Mayhem at the May's

Our new room called: THE HAPPY PLACE

2011-04-12T21:45:00.000-07:00

The girls got a room makeover thanks to my talented friend who does part mural, part velcro boards (her own creation and design, it's amazing!). It transformed the girl's room into a place I never want to leave. :)

Thanks Shauna for bringing the happiest place on earth to our home! (no need to go to Disneyland now!)

She painted the walls with the hillside and then added the trees and animals that she created at her studio. Here is the first tree, owl, leaves that she applied to the wall with velcro.

These features have velcro on them and can be taken off and even sold later as a set to go with the Target bedding.

It is such a sweet little room. I had no idea you could make a room so cute! See how the bedding and walls coordinate. Amazing!!!

If you want to make magic happen visit Howell Creations and talk to Shauna. She can even ship the wall art so you don't have to live in Spokane area!
http://www.howellcreations.blogspot.com/

Also, I made a cute clock with a Heritage Makers scrapbook page to match the room decor. Check out how cute this is... I just have to put it on a clock that you get at a craft store. (I am so proud to contribute to the room in my own way.)

Happy 1st Birthday Ryder

2010-07-29T06:56:00.001-07:00

This was such a fun birthday.
Thanks Daphne, for all your help, couldn't have done it without you.
Thanks to Van Steenkists and Liz and Sara too!
Thanks to Breanna for the cake. It was perfect...super delicious!
Thanks to Jen for the cute outfit!
Thanks to Don for putting on a GREAT magic show!
Thanks to Jan for taking tons of photos-- at least there's photos before the wind storm took my decorations away.

Thanks everyone for coming (and for your donations to give to Children's hospital)...You are our family here!

I think these pictures say it all!
(big thanks to Grandpa, for the water park in our backyard!)

The perfect game

2010-07-18T22:21:00.001-07:00

Trent told me the other day that in baseball one of the greatest accomlishments is to pitch a "perfect game." If I understand it right that means that no one gets a hit off the pitcher. They are very rare. In the history of baseball only 20 "perfect games" have occurred.

What does this have to do with anything? Well, I was thinking how each day, as a mom, I wake up and try to have a "perfect game." Maybe today I won't burn the toast. Maybe today the puppy won't pee on the carpet. Maybe today we will get the kids to bed before 9:00. The perfect day would be a happy, bustling home where no one yells or whines or blames or cries. Those days with a team consisting of a 1, 3, 9 and 11 year old is as rare as the baseball statitic. But each day, just like the pitcher I try and even when the day is all BUT perfect I realize it is pretty wonderful too.

Testing my new feature

2010-07-12T11:54:00.000-07:00

Testing

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Candace May" <candacemay@gmail.com>
Date: Jul 12, 2010 11:48 AM
Subject: Fwd: Testing my new feature
To: "candacemay.teague99@blogger.com" <candacemay.teagu99@blogger.com>

> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: "Candace May" <candacemay@gmail.com>
> Date: Jul 12, 2010 11:47 AM
> Subject: Testing my new feature
> To: <candacemay.teagu99@blogger.com>
>
> This is supposed to let me update my blog via email. Awesome. Hope it works. This is me and my swe...

A HIT

2010-06-27T07:17:00.000-07:00

TEAGUE GOT A HIT!!! (not this picture... note closed eyes).
He got a hit!!! Prayers are answered!

This is how it came to be...

Trent and Grant (assistant coach) noticed Teague was swinging 10 inches above or below the ball. They both said, "He can't see it!" Teague is blind in his left eye.

So Trent told Teague, "You are now going to be a left-handed batter."
and he started hitting the ball!

I don't know who is more excited Trent or Teague (or me).

This was a great idea... A trip to Coeur d'Alene Beach for the day! Ryder ate sand, Ryleigh floated, Gabi dug, and Teague looked for living things.

Isn't he pastey white?
I actually had to buy sunscreen! haha I HAD sunscreen, but I have to admit I don't use it on the chocolate kids.

The chocolate kids.

This is the life!

Let go of me so I can go play!

Sunday Photos

2010-06-20T20:06:00.001-07:00

Baseball season has arrived! This is our FIRST year of baseball and softball with Teague and Ryleigh. This is Teague and Ryleigh's first GAME. Trent called Teague to pitch in the 3rd inning. He did a good job for 2 innings. He stuck out three batters. Ryleigh did great. I saw her field a ball at shortstop and throw it to third. She also got some hits! Teague is praying to make contact with the ball in his next game. They both really love it and Trent works with them and is really enjoying that!

The tiniest one on the team. Cute little thing!

My mom was here last week. We had such a great time! The kids LOVE her to death!!

Gabi sings the song "You can't always get what you want" from the Glee sound track. Here is the modified version:

You can't always get what you want... (unless Bella is around)...

I love you mom! Thanks for your great example of love, giving, positiveness, service and fun!

Father's Day 2010 was the best ever. This year the WHOLE family (all the kids) are in the yearly photo with dada!

Teague and Ryleigh both wrote him awesome letter about what a great dad he is. That was the best gift, and Ryder chillin with him on the couch watching the US Open.

Content.

2010-03-02T00:40:00.000-08:00

If I could pick one word to describe my current life I would choose, "contentment." I feel more relaxed and at peace than I have for some time. I have a fabulous best friend/husband who I love. All my children are here and healthy and I am crazy about them. I do what I love (stay at home and run a successful business with amazing, like-minded women). I like my home and area. I get to run 3-7 miles a day and I am finally shedding my baby weight. The weather is mild this winter! I have great friends & neighbors. I enjoy my mom and sister. I just had to record that I truly feel blessed and content.

The photos that follow show what a snapshot of life is like for us recently.

I am a more relaxed parent of #4. If he falls asleep on the floor (like he does daily) that is where his nap will be! PJ's are okay to wear all day, who is going to see him, or me for that matter!

Team Canada won the gold at the Olympics so these two had to rub it in at school by dressing in Team Canada gear. Grades 3 and 5 now!! T has started to really like and get good at hockey. He went from not being able to skate backwards to skating backwards faster than anyone on his squirt team!

Gabi... my little friend when the big kids are at school. She is my "sunshine" here is some things that make me laugh. Gabi tip: Save calories... just lick off the frosting of the cupcakes.

She is addicted to Disney movies and will fall asleep watching. When I question her, "Did you fall asleep upstairs?" She will say, "No, I was watching a movie." (thinking she really didn't sleep for 1.5 hours).

Naps make her not want to go to bed when the kids do at 8:30. She makes up 100 reasons to come downstairs... water, one more hug, work out with Daddy, hungry, to show how she can go down all the stairs without hanging on to the rail, one more kiss, etc.

This is Daddy's new ipod DON'T touch.

This is the very look that gets her 98% of whatever she wants. If this look doesn't work she will give me a wink or say, "You the best mommy in my whole life."

When asked if she is going to grow up and get married someday she responds, "No, I am going to stay with you guys for-e-ber." Trent says that is perfectly okay with him.

Speaking of best mommies... I often see my mom for work. Here we are in Bellevue in Feb. racing to Nordstoms between sessions. There is always time for Nordstoms. Work isn't work anyway. We write books that celebrate family stories for heaven's sake!!

Trent isn't pictured here, but he has loved the Olympics. We enjoyed curling (HARD!) and hockey most. He IS the best in MY whole life.

Angi came for a visit! It was fun and we did a lot of retail therapy. Nordstoms takes my dad's credit card number. We only use it when we are together so we can blame each other.

I am so happy for her. I think she is doing great as she is going through a hard time. Isn't she cute!!!??

This video is to remember his little-ness and it is going away too fast! Funniest thing lately is how he cries pathetically as possible to get his way. He is learning from Gabi. He just became a good sleeper and so that might explain my recent "contentment" (sleep can do that).

Photo of Ryder

2010-02-19T23:21:00.000-08:00

This is my sunshine. He has blond hair and brown eyes, weights 18lbs. I love this little guy.

Kids call him "Coo" or "Toot", so I do too. He says "MaaMaa" not "DaaDaa". He wakes up happy and likes to bounce and swing his arms.

'Heritage Makers Business Showcase'

2010-02-02T07:19:00.000-08:00

'Heritage Makers Business Showcase'

Priceless

2010-01-19T22:16:00.001-08:00

If I could write a Mastercard commercial it would sound like like this:

Toys $250
Lego he begged for $100
Frozen pond found in backyard on Christmas day (toys left under the tree)... priceless

Have a Yule that's Cool

2009-12-17T11:21:00.001-08:00

Christmas favorite things:

Picking out a tree
12 days of Christmas gifts from Bella
Ryder! All we want or need this Christmas
Trent building his rink
sub-zero temps (for the rink)
"Sparkly lights" -- Gabi
Mary's song on the CD player in the car "This is Jesus's mudder's song!" -- Gabi
The "big kids" catching the vision of what Christmas is all about
Teague reading the 12 days of Christmas stories each night
Granny is coming to town!!
Cancer days are long forgotten as we hug our boy full of health and strength and wisdom
New friends
The classic movies: Grinch, Elf, Christmas Vacation, and It's a Wonderful Life
Wondering what Trent could possibly be surprising me with?
Thinking of others
Dark evenings so I can't see that I haven't dusted
Ryleigh already negotiating how early she can wake us up on Christmas morning
Ryleigh waiting for Santa's letter back to her
This:

Quote: "Cleaning a house while you have children is like shoveling while it is still snowing!"

Like winning Lord Stanley

2009-12-07T22:03:00.001-08:00

This weekend we went to Missoula MT for a hockey tournament. It was Teague's team, the Spokane Jets. His first year, his first tournament. They earned their way into the championship against Idaho Falls (who beat them earlier in the tournament 9-4). It looked as though they would lose a hard fought battle again as Idaho Falls carried a 4-2 lead into the final 10 minutes. But the Jets soared in those final 10 minutes scoring 3 goals, the winner with 25 seconds left to hand Idaho Falls their only loss of the tournament and earn the championship!! Teague said it felt like he had just won the Stanley Cup.

I never knew that coaching could be so rewarding and that I could feel so happy for that group of 16 kids who worked so hard and were so excited. It was fantastic to see Teague feeling that sense of belonging with his teammates and accomplishing something difficult to do. Every second I see him on that ice is like a miracle to me and I know that it is just the beginning of many more miraculous memories to come. It was difficult not to think of the last time I saw Teague pointing skyward when he was going through a battle of a different kind. This time he points his finger skyward with joy in his heart for the success he felt...this time like any 10 year old boy would feel.

Teague's Poor Wife!! & my Sales Pitch

2009-11-16T22:07:00.000-08:00

I have been a Heritage Maker for a long time. I am a founder of the company... I am a teacher by trade and I am just learning to be a sales person. I have learned from both my teaching a sales experience that you have to share what you are passionate about and so, with that, I have a sales pitch for you this holiday season that I just can't pass up sharing on my blog.

This is one of my Christmas gifts to my 10 year old son-- a poster for his room I made of Teague and his dad at Halloween. I excitedly showed it to a friend the other day and she gasped, "His poor wife!"

"What? My son is ten!!!" I replied.

Then she explained. "Your son is ten and he is going to love that poster and he is going to hang it in his room and then carefully peel it off his wall and take it with him to college, then he will insist that his wife let him hang it in their house.... He will NEVER throw that gift away. His poor wife."

"His poor wife." I agreed.

Side note: this gift cost $12.95 and everything else he has asked for on his list is over $100 each. I am also MOST excited to give him this little gift over every other. It will never be thrown out.

Heritage Makers helps you make heritage-rich gifts like this. Heritage is more than old photos it is Halloween, for example, that Halloween party was more fun GETTING READY for than the actual party... Teague and Dad going to the thrift store looking for just the right stretch pants in the women's section. Looking for platform boots and spraying them silver, finding the perfect rocker hair... It wasn't just a costume party, it was a bonding experience, it was a dad sharing his love of life, & his passion for 80's-hair-bands, with his son.

How can you get started with Heritage Makers?

I recommend starting simple and trying out our online system of just dragging your family photos into our fun holiday templates... start with our greeting cards this year.

Everyone needs a great Christmas card and we have AMAZING prices until Monday, Nov. 23rd. See prices or ask me how you can get yours FREE (hint: by sharing these great packages with your mom, aunt and so forth, see break down of sales rewards)

This would be a great intro to the Heritage Makers system. AND I am here to help... I will even throw in a free poster credit if you do one of these card packages and you can memorialize your own crazy memory and drive your son's future wife crazy! :)

Check out what I made for my brothers and sisters, mom and dad for Christmas all at once-- photos are from our family reunion in July and I asked all the grandkids what they thought it meant to be a "Gibb":

My website, if you are interested is www.doctorstorybook.com (I do the business with my mom, Sharon Murdoch).

You can email me candacemay@gmail.com or call me at 509-688-9250 if I can help you with something.

Celebrate your heritage with your children! (Even if it involves silver-leopard-women's stretch pants).

Candy

Our little Pumpkin, inside a pumpkin

2009-11-01T00:27:00.000-07:00

Me: (Great idea enters brain about taking a photo of Ryder in a pumpkin, I process idea and figure I have a couple minutes to make it happen so I could then have a lifetime to enjoy this photo) Go get that huge pumpkin outside!

Trent: Why (Yankees are on TV, no desire to move from couch, it's Halloween at 5pm, hungry)

Me: I want to take a photo of Ryder in it.

Perry (Trent's dad who always tells us what MIGHT happen): You can't do that he will freeze in there Candy!

Aaron (our friend): If "Vanilla" won't get it for you I will! (Calls Trent "Vanilla"--long story)

Aaron brings in large, 32 lbs. pumpkin & places on kitchen table

I move kitchen table closer to natural light

Candy: Sid, put the baby inside (he was wrapped in a yellow blanket so no pumpkin guts get on him and to keep him warm)

Sid, Trent's lovely mother, is always ready to go with my crazy ideas.

snap, snap, snap,
turn him this way,
snap, snap, snap

Edited out some background distractions in photoshop.

Note: The baby was not cold, he didn't even cry once. Memory captured and already Heritage Makers project of 4 12 x12 prints (celebrating my 4 little pumpkins over the years) have been ordered. (Thanks to Jan Tenney for taking the one of Gabi as a chicken).

Click here to see the project... I plan to frame them all and use a Halloween decor for the rest of my whole life. (note the images will print clear, this is just a representation on the image)

Party like a Rock Star!

2009-10-25T09:54:00.000-07:00

We were invited to the Alteneder's annual Halloween party last night. Aaron didn't think Trent would dress up and if he did dress up it would be as a Yankee. Well Trent showed a new side when he showed up as Kiss Rock Band!!

We had a blast! Here is a shot of Paul Stanley, Rock Star, getting into his minivan with his four kids and rock star wife. He also had to stop for pizza.

Gene Simmons (Teague) had a blast getting ready for this fun night!

Gabi was Snow White and had her eye out for any poison apples. She got to wear "makeups" said, "Mirror, mirror on the wall.... who's the fairest in the mall..."

Ryleigh was a "Puffle". This costume is the envy of all her puffle-crazy friends. Mom felt like a hero making this costume happen for her this year with the help of a very kind neighbor.

Ryder cried and cried as we got ready for the party. I think we scared him with our face paint. Poor little guy. He was a kitty-- the 4th member of the band, but he stayed in his car seat and slept through the traumatic party.

These are the days we will always remember.

Poop Happens and the Best day ever!

2009-10-11T10:18:00.000-07:00

Funny photo of Teague discovering that maybe he doesn't want to "raise" the new baby "as his own"...

Teague helped clean the baby up by helping give him a bath... (love this shot)

See that little blemish on Teague's chest? It is where his "central line" was surgically placed when he had his 11 months of Chemo. This little mark is a constant reminder of the blessing it is to have our boy with us in great health. We are so grateful. Which leads me to this...

Saturday, Oct. 10th was a "perfect day" in Trent's book. He watched Teague have his first experience playing hockey. All parents feel pride seeing their children experience fun, new things, but there a little sweeter satisfaction when your child has been through all that Teague has been through.

Trent gave Teague advice before the first practice and said, 1. have fun... these are the best days of your life 2. Don't worry about how good other people are 3. and HUSTLE (If you are going for the puck, give it all you've got!)

That is good advice for us all, isn't it?

Meet the new "Gretsky" (no pressure Teague)...

He listened to his dad's advice and had fun, and hustled out there! He scored a goal during a 1-1 drill and I cheered like he was in the Stanley Cup playoffs! I have a little bit of my Grandma Gibb in me and I don't care if none of the other parents cheer during practice.

GO TEAGUE!!!

our boy

2009-10-03T23:46:00.001-07:00

Can't stop taking photos of this wee boy! He just napped and ate... like you can't tell that from the photos!

I regret to inform that his eyes look like they will be brown like the others, I only regret this because I was hoping one might look like the mother. I must admit, I love chocolate eye color and having 4 sets of these gorgeous eyes looking at me is wonderful!

2009-10-02T12:09:00.000-07:00

Happy October!!!!

First smile captured!

Manly- corn

Shania Twain??

our little pumpkin!

Ryder's Blessing Day

2009-09-06T19:26:00.000-07:00

Trent blessed our 4th and final baby today at church. It was a wonderful day!!

Gabi Started dance last Tuesday. She will be successful in dance if she keeps the attitude she had this very first day. She was so enthusiastic and listened to her teacher. She refers to herself as a baller-ella.

Gabi after her birthday party... almost falling asleep coloring.

Yankee Tradition/ Gabi turns 3!

2009-08-30T10:33:00.001-07:00

So much has happened in a month...

New baby... July 27th
Bella and Granny visit
Yankee game in Seattle... Trent wanted to take both his boys and start a yearly tradition
Candy & Trent's birthday --still in the 30s! (THANKS for the camera mom, you will notice my photos will be looking better now)
Cross the CND border for immigration
Gabi's 3rd birthday
Back to Seattle to Children's Hospital for a check (tomorrow)

The best of this month has been our new baby, visits from family, gifts and well wishes (thanks so much... we feel loved and spoiled by our friends, neighbors and family), and just yesterday our little girl turned 3 and we had a nice celebration.

Gab-a-licious the "d-lo", chocolate eyes, "what's your favorite color? now ask me my own favorite color." x 100, screaming at Teegee, sharing a bed with Ryleigh, PINK is her favorite color, friendly to everyone she meets, "Are you a poppa?", talking on the phone to bella, granny, & poppa, "Daddy you came back, I knew you would come back!", nursery aka "church", momma's girl (maybe the next one will like Trent best), shoes, purses, make-ups, and "pretties"... looking forward to the next 3 years with our little Gab-a-licious!

Daddy: Gabi, what kind of cake did mommy make you?

Gabi: One with boobies on it.
(so nice to have older siblings)

2009-08-22T10:18:00.001-07:00

More images of Ryder. he is a good baby. went to the yankee game last week... will post photos of that soon.

I love boys!

2009-08-01T13:03:00.001-07:00

Born Monday at 2am

Ryder T. Grayson May

9 lbs!!!! glad he is our last one!

I just love having a little boy in the house again.
He is perfect.

the HOTEL

2009-06-25T11:10:00.000-07:00

A friend of ours came over and saw the monstrosity that Grandpa bought for our kids and called it "the hotel." That is exactly the perfect term for it.

Thanks Grandpa, the kids will love it and it will be the best babysitter while we welcome in a new baby in just over a month from now.

We won't be leaving the house after July 4th, but, thanks to Grandpa, the "hotel" is a vacation in and of itself.

Some Favorite Photos of Spring

2009-06-07T18:16:00.001-07:00

Slides
Sunshine
Sleep (because of all the sun and fun)

Tulips

2009-05-17T17:20:00.003-07:00

Beautify yourself with tips from Gabi. No nail polish handy, markers do the trick.

Mother's Day gifts

2009-05-11T17:32:00.001-07:00

For Mother's Day I got a box of chocolate (empty now of course), perfume...

A few new plants to make our garden beautiful (cute garden boy, eh??!!)...

And this painting from Ryleigh, age 8.

It was a good weekend.

I Love Photos, Story Even More!

2009-04-27T10:59:00.000-07:00

Teague is still frog obsessed! On family night we went to the swamp nearby and he looked for frogs. He found 2 (yeah, we can go home! is what is going through my mind...)

At home he put them in his frog tank. The next morning he discovered a treat... a gift... the BEST thing that ever happened to him (remember he is a cancer survivor).... the frog he caught laid eggs! Lots and lots of eggs! He has high hopes of hundreds of frogs!! (help... is what is going through my mind).

So then he is wondering if the frog eggs need fertilized to become tadpoles... help me here... he asked me (I am a mother, I should know this stuff). I told him I had no idea. He said, "Come on Mom, you SHOULD know about fertilization, you are pregnant after all!" (I told him I still do not know about laying eggs and that it was a bit different).

Here is proof that I am a good mother.... At least I can answer all HER questions...

I took Gabi to a museum last week. She had fun. I took these photos as "proof" that she had a fun day! Her new, size 3T skirt kept falling off all day! But she looked cute! I am so glad she wears skirts. Ryleigh only will on Sundays.

On Sunday the importance of story was reinforced to me on this, my latest project. I wanted to showcase my cool Ireland photos in a book and so I dug up this scrapbook. Though I love the scrapbook it doesn't contain the feelings and stories that was our "Ireland Adventure" when Trent went to PT school there for 2 years. On Sunday I delved into telling the story behind the photos.

Before (above): A tacky (but still precious) 12x12 scrapbook. After (below): A sleek 13x11 storybook, with these priceless photos and stories behind them.

Here is what I wrote on this page:

Time to be Together...

"One of the best things or memories I ever had or eve will have I experienced in our cottage at 133 Islandmagee Road, Whitehead, N. Ireland. We had just moved in the cottage and though it was totally furnished (rent= 280 quid a month) there was no phone connection and there would not be for some time... things ran differently in in Ireland... no rush to get things done. So for days it was so quiet. No TV, no phone. I couldn't call my family. Not a living soul knew where we where or what we were doing. I remember waking up one morning and Trent had already left for school and I thought, how strange and wonderful it was that no one knew where I was... just Trent. We had each other and that was enough."

2009-04-16T07:18:00.001-07:00

This is were we lived in Ireland. I had a get-together last night with some super fun women to work on books. Someone asked me about Ireland. I scanned in all the photos from that time 1997-1999. The memories came flooding back.

We would walk along the Irish Sea in the town of Whitehead.

We had Teague there. In Northern Ireland Teague is a derogatory term (or so the stuffy Protestants told me--too Irish for their British taste) so when people asked his name, and I knew they were Irish/Catholic I would say "Teague" and if they were Protestant/British I just used his middle name so they didn't give me the "look".

Trent as a new dad. He is going to have one more little boy. We are leaning towards the Irish name "Ronan". Teague likes "Lincoln" as he is in Washington DC right now with Bella. I like "Cole" as all the kids have these amazing Coal-black eyes.

Easter

2009-04-12T20:51:00.001-07:00

Easter dresses

Easter Chocolate

Easter surprises

Easter vacations (Teague went to Washington DC with my mom for the week, his first flight alone all the way to LA to see Bella)

Rain boots!

New spring shoes

What's not to like about this time of year?

Hope you had a wonderful Easter!

Sunshine

2009-03-26T06:55:00.000-07:00

First Day of Spring!

Thanks for the awesome Christmas gift Poppa!

Last snowfall? pleeeease

2009-03-13T23:46:00.000-07:00

One more trip down the backyard hill slope. I pray! It is MARCH!

Also, another shameful plug for my company (and no I am not going to mention being on Oprah's list again).

I woke up to this....

Reading a Heritage Makers book, reading and laughing.

Then later they were looking at the book I made for my grandpa, as I keep it right next to my computer as inspiration. The kids were asking questions and talking about him and it warms my heart.
Yes, Teague is eating a rice crispy treat for breakfast... It has cereal in it!!!

(I will help you do a book too.... what book do you need to write?)

Start one by going to www.doctorstorybook.com
Don't wait another day!

Did I mention we were on Oprah's All-Time-Favorite Gifts for under $100 list? (that was for Shannan--thanks for being a good client & friend).

It's a .....

2009-03-12T11:30:00.001-07:00

Boy!!!!

Teague was sooooo happy!

Here is a photo of our "guesses" before we went to the appointment:

Something about old photos

2009-03-05T00:33:00.000-08:00

I just did this book for Teague. Stayed up past midnight to complete it in one night, but it was worth it. It is based on a poem by A.A. Milne that I have always loved. Somehow with his cancer year in there, it touched me a little more. The photo on the cover just makes me smile. It is my mom sitting behind him and trent behind her. The little bald guy looks pretty happy.

There is something about going through old photos and putting them together into something meaningful. There is something more special when you reflect on the blessing that Teague is well. That his book does not end there. That that awful year had some nice moments too.

This book was easy to do. Make one if you are feeling nostalgic.

Lucky

2009-02-25T09:18:00.001-08:00

This dog knows where to sit when Gabi eats her eggs. Luck dog.
Gabi wanted to bake a cake (this is pudding, she doesn't know the difference). This is what life is all about... letting your 2 year old turn on the mixer and lick the beater. Luck me.

On this day I was inspired by a friend who taught me that instead of selling "heritage" you have to take time to "make heritage" with those that matter most. Thanks Randi.

"Daddy, you home!!!!" Everyday she makes his day. Lucky Daddy.

I feel very lucky lately. Baby #4 is moving around and reminds me daily how lucky I am to have another sweet baby. I guess it is because of how sweet the other 3 are that I feel that way. They are such good kids. I am so glad they are mine.

Ryleigh Creates Valentine Book

2009-02-13T09:54:00.000-08:00

Ryleigh just turned 8. She considers herself a “good writer.” When you ask her what she hopes to be when she grows up she answers, “A Heritage Maker like my mom.”

Last night she came to me with a project that she created.

It was a gift for me. As I read the pages and read all the reasons she loved me it brought tears to my eyes. To have your daughter think you are kind and good is the greatest gift a mother can have.

Then Ryleigh asked me if she could make it into a book like she and I did for Daddy at Christmas. I really didn’t have time to sit at the computer with her. I had sugar cookies that I had to make for the next day and dinner in the oven. So I looked through the template gallery and found one that would be perfect (thank goodness!) and I sat her at the computer and wished her well.

A little later that evening she announced she was done. I said, “The whole thing?”

Sure enough she had completed the whole book without one bit of help from me! Check it out at the bottom of this page or by clicking on the title above. Here is one of the sweet pages:

This was the best Valentine’s gift I ever received. I can’t see how anything could beat it. Not diamonds, or perfume, or even chocolate could beat this gift. Thank you Ryleigh. I will treasure this book forever. (I love you too).

How many shoes does a woman need?

2009-02-11T15:31:00.000-08:00

All of these shoes were purchased in one wild weekend with my mother & sister.

Two of the boxes belong to my sister and the rest are my mothers!

They left me with a memory of a very good time at Nordstroms. I keep the stack of empty shoe boxes a monument.

If you think this is excessive then you should meet my aunt Elaine.

This is nothing.

Let me know if you need some shoe boxes.... until then I will just look at them and smile.

You are wondering why I didn't buy any shoes?

I tried. I didn't go down without a fight.
The sales men tried, I don't think he wants to see me for a while.
ALL the shoes were either too big or too small or I had that color.

My aunt would scold me, "Candace, you can have more than one pair of yellow shoes!"
I've not graduated to that level yet.

I'll get there.

Baptism Day

2009-02-09T19:47:00.001-08:00

On Saturday February 7th, 2009 Ryleigh Ruth May was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. She took on a covenant to always remember Jesus Christ and to try to be like him.

I had to tell a little bit about Ryleigh and I could barely talk as I was so overcome by emotion of how proud I am of my sweet daughter.

I told of her quick delivery (4 min. from car to delivery) her love of her family, her love of basketball, how she gets along with her friends, how she loves to serve her family and friends. I also told of how she was named after her great-grandmother and how she is much like her.

My sister and mom came to be with us on this special day.

It was a great day.

Thank you for coming Tessa, Kinsley, Corbin and Katie!

Watcha the T.B.

2009-02-02T08:51:00.000-08:00

Recently Gabi started to say the family prayer. Today it went like this,

"Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for mommy, daddy, Teegee & Ryleigh. I lika to watcha the T.B..."

Age 2.5 is the cutest age on earth. She is so precious to watch. Even when Teague pushes her buttons and she screams a shrill scream to ward him off. Last night they played "Spider Baby" and Teague put his Spiderman mask on her head she chased him around.

This week is a good one. Trent is home (knee surgery recovery), my mom, sister, nephew and dad are coming to visit!

I am really enjoying Heritage Makers. I am currently working on our 2007 family album and a book about my dad and a book about my grandma Ruth. I enjoy working with my clients who are friends and who are doing fun projects too.

Trent takes Teague & Ryleigh skating a couple times a week. They are getting really good. Teague just learned to skate backwards and crossovers.

Ryleigh is getting baptised on Sat. Here she is in the dress her Grandma bought for her as a little gift.

Home Again

2009-01-23T09:28:00.001-08:00

This is a bit embarrassing. For our Heritage Makers cruise this year we had a "famous couples" night and since I was on the cruise with my mom we teamed up with Mary & Mark Hansen to be "The Girls Next Door" with "Hugh Hefner". It was so funny.

I had such a fun time with my mom and my favorite Heritage Makers Friends! I was gone nearly 10 days and I missed my little ones at home.

13 weeks pregnant today. I hope this morning sickness passes. I am working out almost daily. I hope NOT to gain my usual 50 lbs. with this one. Girl or boy? I really think we will wait this time and not find out. Teague wants a brother so bad. Ryleigh just announced she'd rather it be a girl because if it is a boy she said, "Teague won't let anyone else touch him. He will think he owns him!" (She is probably right).

Ryleigh gets baptised in a couple weeks and my sister and dad and mom are coming to Spokane. I am so excited. I found Ryleigh the cutest dresses for the occation.

Top 10

2009-01-08T06:48:00.000-08:00

Every year on New Year's Eve we sit down to create our May Family top 10 list. We keep the lists in one book and always get a laugh at looking at years past. This year at #2 on the list is finding out we are going to have one more baby. Also on the list this year was my mom's birthday cruise, our Canada trip, Heritage Makers being on Oprah's "All-time favorites" list, and, like every year since Teague's cancer, the #1 spot goes to another year of good health.

Teague turned 10 a couple days ago. It made me reflect on a couple things. First, he is still with us and what a blessing I find that to be. I know so many moms who went through what we did and had to say goodbye to their child. The second thing is that I realized I have been a mom for 10 years now. It felt like an anniversary in a way. One that should be celebrated.

One of my goals is to complete a family year book. At the end of the "photojournalistic-style" book I put the year's top ten list. If you want to start creating one of your own let me know I can get you started. Go to my website www.doctorstorybook.com and go to the template gallery and choose the template: "simple simon" for 8.5 x 11.5 size book. Upload your photos and write your stories to go along with them.

Here is a couple photos of the books:

Happy New Year, I will be on a cruise (for Heritage Makers) with my mom for the next week. We have a dress up night on the cruise, this year's theme is "famous couples" and my mom and I are going to be Hegh Hefner's Girl's Next Door with Mary & Mark so be sure to check back for those photos, if I dare post them.

Blog Goals

2009-01-02T23:50:00.001-08:00

Ryleigh by our driveway

I have this new year's resolution to blog more.

We have been snowed in for weeks. About 3 weeks. I am ten weeks pregnant with our 4th (I can't believe I am typing that) and I have been craving Olive Garden but haven't been able to get out to that restaurant due to the weather. It is that bad. School starts Monday and I am wondering how my kids are going to get there. (You can see the school from our house, but it is across a large field and I really don't think their legs are long enough). I could drive them, maybe, I don't have 4 wheel drive and I am not sure I could make it there and back.

Leaving for a cruise in 1 week. Heritage Makers cruise with my mom. I am having a bit of trouble packing, as my tummy already is popping out and it is not looking cute yet, just chubby.

Let it Snow: 25 inches in 24 hours

2008-12-19T14:03:00.000-08:00

We had a bit of a snow fall here.
The kids are having fun pretending to be "foxes" and "badgers" in the front yard. They have dug about 6 different tunnels (with Daddy's help) and have been scurrying around them for hours.

We have had 2 snow days. Even Trent didn't have to go to work due to the snow.

1 week until Christmas.

Hope you have a merry one. We certainly will have a white one.

Cruise 2008

2008-11-17T16:28:00.000-08:00

Back from the cruise with the whole Gibb family.

It was heaven for Teague.

He caught a frog,
held a lizard,
caught a crab
caught hermit crabs and smuggled them back home.

"Dad, when they looked at my bag (during security at the airport) I thought I was going to faint."

This is not the one he smuggled. We let this one go.

We all got a good tan. I don't think I have seen Trent with a full tan for over 15 years! He always has a farmer's tan.

Trent loved the cruise. We had many laughs. One being on the plane ride home. The stewartess asked me how old Gabi was, as she would only sit on my knee and not in her assigned seat. Trent said, "Were not sure, she has been following us around since Jamaca..." She looks like she belongs in the Caribbean.

Happy to be home? Not really, I think we could have stayed another week or two.

No cooking, no cleaning, lots of dessert. (Hence no photos of me in my swimsuit posted)

Happy Halloween

2008-11-01T14:52:00.000-07:00

Ryleigh BOO

Ryleigh has to be something scary for Halloween. On her list this year was a ghost or a skeleton. Her she is. We had to get size 4-6 as she is so tiny. My scary girl!

Teague the Mighty Link (no he isn't Peter Pan)

Teague was a Nintendo action figure "Link" and his costume was 100% made by his mom, thank you very much. I even bought him these boots for $20 at Ross but a size 8 so I could wear them with my skinny jeans later. Why waste money?

Teague went to hauted forest this year again with Uncle Cy and CJ in Utah.

Gabi Drama

Gabi was a turtle because Auntie Angi sent her this costume. Everyone thought she was a little boy. If you asked her what a turtle said she responded, "Ribbit!" (close)

"Poppa" came for Halloween this year because Ryeligh asked him to and he can't say no to her for some reason. It was fun to watch him giggle at the kid's antics. Gabi made him laugh with her new routine: "Here kitty, kitty.... come and get it (dangling food) ... silly cat." I think she learned it from Calliou. She is adicted to Calliou and Dora.

Can't wait for next year.

His favorite thing about Halloween

2008-10-30T22:35:00.000-07:00

Teague was saying, as we carved our "punkins" this year, that carving pumpkins was his favorite thing about Halloween. So now it is officially mine too. I have to admit I usually DREAD it. The mess alone. This year their enthusiasm was contagious. I am going to build on this experience and look for other traditions that are as meaningful and simple as carving pumpkins and do them with more vigor and joy.

Thanks Teague. for being 9.

Thanks Randi, for inspiring me to blog and celebrate motherhood in the midst of all the work/duty. www.thebruntbrood.blogspot.com

CC

Birthday Celebrations

2008-08-21T14:08:00.000-07:00

What a week and a half. It was my mom's birthday and so we went to Utah and celebrated. Me and Angi did this great book of her life and a birthday blog for her and t-shirts that said "I love Bella" for each of us to wear and a t-shirt that said, "Bella" on hers! She liked that gift quite a bit.

Then I get back and 2 days later it is my birthday. 29 again. I had the best day. And because I never have any photos taken with me in them I made it a point to photograph this day.

It began with breakfast in bed from Teague and Ryleigh.

Gabi slept until 12:30 as a little gift to me. I was able to get ready at my leisure and finish a book I was reading (The Good Earth).

Then Teague had $30 from Auntie Angi to take me for lunch at my favorite place (nordstom cafe). Oh was it good!!

He was excited lunch only came to $24! He thought he had $6 left over. I told him he needed to leave a tip and he said proudly, "Don't worry I will give her a whole dollar." He wanted to have the $5 for himself. When I said I might want dessert he didn't look too happy. No dessert, and so after a L-O-N-G drawn out march around every store in the mall, he asked if they could look at the toy shop and he got himself and Ryleigh a little toy. Gabi saw this dog and freaked out when she couldn't take it with her.

I felt like I was with my sister and mom as I kept their photo close by all day... this was from the Utah trip (soooo fun).

I got home and Gabi went for a anp at 5pm and my handsome, clever, sweet husband took me out on a date. I chose "Wingers" even though Angi said there was 300 calories in each wing. There really isn't, but they aren't health food. When I got home I saw that someone gave me a "heart attack" on my door.

The best part of the day was getting my baby book from my mom. I am 30 something and I now have my baby book! It is so sweet. Thanks Mom. I love it!

Oh Canada!

2008-07-27T22:45:00.000-07:00

We are Canadian and we went home for a nice long visit. We love staying in Lethbridge and feeling like kids again. Trent and I. We have many family members to care for our kiddos while Trent and I bike or go to a movie. We met up with family and friends. I spent a whole evening with my mom and dad. I joked, "I am 30+ years old and this is the FIRST time I have been out with just me and my mom and dad." We had a great laugh at that! We also celebrated Trent's mom's birthday in Waterton and had a blast there. Trent's family is great. The kids love being with their Canadian family.

Summer of 08

2008-06-25T09:34:00.000-07:00

Check out what summer has been like at our house.

• Ryleigh is crazy for basketball!
• Teague is pitching to daddy each day!
• Teague started growth hormone and injects himself!
• Ry and Teague got moterized scooter/motorcycles! Ryleigh's is called the "Bella" and was from Bella.
• Gabi loves to swing!

ABCD.... You Mean the World to ME!

2008-03-19T10:51:00.000-07:00

Ryleigh Publishes her First Book!

I sat down with Ryleigh last week when she had a ear infection and couldn't go to school. I wanted her to help me make a Heritage Makers ABC book. It is so easy you just put YOUR photos in and you are done! All the formatting is there. Ryleigh helped me select photos and we changed a little text to suit our photo selection. But, just like a mom, I got busy with Gabi, the phone, lunch and I left the computer and when I came back Ryleigh had done a few pages. "How did you do that?" I asked in amazement. She had figured it out! We just love this book as it has a photo of everyone in the family! We ordered one for Grandma, Bella, Grandpa, etc. The price is only $29 each for this month, so it is a reasonable gift... If you need a great gift for upcoming Mother's Day, this makes a great brag book!!!

C is for Chicken.... Teague and Ryleigh got chickens (the Tenney's really got them, but my kids claim them!) They are at the neighbor's home and it ahs been such a delight! Teague and Ryleigh even did their science experiment on the experience.

Heritage Makers Magic

2008-02-25T21:04:00.001-08:00

My mom and I went on a cruise in January for Heritage Makers. I went as her guest. I have been taking a break from work for the last 3 years with Teague's cancer and then our move to Spokane and our new baby. On the cruise I decided I wanted to go back to the company that I love. This came as a surprise to me. A consultant on the cruise asked me, "Why don't you do this?" and I didn't know how to answer. I told him that maybe it was because of Teague, he still goes for check ups, maybe it was because of my new baby, but she is a year and a half now. His question got me thinking and I realized that not only do I love writing stories that celebrate my family heritage, but that I was a Heritage Maker. I am the one in my family who writes the stories behind the photos. Stories about my grandparents, my babies, our vacations, and even our everyday life. I was so impressed with the people on the cruise and I was amazed at how well our consultants are doing. I decided this is the time to get going again. I couldn't have picked a better time.

Since I have been home, just over a month, I have been having fun being a business woman again. I am learning so much and I love collaborating with other consultants! I love sharing the magic of story with friends and neighbors. This company rocks! I love it and I have found that I still manage to be a mom and do the laundry just fine. In fact, I find I am more efficient. I get the laundry done as I talk to a friend about Heritage Makers.

Here is my website: www.storybookingheritge.com

If you want to do a book, let me know, I would love to share this with you.

Candy, Feb 2008

Christmas

2007-12-25T21:17:00.000-08:00

Trent's family came this Christmas. Wonderful, but I ma so tired I can't possibly write anything witty. Trent and I dreamed one day we would have a magical Christmas in our wonderful home. It was a wonderful Christmas and I think it will be a long wait, 364 days to go till the magic of next year.

Fawn came to visit

2007-12-25T21:14:00.000-08:00

My friend, sorta adopted daughter, Fawn came to visit pre-Christmas. What a treat. All the kids love her like crazy and I always have so much fun with her. She is 18, almost 19, and from Seattle. I met her when I lived there and I just thought so much of her and we became great friends, lucky me!

Christmas wish

2007-11-29T12:13:00.001-08:00

All Trent wants for Christmas this year, Santa (and he's been a very good boy), is a ice rink. He has gone to the trouble of buying $60 worth of lumber and nailed together a rink as large as our back yard. He comes home every night and sits outside in the freezing cold spraying the rink with the garden hose. Thankfully it snowed the weekend after Thanksgiving as he needed a nice snowy base. Poor Trent has been at work all week and has not been able to pack down the snow. Thankfully he has a wife who loves him and she spent 2 hours this morning, as Gabi snoozed, out packing down the snow by inching across the surface of the rink using the two kid's sleds. It looks like Trent is going to get his Christmas wish. We will keep you posted.

Happy "fit" Thanksgiving!

2007-11-22T10:12:00.000-08:00

I woke up this AM to run 3.5 miles and I did it averaging and 8 and a half minute mile. I am so pleased with my fitness goals. So grateful to Abby, Shannon and Randi, for being my loyal and wonderful and inspiring running partners. As I walked home after my run I had a minute to reflect at 7:30 in the morning on this Thanksgiving day. The beautiful 16 degree weather gave the grass the appearance of being coated in a million shimmering diamonds. I looked at the kid's school and had such a warm feeling. This is my kid's school. What a wonderful place it will hold in their memories forever. I look across the field and saw my house, our wonderful home! I love it so much. I am so grateful for our home. We have our dream home. I love it. I love what is inside it even more. 3 beautiful babies. I can't tell you who I love most. Maybe the man I married. Trent was baptized 16 years ago yesterday. I think that is what I am MOST grateful for, without that we couldn't be the wonderful family that we are. We are an eternal family, so come what may nothing can take that from me, well, nothing unless we break the Lord's commandments. I am so grateful for the gospel. I am grateful for my grandma Gibb and my mother who are strong and wonderful women of faith. I love my sister more than I can express. So thankful for her. I have so many wonderful family and friends. Life is wonderful. Happy Thanksgiving. Happy day! (Teague is playing hockey in the basement with Trent right now--he is healthy!--happy everything!)

Thanksgiving Divorce -- Haha

2007-11-20T08:56:00.001-08:00

A man in Phoenix calls his son in New York the day before Thanksgiving and says,

"I hate to ruin your day, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are divorcing; forty-five years of misery is enough.

"Pop, what are you talking about?" the son screams.

"We can't stand the sight of each other any longer," the father says. "We're sick of each other, and I'm sick of talking about this,so you call your sister in Chicago and tell her."

Frantic, the son calls his sister, who explodes on the phone. "Like heck they're getting divorced," she shouts, "I'll take care of this."

She calls Phoenix immediately, and screams at her father, "You are NOT getting divorced. Don't do a single thing until I get there. I'm calling my brother back, and we'll both be there tomorrow. Until then, don't do a thing, DO YOU HEAR ME?" and hangs up.

The old man hangs up his phone and turns to his wife.
"Okay," he says, "they're coming for Thanksgiving and paying their own way.

Skating

2007-11-10T19:44:00.000-08:00

The kids and Trent have been skating 3 times at the beautiful downtown rink. I went and watched today. Teague and Ryleigh speed around the rink like little mice! So precious. Trent is the best skater in the world. I love to watch him. I think Trent is in heaven because Teague has really latched on to hockey. They play on the Playstation. They go skate hard, they even watch "Miracle" together.

My Most Thankful Thing-- A letter to Ryleigh

2007-11-08T11:40:00.000-08:00

Ryleigh Ruth you are my most thankful thing because I get to spend the days with you, watching you grow and be the most amazing little girl. I thought of all the times of day that I think of you and what makes me most happy:

6:45 in the morning. I get to see your smiling face when I get home from my jog. I am thankful you always have a hug for me when I see you.
7:00 you draw me a picture. You are a talented artist and I am thankful for all of your beautiful pictures.
7:15 you laugh at something totally silly that Barney does on TV. Your laugh is the best!
7:30 you practice your piano. I don't even have to ask you to practice, you just do it. Way to go!
8:00 you help me et Gabi up. We laugh at her stinky diaper together. Peeee-eeew. I am thankful that you are so kind to her though.
8:20 I get to do your hair. Sometimes you don't like me to, but sometimes you are happy and we have fun. I like those days best. Your cute little hair-dos make me thankful to have a sweet little daughter.
8:25 hair is done, oh my you look cute, now we spray a little parfume so you can remember Mommy all day. I love that!
8:30 you get ready to leave and we say our prayer and you give me the best hug and kiss goodbye. I know you will be safe because we always say a prayer before you leave. I am thankful for prayer.
RYLEIGH'S AT SCHOOL I WAIT UNTIL SHE COMES HOME
3:05 you scurry home from school. You always report having a great day. I am thankful that you work so hard at school and have many friends. Another hug for me! I am so lucky to be your mom.
3:15 we have snack time and you tell me about your day. I am thankful for all your fun stories.
3:30 out to play! I am thankful you have friends and have fun each day.
4:30 you write a little book and let me read it. What fun that is!
5:30 you help me with dinner. I am so thankful to have a little daughter so willing to help.
7:00 you read your book. What an amazing reader you are. I can't believe you can read chapter books!
8:00 You get all ready for bed and then Mom comes to tuck you in. I am thankful for wonderful day with Ryleigh Ruth May. I am so thankful to have you in my life. You make our family better. Your laugh, your talents, your love for each of us. I love you so much.

Mommy

Little CeCe!!!

2007-11-06T08:21:00.000-08:00

Welcome to earth little CeCe! You are so gorgeous. CeCe Angeline Hirsche, my sister, Angi's baby girl was born Monday. One year younger than our little Gabrysia. I am sure they will be best cousins. Now Sachi has a gang of little girls to lead and boss around. Why are little girls so precious? There is something about little girls! I love little Gabi. I want to just freeze her at this age and while I am at it I would freeze Ryleigh at age 6! Do they really have to grow up?

Utah Trip

2007-10-31T10:14:00.000-07:00

We went to Utah. My sister is due to have her baby, CeCe, anyday, but she never had her while I was there. Trent went on his annual golf trip, "The Gibby Classic" and had a blast with Ron, Preston, Bomber, ect. I shopped with mom and Ig and ate at the usual places, yum. Teague wanted to move back to Utah until I reminded him that he was getting chickens in the spring (with our neighbor, Dan Tenney). We went to the haunted forest with the kids. That was really the funnest, or funniest part. Ryleigh cried to leave her Bella. I am not sure how soon we will make the drive again, it was a LONG ride witha 1-year-old. It was fun to see Lacy (my returned missionary cousin) and her new boyfriend. Gerald Keith and his wife looked great and they were sweet to babysit the kids one day. We all got together for Sunday dinner at Mom's (the one thing I miss most about Utah).

Utah here we come

2007-10-22T07:18:00.000-07:00

We are off to Utah this week. Lots to get ready. Can't wait to see my prego sister and my mom. The kids are so happy to have some time off school. They are such home-bodies.

I ran 5 miles this AM and it felt amazing. I love to run with the girls in my ward. They are all so great. Speaking of ward memebers, we went to the Barrington's to watch the game last night, we really like this family. Trent made us wear Yankee gear! The Barrington's are Red Socks fans. All the kids ran around wild, and even Gabi had so much fun.

We love Spokane. I am feeling like we belong here and that we are making life-long friends. It will be nice to be with our family this week (wed.) though. We are so blessed.

An Introduction

2007-09-24T17:00:00.000-07:00

Candy & Trent: Best friends since 1988.
Teague: Mighty boy of 8 years. Cancer conquerer (diagnosed Jan. 05). Frog loving, soccer playing, Darth Vador slaying, guitar-hero playing, third grader... Daddy's joy, but, Momma's boy.
Ryleigh Ruth: 6 years old and fabulous. Spits sunflower seeds with her dad, loves dogs, plays NintenDogs at 6 am over a bowl of Cherrios with honey. Jet setter at 6? Went on a cruise this year with her "Bella." Spritzes on "Angel" perfume before school everyday so she can remember her momma. Proudly plays Mary-Had-a-Little-Lamb on the piano second week into lessons.
Gabi: aka Gabrysia or, more commonly known as "GAB-A-LICIOUS." Our perfectly chocolate-colored, one-year-old whose first word, uttered a day ago, was "GET!" (A subtle reminder that maybe I should stop yelling at the dog so often?) Gabi has more friends as a on-year-old than I do at 30-something. All the neighborhood kids love her. She is perfectly squeezable. She weighs about 21 pounds. She loves everyone and she loves to sleep. She is perfect.
Cookie: The May family pet who is often told to "Get" on her mat because her feet are wet from being outside.