ROAD TRIP

We are leaving this afternoon for a family ROAD TRIP. We have several stops along the way including Rocklin, CA, Wilsonville, OR, Moscow, ID, Coeur d'Alene, ID, and Gig Harbor, WA.

My car and my head are starting to feel like this-




Once we get on our way and see this-


I'm certain I will feel more like this-


By the end of the trip it's possible I might feel like this-


PRAYERS NEEDED!

A STORY BEHIND THE WORDS

Checkout the results from our Cross Country meet this weekend.

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Girls 8 & Under 2000 Meter Run
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1 McKay, Bailey Ventura County E 9:17.52
2 Sterkel, Tracy Warriors 9:34.97
3 Majerus, Gia Eagles 9:36.57
4 Bullough, Chloe Warriors 9:40.06
5 Hoelzel, Sophia Warriors 9:46.79
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33 Rasplicka, Ashley Storm 12:50.24
34 Lara, McKayla SVRR 12:51.76
35 Dedman, Niyah SVRR 13:10.92
36 McKay, Brooklyn Ventura County E 14:01.88

The first thing you will notice is that Bailey came in 1st place. She has been working really hard this seasons and wowed the crowed with her victory. The second thing you will probably notice is that Brooklyn was the final runner. What you don't see is the story that unfolded a few seconds after Bailey's win. You see, Bailey wanted that win more than anything. That win meant the WORLD to her as she crossed the line. She was even having trouble sleeping days before the event she was so excited. But, the win came and went like a flash. First she ran to the water table to down a dixie cup full of water. Then she grabbed a second cup, this one for her favorite runner. Bailey, still breathless ran as quickly as she could to the back of the final shoot to wait for Brooklyn to appear. As the other runners streamed by Bailey anxiously anticipated seeing Brooklyn. Finally Brooklyn approached and Bailey beamed with pride. Together we cheered Brooklyn in. But that's not all, you see Brooklyn is the last runner. Check the times, there wasn't a runner left on the course. But Bailey doesn't see that. All she sees is her little sister. And so, Bailey, full of pride, runs along the side to bring Brooklyn home. And that second dixie cup, half empty at this point, was waiting for Brooklyn at the end.

COOKING THERAPY

When things get too serious or stressful at our house we often use cooking as a form of therapy. I prefer to ALWAYS be in charge, who doesn't? So, cooking (with my kids) takes me out of my comfort zone. I guess that's why it's therapy for me. It's something I have to work at, but the results are always good.
We decided to tackle a new recipe that I HIGHLY recommend.

HAWAIIAN SUNRISE GRANOLA
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup light brown sugar
6 Tbls unsalted butter, melted
1/2 tsp salt
4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/3 cup wheat germ
1/2 sweetened coconut
1/2 cup each (chopped)-
dried mango, pineapple and almonds

STEP 1
Heat oven to 300.
Line two cookie sheets with foil.


STEP 2
In large bowl combine the honey,
brown sugar, butter, and salt.
Add the oats, almonds and wheat germ- blend together.


STEP 3
Spread granola on baking sheets and bake for 20 minutes,
stirring once to encourage even baking.

STEP 4
Remove pans from oven and add coconut.
Bake for 10 more minutes.

STEP 5
Remove granola from oven and allow it to cool.
Add dried fruit.

The kids think EVERYTHING taste better when you are wearing superhero outfits, so they put them on. Or, maybe it was the ice cream they ate with it. Either way, the therapy worked!

LIFE

I haven't posted in a few days because life was extra heavy this past week. In the span of a few days we were impacted by friends experiencing the LOSS OF A PARENT, LOSS OF A JOB, CALIFORNIA FIRES, CHILDHOOD CANCER, EXTREME ADOPTION ISSUES, SICKNESS, A STRAINED MARRIAGE, and the TRIALS of SINGLE PARENTS.

How has life been treating you lately?

Avila Beach Farm

If you get a chance to drive up the coast, Avila Beach Farm is a MUST STOP. It is one of my new favorites! I HIGHLY recommend their fresh baked cinnamon rolls, peaches, and iced coffee. Maybe a day trip is in order...I wonder if we could convince Stacy and Jeff to meet us???? HINT HINT!

RACING X2

Today we OFFICIALLY entered a new "season" of life. We now have TWO Cross Country runners in the family.

Bailey and Brooklyn are in the same division and run in the same race. Here they are at the starting line.


Bailey was in 2nd position for the entire race. At the very end she pulled out the HEAT for a photo finish ending. We are still waiting to hear the results.


Brooklyn, by comparison, is TOTALLY non-competitive. She runs to run and takes it easy.


I caught this smile as she ran past me!




Oak Park will always be ranked as our #1 place to run- they also have a water park. We couldn't resist.

and...YES

We let the boys play too, of course!

PEYTON

Our home grew by two feet this week...baby feet that is! We have been enjoying sweet PJ while her family is out of state for a funeral. I am getting my baby fix and enjoying every little second of it. I don't want to give her back!!!

WEDDING BLISS

I was giddy all afternoon- the pictures are ready to view!!!! I still can't think of a better word to describe the day than MAGICAL!

















If you are a die hard and NEED to see all of the photos, check out Shanni's blog-
http://whatshannisaw.blogspot.com/2009/09/jeff-and-stacy-are-married.html

REHEARSAL

As we were driving home from the wedding weekend, the girls and I were listing all of our most favorite times. Although walking down the isle as flower girls was at the top, it surprisingly wasn't listed as the MOST favorite.

The events on Friday were a stand out. After dinner the wedding party and family gathered around Stacy and Jeff. They started out with a thank you to each individual in the wedding.

That was followed by a tear-jerking time of them thanking their parents.


The best part was next. We each had the opportunity to tell Jeff and Stacy how much they mean to us. I've got to say that NOTHING makes me more proud than to have my 8 year old understand just how special her cousin is. Bailey said it so simple and perfectly, "My favorite part of the weekend was when everyone shared just how much they love Stacy and Jeff. It really made me happy inside." PRECIOUS

Brooklyn was bright-eyed the entire time...soaking it all in.



Buddy, on the other hand, didn't last as long.

TEASER

I am ever so slowly working my way backwards to show you pictures from the wedding. It's partially intentionally because I REALLY want you to see the good PROFESSIONAL pictures, not the quick ones that I took while trailing Stacy and wrangling the kids. Here is a tasty morsel to wet your whistle while you wait.

JEFF

I can't say enough about how excited I am that Stacy and Jeff are married. We gained a new cousin ...an exceptional one in my opinion. These pictures speak for themselves. Everyone thinks the deal is a great one!!!

MIA

Things have been quiet on the blog front for the past few days because we have been enjoying time with our family celebrating the wedding of my cousin, Stacy, and her new husband, Jeff. The wedding could be summed up in one word- MAGICAL. It was an experience that we will never forget. From start to finish, it was BLESSED.

This first group of pictures was taken during the rehearsal dinner at Jeff's parents home in Templeton. Just sweet family pictures, but some that will be added to my list of all time favorites!