drummer) and JJ(The Bassist) for East West. Anyway they are such freakin awesome guys and I am so honored to call them friends. They are such down to earth guys with a passion for the Chief Justice of the Heavens. Anyway Bobby called me last night and shared GREAT news (below), be sure if there is one movie you see this year it is this one! Rock on Guys you are all Awesome! Keep these guys in your conversations with the Man, and buy their album it will change your life and maybe more! If nothing else send them money and tell everyone you know about them, visit their website too! www.powerjams.com Peace!
EW & Adam Sandler's New Movie
Bobby and JJ were extras in Adam Sandler’s new movie " The Longest Yard". This is a remake of the 70's classic. It Stars: Adam Sandler, Burt Reynolds, Chris Rock, Nelly, Tracy Morgan, James Cromwell, Michael Irvin, Bill Romanowski, Steve Austin, Bill Goldberg, Brian Bosworth, and more!!! The guys had fun on the set talking and joking with the cast. If the editor is nice you will see the guys cheering for Adam’s team, the convicts!

Posted by The Mac Fam at 3:33 AM | Permalink | Comments

My wife is the most amazing woman I have ever met! Right now she does so much, as you know I have been working my tail off to get the restaurant(s) open and things have gone far from planned! Peoria has been nothing but the grace of God to get open! I have had one thing happen after another and it has caused me to work so much. My day has started with me leaving at 7 and returning after midnight every day for the past three weeks. During this time My INCREDIBLE wife has been so STINKING SUPPORTIVE it is unbelieveable. I know my family misses me so much right now and I am dying cause I miss them so much too! My wife has been working her job at Integrity, doing the invitations for our VIP party this Sunday, doing the newsletter, raising the boys, and finding time to still being Loving and supportive to me! How she is doing this is nothing short of a miracle. I know this is God and believe that this is a means to a greater end and I just hope she can hold on a little longer to make it to the end! I am so proud of you Rachel and I know we have been like ships passing in the night but I appreciate you SO MUCH! I Love you dearly and I thank you for all that you are doing right now! I am speechless as to what more to say than THANK YOU! YOU ARE WONDER WOMAN!
PS (I don't care what Kramer says I miss the how was your day today, did you have a good day or a bad day)

Posted by The Mac Fam at 2:58 AM | Permalink | Comments

I failed to mention in my previous post that along with being a supporter of my husbands endeavers, running the household, organizing a V.I.P party, taking care of three kids and working outside of the home we are also remodeling our master bathroom. We layed tile like a month ago and Jeanette and I grouted tonight. I have a new found respect for Ronnie and what he does for a living. Here are the highlights of the grouting party we had.

Here's Jeanette getting started.




Cleaning it up


FINISHED!!

Posted by The Mac Fam at 9:40 PM | Permalink | Comments

IT'S FINALLY HERE!!

It has been almost a week since I have blogged. Brian and I have been running around like chickens with our heads, well you know. The first of our 2 new restaurants will be opening Monday November 15th. The one on Peoria (Owasso will open a month later). And since we like to have a V.I.P. dinner the day before I have not only been working my regular job but then coming home and running off hundreds and hundreds of these invitations. And just to have a little whine fest here, I have also been taking care of all the household chores and our kids singlehandedly for going on 4 weeks now since Brian leaves the house at around 7:30 am and returns anytime between midnight and 3am. Poor guy, he is exhausted. I know, I know it could be worse, we could have no job, no house, no nothing but hey, I am human so let me have my moment. Anyway, I want to give Jeanette a HUGE THANK YOU b/c she helped me label and stamp these hundreds of invites and I never could have gotten them done with out her. You ROCK Jeanette!!

So, like I said we are having a VIP dinner next Sunday the 14th and just so all you folks I love so much that live far away know, if you decide to come to Tulsa at the last minute call me b/c you are definately included in this free dinner thing.

I finally went and saw the progress on Saturday. I haven't set foot in the new restaurant since we signed the papers. It is small. But, it is gonna look so good. I will be posting pics after the party. They also have a whole kiddie play area with sky tubes and video games so everyone is happy.

And finally, I want to post this adorable pic of my beautiful boys b/c they have been so good despite never seeing their daddy and their mom being grumpy and overly busy. All I can say is thank God for His grace and mercy to get through each day and fantastic friends that pick up the slack.

Posted by The Mac Fam at 11:55 AM | Permalink | Comments

Although I cannot vote, I am so thankful and proud to live in a country that supports truth. GOD BLESS THE USA!!!

Posted by The Mac Fam at 3:15 PM | Permalink | Comments

As promised, pictures from the OSU/OU game. For those of you who don't know OU beat us by 3 points. It was a very exciting close game and both teams played very well. I, of course was not in a seat but at the Dippin' Dots stand under the bleachers. Brian, Jared and I all went with Mark and Stacie Morris. Enjoy!

The calm before the storm..

Your OSU COWBOYS!!!!

Pistol Pete

The Dippin' Dots Queen

Mark, Jared and Brian.

Father/Son rivalry.

I guess that's why they are called FAN-ATTICS!!

Posted by The Mac Fam at 12:45 PM | Permalink | Comments