1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and
parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey
is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never
blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up
to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an
answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't
save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. Yield.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will
this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or
didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw others', we'd grab
ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
Sunday, May 31
Friday, May 29
PAPA
I have been trying to figure out all day just what I could write today. It's my Dad's birthday. Today he turned 61. I wrote in his birthday card that I don't think that he looks his age. I don't think he acts his age either. How many men in their sixties volunteer (or agree, as is sometimes the case) to take care of 4 kids under seven. My dad does, in fact he claims the best part of his week is 'Donuts on Friday'. Every Friday morning around 8am the kids anxiously grab the phone to call papa. "When are you coming to get us, Papa", is all that is usually said and Papa is on his way. We live a little over a mile apart but those few minutes seem like an eternity to the kids. They squeal as the door creaks open and Papa walks in. Nobody gets the knock-down greeting that Papa gets from the kids. He is the most anticipated visitor in our home. Dad loads the kids up in the car that he had to buy as our family expanded. After all, doesn't every grandpa roll with 4 carseats in the back of their car?
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Friday morning consists of not only time at the Donut shop (they've been to every one in town), but also a trip to the park. Yep, Papa takes them to swing on the swings, slide down the slide, run in the grass, and get dirty in the sand box. When they are worn out and tired, they go back to his house to cause havoc over there. Again, how many men in their sixties would have the patience for my four hooligans? ONLY PAPA!
My dad's commitment to be involved doesn't end there. He also takes the 3 oldest to sports practices twice a week, doesn't miss a single race, babysits so that Mike and I can go to bible study- the grocery store- or out on dates.
It all boils down to this I think. Dad is an extremely loyal family man who loves his family more than anything. Ask any of my kids. Papa ranks #1 in their book. He is creating memories that will be with them forever.
Happy Birthday PAPA,
We LOVE You!!!
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Friday morning consists of not only time at the Donut shop (they've been to every one in town), but also a trip to the park. Yep, Papa takes them to swing on the swings, slide down the slide, run in the grass, and get dirty in the sand box. When they are worn out and tired, they go back to his house to cause havoc over there. Again, how many men in their sixties would have the patience for my four hooligans? ONLY PAPA!
My dad's commitment to be involved doesn't end there. He also takes the 3 oldest to sports practices twice a week, doesn't miss a single race, babysits so that Mike and I can go to bible study- the grocery store- or out on dates.
It all boils down to this I think. Dad is an extremely loyal family man who loves his family more than anything. Ask any of my kids. Papa ranks #1 in their book. He is creating memories that will be with them forever.
Happy Birthday PAPA,
We LOVE You!!!
Thursday, May 28
Can you hear them????
WEDDINGS BELLS are ringing all around me!
My cousin, STACY, is getting married and I couldn't be more excited. This is one wedding that we have been praying for SEVERAL years...probably since she was 16 and I was fixing her hair for Prom. Mike and I could go on and on about how proud we are of Stacy (and we do sometimes, I think she is sick of it!). Not only is she beautiful on the outside, but she GLOWS on the inside. And the fact that she is getting married to a wonderful man (he's merely a boy in my book) makes our hearts sing!
Sweet, sweet Stacy...can you believe that I used to carry her around in a front pack?
My 'little cousins' are not so little anymore...which is WONDERFUL for me. I am blessed to call them my FRIENDS!
Off to work on some wedding plans...!!!
My cousin, STACY, is getting married and I couldn't be more excited. This is one wedding that we have been praying for SEVERAL years...probably since she was 16 and I was fixing her hair for Prom. Mike and I could go on and on about how proud we are of Stacy (and we do sometimes, I think she is sick of it!). Not only is she beautiful on the outside, but she GLOWS on the inside. And the fact that she is getting married to a wonderful man (he's merely a boy in my book) makes our hearts sing!
Sweet, sweet Stacy...can you believe that I used to carry her around in a front pack?
My 'little cousins' are not so little anymore...which is WONDERFUL for me. I am blessed to call them my FRIENDS!
Off to work on some wedding plans...!!!
Tuesday, May 26
Monday, May 25
Memorial Day 09'
Don't just have a bbq today enjoying the time off from work. Today is a Holiday for a reason...stop and remember.
The following was written by my friend, Shelley. Her husband is one of the countless husbands fighting for our freedom.
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Stop for a moment and remember this holiday weekend.
Stop and remember the men and women who have willingly volunteered to give all that they have for the freedom that we take for granted on a daily basis. They don’t care what your political beliefs are…..they just care that you have the freedom to express them.
Stop and remember those left behind.
Stop and remember that it is only by the grace of God that you were not born in a war torn country on the other side of the world.
Stop and remember that it is only because of these men and women that those wars haven’t trickled over into this country.
Stop and remember that right now…as you are reading this….there are thousands of men and women all over the world that are praying that they aren’t going to be the one that’s asked to pay the ultimate price for this country today.
But know that they are willing to do so if it’s necessary.
Stop and remember that of those thousands of people, some of them won’t come home.
Stop and remember.
That’s how you honor them.
Friday, May 22
One year ago...
This is a picture of my boy one year ago. He was living in an orphanage across the globe.
This is what we were doing one year ago- TODAY -sending balloon messages to a little boy that we only knew through a picture. A boy that we hoped to call our own.
Here we are today! Lots of hugs and kiss for the boy who has blessed our lives forever.
Happy 5th Birthday to our littlest love.
This is what we were doing one year ago- TODAY -sending balloon messages to a little boy that we only knew through a picture. A boy that we hoped to call our own.
Here we are today! Lots of hugs and kiss for the boy who has blessed our lives forever.
Happy 5th Birthday to our littlest love.
Thursday, May 21
Oregon Trip- part 3
Because I can't stop myself, here is another picture of that little yummy LOVE.
This is Aubrey Joy. She is the little sister that is generally left out because the 'big' girls are paired up and doing their own thing. I feel especially close to Aubrey after this past trip. We are still not sure why, but Aubrey thinks I am a PRINCESS. I know, strange huh, she's almost 3...it kind of makes sense. It was pretty darn cute to hear her little lispy voice asking if Princess could brush her hair or if Princess could put on her shoes. I'll tell you what, I'd do ANYTHING for that little lady...the princess part was icing on the cake (the piggies in her hair are an added bonus too).
A highlight from the trip was our daily trek to the Water Treatment Facility behind the Hellberg's house. I took the 5 girls on bikes, scooters, and a stroller. They LOVED racing down to the pond to see how many tadpoles they could find (and catch). Oregon is BEAUTIFUL. You can see what all of the rain does for their plants and trees.
And unlike my friend, Jeanne, who accidentally showed up for an event dressed exactly like her girlfriend a few weeks ago, this was PLANNED. Yep, every place we rolled (even to the kitchen table) they were dressed like TWINS. ALWAYS!
Krissy and I decided to forgo the twin apparel and stuck closer to sweats and workout gear. We had a ton to catch up on and weren't about to waste time getting pretty. Instead we snuggled the baby on the couch and laughed together as we thought back seven years ago. We each had one kiddo (not 9 between us). Our days were carefree back then, walking the mall and dressing up our babies. Life was sweet, but I'll tell you, neither one of us would trade today for what we had back then...it just keeps getting sweeter.
This is Aubrey Joy. She is the little sister that is generally left out because the 'big' girls are paired up and doing their own thing. I feel especially close to Aubrey after this past trip. We are still not sure why, but Aubrey thinks I am a PRINCESS. I know, strange huh, she's almost 3...it kind of makes sense. It was pretty darn cute to hear her little lispy voice asking if Princess could brush her hair or if Princess could put on her shoes. I'll tell you what, I'd do ANYTHING for that little lady...the princess part was icing on the cake (the piggies in her hair are an added bonus too).
A highlight from the trip was our daily trek to the Water Treatment Facility behind the Hellberg's house. I took the 5 girls on bikes, scooters, and a stroller. They LOVED racing down to the pond to see how many tadpoles they could find (and catch). Oregon is BEAUTIFUL. You can see what all of the rain does for their plants and trees.
And unlike my friend, Jeanne, who accidentally showed up for an event dressed exactly like her girlfriend a few weeks ago, this was PLANNED. Yep, every place we rolled (even to the kitchen table) they were dressed like TWINS. ALWAYS!
Krissy and I decided to forgo the twin apparel and stuck closer to sweats and workout gear. We had a ton to catch up on and weren't about to waste time getting pretty. Instead we snuggled the baby on the couch and laughed together as we thought back seven years ago. We each had one kiddo (not 9 between us). Our days were carefree back then, walking the mall and dressing up our babies. Life was sweet, but I'll tell you, neither one of us would trade today for what we had back then...it just keeps getting sweeter.
Oregon Trip- part 2
This is baby GAVIN. All I can really say is that this little baby is a slice of HEAVEN. I spent all four days of our trip snuggling and smelling this one. It does not get any better than this.
Monday, May 18
Oregon Trip- part 1
We returned home last evening from a wonderful, fun-filled, relaxing visit to Oregon. As a mother of two girls who are growing up faster than weeds, I cherished our time together. The girls were terrific! We flew JetBlue and are now their unpaid spokes people. I'm telling you, you've GOT to fly JetBlue...extra legroom, Direct TV at every seat, and SUPER YUMMY snacks.
Getting off the plane was a little surreal for the girls and I. We have been hoping to see the Hellbergs for the past few months. Their last visit was in January, which seems like forever ago. And when you are 5 and 7 it is even longer. Bailey was jumping out of her skin. Here was her first few seconds with Gracie.
The little sisters were just as excited to see their pals. It was hugs, hugs and more hugs for EVERYONE.
And not to be outdone, I was there to see my Krissy too. Isn't she BEAUTIFUL? Can you believe that in this picture she had given birth to a 9 lbs baby boy just one week prior? AMAZING!
More pictures tomorrow...I'm still trying to recoup!
Getting off the plane was a little surreal for the girls and I. We have been hoping to see the Hellbergs for the past few months. Their last visit was in January, which seems like forever ago. And when you are 5 and 7 it is even longer. Bailey was jumping out of her skin. Here was her first few seconds with Gracie.
The little sisters were just as excited to see their pals. It was hugs, hugs and more hugs for EVERYONE.
And not to be outdone, I was there to see my Krissy too. Isn't she BEAUTIFUL? Can you believe that in this picture she had given birth to a 9 lbs baby boy just one week prior? AMAZING!
More pictures tomorrow...I'm still trying to recoup!
Wednesday, May 13
Bailey's Birthday Surprise
Yesterday was filled with all of Bailey's most favorite things.
She started out the morning with cinnamon bagels and hot chocolate. (Thanks, Sarah, for the sweet birthday treat). That was followed by the announcement that she was going to skip school for the day. She has a WONDERFUL teacher! ;) Instead she opened a gift- the American Girl movie KIT. Not a second later we were all snuggled on the couch watching the show.
For lunch she requested Mac'n'Cheese with hotdogs, fruit and veggies. Coley came over after lunch and surprised Bailey with Ice Cream....GOLD MEDAL RIBBON, of course! Bailey and Brooklyn did a musical number for Coley. It was so precious- I just might have to share the video sometime!
Papa picked the girls up at 3:00 so that they could hang out at his office for the afternoon. It was very sweet when Bailey asked if sister could join her, she must be growing up! Before dinner Papa took Bailey to get her birthday present. He surprised her with a new bike. Normally we wouldn't want her to get such a big gift, but she has been earning stickers at school for a new bike. So, it was a combo gift/reward. GREAT JOB, Bailey!
Dinner was an extra big surprise. Bailey was told we were having dinner at a pizza place with Papa and Nonnie and Aunt Karen. She was shocked when I walked in with all of her friends!
Bailey's final Birthday Surprise came in a envelope from Mom and Dad. Inside was a coupon for a trip to visit her best friend, Gracie. We fly out first thing tomorrow morning!!!! She ended the night saying that she had the BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!
She started out the morning with cinnamon bagels and hot chocolate. (Thanks, Sarah, for the sweet birthday treat). That was followed by the announcement that she was going to skip school for the day. She has a WONDERFUL teacher! ;) Instead she opened a gift- the American Girl movie KIT. Not a second later we were all snuggled on the couch watching the show.
For lunch she requested Mac'n'Cheese with hotdogs, fruit and veggies. Coley came over after lunch and surprised Bailey with Ice Cream....GOLD MEDAL RIBBON, of course! Bailey and Brooklyn did a musical number for Coley. It was so precious- I just might have to share the video sometime!
Papa picked the girls up at 3:00 so that they could hang out at his office for the afternoon. It was very sweet when Bailey asked if sister could join her, she must be growing up! Before dinner Papa took Bailey to get her birthday present. He surprised her with a new bike. Normally we wouldn't want her to get such a big gift, but she has been earning stickers at school for a new bike. So, it was a combo gift/reward. GREAT JOB, Bailey!
Dinner was an extra big surprise. Bailey was told we were having dinner at a pizza place with Papa and Nonnie and Aunt Karen. She was shocked when I walked in with all of her friends!
Bailey's final Birthday Surprise came in a envelope from Mom and Dad. Inside was a coupon for a trip to visit her best friend, Gracie. We fly out first thing tomorrow morning!!!! She ended the night saying that she had the BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!
Tuesday, May 12
OUR GIRL
I couldn't think of a better way to pay tribute to Bailey on her birthday than to post this letter written by her dad. Bailey is the girl who changed our lives forever 8 years ago today- the day we became parents. On that day my dream of becoming a mother came true. Bailey never ceases to amaze me...and never more than what we experienced this weekend. I love you, sweet girl!
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One Proud Dad
(Saturday, May 9th….. Moorpark, CA)
“Dad, are you and Uncle Bob going to be calling out my times?”
…today was the big day – Varsity finals for her track team…the best from around the county…all ready to compete against their peers. The 1600m is Bailey’s favorite race.
I replied, “No, go out and pace with the girl from Ojai, try to stick with her, give yourself a chance to win, and then kick (sprint) at the end…I know you can beat her. Today’s the day…put it all on the line.”
To bring you up to speed….most of the season, Bailey held the 1600m record for her age group at 7:07 (7mins, 7 secs). With about 1 month to go, Bailey got word that a girl from Ojai had beat her time…7:04. To say that this rubbed Bailey the wrong way would be an understatement….she is a competitor and DOES NOT LIKE TO LOSE (we have had many tearful rides back from track meets filled with stern conversations about what it means to lose, how it feels, and what you do with that feeling…..you can quit or fight). Needless to say, Bailey has been obsessed with getting better and beating the “girl from Ojai”. She has been running once a week with her Uncle Bob (this is on top of the twice a week she practices with her team)….all with the goal of breaking a 7 minute mile.
(I have never seen her more focused…but even in practice she had yet to break 7mins)
About a week before Varsity finals, Alison called me at work and said “hey, you are not going to believe this…the girl from Ojai just beat her own record this weekend…6:56”. Alison and I told Bailey, but both of us were apprehensive that it would deflate her…
Over the loudspeaker…Gremlin / 1600m 1st call, Gremlin / 1600m 2nd call, Gremlin 1600m final call…the time had come. With our family positioned at different parts of the track, we were there to cheer and encourage Bailey on.
…She jumped out fast 1st lap – 1:31 (my thought was “oh no, she is going too fast and is going to burn out”). For reference, 1:45 a lap would put her at 7 mins even. Given that, she was still in 3rd place…the girls from Ojai and Santa Paula were out faster…about 10 yards ahead.
…Lap 2 and 3…Bailey had a great pace, but was still in 3rd about 10 yards behind Ojai / Santa Paula (Alison stands at the finish line cheering…I stand on the opposite, quiet side of the track so I can I talk to Bailey when she comes around). At this point, I was just trying to encourage Bailey to stay the pace…give herself a chance on the last lap.
….Lap 4…400 meters to go. Bailey was looking good, keeping pace, but still about 10 yards behind the girls from Ojai and Santa Paula who were together stride for stride. About 200 meters to go….she is going by me at this point…”kick Bailey, kick now!!! – go get them… you can do it, give yourself a chance to win!” (still 10 yards behind, but then it happened)…
“that moment” – all competitors know it…when you dig somewhere deep, nothing left, and you fight. With that, my daughter kicked, final corner, about 5 yards behind and closing….the crowd was going crazy!!! The two girls from Ojai and Santa Paula had run the race of their lives…shoulder-to-shoulder. 50 meters left, Bailey was putting it all on the line, I had tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat…big moment! With about 10 yards left…she pulled ahead and won!!!
I just keep thinking, “6:46 / She beat Ojai…6:46…Oh man, She beat Ojai – this was huge for her!!!” I took off running from the backside of the track where I was standing…I had to get my hands on my daughter!
Minutes later, Alison and I were hugging her…teary-eyed parents, so proud….not because Bailey won, but because she dug deep and competed. In that moment, she chose to fight. As a parent, I know life is going to be full of those 200 meters to go – quit or fight moments. Bailey is a fighter, a true competitor… Love you Bailey!
- One Proud Dad
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(anyone who was wondering how close it really was. Here are the final 3 results)…
Girls 1600 Meter Run Gremlin
================================================================
Name Year Team Finals
================================================================
1 McKay, Bailey Ventura Tigres 6:45.85
2 Martinez, Daisy HV Blazers 6:46.17
3 Edwards, Tess Ojai 6:46.24
Big Thanks to Papa for taking Bailey to track practice, Uncle Bob for helping Bailey get to this place, and to her biggest fans…Brooklyn, Buddy, Baby M, Tate, Grandma, Nonnie, Aunt Karen!!
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One Proud Dad
(Saturday, May 9th….. Moorpark, CA)
“Dad, are you and Uncle Bob going to be calling out my times?”
…today was the big day – Varsity finals for her track team…the best from around the county…all ready to compete against their peers. The 1600m is Bailey’s favorite race.
I replied, “No, go out and pace with the girl from Ojai, try to stick with her, give yourself a chance to win, and then kick (sprint) at the end…I know you can beat her. Today’s the day…put it all on the line.”
To bring you up to speed….most of the season, Bailey held the 1600m record for her age group at 7:07 (7mins, 7 secs). With about 1 month to go, Bailey got word that a girl from Ojai had beat her time…7:04. To say that this rubbed Bailey the wrong way would be an understatement….she is a competitor and DOES NOT LIKE TO LOSE (we have had many tearful rides back from track meets filled with stern conversations about what it means to lose, how it feels, and what you do with that feeling…..you can quit or fight). Needless to say, Bailey has been obsessed with getting better and beating the “girl from Ojai”. She has been running once a week with her Uncle Bob (this is on top of the twice a week she practices with her team)….all with the goal of breaking a 7 minute mile.
(I have never seen her more focused…but even in practice she had yet to break 7mins)
About a week before Varsity finals, Alison called me at work and said “hey, you are not going to believe this…the girl from Ojai just beat her own record this weekend…6:56”. Alison and I told Bailey, but both of us were apprehensive that it would deflate her…
Over the loudspeaker…Gremlin / 1600m 1st call, Gremlin / 1600m 2nd call, Gremlin 1600m final call…the time had come. With our family positioned at different parts of the track, we were there to cheer and encourage Bailey on.
…She jumped out fast 1st lap – 1:31 (my thought was “oh no, she is going too fast and is going to burn out”). For reference, 1:45 a lap would put her at 7 mins even. Given that, she was still in 3rd place…the girls from Ojai and Santa Paula were out faster…about 10 yards ahead.
…Lap 2 and 3…Bailey had a great pace, but was still in 3rd about 10 yards behind Ojai / Santa Paula (Alison stands at the finish line cheering…I stand on the opposite, quiet side of the track so I can I talk to Bailey when she comes around). At this point, I was just trying to encourage Bailey to stay the pace…give herself a chance on the last lap.
….Lap 4…400 meters to go. Bailey was looking good, keeping pace, but still about 10 yards behind the girls from Ojai and Santa Paula who were together stride for stride. About 200 meters to go….she is going by me at this point…”kick Bailey, kick now!!! – go get them… you can do it, give yourself a chance to win!” (still 10 yards behind, but then it happened)…
“that moment” – all competitors know it…when you dig somewhere deep, nothing left, and you fight. With that, my daughter kicked, final corner, about 5 yards behind and closing….the crowd was going crazy!!! The two girls from Ojai and Santa Paula had run the race of their lives…shoulder-to-shoulder. 50 meters left, Bailey was putting it all on the line, I had tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat…big moment! With about 10 yards left…she pulled ahead and won!!!
I just keep thinking, “6:46 / She beat Ojai…6:46…Oh man, She beat Ojai – this was huge for her!!!” I took off running from the backside of the track where I was standing…I had to get my hands on my daughter!
Minutes later, Alison and I were hugging her…teary-eyed parents, so proud….not because Bailey won, but because she dug deep and competed. In that moment, she chose to fight. As a parent, I know life is going to be full of those 200 meters to go – quit or fight moments. Bailey is a fighter, a true competitor… Love you Bailey!
- One Proud Dad
.jpg)
(anyone who was wondering how close it really was. Here are the final 3 results)…
Girls 1600 Meter Run Gremlin
================================================================
Name Year Team Finals
================================================================
1 McKay, Bailey Ventura Tigres 6:45.85
2 Martinez, Daisy HV Blazers 6:46.17
3 Edwards, Tess Ojai 6:46.24
Big Thanks to Papa for taking Bailey to track practice, Uncle Bob for helping Bailey get to this place, and to her biggest fans…Brooklyn, Buddy, Baby M, Tate, Grandma, Nonnie, Aunt Karen!!
Monday, May 11
Foreshadowing
Does anyone else feel like they totally missed the boat when it came to cute wedding ideas? Seriously, how is it that every year something comes out that is 10 times more amazing than the previous season. If the card I just received is a glimpse into what is to come...holy-moly, get ready for something fantastically adorable.
Did I happen to mention that the wedding is in HAWAII????
Did I happen to mention that the wedding is in HAWAII????
Sunday, May 10
Picture Perfect
Have you ever tried to take a family photo with FIVE tired children???
This is how we started out.
It got worse. They were literally FALLING APART.
The promise of a piece of gum got us this.
The picture might not be the best, but the kids in it made my Mother's Day- PERFECT!
This is how we started out.
It got worse. They were literally FALLING APART.
The promise of a piece of gum got us this.
The picture might not be the best, but the kids in it made my Mother's Day- PERFECT!
Saturday, May 9
HAPPY homemade MOTHER'S DAY
We had one REALLY busy week making Mother's Day gifts for our SPECIAL "mothers".
Tate made the cards.
Bailey made a Pesto-Sundried Tomato-Cream Cheese spread.
Baby M made bracelets.
Buddy made paper weights.
Brooklyn made a Oatmeal-Brown Sugar-Almond hand scrub.
Homemade gifts come from the HEART.
Tate made the cards.
Bailey made a Pesto-Sundried Tomato-Cream Cheese spread.
Baby M made bracelets.
Buddy made paper weights.
Brooklyn made a Oatmeal-Brown Sugar-Almond hand scrub.
Homemade gifts come from the HEART.
Thursday, May 7
It's a...
BOY!
GAVIN ISAIAH HELLBERG
Born: 5-7-09
TIME: 2:12pm
9lbs 1oz 21 1/2"
Proud Parents: Jason and Krissy
EXCITED SISTERS: Gracie, Reagan and Aubrey
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GAVIN ISAIAH HELLBERG
Born: 5-7-09
TIME: 2:12pm
9lbs 1oz 21 1/2"
Proud Parents: Jason and Krissy
EXCITED SISTERS: Gracie, Reagan and Aubrey
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Wednesday, May 6
ANXIOUS!!!!!!!
I won't sleep well tonight. Krissy is being induced tomorrow morning...and I won't be there...it's killing me! The girls and I fly out next Thursday morning for lots of new baby snuggle time in Oregon, but it's not the same. Hopefully through mental telepathy Krissy will be able to feel me kicking her lower back and pushing her sweaty bangs out of her face. Wish I could be there :( :( :( Yep, now I'm crying...
Tuesday, May 5
Saying Goodnight
I know I can't be the only mother that finds my children simply irresistible at night. What is it about the way that they smell while they sleep? Most nights I can't stop myself from waking them up to snuggle. Last night I left Baby M in bed, but I captured just a bit of his nighttime sweetness on video.
Sunday, May 3
ROMANCE
I am a sucker for a good love story. Truth be told it doesn't take a whole lot for me. I am in love with romance. Maybe a little too much at times even. I have been known to set up two total strangers- strangers to me that is! I think it's a healthy thing, really. I am so in LOVE with my man that I want everyone to experience it too.
So, here is my surprise....My friends, Evan and Kristen, got ENGAGED!!!!! Did you hear that? I was yelling it as I typed...that's how EXTREMELY EXCITED I am.
Kristen and Evan have one fabulous love story. I'll keep it short because I am going to include a little video of the engagement and some pictures that you MUST see. The mini version is this...
Boy and Girl are born in the same town- family friends. They grow up and lose touch. Boy and Girl become friends again (18 years since birth). Boy and Girl make some decisions that change both of their futures. Boy, Girl and Baby makes 3 ;) Fast forward through 3 years of co-parenting one handsome boy. They allowed God to work on their hearts and in their lives so that they could have a chance- forever.
Now you are up to date (told you I'd keep it short). Evan planned to take Kristen and Micah to the park last week. While playing at the park her father drove up in his firetruck with the proposal sign on the side. Evan's sisters and I were secretly hiding in a dumpsters nearby to catch it all on video. It was PERFECT!
The Proposal-
Happy Girl-
So, here is my surprise....My friends, Evan and Kristen, got ENGAGED!!!!! Did you hear that? I was yelling it as I typed...that's how EXTREMELY EXCITED I am.
Kristen and Evan have one fabulous love story. I'll keep it short because I am going to include a little video of the engagement and some pictures that you MUST see. The mini version is this...
Boy and Girl are born in the same town- family friends. They grow up and lose touch. Boy and Girl become friends again (18 years since birth). Boy and Girl make some decisions that change both of their futures. Boy, Girl and Baby makes 3 ;) Fast forward through 3 years of co-parenting one handsome boy. They allowed God to work on their hearts and in their lives so that they could have a chance- forever.
Now you are up to date (told you I'd keep it short). Evan planned to take Kristen and Micah to the park last week. While playing at the park her father drove up in his firetruck with the proposal sign on the side. Evan's sisters and I were secretly hiding in a dumpsters nearby to catch it all on video. It was PERFECT!
The Proposal-
Happy Girl-
Friday, May 1
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