Welcome Katherine (Kate) Rose Helvey

We are sooooo HAPPY to welcome our 2nd baby girl,
Katherine Rose Helvey into our family on Sunday, June 7th, 6lbs 12 ounces, 20 inches.
She is about 3 weeks early and considered a very LARGE Preemie....but is still so very tiny to us. We feel so blessed that God has given us another Healthy child. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.

  • waynezworld007
    YAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!!!!!!!!
    by waynezworld007 at 06/09/09 3:55PM
  • adam_m
    My favorite is the pic of "all" the girls. I love ya'll! And of course...Clara kissing Kate is PRETTY CUTE!!
    by adam_m at 06/09/09 5:18PM
  • anne
    Congratulations, Becky. I'm so glad you're both healthy. Pretty pictures! Girls are great...I know...I got three by marriage.
    by anne at 06/09/09 8:35PM
  • anne
    Her name is lovely, too.
    by anne at 06/09/09 8:36PM
  • cnh42
    Awwwww! How exciting! Glad all worked out well...3 weeks early was most likely a blessing in the heat down there! I do like the name Kate.
    by cnh42 at 06/09/09 9:47PM
  • cnh42
    You look fabulous, too! And especially calm in the "before" pictures with CLara. Chloe's starting to pull my hair...did you ever get yours cut short with Clara?
    by cnh42 at 06/09/09 9:49PM
  • ladidodd
    she is GORGEOUS!!! you have the sweetest family :) congrats!! im so glad you had a healthy delivery!!
    by ladidodd at 06/09/09 10:40PM
  • adam_m
    That is kinda funny that you didn't know that...I cook ALL the time! Definitely the outlet for my creative side.
    by adam_m at 06/09/09 11:53PM
  • excalibur
    What an absolutely wonderful gift from God! I'm so happy you you Becky. Katherine looks so precious!
    by excalibur at 06/10/09 7:20AM
  • skidget
    congrats! glad everything went well for you :-)
    by skidget at 06/10/09 6:11PM
  • rebekah1
    so sweet!!!! congratulations! you guys look so beautiful.
    by rebekah1 at 06/10/09 10:03PM
  • larie
    She's so pretty! Congratulations!!
    by larie at 06/10/09 10:32PM
  • mommapowula
    love the pics. you guys look wonderful!!
    by mommapowula at 06/13/09 1:38PM
  • sunshinebear
    Adorable! So glad all is well.
    by sunshinebear at 06/14/09 2:41PM
  • intothewoods
    I love her!!! The four of you are so precious!!
    by intothewoods at 07/21/09 10:03AM
  • trishie
    Beck, I can't believe that I forgot to tell you that we recieved Kate Rose's birth annoucement the other day. She is so beautiful! I can't wait to meet her. She looks so much like Clara to us. I'm sure that I already told you, but I love, love, love her names. Can't wait to see you in a couple of weeks!
    by trishie at 08/04/09 3:45PM
  • adam_m
    We want an update!!!
    by adam_m at 08/12/09 9:51AM
  • sunnylee
    I kinda think..you need a new post...or at least new pics! ;-)
    by sunnylee at 08/18/09 10:36PM
  • southern_yankee_mom
    What precious babies!!! Congratulations!!

    BTW there are new things going on in the GRITS Research Panel. I'd love to have your input! Thanks, Stacie
    by southern_yankee_mom at 01/28/10 3:53PM

Why did God create the Flea???

^^And we wonder where Clara is picking up the fleas? ^^ ha.

It is now the season for those ugly, pesty, insects to start showing themselves in droves. For the first time in our living in East Texas (almost 6 years in this house) we decided to hire an exterminator. He came out about 2 months ago and I have been so pleased. Peace of mind is worth so much. I have been less stressed about Clara running into fire ants or getting stung by a wasp. But, it seems that they are beginning to show themselves again. ESPECIALLY, the little HORRID, Fleas!! With 3 dogs and a new kitten we just can't seem to get them under control. I have flea collars, flea drops, flea spray, and flea shampoo and have administered all of this on all of my pets. Unfortuneately, it has done very little to help with the problem. The exterminator came out last Wednesday and sprayed the yard but two days later....YEP they were still jumping on our legs. I really hate to be high maintenance but I called the Bug guy again and requested that he come back out again today. I'm hoping that does it. After putting down Clara for a nap, I went outside gave all of the dogs flea baths and applied flea drops. I'm pretty proud of myself for being a 9 month pregnant woman still able to accomplish much....but boy is it taking a toll on my body. Needless to say, I'm exhausted. But, it is days like this where I wonder, "Why DID God create the Flea?" Do they really benefit anything? Are they on the food chain for some bird? Does anyone know?
  • lw
    Haha! Wow good for you...9 months Yea!!!! Target has fleas too and I have wondered the same question!!!
    by lw at 05/28/09 5:55PM
  • skidget
    we have some really good flea spray we used last year. I'll have to go upstairs and see what it was. Worked wonders :-)
    by skidget at 05/28/09 6:15PM
  • ladidodd
    i saw a commercial for fleas today and was soooo thankful we dont have ANY pets :) that pioture is super cute though!
    by ladidodd at 05/28/09 7:41PM
  • cnh42
    This is the best answer I found! Fleas cause dogs to get their master's attention for helping them get rid of them. Fleas bond the family together to share warfare against a common enemy. Even the dog is part of your team. Fleas gives dogs and humans a reason to itch..
    by cnh42 at 05/28/09 9:42PM
  • cnh42
    The purpose of fleas young grasshopper is to bond a family team to share in ultimate victory and triumph over s cunning and seemingly invisible foe. But once the fleas are vanquished and victory, peace and serenity is achieved a home becomes a home again. For the dog and cats, and the family members.
    by cnh42 at 05/28/09 9:42PM
  • cnh42
    Such a time only came about to the family because of the lowly flea. But what a mighty service to the family home it achieved. No? Courtesy of someone on yahoo :)
    by cnh42 at 05/28/09 9:43PM
  • blesu
    ^^^^That is sooo funny!!!! Yet so eloquently spoken master.
    by blesu at 05/28/09 9:45PM
  • sunnylee
    last year...I had QUITE a problem w/ fleas...oh I don't even want to tell you about and relive that awful month
    by sunnylee at 05/28/09 11:09PM
  • kimsisco
    i HATE fleas!!! i'm pretty sure you have to do two or three rounds of exterminating within a week or two to get all those crazy eggs! they multiply exponentially!
    by kimsisco at 05/29/09 8:31AM
  • adam_m
    Should assume you guys will not be at SS?
    by adam_m at 05/29/09 11:24AM
  • ladidodd
    thank you, becky!!
    by ladidodd at 05/29/09 5:21PM
  • kimsisco
    how cool! it is like you are in a fairytale when you see one, huh?
    by kimsisco at 05/30/09 9:51AM
  • excalibur
    Fleas, Cockroaches and Mosquitos! I want to know why these lil buggers are allowed to live in world and what purpose did they serve while we were here!
    by excalibur at 06/05/09 4:20AM
  • cnh42
    Adam got it as a grad gift as well...that was just the book Madison wanted to read to Chloe...seemed more grown up than the board books I suppose :)
    by cnh42 at 06/05/09 2:59PM
  • mommapowula
    hi becky, i know you are probably in labor about now. can't wait to welcome baby kate into the world.
    by mommapowula at 06/08/09 12:37AM
  • gerber_baby
    I saw your sister Kayleen and her husband and children yesterday at church. It was good to see them. I hear you are doing well with a new baby girl! Congradulations
    by gerber_baby at 06/08/09 8:35AM

Being a Mother. Isn't it GRAND?!!


I think the part that I'm enjoying most in being a Mother is seeing my daughter SEE/EXPERIENCE things for the first time. No, it is not things that are electronic or man-made but the simple things...especially pointing out to her that God made that!!! Isn't He GREAT!?!?!
  • blesu
    BTW, this BEAUTIFUL ROSE grew in my front flower bed. I was SOOOO PROUD!!!!
    by blesu at 05/08/09 6:10PM
  • auntchelle
    Love these pictures!!!! You should be proud of that rose!!!!!
    by auntchelle at 05/08/09 7:55PM
  • ladidodd
    clara is waaaaaay too precious!! :)
    by ladidodd at 05/08/09 7:56PM
  • sunshinebear
    So sweet!!
    by sunshinebear at 05/08/09 9:23PM
  • crumpledart
    Cute pictures! Hey! I'm trying to get a job in that area. Keep me in your prayers. If it is meant to be, it will all work out. Thanks! :)
    by crumpledart at 05/09/09 7:18AM
  • anne
    Motherhood is a great gift. Mary was one.
    by anne at 05/09/09 8:56AM
  • kimsisco
    when are you due??? sweet pictures!
    by kimsisco at 05/09/09 9:49AM
  • skidget
    sorry you haven't been feeling well. I'm glad my mom came and did so much, b/c I am about OUT of energy..
    by skidget at 05/09/09 9:57PM
  • excalibur
    I really cannot believe how big Clara is getting!
    by excalibur at 05/11/09 3:42AM
  • sunnylee
    you two have such ADORABLE kiddos..and I'm NOT bias!!
    by sunnylee at 05/11/09 7:54AM
  • adam_m
    WOW clara is huge...and her cousin has gotten pretty big himself!
    by adam_m at 05/11/09 8:35AM
  • je
    Is it just the camera angle, or is that rose really bigger than Clara's head? :) I've always thought she looked so much like Jonathan (and she still does), but I can see more of you in her in those pictures.
    by je at 05/11/09 10:34AM
  • gallatinrealtor
    Actually I am a stress ester but not when the stress has been has bad as it was for a couple of weeks.
    by gallatinrealtor at 05/11/09 9:34PM
  • hogfan216
    i thought the same thing jonathan did about that rose. The first thing out of my mouth when we saw that was "wow, that rose is as big as clara's head!" She looks so proud of it!
    by hogfan216 at 05/11/09 10:04PM
  • kittyhawk
    Clara & that rose is adorable!! You are not only a good mommy but a good photographer too!!
    by kittyhawk at 05/28/09 9:02AM

Our Combo Easter and Birthday Party

We decided to combine Clara's 2nd birthday, My Grandma Pauline's Birthday, and Easter all in one day. It was pretty festive with everyone dressed to impress and brightly colored eggs and desserts. The day didn't start off too colorful though. It was so stormy and windy and it looked like we might be rained out. But, after lunch, Bday cake, presents...the SUN came out! We still had quite a bit of MUD to avoid but at least the Kiddos got to go out and hunt for the eggs.
It turned out to be a BRIGHT and COLORFUL DAY!!!
  • sunshinebear
    Cute pictures! Sounds like a fun day!
    by sunshinebear at 04/13/09 1:14PM
  • ladidodd
    those are great pictures!! what a fun day :) i LOVE LOVE LOVE easter weekend!! i cant wait for next year when reese will get to enjoy it too... hopefully with her cousins :)
    by ladidodd at 04/13/09 1:34PM
  • anne
    Very cute. What a lovely family.
    by anne at 04/13/09 1:55PM
  • cnh42
    It is fabulous! Really enjoying the whole mom thing :) Detergent is VERY easy and baby friendly. We don't get REALLY dirty with grease and mud and such, so I don't know how it would do with clothes like that, but does well for us. Sometimes to get baby poo off I have to wash it twice, but I don't use prewash or anything.
    by cnh42 at 04/13/09 2:18PM
  • cnh42
    http://www.thefamilyhomestead.com/laundrysoap.htm
    by cnh42 at 04/13/09 2:21PM
  • cnh42
    That's the recipe I use. I use Ivory soap because Fels Naptha can be a little harsh for babies. If you use Ivory, use the whole bar. It only takes about 30 minutes to make.
    by cnh42 at 04/13/09 2:22PM
  • je
    That's what I told Trisha too, when I saw that picture--"it looks like a big slide". It's actually the observation "tower" at Key Cave Natural Wildlife Refuge in Florence, AL.

    Those are some cute pictures of Clara. She looks so grown up. Glad you all had a good day.
    by je at 04/13/09 2:41PM
  • trishie
    It looks like such a fun day. I'm glad the sun came out. I know Clara likes to play in the mud and all, but probably not in her Easter Finery.
    by trishie at 04/13/09 3:06PM
  • southern_yankee_mom
    Such cute pictures!!!
    by southern_yankee_mom at 04/13/09 4:08PM
  • waynezworld007
    aww.. how cute!!
    by waynezworld007 at 04/14/09 6:24AM
  • sunnylee
    I LOVEEEEEE those pictures! Thanks for sharing!! And...THANK YOU for noticing right off the bat! LOVE YOU!
    by sunnylee at 04/14/09 9:56AM
  • kittyhawk
    I so love seeing all of you girlies together!! Please try to get your mom on FB or Pleo. I actually don't write or ck pleo as much anymore b/c of Facebook.
    by kittyhawk at 04/16/09 10:10AM
  • excalibur
    Yep, been on here for a while. I would have thought your circle of friends and my circle of friends would have crossed at some point, lol! I'm glad your Easter was wonderul!
    by excalibur at 04/20/09 10:20PM
  • excalibur
    wonderful even!
    by excalibur at 04/20/09 10:21PM
  • mommapowula
    love the pics. i can't believe little clara is already 2. before long it will be baby no. 2.
    by mommapowula at 04/22/09 11:02AM
  • kimsisco
    i do love to look at other people's pics! the peacock was real! and absolutely took my breath away in person.... like something out of a snow scene in narnia or something.
    by kimsisco at 04/22/09 5:27PM
  • larie
    Love the picture of the kissing cousins! So cute. Looks like you guys had a fun day!
    by larie at 04/24/09 7:46PM
  • ladidodd
    thanks!! too bad they live in vancouver, washington now :/
    by ladidodd at 05/08/09 5:32PM

The Joys of Motherhood

It is moments like these that I'm sure I will cherish for a lifetime. I'm so thankful for cameras to help us to remember and recall a little easier.


Posted by Picasa
  • sunnylee
    I LOVEEEEEEEEEEEEE that little girlie!!!! love the pony tails!
    by sunnylee at 04/02/09 12:30PM
  • amyclanton
    too cute!
    by amyclanton at 04/02/09 1:55PM
  • tracys
    Those make me smile! Enjoy every minute - they grow up too fast! Yes, they still give hugs at 18, but it's a different kind of sweetness - every stage is special!
    by tracys at 04/02/09 2:23PM
  • cnh42
    She is SO big...and cute :) Is she excited about Baby Kate?
    by cnh42 at 04/02/09 2:59PM
  • sunshinebear
    You two are precious!!
    by sunshinebear at 04/02/09 3:04PM
  • larie
    Those are such sweet pictures! I think it cost $9 or $10 for adults and Clara would be free.
    by larie at 04/02/09 4:31PM
  • crumpledart
    Those are adorable pics!
    by crumpledart at 04/02/09 7:08PM
  • anne
    Sweet, sweet.
    by anne at 04/02/09 10:42PM
  • kittyhawk
    Super adorable!!! I wish I could go back to those days & recapture those moments with the decent digital cameras that are available today. I feel cheated about that.
    by kittyhawk at 04/03/09 8:57AM
  • trishie
    Those are adorable!
    by trishie at 04/03/09 8:58AM
  • trishie
    Abbey is four and a half.
    by trishie at 04/03/09 10:06AM
  • tortilla
    ooh, ooh!! So good to find you on here! I always hear about you and your sweet family. I am always running into people who know you and I grew up in San Antonio with Jonathan so people who know him and not you from growing up also fill me in. I just wonder why I have never had the chance to run in to you! We go to Palestine area some to visit family. Maybe next time! You look beautiful with your sweet little girl up there!
    by tortilla at 04/03/09 3:15PM
  • waynezworld007
    aww!!
    by waynezworld007 at 04/03/09 5:14PM
  • lw
    I just love these pictures!!!! When are you due with #2? :) We didn't move far, just a few miles, but you have to take a couple of turns. I think he went through the woods and some other people property to get to our house. It still amazes me though!
    by lw at 04/03/09 8:06PM
  • auntchelle
    LOVE THESE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    by auntchelle at 04/04/09 10:23AM
  • skidget
    too cute!!!
    by skidget at 04/04/09 12:18PM
  • tracey
    Beautiful pictures, definitely ones to cherish...
    by tracey at 04/04/09 2:31PM
  • crumpledart
    Hope you are feeling better. Hate I missed getting to talk to you today.
    by crumpledart at 04/05/09 10:11PM
  • aleta
    What sweet, sweet pictures of the two of you!
    by aleta at 04/06/09 12:50PM
  • julieannsmom
    Becky you look so good!I was a house by that point in my pregnancy.Your baby girl is gorgeous!
    by julieannsmom at 04/08/09 9:29AM