Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Riding in Honor of Pablo Castelaz


Butterflys remind me of Pablo Castelaz!  A little boy I never had the pleasure of meeting.  His story came into my family's life by way of a very much loved, but short-lived career at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.  His story, shared so lovingly by his father, Jeff Castelaz, on a blog he started writing soon after learning that his darling little boy had cancer.  http://getwellpablo.blogspot.com/ . 

As my family and I followed Pablo's couragous fight, we were literally moved into action.  That's how the writing of this loving father made you feel about the battle his son was going through. 





This Sunday, Pablo's family will be celebrating Pablo's 7th Birthday and Nathan will be riding a race in Big Bear in honor of Pablo, who lost his very couragous battle with cancer just six days after his 6th Birthday.


I can't let my brain wonder why my family was moved into action by the words of this father, whose son we never knew.  All I can do is follow my family's heart and let it's collective beating lead us to help the Pablove Foundation, fight childhood cancer with love.  My son rides, I write.  That's it.  OH!  Lightbulb moment!  I guess you could say, this is the effort of a mother and son following our hearts to do some good, in honor of a brave little boy we never knew, but loved anyway!

Kids get cancer too and they need a life outside of the cancer treatments.  The Pablove Foundation raises money for that purpose, as well as for research.  I urge you to learn more about the Pablove Foundation http://www.pablove.org/ and I ask you to help Nathan reach his goal as he raises money for the Pablove Foundation one mountain bike race at a time. https://www.giftberry.org/teampledges.php?wishlist_id=146138&pledgedrive_teams_id=227&view_type=i


Love, Lisa

Monday, June 14, 2010

Knotts Berry Farm and The Santa Barbara Bike Festival


June 2nd the Fifth Grade Class of Mayflower Elementary took a final field trip to Knotts Berry Farm! The last 5th grade field trip for our two beloved 5th Grade Teachers Mr. and Mrs. Gibba, who in just a couple of weeks are embarking on a new adventure as they move to Idaho! I've been Mrs. Gibba's Instructional Aide for the last two years and I was Mr. Gibba's Aide the year before that, so I, personally am going to miss them very much! They are two of the best and brightest and I'm sure they will be missed by the entire Mayflower family!

Some of 5th grade's coolest guys and gals.



Memorable adventures with the lunch lady and one of my dearest friends, Mrs. Montemayor!


The kids had so much fun riding rollercoasters.



Mr. Gibba leading some of the bravest off to Excelorator!


Screaming girls on rollercoasters......


..... it's not just the rollercoaster's that make the girls scream.......


.....and the boys love the girls!


We all had a great time hanging together - boys and girls!


What great memories for our kids!


June 6th took our family to the Santa Barbara Bike Festival and one of Nathan's mountain bike races.


Sean's sister Roxy and her husband Randy hosted us and came out to cheer Nathan on.  We love them tons and Nathan rides extra fast when his Aunt Roxy is cheering him on!


Tristan get'n a little love from his Aunt Roxy too!


I've said it before and I'll keep saying it....I get so nervous for my little Nate Dog!


And he looks so cute and relaxed!


Let the race begin!  He got a great start.  Blue shirt is in the 13-14 age group and Nathan was 1 minute behind him at the finish.....but who knew that was going to happen at this point.


This was all we were to see of Nathan until he crossed the finish line.....


And then 6 miles and 0:30:07.68 minutes later, he crossed the finish line in FIRST PLACE!!!!



He was so tired, but he was so happy!


Tristan does a great job of supporting his little brother at his sport!


Nate Dog getting some love from cousin Deanna after the race.  We love her tons too!


There he is in the first place spot!  We are so proud of him!  We're busy preparing for his next race in Big Bear this weekend.  Wish him luck! 


Don't forget that Nathan's riding his heart out to raise awareness and funds for the Pablove Foundation. http://www.pablove.org/  Please click on the Mountain Biking for Pablove link to the right and help him reach his goal. He's only got $195 more to go this season! With your help, I think he can do it, so thanks for helping Nathan fight childhood cancer with love!


Love, Lisa