McBride Family Adventures

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

15 Years

Toby and I celebrated our 15th anniversary today! It is amazing to think that 15 years have already gone by. It feels like yesterday that we were walking down the aisle. So much has happened during the past decade and a half that I thought it would be fun to find a photo of us together during each year. This turned into an evening of sorting through photos and reminiscing. I cannot think of a better way to celebrate our anniversary. Here is to the next 15 years and beyond!

January 7, 2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

January 7, 2015

Saturday, January 3, 2015

A Mom to All Boys

Photo by Red Barn Photography

When I had my first son, I thought it was natural to have a male first to carry on the family name. Then, my second son was born… then the third… and finally… the fourth. Four boys; no girls.

When I became a mother, I thought I knew everything there was to know about boys. After all, I have a brother, and I married a male. How challenging could it be? I was never a girly girl, so I figured it would be easy to raise all males. Boy, was I wrong.

As a mother to all boys, one cannot have a weak stomach. There will be dirt, mysterious smells, and blood – lots and lots of blood. Due to the frequent accidents, mothers of all boys automatically receive a medical license. It just comes with the territory. I have assisted in surgeries, diagnosed broken bones, and removed stitches. The ER staff and I are on a first name basis. Sadly, I am not joking!

I have become quite proficient at creating meals to satisfy a small army with bottomless pits for stomachs.

My skillset includes the ability to interpret a yell as a war cry, celebratory shout, or call for help, make realistic truck, train, and car noises, and play video games like a pro.

I am the crazy lady on the sidelines wearing the “football mom”, “wrestling mom”, “insert sport here mom” shirt, taking photos, and carting an ice chest full of drinks to hydrate the entire team.

Seriously though, what is it with boys and their infatuation with bathrooms? My youngest just became potty trained, and with five males fighting for two bathrooms, I am lucky to take a shower without someone using the toilet!

Little boys (and big boys) give the best hugs, and I am fortunate enough to give dance lessons before middle school dances, coach boy’s athletic teams, and offer advice about girls – who are crazy by the way!

I am captivated by the love my boys exhibit and the lengths they will go to in an effort to protect one another; they have affectionately named their brotherhood clan “Boys Club”.

My boys are compassionate, polite, and confident. They work hard and play even harder. As their mother, I have the privilege of guiding them to become young men.

When my troupe of boys and I are in public, strangers frequently chuckle, shake their heads, and give me looks of pity. Inevitably, one will ask if I am going to try again for a little girl. They have no idea how full and rich my life is as a mother to four amazing boys.

We will not be trying for a girl. We have a Boys Club, and I am proud to be an honorary member.

This post was inspired by this post by Just Leesha.

Sunday, December 28, 2014

The Magic of Christmas

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to experience the magic of Christmas through the eyes of a child?

This is what it is like...

And this...

Oh, and don't forget this...

And finally...

I had the rare opportunity to experience the magic of Christmas through the eyes of William and Joseph when Santa made an appearance at Papa Dan and Mema's house just days before Christmas. To say that the visit was amazing would be an understatement. As you can see from the photos, William and Joseph were simply enamored by Santa. They sat on his lap, visited with him, and even enjoyed an early gift from Santa. When it was time for Santa to go back to the North Pole, Joseph waved and told us all goodbye because he was going to leave with Saint Nick.

Thank you Papa Dan and Mema for creating this priceless memory!

Monday, September 8, 2014

First Day of School

On Monday, August 25 the Matthew, Peter, and I began a new school year. Matthew is a 7th grader at Vale Middle School, and Peter is in the 5th grade at Vale Elementary School. I am continuing my work as Director of Curriculum & Instruction for the Vale School District!

William started preschool with the amazing Whitney Barnes on September 8! Whitney has been our babysitter for the last year, and she decided she would conduct preschool activities each day for the three and four year olds. As I said, Whitney is AMAZING! William is very excited to be in school like his big brothers.

First Day - Letter A!

Joseph even practiced his art skills!

Monday, August 4, 2014

Malheur County Fair

Matthew and Peter each entered a steer in the Malheur County Fair this year. This was Matthew's third year in 4-H and Peter's first year. Both boys did an amazing job showing their animals all week.

Our fair week began on Monday, as I offered to plan and oversee the barn decorating. The theme for the fair was Sew It! Grow It! Show It! We received many compliments regarding the barn decorations.

Matthew and Peter showed their steers on Wednesday evening in the Malheur County Commercial Market Steer Class sponsored by the Malheur County Cattleman's Association. They showed again on Thursday morning in the 4-H Market Steer Class. They participated in the Beef Showmanship competition on Friday morning. Matthew and Peter received blue ribbons for all of their showings, and Matthew even earned Champion Junior Showman!

On Saturday morning, the boys sold their steers in the Malheur County Fat Stock Sale. I am always amazed by the outpouring of support by the community members and business owners in support of the sale. Matthew's steer was purchased by the Warner Maag Family and Jamieson Produce, Inc. His steer will be donated to the Pioneer Nursing Home for the residents to eat! Peter's steer was purchased by Beef Northwest, Producers Livestock, and Rick & Sheryl Johnson. We are so fortunate to live in such a supportive community.