Valentine's Day

I LOVE Valentine's Day. What is there not to love about today?

Lots of Baking...can you say CHOCOLATE...


Snuggling with LOVED ONES...



Fun projects for school...




And a great excuse to make CRAFTS with a purpose.





Wishing you a Happy Valentine's Day with LOVE.

Jewelry

I am not big jewelry person, but when my friend Jeanne shared this I was smitten. Happy Valentine's Day...to me!

****here is where I found it...http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=57955

TATE LOVES YOU

First off- A BIG APOLOGY. I turned my camera to the side because I was holding it with one hand. Now I can't figure out how to turn the video around. So, for your viewing pleasure you MUST turn your head. MY BAD!

Tate just learned the sign for 'I Love You'. He keeps his little arms tucked once you ask him to do it once, because I assume he thinks he won't get them back to the right spot. He is also saying the word LOVE. To some it may sound like an anxious shout, but it's music to my ears.

Dearest Bailey,

It's 11:00pm and I am sitting in bed desperately hoping that you will wake up and walk into my room sleepy eyed. Last night you came in and asked to sleep with me since Daddy is out of town. When you did my heart skipped a beat; I am sure of it. Of course I said yes, so you got in and snuggled up close. Will you always smell this sweet? I nuzzled my nose into your head and we stayed the rest of the night attached; holding hands like we usually do.

Bailey girl, I am writing you this letter because I want you to know how important you are to me. I would take a thousand games of UNO over getting a pedicure any day. Hanging out with you is one of my most favorite things to do. I loved the bagel chip and cream cheese snack that you made for me the other day. You are always thinking of others and know how to make your friends feel special.

This past week felt extra long with everyone getting sick. In your own wonderful way you made each of us a priority and helped to make us better. I know Tate loved hanging out with you on the couch and watching movies. I watched you gently rubbing his forehead and knew just how much you love your brother. And Buddy and Brooklyn had such a fun time doing artwork at the table with you on Friday. You kept them busy so that I could love on the little guys who were feeling sick. We were partners. I think we make a great team.

I was hoping to plan a special time for the two of us today. Instead of doing schoolwork maybe we could make cookies together and then watch a movie while the kids are napping. If Papa is available we might even be able to go get dinner together tonight (yes, with Tate too). I know you would also like to go to the craft store to get a few more things for your Valentines (you are so creative!). What do you think?

I love you, sweetie girl, and hope that I show you everyday just how incredible you are.

Love,
Mom

Husband Tag

Mike is out of town on business for the next few days so I thought it would be fun to write about him while I sit at home missing him.
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Husband Tag

1. When and where did you meet?
It was the day before my first day of college. The girl that lived across the hall, Alyssa (now my BFF), and I walked down to the Junior/Senior dorms on campus to visit friends. She knew Mike from High School. Mike's next door neighbor, Elliot, and I meet the day before at a picnic and were "dating". Mike and his roommate were watching a Japanese cartoon; which he claims to have never watched since that day.

2. How long did you date before you got engaged?
6 months. My dad told me not to invest too much time into someone if I wasn't going to marry them. I never dated anyone longer than 3 months...except for my man!

3. How long have you been married?
We will celebrate 10 years on June 5th. I would do it again in a heartbeat!

4. What does he do that surprises you?
Sometimes he will get on a cleaning rampage. I love it!

5. What is your favorite feature of his?
I love his calves.

6. Does he have a nickname for you?
Honey and Sweets.

7. What is his favorite dinner?
He would love a good Chicken Fried Steak with mashed potatoes. Too bad I have no desire to ever make it.

8. What is his favorite sport?
Basketball

9. When and where was your first kiss?
Early February 1998. It was late at night and we were standing next to my car. It was raining really hard which made it that much more romantic and unforgettable.


10. Who said I love you first?
That would be Mike. It was the day he moved to Arizona. We were standing by my car on a very busy street. I kissed him and said goodbye. That was a tough day.

11. What do you admire most about him?
He is the most loyal friend. And also his Work Ethic.

12. He’s sitting in front of the TV: What is on the screen?
Probably sports if he is alone. If I am there we are watching The Office, House or Friday Night Lights

13.What is your favorite thing to do as a couple?
We like to eat late at night (ok, 9:30 is late for us) and watch one of the 3 listed above while snuggling on our favorite red couch. However, for our first 6 years of marriage we did not have a t.v.. We used to play a game that involved hunting for signatures printed on our wedding picture. Oh, the simple things.

14. You’re out to eat. What kind of dressing does he get on his salad?
Bleu Cheese, because he is going to share it with me!

15. What is one food he doesn’t like?
Anything with CURRY.

16. Where did he go to high school?
Palm Dessert High School.

17. If he was to collect anything, what would it be?
He used to collect baseball cards. Now THEY are collecting dust in my father's attic.

18. What is his favorite cereal?
Anything that is loaded with sugar. He loves the little assorted boxes.

19. What would he never wear?
Probably the color PINK.

20. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn’t do?
SPEND MONEY!!!

21. How many states has he lived in?
Two. California and Arizona; where he did a short 3 month stint before he decided he couldn't live without me!

22. You bake him a cake for his birthday; what kind is it?
Yellow cake with chocolate frosting.

23. Did he play sports in high school?
Yes, Basketball...and his mother has every game tape and newspaper article from the glory days if anyone is interested. Wait, how could I forget, she brought them to us as a gift. Now the 20 large plastic boxes are in our garage!

24. What could he spend hours doing?
Fiddling with his Crackberry.

Thank you ISN'T Enough

I could not have survived the past few sick days if I did not have help from big sister extraordinaire, BAILEY. She has wiped noses, prepared snacks, changed clothes, picked up toys, and gently rocked each one of her siblings. I want to do something to show her just how much she means to all of us. Any ideas?

Boogers and Soup

The kids have been sick the past few days. Not all at once and not all of them, but a few have been under the weather. The ONLY bright side to being sick is spending the day doing next to nothing. Yesterday that's exactly what we did.

Most of the afternoon I was looking forward to making a big pot of chicken and vegetable soup. Really, is there any thing that sounds better for a sick day?



Baby M was one of the sickies. His little nose has been slightly runny for the past few days. You know what a runny nose means, right? Yep, dried boogers! When he got up from his nap Bailey was quick to help him pick a few. I'm only giving these details because it was rather cute. Of course at two he doesn't understand that boogers are not to be shared. Baby M was so excited about the recent findings that he carried them safely downstairs and into the kitchen so that Mama could see them all. What a sweetie ;)

Weekend Retreat

We are SPOILED! At the beginning of each year Mike's company plans a weekend retreat to thank their top salespeople. Most years we gather at the Ojai Valley Resort and Spa. Which, in MY opinion, is the most WONDERFUL place to visit ever. It is located just 15 minutes away, but somehow we feel like we are escaping "real life"(even if for only a few days). Every year we have either been pregnant or had a nursing baby with us on the trip. This year was no exception- we had Tate.

Here he is enjoying our bed without having to share mommy and daddy with his siblings.






And this is the look we got when it was time for HIS bed!


The Ojai weekend is always a nice time for Mike and I to regroup and reconnect. Thanks to Stacy the other kids had a FABULOUS time at home as well. Maybe next year the trip will be for just the two of us- what a concept!

Remember Miller?

If you have been following this blog for the past few month you should remember when our friend Miller was born (you must also be bored out of you mind if you are still reading our blog; we are not that exciting). Miller spent the first few days of his life in the hospital. Here is Miller today; happy, health and obviously very LOVED. When Miller Time is around you can assume the McKay household is in a tizzy.

Brooklyn would have sat there for hours if we had let her. She will be a WONDERFUL mommy someday.

Lesson in Patience- REPEAT

I think we are going to have to repeat our lesson this week. We are working on the Fruit of the Spirit- PATIENCE. The concept of what patience means hasn't been hard for the kids to grasp but rather the act of having patience has been challenging. We have now read the story of Noah building the ark SEVERAL times. I am putting a strong emphasis on the fact that it took 100 years for the ark to be built. Kids, you have only been alive for a hiccup of that time.

So, yesterday we made Patience bags. The kids decorated the bags and then colored a picture with the word PATIENCE on the front. I placed the bags in the middle of the kitchen so that they could see them throughout the day. They seemed to be doing okay with waiting to open the bags, although I did have to remind them that a good attitude was all part of the process. When Brooklyn got up from her afternoon quiet time she was convinced that it must be time to open her bag. "Mom, PLEASE can I open the secret bag now???" I reminded her she had to be PATIENT and wait for the right time. She quickly responded with, "those bags should be called 'you'll have to wait forever to open it bag'."

I'm thinking we might need to repeat this lesson in the future!

Water Day

While part of the Country is closed for Snow Days we enjoyed a Water Day.

LAKERS

Why is it that Daddy gets to take them to all of the 'SUPER FUN' things?

Just sitting here wishing that I was at the game too.

SUGARY SWEET

Bailey never ceases to amaze me. She has such a sweet and loving spirit. Bailey's love language is 'gifts'. She is always looking for ways to surprise us with tokens of her love. On Monday while Bailey was working on her math at the coffee shop (who wouldn't want to homeschool?) she picked up a treat for Brooklyn. I think part of the story was that she got something for herself that she was not too crazy about, but nevertheless she decided to bring it home to her sister. It was so cute. Bailey wrote Brooklyn a little card about how much she loved her and then placed it next to the special drink and a snack (peanut butter, pretzels and dried cranberries).


About 30 minutes later Aunt Karen surprised us with a WONDERFULLY yummy dinner. Generosity runs in the family. I guess I know where Bailey gets it from!



And just so that we can keep it real...this is what Bailey had to write in the morning. We are NOT perfect...thank goodness for GRACE.

Family Bike Riding

Last weekend was our first attempt a family bike ride. To keep mom and dad sane we thought ONE big bike would be the way to go.

Potty Talk

Tate can be a very talkative guy when he is sitting on the pot. Here is a little clip of "Crazy, loud MAMA".

Just this weekend he added "Dada" to his repertoire. -Stay Tuned!

5 years ago today

Five years ago, today, was a VERY special day. I remember most of the details very clearly. Bailey and I were driving home from Gracie's house in Camarillo. In those days Krissy and I, with only one child each, spent EVERY moment together. Most days we just hung out at home playing or walking to the park. If we were extremely adventurous and felt like getting out of our sweat pants we took the girls to the mall. And if we were at the mall you can bet we stopped at Hot Dog on a Stick and Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. Our trip was also sure to include a portrait session of the girls in matching Gymboree outfits. We kept the Picture People in business.

This particular day, however, we just lounged around the house. Mostly because of the fact that I was pregnant and Krissy let me barf in her bathroom all day while she took care of the girls. Anyway, Bailey and I were heading home for naps when out of the blue my VERY MATURE 2 year old told me she wanted to ask Jesus to come into her heart. Yes, to answer your question, we talked about JESUS all of the time. Bailey knew how much Jesus loved her. Her question was not strange for me at all. I tried to persuade her to wait until we were home with Daddy but she would not have it. She had a sense of urgency (like most 2 year old girls) that would not be squelched. So there we were on the 101 Northbound praying to Jesus. It was one of the most precious moments of my life...tender, without reserve.

Today we celebrated Bailey spiritual birthday. She woke up to a special note from mom and dad telling her how proud we are of her and how much we love. My friend, Jeanne, made her a very special purse that I filled with a book, cd and another note. This one was from Daddy. He included a Starbucks gift card and told her to use it to treat her friends to a special breakfast. Bailey was ECSTATIC!


The best part of the morning was actually our time at Starbucks. When I shared the significance of the day with the girls I think they all felt special to be a part of it. We each took turns praying for Bailey...and yes, I was super choked up. I felt so honored to be a part of my daughters life and her spiritual journey. I hope to never miss out on moments like these.

Hey Mr. President-

I have a few questions for you. What were you like as a kid? Were you obsessed with knowing all about the former Presidents? Did you enjoy memorizing unusual facts about each President? Did you often dress up as the President? When did you know that you wanted to become President?

*Just wondering*

SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE

He may be TWO...

but he's still my BABY!



HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY M

He may know how to walk, but he still lets me carry him around in a sling. He may know how to talk, but he enjoys keeping us guessing. He may know how to go down the stairs, but he will wait at the top until I take him down. He may be too big for a morning bottle, but he enjoys snuggling with mama and drinking one anyway. He might be ready for a big boy bed, but he loves his cozy crib. He may know that he is a big boy now, but he still loves being our baby...and we LOVE it too!

Crutches???

POOR BROOKLYN!
Yesterday morning she was riding her bike at Papa's house when all of the sudden she lost control of her bike. Those peddle brakes are sometimes tricky to use; do you remember them? Brooklyn skidded down the driveway and into the street stopping along the way to BADLY scrape up her legs. From the story I received it sounds like she was quickly attended to by her siblings who tried to comforter with ice and blankets. By the time I got there she was resting on the floor listening to Papa read a story with wet paper towels covering her legs.
Fast forward a few hours and a nap later and you have Brooklyn up and walking around- well, sort of. Bailey made crutches for her to make it easier to get around. I write this with a little giggle in my finger.

Can you say 'milkin' it'

Lesson in JOY

A friend of mine asked what it has been like homeschooling the kids now that Tate is home. To be honest, not much of our schedule has changed. Here is a glimpse of one morning of school this past week. We are in the middle of our Unit Study on the Fruits of the Spirit.

The morning started off when Bailey picked a huge basket of lemons from one of our trees. Totally off subject, but this particular tree is very special. When we bought our home several years ago we had 3 trees in the very back of the property that were dead. Mike decided to leave one of the trees to see if he could bring it back. It was such a sad sight- diseased, dehydrated and covered in ants. That lemon tree is now a PERFECT mature tree that gives us some of the most beautiful, crisp lemons ever.
(this is not my tree...it is too dark right now to take a picture of it)



Back to school. I had all of the kids sitting at the table making puppets with brown bags. They were instructed to make happy and sad puppets. Obviously the little boys just scribbled on the bags but they are always included. Tate is very careful with crayons and enjoys sorting them after he has done his artwork (I'll have to do a post about it- super cute!). While they were coloring I was reading them a story and drinking my hot chocolate (thanks, Courtney).



After the puppets, Buddy helped in the kitchen. His first job was to wash the breakfast dishes. About a year ago, with my friend Coley's prodding, we stopped using paper plates. Although, I'm not convinced that the amount of water we use washing dishes isn't just as bad. The concept is however a much better teaching tool for the kids- less TRASH! And, I feel better about it too. After the kitchen was clean, Buddy started on his second project. He stood at the counter and made fresh lemonade- with a twist. The twist came when all of the kids taste tested Buddy's drink. He was missing a ingredient and they were quick to point it out. With a little help from mom (and sugar) the lemonade was perfect!


I had Bailey sit down to write a letter to Gracie about our lesson. I think she got the point pretty spot on. We talked about how we are like lemonade without sugar if we don't have the JOY of the Lord in our lives.


Brooklyn practiced her letter by writing out her bible verse about Joy. While the girls were working at the table the boys and I were on the floor listening to music and building with blocks.


Add in a disagreement or two, no make that three and you've pretty much got our morning at school. Of course, Bailey still has work to do in the afternoon to cover a broader scope of things. The mornings, however, are spent together as a family. We enjoying keeping it simple.

Kitchen Help

As Bailey, Brooklyn and I left the house for 'Girls Night Out' I snapped a picture Daddy with his helpers.

BED- DONE!

Tate's bed is DONE! The kids couldn't be more excited about our newest piece of furniture. Thank you Papa for making the GREATEST beds EVER! We love you!

Cousin Katie

We were blessed last week with a visit from my cousin Katie. She is the daughter of our Aunt Jo and one of eight kids. Katie is the oldest girl in the bunch. She was in California visiting relatives and training with a dance company in LA. Katie teaches dance at the University of Idaho and also runs her own private studio.
Katie is one of those girls that you really want as a friend, pray your daughters will grow up to be like, and hope your sons will marry. I took the following pictures to capture a few of our favorite moments with Katie. I also took them for my Aunt who really misses the kids and will want to know about every detail of Katie's trip. :)


Playing the keyboard with Tate

Dancing to PureNRG
A Tea Party with Brooklyn

Movie night with the Girls

PUZZLED?

For all of the "Tate Bed Groupies" out there, puzzle this! Here is Tate's bed in pieces- literally. Dad is going to bring it over tomorrow and will assemble it in the boys room. If you are a die hard groupie you can click on the play button and solve the puzzle to see it in more detail.

Singing with Daddy

I told my friend, Sally, today that Tate is just adorable. I'm so thankful we can share him through videos....sometimes a still picture is not enough. We are in LOVE!


ps The lo-lo singing is something that they started in Ukraine. Tate loves MUSIC!

CONCERT NEWS

Here is where we will be on Saturday night...


Our good friend, Lee, is one incredible musician who is FINALLY releasing his first cd. This is one concert that you DO NOT want to miss. We will be the fanatic fans in the front row chanting Lee's name the entire evening.

What will the kids say next?

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Buddy asked Brooklyn who put up our neighbors Christmas lights. Brooklyn answered, "Probably some wandering travelers."

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Bailey broke open Brooklyn's fortune cookie and read her the small piece of paper inside. YOU WILL RECEIVE A BIG PROMOTION. Bailey laughed and said, "Too bad you don't even have a job." Brooklyn quickly responded with, "Yes, I do have a job. I clean up after your messes all day."
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Buddy was sitting next to Tate at dinner. Tate was eating leftover chicken chow mein and Buddy was eating a pb&j sandwich. Buddy while holding his nose said, "Mommy, I think Tate is thinking why is my food stinky and buddy's food is not stinky."
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After having some really in depth conversations about people with disabilities Bailey looked at me with tears in her eyes and asked, "Could Tate PLEASE live with me FOREVER?" :)
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Bailey asked Brooklyn who Daddy was talking to on the phone. Brooklyn said, "Grandma. You know the one with the really long nails that aren't hers."

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I was telling my parents that Mike and I had spent the morning in bed talking to the girls about what they look forward to in the coming year. Bailey chimed in "Daddy wasn't really part of the conversation because his tooting was getting in the way."
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Bailey was telling the kids that she remembers when they were babies. She told them that they wore diapers and that she held them. Brooklyn and Buddy adamantly disagreed about the diapers claiming that they NEVER wore them. Bailey assured them that yes, they wore diapers as babies. Brooklyn responded with, "Well I remember when you were holding me and YOU were wearing diapers". Bailey in a tizzy said, "No, I was wearing panties." Brooklyn then said, "No, you were holding me and wearing diapers. I remember them peaking out a little."
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Buddy: "dad, when I grow up I want to be a firefighter"

Dad: "Really Buddy, you want to be a firefighter?"

Buddy: "yeah, Brooklyn and I play firefighters"

Dad: "Hey Buddy, do you think you might want to be a salesman like daddy someday?"

Buddy: "Yeah, I would like to be a saleman like daddy when I am bigger than you dad"

Couple seconds later...

Buddy: "Dad, do you think that you and I can build a sailboat together when I am a saleman?"
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Interview with Bailey and Brooklyn

The girls and I went out to dinner last week for some female bonding. I asked them each several questions that I think will be fun to read when they are grown up.

What is your favorite color?
Bailey- Violet and Black
Brooklyn- Buddy Blue (the blue color in Buddy's room)

What is your favorite food?
Bailey- Tuna sandwich
Brooklyn- Trees (broccoli with vinegar)

What is your favorite dessert?
Bailey- White sugar cookies with frosting (from VONS)
Brooklyn- single dip (Foster Freeze ice cream with Papa and Nonnie)

What job would you like to have?
Bailey- President of the United States
Brooklyn- Firefighter, Mom, Teacher, Policewoman

Where would you like to live?
Bailey- silly mom, Washington DC
Brooklyn- Africa or New Zealand

How many children would you like to have?
Bailey- 2 girls, 3 boys
Brooklyn- 3 girls, 3 boys

What would you name your kids?
Bailey- girls: Tiffany and Frances
boys: Mike, Willy and Hud

Brooklyn- girls: Alice, Taylor and Brooke
boys: Harrison, Benjamin, Tyler

What activities would you like to be good at?
Bailey- Drawing and Diving
Brooklyn- Being a Grandpa or a Grandma (not sure what she was thinking!)

PROUDEST DAD ON THE SLOPES!

Mike and Bailey are in Mammoth snowboarding right now. He sent me the title above with the attached pictures. I can't believe I am missing out!

Looking Back

Looking back on a year FULL of blessings...

Our first puppy, MADDIE MAY...the birth of our sweet friend, AVA KATE...Santa Ynez with RACHAEL and JUSTIN...EMMETT'S First Birthday...STACY and JEFF start dating...REECE'S RAINBOW...BAILEY'S first time snowboarding...Cooking Class with AUNT KAREN...AWANA's with the GUTIERREZ FAMILY...CROWN biblestudy...many visits from FRIENDS...COLEY gets pregnant!!!...Nicole and Brandon get married...LEE's concerts...Friday Donuts with PAPA...Committing to TATE and seeing his picture for the first time...Easter with BRIE and the GIRLS...a good TRACK season...seeing the COUSINS...witnessing baby MICAH's birth...MATT and MICHELLE's First Prom...LEGOLAND...BAILEY's first hike to TWO TREES...BUDDY is potty trained...visits from Grandma...The Leach Family moves :(...MAY birthday extravaganza...KAILEY graduates from High School...SUMMER CAMPS...BROOKLYN learns to ride a bike...STEPH visits...MOM and most of her friends turn 30...PEN PALS...Hanging out at the beach...Learning to fish...Lemonade stands...GARDENING...Blue Berry picking...school advice from CAROLYN...Uncle Fred Visits...LULU the fish dies...Co-op with KAMRYN...BROOKLYN lost her first tooth...KEEPERS...MILLER is born...Visit from the CRAIG Family...Long-distance school with GRACIE...Meeting ZOEY...CROSS COUNTRY...Math with HANNAH...AUNT JO saves the day!...UKRAINE or bust...meeting TATE...BUDDY becomes EVERY superhero...Happy Birthday PEYTON...TATE comes home- MERRY CHRISTMAS!