The Kitchen is Painted

We spent the weekend painting our kitchen. The pictures came in out of order.

We really did it! We got a house!

We finally did it - as of today the McCoys are homeowners! Enjoy the pics of our new digs!

Master Bedroom

Kitchen, looking towards the front door

Master Bedroom again, opposite view

Living room (behind that wall is another room!)

Kitchen - other angle

Our Little Songstress

This Season of My Life

It is a new season in my life. As some of you know, I've been sober for 5 years. That is quite an accomplishment in this day and age when so many of my peers can only think of drinking and partying- especially the ones without the responsibilities of family and work. It has been quite a struggle lately, but I have made it through. God's grace is absolutely amazing. He has pulled me through the fog and the funk I have been in. What an amazing God we have!!!! He has placed the right people in my life at the right time and the right places. I am also learning that asking for help is not weakness; it is a lesson in humility. I know I can't do it all on my own. I also found out that it's good to cry once in a while. It purges the soul. What a gift - tears are like a shower that washes away the muck and junk surrounding all the good in my life. I'm so glad that my eyes have been opened to this. If I shut others out then it is impossible to get close to anyone in my life - what a concept!

I was going to post a picture, but I can't find one that expresses the joy I am feeling in my life right now!

My Life Today

Have you ever felt like something just needed to change? I'm there right now. It is a weird feeling; one that I know will pass. Nonetheless, it seems as though I need to take some action. This next week I am going to reflect on God's goodness, God's strength, and God's direction in my life, with the help of a few close friends, and most importantly my hubby. What a great man he is! Sometimes we all need to be taken care of - if you're a mom, it is easy to only worry about taking care of everyone else. It's important to take moments of solitude in this fast paced world, and do something for 10 minutes that will revitalize your spirit and renew your mind. Take a walk, read a book, journal, pray, meditate on God's word. It's so easy to fill our time with phone calls, emails, blogs, and facebook. Take a break. God wants us to look to Him for fulfillment, not the strategies of the world today.

Stress and Life

What could possibly be stressing me out so much that I now have stress-induced eczema? I don't feel stressed, but that doesn't mean there's not stuff going on. Here is a list of just a few things going on in the McCoy family right now. maybe you could say a little prayer for us!!

1. Chase starts 1st grade on Thursday

2. Madelyn has to start a new daycare due to her current one going on maternity leave

3. My mother-in-law is have MAJOR back surgery this Friday (she will be in the ICU for 2 days afterwards)

4. I just started Fall 1 session at school

5. Chase is in soccer two afternoons a week - Marcus is the coach

6. Soccer games start in a week and a half

7. I work full time

8. I am taking 3 classes this session (my school is on the quarter system - 9 weeks)

9. I have eczema on my feet (spreading to my hands)

10. We still do not have a house

11. We are still putting in offers on houses

12. I have two huge deadlines at work this week - one tomorrow and one friday

So, really, what's there to be so stressed about? LOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!!! My life is insane, but a friend just highlighted the verse 2 Corinthians 12:9 - God is most powerful through my weakness. I'm learning that being humble is the best trait that I can try to harvest right now. I HAVE to ask for help. If I don't, I am no good to anyone at all - least of all my children.

Oh, I forgot...

13. My husband has a brain tumor and is starting his steroid IV therapy tomorrow for the next three days

14. Madelyn has a sleep study next tuesday to determine if we need to have her tonsils out now, or if we can wait 6 months.

Please pray for me!

One flew over...

It is insane at our house tonight. Is it a full moon or something? Our children are crazy - and as much as we love them, we need peace and quiet for 10 minutes! It has been non-stop for the last 3 hours. One thing after another. The only peace I had earlier was while I was making dinner, and Marcus took the kiddos for a bike ride. Madelyn now has her head in the toilet thinking she is going to "frow up, daddy!" She is actually spitting over and over, thinking she will eventually throw up. She gets so congested, she doesn't know how to deal with it all.

And Chase, what can I say? He is six and full of dumb ideas that he is convinced are brilliant! I can't believe the dumb trouble he gets himself into. It's amazing how little children think things through before they do something that will get them into sooooo much trouble.

They are the best kids, though! I wouldn't trade them for anything!!!!!

And the Winner Is...

Nealy!  I used random.org to randomly order the participants, and Nealy was the top person on the list once it randomly sorted!  Congratulations!  Now I bet you are wondering what you have won...

Well, I've been wondering that, too! :)  You get to pick:  a book to read, a photo album to look at, or a journal to write in?  Plus I need to get your address.  I know I had it, but I'm not sure where anything is right now!  Let me know, and I'll get your prize out in the mail!  Next time, I'll be more prepared!!!  Email me your choice and info at reb.mccoy@gmail.com.  Hope to talk to you soon!!!

Give Away - You know you want to enter!

Three days left to enter (I will pick a winner on 6/10/09)!

As we get ready to embark on Chase's first summer vacation, it has allowed me some time to reflect on the past year. I feel so blessed in so many ways. I like to make gratitude lists, so here's my list for today, that I will share with all of you! The instruction for give away entry are at the end of the post.

My Gratitude List - June 2, 2009

1. My husband. Without his support in my life, few things would be possible. I know he is a gift from God in my life.

2. Chase Benjamin. He teaches me so much about myself. My mom was right, I would get my pay-back with my own children for how I acted as a child!!! He forces me to adapt, and he shows me where I need to be stronger.

3. Madelyn Riley. I don't know what I would do if I were the only girl in the family. She is such a great combination of Marcus and myself. She makes me laugh everyday!

4. My job. I was promoted in January, which is quite a big deal considering the economic downturn in this country. I have learned so much from this job, no matter where I end up, I know I have a great foundation.

5. My extended family. My parents, step-parents, and in-laws are some of the most supportive people you could ever hope to know. And my sister, well, she's quite grown-up now! It's so wonderful to have an adult friendship with her where we no longer fight over friends and/or clothing!

6. My sobriety. I haven't discussed this much on this page, but I've been sober for over 5 years now. I can't imagine my life any different than it is today, and it is in great part due to the fact that I do not drink at all. This may boggle some of your minds, especially if you knew me back in the day, but not even a drop :)

7. My girls. I have never been one for "lots" of best friends. I tend to stick with just a few. And those of you who have stuck it out over the long haul - thank you! And those of you I'm getting back in touch with - I'm so glad. I have been saddened for a long time that I did not stay in contact with you. Thank goodness for Facebook, MySpace, and Blogger!!!

Remembering these things keeps me from going crazy on a daily basis! My friend from college, Emilie Wall, used to have me write a Psalm 23:6 List (another version of a gratitude list) because the verse it references is so important to remember

"Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."

So here's the give away entry requirements: Add a comment that includes your personal Psalm 23:6 list and I'll have a great prize for the winner (to be drawn randomly of course)!

Our Trip to Wisconsin

My Grandparents, Buddy, and Doodle

Two weeks ago, Marcus and I, the kids took a long awaited trip to Wisconsin to visit my dad and stepmom, Linda.  It was a fantastic trip!  We had so much fun!  We played a lot of pool (I finally beat my dad - never happened in my life), some ping pong, and just had a very relaxing weekend.  I also got to spend some much needed time with my daddy!  I needed that; it's hard being so far away from grandpa and grandma for buddy and doodle, too!  I also got to see all of my aunts and uncles - first time in 7 years that we've all been together.  It was also great to see all of my cousins babies, and one of my older cousins finally got married after being with his girlfriend for over 5 years!  Congrats, Shawn!

Here are some pictures, and video.

My Dad (Grampa Dan) and Buddy building Legos

Grampa Dan, Gramma Linda, Buddy, and Doodle

I used to play with this buggy when I was little!

Doodle loved it!

My Grandpa explaining something to Marcus

Me and my grandparents - It was AWESOME seeing them!

And here's Miss Madelyn - she was a crazy dancer at the wedding!

We Got It! (For Now)

So here's an update on the house...

We put in an offer on a different house last week and found out yesterday that it went to someone else.  What a bummer!  But, I'm getting used to the rejection part of buying a house.  So I went home to have a fun night with my honey.  BBQ and a movie - there's nothing better!

At about 6:30 I got a phone call from our realtor that our offer on the short sale (the first house we made an offer on) was accepted by the bank.  What an emotional u-turn to make.  I was still bummed about the other house, but when I got the good news, I was so excited!  We are not in escrow yet - although the listing agent would love to do that - we should be sometime next week.  Buying a short sale is a long and involved process, and there are so many people that have to be involved.  So please say a prayer that if it is meant to be, it will all go smoothly.  I just want to be sure we get the right house, for the right price, and the right situation.  

I will definitely keep you posted!

We are STILL waiting on that house...

So it has been a week since I wrote my last post.  What a roller coaster it has been.  Our first offer was rejected.  I don't like being rejected.  I thought that once I got married that would all be over, but no, the housing market can be so cruel!

So we sat on that rejection for a couple of days, looked at some houses, prayed, and talked a lot about what we could do instead.  We kept coming back to that house.  That house.  That perfect, huge, great, wonderful house.  And it's not just that it's a great house; it would be OUR home.  The McCoy family home.  What a great thing to have for our children, instead of the thought that we will move every one or two years.  I want stability for them, and a house is a great way to do that.  Living in California, we thought we would never be able to own a home.  Then the market fell apart.  I am so glad we never tried to buy before.  God had a purpose in our waiting - even though it was hard, it was a great lesson in patience and trust in Him.  So what did we do?  We upped our offer by $20,000!!!!  Yes, that's a lot of money, but we did completely low-ball on the first offer.  So we made a new offer on Wednesday night and found out today that the seller will have a minor counter - hopefully no biggie - and by Monday it should be going off to the bank for approval.  Oh yeah, I don't know if I ever mentioned this house is a short-sale. If anyone has ever tried to buy a short sale you know the patience required.  Just because a seller accepts an offer, it doesn't really mean anything.  Their lender has to accept it as well and agree to all terms.  So hopefully Wells Fargo will see the offer, realize it's a good one, and will accept it.  

Thanks to Marcus serving in the Navy for 2 years, we get to utilize a great benefit - the VA loan.  That is the only loan right now that will give 100% financing, which is WONDERFUL!  Only bummer is that with the longevity of a short sale, the VA also adds 45 day escrow (15 days longer than "normal").  But all in God's time is what I say and lean on!  If this is His will it will happen; all I have to do is complete the action steps required!  It is comforting to know that I have no control over this situation!!!!!  Prayer would still be great though!  I will keep you posted!

Buying a House!!!!

I am so excited!  We started working with a realtor last Sunday and we found a house already that we absolutely love!  If you click on the title of this blog entry, it should take you to the listing!  I can't believe it, but we are qualified and we are going to write an offer tonight.  It has been a lot of work getting everything together, as I'm sure most of you know, but it has been so worth it.  I've spent a lot of time in prayer - waiting on God's leading - and He is leading us.  I have given up control, and am just basking in His calming grace.  What a good place to be!  It takes a lot of stress out of the whole situation!

Here's the only picture I have right now: 

I'll give you more details once I have some more!  Please pray for us!

Website for Anah Chabot

Because this is my own personal family blog, I created a blog especially dedicated to the memory of Anah Chabot. Please visit www.anahchabot.wordpress.com I already posted funeral and obituary information on the site, as well as a link to the obituary guest book. Please take a moment to go to this website. You can add Comments to share any thoughts or stories about Anah! If you have pictures you would like to add to the site, please email them to me at rebeccamccoy@mac.com and Iwill be sure to add them. I hope the site will be a place that Darin can visit, and eventually share with Bella as she gets older.

Anah Chabot - Our friend, Rest in Peace

Please visit: www.anahchabot.wordpress.com

We found out Monday that our friend, Anah Chabot, passed away. Her husband, Darin, is one of Marcus' best friends, and they also have a daughter, Bella, that is the same age as Madelyn. We have been caught so off guard, which I'm sure is how everyone feels that knows the Chabot family. I pray for peace during this time of awful loss and pain. Please say a prayer for Darin and Bella, that they might feel God's power and love through this horrible situation.


Since I have had several "hits" on this blog by people trying to find information about Anah, I thought I would post info about the upcoming memorial service.

It has been tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, March 3rd, at 1pm. It will take place at Dudley Hoffman funeral home in Santa Maria. If the time/date changes, I will be sure to update them on my blog.

My husband, Marcus, spent some time with Darin the other day, so be rest assured that he is with good people and he is doing quite well, considering. And I know that Bella is doing fine, as well. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers, along with the members of their extended families. I know this has been a difficult time for all of them, as it will continue to be. I have received several comments from people who knew Anah. I wasn't extremely close to her, but I thought she was so sweet and kind, and she was a GREAT mommy to that little girl. She and I found out we were pregnant on the same day, and she and Darin got married within a few months of Marcus and I. Are lives seemed to be running parallel! It is so sad to know that she is gone.

For those of you that wish to, leave a comment and I will let Darin know to get on this blog and read them as well so that he may know that you are all thinking of him and Bella right now.

I am so humbled to be a part of remembering Anah. My original post was merely for me to mourn her, but I am glad that you all have found this as well.

The Shack - What a great read...

I finished this book moments ago.  What an incredible story of pain, grief, relationship, and redemption.  I know that there have been a lot of comments, both good and bad, about this book.  But I think it is definitely worth the read.  I listened to Mark Driscoll's thoughts on the book (I'm not sure where the video is - linked to it from another blog) and I don't think he was quite right in his analysis of the book.  I read somewhere that it seems like he read the book jacket and then made his judgement without really reading the entire thing.  I think that you must read it with a heart of discernment, but give it a chance to change the way we, as humans, have limited God into a little box that we can understand.

WE CAN NEVER UNDERSTAND His power, forgiveness, holiness, love, relationship, good, etc., etc., etc.  This is a life changing book.  It has changed the way I view my relationship with my God, the creator of the universe.  He wants relationship with me.  Unbelievable.  He wants everything from me.  Amazing.  I don't get it. But, somehow, I don't think I am supposed to really "get it."

This book has also changed my view on relationships with others in my life.  Especially regarding the difference between Expectancy and Expectations.  Expectancy is such a great word and idea!  Expectations seem to create a negative vibe because they allow for disappointment, frustration, and ultimately resentment in all relationships.  It was great for me to read this book and see the difference.

I know some of you may have extremely different positions on this book.  A lot of people have seemed to have a problem with the way that God shows himself in this book.  But I think the author, William P. Young, explained very well why he chose the persons he chose to write about in this book.  I don't really care what they look/sound like - the actions of the three "persons" of God seem exactly like I always thought they would be.

I would definitely recommend this book.

blog.andymerrick.com

If you get a chance, check out this site:  

blog.andymerrick.com

It's great!

My Story - for those of you with whom I have lost touch

Whoa.  I am still in a state of shock, I think.  I just found out that I got accepted to California Polytechnic University.  It's an excellent architecture and engineering school.  Ten years ago I graduated high school one semester early.  I took a semester off and then entered Iowa State with everyone else my age.  I thought I knew then what I was meant to do.  I found a great college ministry.  Praise God for Salt Company.  I thought I knew about God before that, but I got my real foundation from the ministry of Cornerstone Church and the college group The Salt Company.  

I didn't realize that when my parents chose to get divorced right before my sophomore year of college that it would drastically change the direction I was headed.  Who knew that their divorce would wreak such havoc in my life.  Anyone who says that divorce of a couple with older children is much easier on the kids is absolutely insane.  I think I would have handled it much better as a young child because I know that children are resilient.  Anyway, I couldn't hang with the school thing, my grandpa had just died and my parents had separated.  Needless to say, I isolated pretty hardcore.  And I felt like I had no one.  I turned to the only thing I could think of that would ease the hurt and the pain.  This is a pretty intensely honest post here.  If you don't know me all that well, this may surprise you.  I got stuck in the world of daily pot smoking and alcohol binging thinking it would end the sufferring.  Boy was I wrong.  I gave in to the pressures of young adulthood and lost miserably.

Right after I turned 21, while living with my mom and her boyfriend at the time, I decided to start dating this guy who was soooo cute.  ugh. the thought makes we want to yak all over my computer.  Anyway, 3 months later I ended up pregnant and realized I had made a huge mistake by dating this guy.  He was not someone I wanted to raise my child with.  After much prayer - since God was the only place left for me to turn at this point - I decided to move to California and start fresh.  Leaving the old me behind.  Chase was 6 months old when we made the three day trip out here.  It was quite exciting!  But I moved here with me, which means that my weakness for substances followed me.   After about 4 months of complete delusion and selfishness I realized I had a real problem and put myself in a detox center.  Best decision of my life!  I have been clean and sober for 5 years this March 2.  I can't believe it.  And my life is amazing.  I will never go down that path again.  That is true misery.  

I don't really know what possessed me to post this, but I felt the need to share some honesty with you all.  I hope that maybe my story can help someone else some day.  God doesn't allow for things to happen for no reason.  I know that none of that was His plan for me.  But I also know that it was only 50% for me to learn something and 50% to teach others.  God uses every story to His glory.  That is the coolest part about the whole thing!  

He was the only one who could really make me whole.  I am truly blessed in this life, but I know that the future life I will have will be eternally wonderful!

Tinkey Bew (you may know her as Tinkerbell)

About a month ago, I decided that I was going to bake a cake for Madelyn's birthday, instead of spending $40 on a store bought version that isn't all that great.  Wow, was I in for it!!!  It didn't look that hard.  I went to Michael's and bought the Tinkerbell Face Character cake pan.  It had step by step instructions on how to do everything.  Easy enough!  And by the way, Tinkerbell is Madelyn's favorite - but she calls her "Tinkey Bew" since she can't quite say Tinkerbell.

About a week later, I went back to Michael's and bought all of the cake decorating equipment that I was going to need to complete this project.  It cost a little more than I had anticipated, but I figured it was worth it.  My mom was actually a big support at this point.  I was lucky though, Marcus' birthday came before Madelyn, so I decided to practice on him.  I didn't make the Tinkerbell for him, but I did decorate a cake!  It wasn't great, but it gave me some confidence.  I was ready.

So Friday night, I baked the cake.  See it below:

The cake part turned out pretty good!  I was excited to do the decorating.  

Saturday was family party day, so I colored the icing and got ready to decorate!  Here is the final product:

I'd say it turned out pretty good for my very first character cake!!!

Let me know what you think!!!!!!

Oh, here's a few pictures from eating the cake and the presents:

There's one more baby bear to add to her ever growing collection!

She is just the cutest little girl.  Look at that face!

My Little Rockstar!  It's a plug 'n play video game!

I love my little ones.  Oh my gosh, they are my life!!!!

It's Time to Catch Up with the McCoy Family

I have been back to work for 4 days now since I had 11 days off in a row. You'd think that during that time I would have posted something new everyday; but let me tell you, I barely cleaned while I had all that time off! I spent most of my time doing the most important thing I could think of - playing and using every waking moment to be with my kids! I did do a bit of cleaning, but not a whole lot - and I DO NOT feel one bit bad about it..... I figure that when I die, I am not going to wish I had spent more time cleaning; I'm going to wish I had spent more time with those who were important to me. So there it is!

We had an absolutely wonderful holiday season. It was exciting for several reasons. First, Chase lost his first tooth on Christmas Eve. What a lucky ducky; the tooth fairy and santa claus both on the same night!

Christmas Eve is always spent at my Mom & Step-dad's house, which is really fun because we each open one present, the kids get new jammies, and we have an awesome dinner! Plus it's a fun time to get dressed up.

Christmas Morning is always at our house. We have decided that since we're the ones with the little kids, everyone else should come to us! It's much easier that way. Our kids got so much stuff this year, as always. Marcus and I tried to cut down on the number of gifts - but the Grandmas and Grandpas sure didn't!!!!!

Here's Madelyn's best present, which she was quick to share with Chase.

It was a fun Christmas. Tomorrow I will post some pics from our trip up to Monterey!

Today I am 28...How did I get here so fast?

I woke up today as a 28-year old woman. I don't think I quite understand. Wasn't I just 17? I looked around and realized that I have a husband, two kids, and a dog. Where did they come from? My life must be in warp speed. There is just no other way to explain what is happening to me.

What a crazy feeling! But I love everyone blazing quick moment that flies by me. This life is more than I could have ever imagined in my wildest dreams. To be so lucky as to have an insanely wonderful husband that would make other wives drool by the way he treats me, a little boy who's smart as a whip, a little girl that is the apple of my eye, and the true "man's best friend" for our dog, what more could I ask for. God might just laugh in my face if I make any such requests!

I have had the absolute best birthday a 28-year old woman could possibly have. I found out today just how many people really, truly care about me. There are more than I thought - honestly!

I woke up this morning to little post-it notes all over the house with sweet nothings on them from my husband, since he had gotten up early to go to the gym. What a way to start the day, hey ladies???? I got two voicemails this morning with Happy Birthday being sung to me; one from my Dad, and the other from my friend, Karen who sang it first in English and then in Spanish! How cool is that?

I feel like an adult for real now. I have had all of the responsibilities for years - I think I just was refusing to actually call myself a grown-up; but here I am, almost 30, and I can honestly say that I am ready now. I am looking forward to the next year, and I hope it's as fantastic as the last few!

I did do one thing last night as a 27-year old, that was a bit risky. I decided to make both pancakes and syrup completely from scratch, and it was delicious! Here are some pics!