Children are Amazing

One of the most rewarding parts of being a parent is the pure, selfless joy of seeing your little ones grow and succeed at life's hurdles. I am not much for crying over sentimental things, sad goodbyes, even a sad movie doesn't get my eyes wet, but there is something that gets to me when I see my three children's excitement/reserve for trying something new, and breaking through to accomplish it. The first time I noticed this part of me was not when my little, but biggest kiddo started his first day of school, but when he was at the starting line getting ready to run his first cross country race. I was standing there with the video camera when all the kids ran by and my son starts to run, but stops when he sees a girl trip and fall, he waits for her to get up, and lets her pass him, then he begins the race. At that moment tears streamed down as see this kind act by Tucker, proud that even in the mist of a competition he felt the need to wait for this girl. In the end, after a mile and half run, red faced and thirsty, my little man won 2nd place!!!! These moments are great to see as parent's, because we raise our children with every hope they will come out decent, and then something like this happens (I didn't tell Tucker to wait for that girl) and we realize that we must be doing something right!!!!

Another proud moment was not lending a helping hand or kind act, but simply overcoming a fear and moving forward. My middle boy, Kemper, is our child who is shy/reserved/a little hot tempered, and has a big fear of strangers. After all, fear of strangers, isn't that what we want. :) This summer my sister-in-law and I sign our kids up for swim lessons, and as some of you know we don't have a pool here in Susanville, so we had to travel to Reno for two weeks of swimming. Yes, it might seems like a lot, but it was well worth it in the end. I was fully aware that Kemper would not be too excited about all the people, and the strange instructors, so I arranged my husband mother to watch Sammie so that I had my full attention on my son. Knowing that I had to create a safe environment for Kemper I got in the pool and help him do everything the other kids were learning how to do. I must admit I felt a little awkward being the only parent in the pool with their child, but I knew this was the only way to get him comfortable. For the first week, was the same, I got in, helped learn to swim, and then by the middle of the second week, he decided to get in on his own. I sat by the edge of the pool, gave him high fives and hugs when he did something good, and watch my son overcome something much bigger than learning how to swim. At that moment, sitting by the pool, I did want to cry, but I stopped myself because I didn't want to look like a crazy person. I am so proud of my little one, and the funny thing is, after that moment in the pool during all those swim lessons, he has been a changed kid. He is not as afraid to try new things and is eager to join in on all the fun.

Being a parent is the biggest blessing that I could have ever asked for. I always say, you can NEVER know the amount of love or the kind of love a parent has for their children until you have some of your own. Parenthood is filled with frustrating times, worry, fear, and poppy diapers; but all that results in these special moments that I will never forget. Moments of "Yeah, that is my KID!" :)

A DAY OF BLACK AND WHITE

Well, summer is here in Susanville, Ca. and that means many fun moments in the outdoors. My family loves being outside, fishing, swimming, camping; the list goes on and on, but the most memorable ones seem to be when we just explore and go on an adventure. One of Susanville's hidden beauties is the Bizz Johnson trail. Starting at the train depot, you pass over some old train tracks, a beautiful bridge, pass the Susan river, and if you keep going you can walk almost 25 miles. However, we did not go that far, as I have little feet and they were tired by the end of our walk.

 

My little babies are getting so big!!! I always remind myself

to enjoy these little hidden moments because times like

these won't last for long!!

 

 

Running down the old rail road track!!

 

Sister finally caught up with the boys at the bridge!!

 

 

Hard to imagine time has gone by so fast. Tucker is no longer a kinder;

he past his first year in school with flying colors and will

continue on to first grade!! Ahhhh!!

 

 

Kemper is our little man who is shy, reserved, and afraid

of a lot of things, but he has the biggest heart; when he sees

someone hurting he wants to make them feel better.

 

Sammie is our wild child. Great!! It had to be our little girl.

She loves being outside and adventure. Rob and I always say

she is worst than the boys about getting into stuff , climbing

on high objects and jumping off, and she even loves playing

shoot'em'up'bang'bang with her bros. She has the most beautiful

smile and big blue eyes.

 

When I was younger; way before I had kids or even met Rob, I always

used the phrase "Enjoy life to the fullest." But, I never really understood

or appreciated that little phrase until now. Time is flying by so fast and it only

seems to get faster as the kids get older. As Mom and the runner of the household

it is my duty to make sure I am bringing up a tight family. I am always reminding my

boys that us five are always going to be there for each other and no matter what we

stick up for each other. Many people might say that I use the phrase "I love you"

too much, but I say, whenever I feel the need to say it I am going to. As parent's

it is our obligation to make sure our kid's feel secure and confident, and that they are

loved more than anything; so when they grow up and find their own life, they always

know who to confide in when things go sour. I love you; my three little musketeers!!

 It didn't seem like

much at the time but it ended up to be a great day that they still talk about!!! 





Great Mom and Son Day!!!

Being a Mom of several children can get quite chaotic, and as much as I try to give each child the amount of attention they deserve, sometimes it is hard to get some alone time with just one child. But, this weekend was just that for Tucker and myself. I had planned a trip to Redding, Ca. where I could take Tucker to the Turtle Bay Museum, and the sundial bridge. I loved having the day where it was all about Tucker, and the moments were not rushed by. We took our time exploring the museum, throwing rocks in the river, crossing the sundial bridge, and taking a long walk on some hidden paths.

 The bridge was a beautiful way to cross the Sacramento river. Many bikers

and runners enjoyed crossing the bridge to get to many trails on the other side.

 Oh!!My baby boy, you are getting so big.

Tucker loved playing with the water; trying to create a dam of sort

and manipulate the water to go in different directions.

 Found an old train that was built in the 1830's. Tucker had to stop and take

a picture for Kemper, because Kemper loves trains.

 Digging some gravel. Trust me it takes some coordination to work

those diggers; I tried.

After the museum, we explored all the different trails that were on the

opposite side of the river. This was by far Tucker's favorite part of the day.

This was a great day to spend with just Tucker and not have to worry about anyone

but him. To all those mother's out there that have a crew, don't forget to set a special

time to spend with just one child. Time flies by so fast, and soon they will be on to

other things, and our kid's need to know that they are the most important people

in our lives.

 

 

 

 

 

Rainy Easter

I love celebrating Easter; it gives a feeling of a new beginning, a reconnecting with God, and the excitement of summer on it's way. Due to the fact that both Rob's and my family live in town, on most holiday's we spend a little time at each household, so nobody has to do without our wonderful presence. I know it sounds horrible, not only to be working on a Sunday, but especially on Easter Sunday, but that was the case for both Rob and myself. For the past six months I have been cleaning my Dad's office on the weekends for a little extra pay, and Rob is always working when he has jobs (those of you that have a self employed business know what I am talking about). Waking up at around 5:30 I went to complete my job and got home just in time for the someone to leave surprises on the front porch. I am not big on encouraging the Easter bunny. Does that make me a bad parent?

I love to watch the reaction the kid's have when the are surprised!!!

Rob headed off to work for a few hours before we went to my parent's for lunch. This year we invited some of our friend's over to eat and look for some eggs.

Look at those handsome boys and beautiful girl!!

I love when they dress up, sometimes it makes them look a lot older.

 

  

Scarlet (our friend's 21/2 yr old) and Sammy

 

The hunt begins. Like I said earlier, I am not one to encourage

the Easter bunny, so instead of the bunny hiding the

eggs, my kid's always know that Poppa and Daddy hide them.

I do think they thoroughly enjoy it themselves.

Of course my father, being the mathematical mind that he is

remembers exactly where each egg is. He always saves

the hard ones for Tucker.

 

 Has soon as she figured our what to do, she was

on the hunt.

 Tucker is getting older and faster now, so we had

to make him wait in the house for a few mins, while

the little ones got a head start.

The face of concentration!!

After a good Egg hunt at my parent's we headed out to the ranch (or Rob's families) for

round two of Easter. It was a long day for everyone, but extremely enjoyable just be to around

our families. I am always thankful that we live near both side of the fam, so these moments are

even more special.

Good Grub!!

What person does not love to eat!! Especially when it is good food. Many of you know I love to cook and create new dishes for my family to taste. I always laugh, because the kid's (of course) and hubby are very traditional when it comes to food. They know what they want and rarely like to try different, new things. Me, on the other hand, like to explore the different flavors that food has to offer. I once asked my hubby what he would like to eat if it was his last meal, and he simply made a list of the things he likes the most. I simply replied, that if it were my last meal I would try all those things I either haven't tried or were afraid to try. Different folks, different strokes!! A phrase my hubby often quotes. :) Back on the subject though, I often laugh because if it weren't for me making new dishes and creating new things, my family would have missed out on some of the dishes that they now call their favorites. Yes, there have been many blunders, and "we don't have to have that again's," but it is all worth it when you find something that satisfies your family taste buds. So, get out their wives, or husband, and create something new for your loved ones.
I have been trying to post my weekly menu plan and my aunt replied I was making her hungry, so I took some pictures ( not very good yet) of a few dishes, just to make them come to life, and make you even more hungry. HaHa!!! This is for you Aunt Peggy!!!

 
                                 Pepperoni and Olive Pizza, this would be the kid's choice!!

                         Tuscan Bean Soup! This was extremely good, with a lot of spice!

Margarita Pizza!! This would be my choice! On pizza night I also made a combo for Rob, but that didn't make it long enough for a picture opp!

                       Garlic tomato Brochette!! Love this, especially dipped in the soup!!
Hopefully I will be able to take pictures of my menu instead of just listing it, because we all love looking at food.

Family Adventure

Winters around here can get extremely long and sometimes our family gets a little cabin fever, fortunately we got some really nice days full of sunshine and calm winds so we decided to go on a "treasure hunt," as Tucker would say. We headed to an old town, obviously abandoned, in search of something magnificent!!!! This family is definitely an outdoor kind of family, so any chance we get, we take it.

Oh Look!!! Sammy found a treasure!! Just kidding; and yes all you city folk, that would be dried cow manure she so excitedly is showing me. Oh, the joy of living in the country.

Kemper so badly wanted to find something cool, but he settled for playing with the metal detector, and having a great time getting it to beep!!

 Brother's!!
Thanks Grandma and Poppa for the cow hat you brought back from Texas!!

Needless to say we didn't find anything but some old cans, and the remains of a good old country party, but it was a great day to get some fresh air and enjoy the simple pleasure's of living were we live. So, to many of you, get out their and discover things!!!!

Sur La Table

In case some of you don't know sur la table is "on the table" in french.
Good eats at the Bailey household. I am trying to make a weekly menu and a strict grocery list so I don't end up at the grocery store and buy things I don't need, or a whole bunch of things that won't make a meal. It has been extremely helpful, especially when the kid's don't come with me. Don't get me wrong I love taking my kid's to the store and showing them where food comes from and letting them pick stuff out, but when you are trying to stick to a list and not over spend, I look like the Mom that never lets their kids have anything. "No we cannot get that, Not today, I already got you something, that's not on sale." Sound familiar mommies? :) I love my kid's. I do take pride, however, that I can send Tucker down the cereal isle and tell to pick out some cereals, and without telling which ones he can and cannot have, he automatically comes back with, frosted mini wheats, honey nut Cheerios, and oatmeal squares. :) Good job Tucky you make mom so proud.
Now that I wrote you a book on my grocery shopping experiences here is the menu:

Friday:
Homemade pizza. (pepperoni with olives for the kid's; combo for Rob; and Margarita for  Mom).

Saturday:
Breaded chicken with eggplant topenade, served with salad.

Sunday:
Tri Tip Sammies, with tater tots, and green beans.

Monday:
Tuscan bean soup with garlic brochette.

Tuesday:
Sundried tomato penne with chicken and served with salad and avocados.

Wednesday:
Leftovers. (I know, I get the same response at my house, but a necessary so we don't waste food).

Thursday:
Skirt steak Tacos with black beans and guacamole. Yummm!!!

Friday:
Roasted veggie and black bean Rice bowls. (my family loves black beans).

Good Eats Everyone!!!!

Half Marathon! What?!!

Yes ladies and gentlemen, I have decided to enter into the world of long distance running. Thanks to my sister-in-law convincing me to run a half marathon at the end of April, I have begun the intense workout week after week. It started with three miles;What?! I don't think I have ever run three miles consecutively; I am a short, sprinting type runner. Well though I thought I would die I finished . :) After a week of running on my Mom's new treadmill (thanks Mom for the purchase :) ), three miles, four miles, sprinting; the first Saturday of our workout plan came (Sat. are our hard long runs). Six miles was the distance. Easy Peasy for my sister in law who has run three marathons, a couple halfs, and countless 5ks (which are three miles, for those who do not know runners talk). We met at Rob's parent's house, and had Rob drive us exactly six miles away from the ranch so that we would only have to run one way. As I sit in the car and watch him drive further and further away, my heart begins to race and I begin to think there is no way I am going to make it back to the ranch alive. My wonderful hubby even told me to take my phone just in case I needed him to come and get me. (Thanks hunny for the confidence). Finally after what seemed like an endless ride, Rob dropped us off and drove away and thus began the journey into a long, long, long run. Now I know what some of you are thinking; six miles that is not far. Have you ever ran six miles? It is farther when all you have are your feet to cover the distance. Needless to say the first two miles were horrible, the next two were ok, and the last two were the easiest to my surprise. But, the important thing is, I made it, without calling the hubby for a rescue mission.
Since then I have been doing well running a good pace four miles, and feel really good running five without feeling the pain going throughout my whole body. Now I only have eight more weeks to get ready for the big race, 13.1miles. O'man. I am scared and nervous, but excited to step out of my comfort zone and work my way toward something I have never done before. The race is April 27th at Folsom Lake in Sacramento. Wish me luck!!! I will keep you all posted on my progress (not like you care or anything), but I figure why not share with you my running adventure.

Run, Run, Run, Run.