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!

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!

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!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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







(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!!

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????

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!

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.

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

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...

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.



He was completely awake when I made my exit. At this point, he was ready to play. :)

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-




FOREVER-


Told you it was going to be good!!!

News to Share...

I have some exciting news to share...details to follow!!!

Gardening Again

We are FINALLY starting up the garden again. I reluctantly pulled everything up at the end of October because we were going to be in Ukraine. Looking back it was a good decision. I didn't need one more thing on my plate.

A few weeks ago my Uncle brought me a truckload of good mulch from the Mushroom farm. Now, I'm ready to get going!!! However, I need to do a bit of weeding and watering first. Since we already have our seedlings, we have to take care of them before they are planted. I decided this would be a great job for Buddy.

He was thrilled! What a good worker.


I think he was in the garage most of the day.


Looks like he has an idea...


No, he wouldn't...would he?


Yep!...He's 3 and a BOY!

Feeding MANY

We were overwhelmed with the response we received from Bailey's request for canned goods. Our car was literally exploding with food. Thank you to all who contributed!

MY BOYS

Sensitive Souls

My kids have very sensitive souls, but Bailey is probably the most sensitive. She has a hard time watching movies or listening to things that might be scary. Last week we drove out to Camarillo everyday for swimming lessons. The drive out there isn't bad except that we have to pass several billboards. Have you noticed how gross some billboard advertisements can be? A recent movie was advertised on a billboard along our drive. To be honest I am not sure what it looks like because Bailey warned me about it ahead of time (wonder where they get it from?). Brooklyn evidently hasn't seen it either. When Bailey was telling me about it the first time Brooklyn said, "I know what picture you are talking about. The picture of the lady's legs! It scares me every time!" Brooklyn was referring to a weight loss billboard a few miles away :) Yea, not the same thing, Brooklyn. Anyway, Bailey makes a REALLY big deal about it. She talks about it minutes before and after the sign. The kids all put their heads down and she starts quoting scripture. It's really pretty sweet.

A few days after the first glimpse of the sign, Papa and Nonnie were taking the 3 big kids out to dinner. Bailey brought up the billboard just in case they were going to pass it. She likes to be prepared. That's when Buddy, who knows there is something scary out there asks, "Hey, Papa, when are you and me going to go see it?" I guess we have one brave soul in the bunch after all.

Happy EARTH DAY!

Today the kids spent the morning making recycled flower holders for Earth Day. Attached to each holder is the following message-



We will be collecting canned goods this weekend to donate to Family to Family. Let us know if you would like to donate and we will stop by your place on Saturday to pick them up.

Learning to Spell

Bailey takes her job as big sister very seriously. One tasks that she enjoys doing is helping Brooklyn with her schoolwork. Here are some letters that they strung last week. Looks like Buddy was on the "A" list that day.

It is HOT

I scream, you scream...we all scream for ICE CREAM!

Written with Permission

Just to clarify...this post is written with permission from Bailey. Check back in a few years, she may not be so willing.

Bailey is my adventure child. She LOVES to hike around in the weeds and the trees hunting for creatures and gathering treasures. She would choose to spend her entire day outside if that was an option. Bailey adventurous spirit causes her to get really dirty. By the end of the day she is in serious need of a shower. But come on, what seven year old isn't, right.

That's the background, here's the story. Last week we were driving through Wendy's picking up burgers for a quick lunch before swimming lessons. Bailey did not get the MUCH NEEDED shower the night before. On top of her 'adventurous spirit', Bailey also runs track. So, the night before she had played hard and had track practice with NO shower to follow (NOT GOOD). From the back seat Bailey yells to the front, "YUCK, my pits STINK". Brooklyn was quick to respond with a request to get in on the action. She wanted to sniff. And not to be outdone by his older sister, Buddy wanted in too.


Yep, just a typical car ride.

Doing School- Tate Style

Our normal school days have only had to change a very little bit with Tate in the mix. He generally enjoys doing school right along with the other kids and has a long attention span.

Doesn't he look excited? ;)




I'm a BIG fan of baby-wearing, and Tate is no exception. When we are at home I strap him on to my back in my BABY HAWK. When we are out running errands he rides in my Kangaroo Pouch.


Tate could spend hours sorting beads, beans and buttons. Every object that he picks up he touches to his lips- EVERY TIME.


I had to take a picture of Baby M. I think it is so cute when he crouches on his chair while working at the table. My knees hurt just looking at him.

Toothless Grin

It's 9:30pm and the kids should be asleep. SHOULD is the key word, they are NOT. Brooklyn just yelled downstairs that her tooth is about to fall out. This is the same tooth that our friend, Amy, tried to pull out tonight. She said that it was barely wiggling. Well, I guess sister has been loosening it for her. Bailey said she became OBSESSED with getting Brooklyn's tooth out. When Brooklyn came down stairs I took one look at her bloody mouth and knew it wouldn't take long. All I had to do was push it back and it came out. Now she has a big toothless grin- too cute!

He is Risen!

Easter Study

We studied UKRAINE as part of our Easter study.

Pysanky is an ancient and beautiful form of folk art from the Ukraine. It consists of the decoration of eggs using beeswax and dyes. This art is most popular in a Ukrainian household near Easter time when eggs are created as gifts for family and friends. The symbols and designs on Pysanky eggs have special symbols and color meanings.

Pysanky are eggs (either whole raw eggs, or hollow) which have been decorated with a wax-resist method where one draws (or "writes," as Ukrainians would say) those portions of the design which you want to remain the color underneath the wax.

Tate was kind of like a celebrity!

GOOD FRIDAY

Do you GROOVE?

Last week I went to dinner with my Mom, Aunts and Cousin. It's always a fun time when we get together. My cousins and I have been working really hard to mix things up when it comes to our moms. For at least the past 20 years they have gone to ONE restaurant- MARIE CALENDARS. Now, I'm not knocking Marie's, but sometimes it's nice for a change every once in awhile. So, when my Aunt suggested Mexican food we were in. The conversation at dinner quickly turned into a guessing game when my mom announced that she stood behind someone famous at the grocery store that afternoon. I'm fairly certain my mom hasn't ever read a PEOPLE magazine and she doesn't watch TV. The story goes that the grocery checker had to tell her what all the fuss was about. It was comical trying to figure out just exactly who the celebrity was. My aunt FINALLY guessed Brittany Spears and the game ended.

Stacy and I learned some new lingo on the way to dessert. I wanted coffee and my Aunt Diane wanted ice cream. My Aunt Karen suggested we GROOVE. Do you know what the act of GROOVING is? Stacy and I were cracking up thinking that the Aunts wanted to go clubbing! WRONG, grooving actually means to go from place to place picking up your meal. My aunts said that they used to go to one place for burgers, another place for fries and yet another place for drinks. There you go...did you learn something new?

GROOVING

CRACKING UP

There are only a few things in my life that can compare to watching my children play together. Baby M and Tate have recently joined forces. They could spend HOURS playing this game and cracking up.

Brooklyn asked today, "Mama, could you get any sweeter?"

Postcards

Don't be surprised if you live outside of California and you receive a letter from Bailey.

Bailey and her BFF, Gracie,
are studying the United States this month. As part of their schoolwork they sent letters to friends and family across America. They are hoping to receive a postcard from each state. So far we have all of the states covered except for Delaware, New Hampshire, Vermont, West Virginia and Wyoming...got any contacts we could use???


Come on, you wouldn't want to let her down!

Recipes

Sadly, I didn't get around to doing much cooking this week. With Mike out of town we stuck to the basics- LOTS of PB&J! However, I did keep my resolution and made one new dish, and boy was it TASTY!

~Apricot glazed Monkey Bread

Pool Time

Tate is experiencing so many firsts right now. Last week he went swimming for the first time. He loved it just as much as bath time- he didn't want to get out of the water! Next week the kids have swimming lessons. I am hoping that Tate will at least begin to grasp water safety.