My Miller Madness

Let's talk the "D" word........

2012-02-09T14:35:00.001-06:00

What’s going through your mind? I can imagine.
Divorce …………..no we are in it for the long haul.
Diet………………… may always be changing mine 
Drugs………………just vitamins
Dating…………………Colin is getting older…UM NO!
Diarrhea………………..What?
No the word most people avoid like the plague

Depression

There the cat is out of the bag. I said it. So what now? Well let me give you some internet facts.

• Depressive disorders affect approximately 18.8 million American adults or about 9.5% of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year. This includes major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, and bipolar disorder. [1]
• Everyone, will at some time in their life be affected by depression -- their own or someone else's, according to Australian Government statistics. (Depression statistics in Australia are comparable to those of the US and UK.) [2]
• Pre-schoolers are the fastest-growing market for antidepressants. At least four percent of preschoolers -- over a million -- are clinically depressed. [3]

[Pill-Popping Pre-Schoolers | Even Toddlers Get the Blues]
• The rate of increase of depression among children is an astounding 23% p.a. [4]
• 15% of the population of most developed countries suffers severe depression. [5]
• 30% of women are depressed. Men's figures were previously thought to be half that of women, but new estimates are higher. [6]
• 54% of people believe depression is a personal weakness. [7]
• 41% of depressed women are too embarrassed to seek help. [8]
• 80% of depressed people are not currently having any treatment. [9]
• 92% of depressed African-American males do not seek treatment. [10]
• 15% of depressed people will commit suicide. [11]
• Depression will be the second largest killer after heart disease by 2020 -- and studies show depression is a contributory factor to fatal coronary disease. [12]

[Depression Link to Heart Disease | Hostility, Depression May Boost Heart Disease]
• Depression results in more absenteeism than almost any other physical disorder and costs employers more than US$51 billion per year in absenteeism and lost productivity, not including high medical and pharmaceutical bills.

Those are the facts online. Anyone can find them. Everyone can get overwhelmed reading them and thinking they are doomed. In fact I am/was one of those people. Most of you know that I have struggled with this beast for my adult life. It has been a J…o…u…r…n…e…y. And one I thought was over. Because you see, I did all the right things. I prayed, I ate differently, I exercised and....... I TOOK DRUGS. But the problem seems to go away but for a moment. Then when I least expect it the ugly creature peeks its head over the sun and wham there it is again. Well this time it’s different. I mean it’s probably different every time. But this time it Really Really is…….why? You ask. Because this time I was awake when it hit me. I started to withdrawl, not care about certain things, people, events. And I was NOT OK with it. I didn’t lie back and see myself fall into a pit. I said NO MORE!!! I am more than this right? I am more than the outrage, fits and remorse. Oh the remorse you have after you have lashed out on your family. Because you see that’s who suffers with you. It’s your family. Others see you pull it together for them……. But your family well they get the crap. The ugliest you have. Not fair! Your right! It’s not. Because you know your kids will love you and your husband/wife (if your blessed like me) Will still be there. Will be there when you have collapsed from all the ugliness. They will be there to hold you up reassure you and keep you going. Well guess what people? I am going to conquer this beast and for the LAST TIME! I am doing all the things mentioned above, but one thing that I have not done before. This time I am speaking truth to myself. Listening when a dear friend calls to read me the description God has to say about me. And remembering who I am in Christ. Because without him and his people I could forget and be a statistic. Not anymore!!!! Not anymore!!!

This is what God says about me.

Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)
"I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols." (Ezekiel 36:25)
...A righteous man will be remembered forever. He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes. (Psalm 112:6-8)
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. (Psalm 37:5-6)
Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. (Isaiah 65:24)
Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, He confirmed it with an oath... it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure...
(Hebrews 6:17-19)
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. (Isaiah 12:2)
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD is the Rock eternal. (Isaiah 26:3-4)
He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young. (Isaiah 40:11)
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
(Isaiah 41:10)
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you...For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." (Isaiah 43:1-3)
"I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God." (Isaiah 44:6)
"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." (Mark 11:24)
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. (Romans 5:1-2)
But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
But where sin increased, grace increased all the more. (Romans 5:20)
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
(Romans 8:1)
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. (Romans 8:15-16)
The Spirit helps us in our weakness. (Romans 8:26)
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
(Romans 8:37)
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)
...God does not judge by external appearance... (Galatians 2:6)
For He Himself is our peace. (Ephesians 2:14)
For through Him we have access to the Father by one Spirit. (Ephesians 2:18)
The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:24)
But whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm. (Proverbs 1:33)
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

And believe me there is much much more. I guess I am telling you this because I want to be hope for someone. Out there is someone that thinks they are alone. They may be scared and confused. But see when we look to the light we cannot be in darkness. I am happy to say that this will be the last time I ever deal with this issue. Jesus took all of our issues and we are new. I am thankful for friends, truth, love and acceptance. Jesus never stops making me be in AWE of him. He cares for us and wants us whole. I have many many other issues to deal with. But my friends I believe with ALL of my heart this one is done!!!! To God be the GLORY.

Love,
Vicki

The Best.................

2012-01-04T16:26:00.000-06:00

I sat down an hour ago. To blog "The Best Christmas Ever". When it happened. Lucy, Hazel and I just woke up from a nap. We laughed and said all the girls in the family needed a rest today. We got up and I let her out to go potty in the back yard. The side gate was open and her favorite hobby was happening. The mailman was delivering mail. She ran to meet him. I heard her bark and sent kids to go get her. The kids saw her hit by the car. I freaked out screaming in the street. The mailman was so kind. He held me while I cried and told the kids to go inside. I held her while she died. The kids were screaming for me to do something. But I knew there was nothing I could do. So instead of telling you all about the best Christmas ever. I must tell you all about the best Dog Ever. She was funny, and so sweet. She loved to sleep with or on you. She barked at all people entering our home. We loved and hated that. She was the best dog we have ever had. Sure she got on my nerves, but I loved her deeply. I just gave her a bath yesterday and held her while I slept today. She had the best last day. But I am so sad it was her last day. I want her back!!!! Here are some pictures of our Beloved "HAZEL" We appreciate you all praying for our family. She was a part of our family!!

Rest of my month long Thankful Days

2011-12-02T22:13:00.000-06:00

Not that I am not Thankful everyday....but to end the month of November with Thanks...here are the rest of my days :)

Day 10 thankful that angels protected me from getting run over on walk this morning :)

Thankful day 11...the date 11-11-11. What a perfect day to Celebrate Veterans. I am honored to have had family serve in the armed forces. To all the soldiers out there I Honor you for all you have done for the Country!!!!

Day 12 thankful for my husband being home and doing all the cooking :)

Day 13 Thankful to be almost done with my Christmas shopping :)

Day 14 thankful for being able to buy groceries......so many people can not :(

Day 15 Thankful for the rain!!!

Day 16 thankful is my Day 11 exercise. I rolled my ankle on the first 1/2 mile lap...I shed a couple of tears and pushed through. I made my best time yet for the 1.5 mile :) Then gathered my children to do the last 1.5 mile walk together. It was nice !! I am thankful for God healing my ankle during my run :D

Day 17 Thankful for change.......Change of friendships, change of seasons, change of feelings, change of commitments, change of self........ change it keeps me growing :)

Day 18 Thankful...This one is going to shock you. But I am very very thankful for fly swatters. I am a fly killer and proud of it :)

Day 19 thankful for Homer as Darla Garza and their kids. My aunt and uncle. They came to visit before heading to Oklahoma. Owen loves puff daddy. And we love hanging out with them.

Thankful Day 20 Hanging out with family and laughing till your sides hurt.

Thankful Day 21 Getting 200 peices of clothing for only .07 a piece at Justus......

Day 22 thankful for friends and their stories. Today was great!

Day 23 Because I don't have enough going on today I woke up to a flat tire. So now kids and I are at tire shop. Next up walking. Then home to finish packing. Today I'm thankful there is a tire shop around the corner :)
Day 24 Turkey dinner and all the trimmings with precious family :)

Day 25 walking in the morning with one of my favorite people around. Mary Beth

Day 26 watching my kids swim in the Gaudalupe river jet skiing, tubing and fishing

Day 27 visiting Heritage Homestead as a family...it was fun :)

Day 28 being home with my family .........

Thankful Day 29 naps...sometimes you just need them.

Thankful Day 30 Maralee Lewis corn chowder I am fixing to have :)

Well I sure hope I can continue to be Thankful Everyday for Everything!!

Roots.............

2011-11-09T17:24:00.000-06:00

This is a definition I found online.
Roots:

The part of a plant that attaches it to the ground or to a support, conveying water and nourishment to the rest of the plant.

While walking the other day with Victoria Smith I noticed some roots. They weren't just roots but they were ROOTS. Roots that had managed to tear apart a cement sidewalk. Make it not flat and smooth but bumpy, hard to cross and all messed up. I told her to be careful as we crossed them. She's pregnant :) We mentioned how crazy they were...........We walked.....talked....then something happened to me. The Lord started to speak to me. YES through roots. Crazy but oh so good. So I thought why not share these thoughts with you all. My dear friends and family.

Your probably going WHAT..Hmmm..So....Ok...and that's ok. Just keep reading. These roots made an inpression on me. Can you tell? You see I saw them as an example. Of my life your life and the world. I saw these roots that were once this small seed. That had life given to them ie: food, sun and water. Those are some of the things we need to grow. When we are infants in Christ we need all of those things and more. We need people, support, love, understanding, and acceptance. And then we start growing roots. They go deep like deep deep down in the ground. They not only provide the tree with nourishment. But they are also the things that will one day hold up the tree. Whether it's a small fruit tree or a giant tree that is taller than buildings. The roots to trees and our lives are so very important. And this is what I heard God ask me "Where are your roots planted? " Are they in things, money, people, circumstances, pleasures, desires, wants, needs, or are they in me? I thought about this for a few days. Because you see if they are not planted in Jesus then our lives will be that sidewalk. They will crumble under pressure they will not be smooth, they will be hard, unpleasant, unappealing and UGLY. Now will they be perfect with Jesus. No that's not what I am saying. What I am saying is they will be deep. They will be so deep that when hard times, death, loss, insecurity, hurts and chaos come. Because they will come. We will be strong. We may lose a branch or two. But our roots will be so deep that he will sustain us. He will keep us standing. He will hold us up. He will cause the storms of life to not destroy us. He will be our everything. I know this from personal experience. Not only mine but friend's and families lives. I have heard more stories of how God has held up people in their darkest hour. I know for myself that he has made me a new creation. And that my roots are solely in him. I'm not sure if any of this has made sense to anyone but I could not keep it to mself. I sure hope you chose to put your roots in Jesus. He is waiting. He wants to be YOUR ROOTS!!

New International Version
Jeremiah 17:8 He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."

Job 29:19 My roots will reach to the water, and the dew will lie all night on my branches.

Colossians 2:6-7 ESV Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

Thankful day 4-9

2011-11-09T15:57:00.000-06:00

Day 4 I'm thankful for grandparents that are willing to drive 9 hours to watch their grandson play basketball. :D

Day 5 thankful for C.H.E.S.S. basketball!!!

Day 6 so very thankful for our home church meetings every month. We all come together all 76 of us and share the word, a meal and great stories. I love these people. Missed all that couldn't be with us today.

Thankful Day 7 : This weather...it's perfect :)

Thankful Day 8....My best friend that packed her things and kids to come stay with me while my hubby is out of town. Isn't it wonderful to have friends :D

Day 9 Thankful for impromptu lunch date with a friend. Then park time with our kids. Sharing our lives together what a blessing :D

Day 3

2011-11-03T13:39:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for my extended family.....Dad, Mom, Fred, Aminta, Devien, Belen, Dillonn, Veronica, J.A.M., Annika...........Dick, Cheryl, Russ, Deige and Randall :)

And of course all of my relatives, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and in laws....

Without our family we won't get very far!
I love my FAMILY :)

Day 2 of 30 Days of THANKFULNESS

2011-11-02T11:45:00.000-05:00

So I missed day....1

Day 1 my Salvation. I am nothing without Jesus. And he is everything to me.

Day 2 My husband and children. Bryce is the best gift I have ever recieved. My children well they are my heart beats!

Just be THANKFUL!

Whew.........................

2011-10-19T17:08:00.000-05:00

We have just had a really really tough week. But we made it. And we are all...well most of us...... smiling!! We got back from our dream vacation to Bryce bing sick. He got strep..he has gotten it a few times in our marriage and it normally put's him down. For a guy who never misses work he did 2 days. He went to doctor got a shot that he said hurt and anitibiotics. Some of you are gasping. YES I still hate antibiotics.....but my husband is his own boss. I had a doctor appointment the same day to go over all of my test results. It was a hard appoinment my Dr. told me I have a wheat allergy.....A WHAT? Yep a wheat allergy. She showed me the results. Not only were my numbers high they were in all caps and bold print. She asked me to saty off wheat for 2 months then see an accupuncturist and maybe reset my wheat tolerance. I had to go to the grocery store right after. Thinking that I was going to live on salads. I went to look for french fried onions to put on all my salads. Looked at ingreidient list put it back on the shelf and cried. I then got this overwhelming feeling. What am I going to eat? It was a hard sad night for me. I got home shared with Bryce my sadness and he set me straight. He reminded me that I could have gone back and she told me I had cancer and days to live. She just told me not to have wheat for 2 months. Really? I quickly changed my perspective. Then Wednesday night I got sick........with strep. I have never had the "beast" before. It put me down and hard! I too got on antibiotics. I know *gasp*. But I have never been so weak and sick before in my life. It took me a lot longer to get better. I woke up Monday morning and felt a little better. So glad too because Owen told me his head hurt. I went to touch him and he had a fever. He struggled with fever for 2 days even on meds it got up to 102.8. Then he stared throwing up. I thought at least it's something different. Then yesterday he told me his neck hurt. Well that was my worse symptom. So I loaded him up and went to the Dr. They checked him out thought it was meningitis. After blood work they ruled that out. But the blood work did come back with a very high bacteria count. So back to the lab we went for a more detailed blood work. My poor boy was so weak. I got him his medicine and then back home to rest. He had fever till about 2 this morning. It finally broke. He woke up happy and hungry :) Just waiting on a good report for his bloodwork.

Yes this week was hard and not one I want to repeat anytime soon believe me. BUT we are all alive and we love each other. Some others are dealing with far worse than a week of sickness.

This scripture has been good for me!

1 Timothy 4:7-8
Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

I am Super Blessed!

You all REALLY should do this sometime :)

2011-10-10T19:38:00.000-05:00

So we made it back a couple hours ago and....... it was the BEST vacation we have ever been on! It was relaxing, fun, adventurous, wonderful and pretty much Perfect. I am describing our mini vacation we just experienced. We went to Arkansas and boarded a houseboat from Friday to Monday. It was the perfect amount of time, the perfect weather and the perfect company. All the adults and kids got along so well. The ladies each took a night and prepared a meal and cleaned up. We had a surprise birthday party for Emma. We ate like Kings and Queens. We went on cruises, took long hikes through the woods, jumped off the top of the boat(I say we loosley). I watched and took pictures. I did however get on the inner tube and float. The kids slid off the slide of the boat and enjoyed the hot tub. They ran off and explored the island's. They made a full fort house with a rock pathway, wall, bench, bed and nightstand. They fished and fished a little more. We sat around a fire every night and ate snacks had a little alcohol and just flat out had a Marvelous time. Tanner found a piece of orange foam that ALL of the children enjoyed. It was a raft, a target for rock throwing, a surf board, boogie board and a boat. It was so enjoyable to watch the kids play so well. We all got a nap if we wanted, slept in if we wanted, worked out if we wanted and just did what we wanted. Sound fun? Well it WAS.. And I think that everyone should experience this wonderfulness. Get a couple of families plan it and go. Here are some of our pictures. Enjoy them while I go switch my laundry :) Oh and I apologize for you having to see all of me :)

The Fergusson's......Doug and Betty Sue some of the best people on this Earth :)

Brotherly love...I have to capture it when I can.

Me....

Some of my Men.

Nature...it was Beautiful.......

Colin just a Chillin'

Jessica

Emma the birthday girl!

Sam jumping so high he was in the clouds :)

Owen

Levi, Owen's brother from another mother!!

Russ and Cheryl under the moonlight that was incredible!!

Lucy and her first love...her daddy!!

Russ, Cheryl and I under the stars.....seriously they were amazing :)

catfish.....

Fire building.

The Slide!

Katlyn

The pilot's.

Falling through the chair!!

A wonderful fire!

Lucy and her new best Friend....DOUG !!

Oh my.........it's COLD!!!

All Aboard.....

Just some of the scenery we were able to enjoy

The Buckwalter's

The Miller's

The Fergusson's with their wonderful grandchildren. .

The whole gang!

All of the children....who by the way were dreamy!!

Jumping from the top of the boat.

Kitchen duty!

Fort benches in front of their fire ring.

Bed with writing tablet for notes.

The couch. The kids made all of this all by themsleves. They all worked together. It was really a neat house. I want them all with me if I ever get stranded. I would be taken care of really well.

Shhhhhhh...........Don't tell my kids.

2011-10-06T19:47:00.000-05:00

This is where we will be spending the next few days. The kids have no idea. We will be with 2 other couples and 5 more kids. Yep that's 9 kids and 6 adults. So happy there are 6 bedrooms. We will be on the 83ft. boat. There is a hot tub on the top level and a slide off the back of the boat. I am so excited. I have wanted to do this for a very very long time. We are all making a main meal, sharing snacks and looking forward to some much needed R & R. Ok remember don't say a word to my kids............I will post all the pics when we get back :)

Tis Terrific that TANNER Turns Ten TODAY!!!!!!

2011-09-27T09:15:00.000-05:00

Today My Sweet Tanner Turns T………E………N.

My second son. Tanner Bryce Miller . I just can’t believe it. Where has the time gone? He was just my sweet little bear. He got this name because he slept….all……. day……….. long. We said he was a hibernating bear. He was such an easy baby. He had the rest of my heart the moment I laid eyes on him.

Here are the top TEN reasons why I LOVE TANNER :

1. He loves deeply
2. He is so cuddly especially at night
3. He thinks outside the box
4. He is my biggest food critic 
5. He is his Mama’s Bear
6. He loves to be with me in the kitchen
7. He is very easy going
8. He’s smart
9. He loves history ……all history…even mine!!
10. He’s easy to talk too
This list could continue to the moon and back. But in keeping with the ten theme I will stop there. I am sorry about the pictures being all out of sorts. Something is going on with my blog……But this is a day to celebrate not fix things….So this is what we are doing today.

Wake up: with horns to a decorated kitchen and chorizo and egg tacos (yes homemade tortillas) Remember he is my foodie
Outside play time
Lunch: cheese quesadillas
Park time
Dinner : homemade fried chicken ,potatoes, rolls, salad and broccoli.
Then it’s SCAVENGER HUNT TIME He has 10 clues to find his 10 gifts…..It’s gonna be fun. After presents we will have the ice cream candy cake we started making on Sunday. I am going to enjoy my Son all day today.

This is the Scripture I read over him this morning….Jeremiah 29:11
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

This week............

2011-09-17T12:31:00.001-05:00

So since I am banned from facebook for a month, texting for a week and a limit of 2 hours on computer and cell phone per day...........let's just say I am getting reacquainted with my kids. And my house.....Well it's Always CLEAN :) But this has been a week and a half to put in the books.....you ready??

Ready or not here I go!!

Last week I purged my home of things we did not need. I gave the boys a basket with their names on it and told them what they could fit in the basket they could keep everything else was to be sold or donated. I am tired of things. I say this often and when I purge.....well I PURGE :)
So Saturday Victoria Smith and I had a garage sale. We did Ok. It was fun to hang out with my neighbor!

Sunday Bryce had to go to work. So the kids and I went to home group and visited till the neighbor called to say our cow was out A--G--A--I--N. Thankfully the neighbors yes neighbors got him back in the yard. The kids and I came home and got him back to the pasture/land we have.

Monday was a a typical get back into school mode. We had a great day.....
And in all this I am having to hand wash all my dishes....because you see our dishwasher broke and they were not scheduled to come till Thursday.

Tuesday...I skipped working out at 5 am because Lucy and the boys all got summer colds and she didn't really fall asleep till 2:23 am. I looked at the alarm that was shceduled to go off at 4:40am and decided to turn it off! We had another day of school and lots of cuddling...it was nice.

Wednesday was a whirlwind...it was pay day, bill day, grocery day, watch a friend's kid day, sit around and wait for AC repair man to show up day and life group. We got school done. Oh and our AC fixed we saved $75 on a service fee because well you see our filter was dirty. I mean DIRTY. It was on my mind just way back in the back of my mind. Then we went and enjoyed breakfast for dinner. Oh it was good. So good I am still thinking about it good :)

Thursday was skip work out day again because I was just plain tired. It's also the end of our school week....and the Blessed day my dishwasher was to be fixed. I got call at 8am stating that the guy would be at my home any time between 8 am and 5 pm. So I waited and schooled and waited and cleaned and waited...You get the picture. It finally happened at 3pm the guy shows up and it was fixed and I think I danced, or smiled, or leaped. Oh I don't remember what I did but I was overjoyed. Colin had basketball practice. The other kids and I met a friend at the park. Then we came home and had a nice family dinner in a really clean house. And that fixed dishwasher well she washed my dishes for me that night and I went to bed smiling!!

Friday was our second Mom's prayer meeting. The Lord told me to start this group over a year ago and well I just started it 2 months ago. It's the 3rd Friday of the month at my house from 10-12. I ask the mom's to pack their kids a lunch and I feed the mom's mom food:) Well the first month just my neighbor came...and this time........NO ONE. But it's ok. You see I am not doing this for any one person or 20 people. I am doing this to be faithful to what God has asked me to do. The kids were disappointed since they didn't have friends to play with. But we worshipped and had prayer time the 5 of us and it was AWESOME!!!

So after running an errand of going to the Menonite farm to get our raw Milk.......we decided to go to the fair.
We had so much fun. In fact I told the kids doesn't it feel good to have all of our chores, school and house work done so we can go play? And they all said YES:) We enjoyed homemade soda and lots of crafts and booths of stuff. I was able to get a couple people marked off my Christmas shopping list. I realized it was 2pm and we needed to head home Lucy needed and nap and I needed to start dinner we were having company.

We walked in the door and the kids had balloons. Tanner decided he was going to inhale and talk funny to us. He did inhale........ the ENTIRE balloon.....he fell over the coffee table onto the floor. I thought he was kidding and told him to get up.......The nightmare had begun. Tanner passed out and was having a full blown seisure. He was convolsing flalling around. Colin called 911 and Bryce. Owen stood over Tanner crying asking him not to die and I..... well I am a Licensed EMT, I went to EMT school I know what to do(my license is expiered). I moved all furniture away from him so he couldn't further hurt himslef. I tried as my son was turning blue and not breathing to begin cpr but then.........I froze. It didn't matter that I have the head knowledge. I was in calm mode. Then I had this overwhelmimg feeling of loss. I could be loosing my son. The one that acts like he is not interested in me during the day, but when it's night he wants to hold both of my hands and cuddle. The one who challenges me and my patience, but loves so deeply it's refreshing. Yes that boy. So after that quick I have no idea stage I went into action but really during a seisure there is nothing I could do, it had to pass and hopefully pass quickly. I sat and cried, I prayed, I waited and then he was back. I had a million questions and he said " What I just woke up. wasn't I sleeping? Why do my head, arms and legs hurt?" I held him close. Still on the phone with 911 and did what they told me. The ambulance got here checked him out and I refused transport. I knew that he would be ok but I was also committed to watching him diligently.
Bryce got home. I melted in his arms from a really emotional 30 minutes. And then the world was ok again.

Now why did I tell you all that story? Becasue you see I KNOW in my heart that that prayer meeting I had just a couple hours before ...you know the one where no one showed up? Well I believe that prayer meeting was just for Tanner and his precious life. I believe we called on the Lord and at 2:10pm he showed up . Not that he wasn't always there. But he kept me from having to go through with those overwhelming feelings of loss I had for those brief moments.....I am so thankful I have a saviour that will never let me down. I am thankful that he hears the prayers of his children. I am thankful that he LOVES you and me. He is there waiting, ready and willing. ALL WE HAVE TO DO IS ASK...........

Challenge................

2011-09-11T19:18:00.000-05:00

Well my kids and I were talking over dinner...and guess what? They all said I am on facebook WAY TOO MUCH! So they have asked me to give it up for the next 30 days. They have also told me that I am not allowed to text for a week. And that my phone use is out of control. The Bible says out of the mouth of babes. Well my kids are not babies, but they are my Blessings. So I am going to meet and complete this challenge. How did I become this obessed person with media? I don't like that my kids feel second. So even though I will have a hard time. I am ready. My kids mean more to me than media. I will not put earthly things that will pass away before them any longer! So if you want to get a hold of me you need to call me. But my time is limited on the phone as well. So here we go peeps. I will not shrivel up and die. I will survive and I will enjoy more time with my blessings............

Mating..............

2011-08-28T08:16:00.004-05:00

Hmmmm made you look huh? Well this is a lesson on animal mating. Brought to you by my Nature Boy Tanner. This is one of the thousands of reasons why I LOVE HOMESCHOOLING.......... my sweet Blessings. OK so Tanner had a large watering trough that he made into a turtle and frog sanctuary. He worked on design, structure and appearance. Yes he was serious. He made 1/2 dirt and 1/2 water. Took a lot of trial and error but he got it. He had rocks for the turtles to bask in the sun and fresh bowls for fresh water and food. I let him do this because he was really into keeping his animals safe and happy.One day I found these pictures on my camera and thought wow he is Really Serious. He even had done some Internet research and had dates written on calendar. So here is the lesson he taught me.

When Frogs mate, the male frog tends to clasp the female underneath in an embrace called amplexus. He literally climbs on her back, reaches his arms around her "waist", either just in front of the hind legs, just behind the front legs, or even around the head. Amplexus can last several days! Usually, it occurs in the water, though some species, like the bufos on the right mate on land or even in trees!
http://allaboutfrogs.org/weird/general/cycle.html

Here are his pictures to document the "ACT"

Now here are a few pictures of his beloved turtles. We have many many turtles that visit us every spring. They live in our land and we see them daily. The kids have named many of them and we hang out with them for a while them put them right back. We enjoy turtle racing, turtle feeding and turtle love while they visit. We are known to have turtle or two in our tub and walking around the house. YES all areas are thoroughly cleaned afterwards :) The kids have special names like..... Gimpy(he lost a part of his front leg). Fireball because of his coloring and he is the fastest. Maggie because she is one of the few girls. Bigfoot because he is the largest turtle. Little Suzie because she is dainty. Now how do they know which ones is a male or female? The eyes color is a factor, their tails and something to do with their shell :0 Enjoy some turtle love folks!!!

5 and 35

2011-07-06T15:03:00.004-05:00

Well it's me again....do you remember me? I sure hope so. So sorry it has been forever since I have blogged. I have a lot going on, but I hope that this will become another regular habit of mine:) On to my post..........

So my baby girl, my one and only, most beautiful, most precious, sushi, angel is .......................Well I'm having a hard time saying it but................ MY BABY IS 5:(
How in the world did that happen? I mean really wasn't she just a baby. That we all just adored and couldn't hold, kiss or love on enough? Wasn't that just like yesterday? I really can't believe it....but I guess I must.....and since I must I guess I will share her birthday celebrations with you. Yes you read it correctly. I said celebrations....We didn't have an actual party for her but celebrate we did!!!
My aunt,uncle, mom, sister and kids came to visit so we all packed up and went to the lake. Where we enjoyed good food and perfect swimming weather..later we ate cake and ice cream. Then her Nana and Papaw sent her some money so we planned a date. We picked up McKenna. We went and had their nails done. Went shopping to buy a new dress and shoes. Went to the store to buy toys and then to get Icees. We then all came home just the girls and we watched a girl movie. Her birthday could not have been more perfect.

You wondering what the 35 stands for? Well let me tell you so you don't have to wonder. It stands for Bryce's Birthday. Yes he is only 35. And no we don't usually celebrate each other's birthday's with a party. But you only turn 35 once. So we had the Carel's over for the day. We ate good as usual and then enjoyed some celebrating. After all was said and done we put a movie on for the kids and enjoyed some adult conversation on the porch. I just love my porch. Have you been able to enjoy it with me? If not, then please come visit and we can enjoy me porch together. Ok back to Bryce. He got a shotgun for his gift. It's what he asked for. And when you are turning 35 you should get what you want. So her eyou go 2 Birthday's in one!!

Perspective-Perspective-Perspective

2011-05-24T12:56:00.002-05:00

Life. Trials. Hard times. Good times. Fun. Joy. Sadness.
It's ALL about Perspective my friends

per•spec•tive
defined as:
A particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view. True understanding of the relative importance of things; a sense of proportion

Just wanted to give you a little lesson before I begin. First of all I am so sorry that it has been 2 months since my last blog. Honestly I have been fighting off the Depression beast, and have no desire to do much of anything. But that is so another post:0

So this past weekend May 20-22, 2011. We went on a family camping trip. This trip had been on the Calendar for 2 months. I worked ALL week long getting a menu made, groceries bought, clothes packed, food packed, all of our bedding packed, and ALL of our camping needs. For the camper and ourselves. It is WORK, I tell you. But definitely work that I don't mind doing for some great family time. Notice I said "great". Well the day of telling my kids it was 3, 2, 1 days away came and went ....and the DAY was here . The day we were all looking forward too. We loaded up the suburban and were off. We had a three hour drive, that I prepared for. We were to start listening to our audio version of Narnia. It was great. We were headed to Arkansas to camp at Daisy State Park. It was in the back hills. The drive was absolutely beautiful. We got to ohh and awww over the hills and valleys. We arrived at the park at 3:30. Immediately we set up house. We got the camper all popped up and all the beds made. My home away from home was organized and ready. So being the shy person I am...JK. I went to visit friends. We talked about all the stuff they had been doing and all the things we planned to do. Bryce was getting ready to head out on the canoe. I noticed the kids were riding their bikes at lightning speed, and said "Bryce how are you with the kids doing that, it seems so dangerous to me" He then said "Oh Vic let them be kids" Well......2 minutes later. I was peeling my daughter off the ground, and Instantly knew she had to go to the doctor. Her chin was busted and hanging open. We did all the right things put pressure, clean and then bandage. While I was running to get the suburban that Bryce left at the boat dock. Others were setting up the tom tom and giving us instructions. I was not around for all that I was running to get pinkie and her puppy. Things I knew she would need to comfort her on our 1 hour drive to the ER. She was a little in and out, tired and restless. We got to the ER and signed her up. Did I mention that there were Severe storms all around? As we sat and waited we watch the TV we were shocked at the weather that was headed to the campsite. The nurse came in then the Doctor. He was young and completely not patient with children. I had asked people to pray as Lucy has only been to the doctor 2 other times in her life. And I knew it would be hard on her. He was irritated that she would not keep still . So he said for the nurses to STRAP her down? What? Well they did. Can I tell you how incredibly hopeless I felt as a parent? Here I was right next to her, but she didn't feel it. She begged us to help her out. She begged us not to leave her. And that, that is when I could no longer be strong. I broke down. I was crying so bad I hid my face. I knew that this was what she needed, and yet it hurt to see her go through it. After they were done she sat up and declared that she was going to try to be brave but it was too much. We reassured her of her braveness and told her she could pick anything she wanted to eat. She picked MC Donald's. I hate that place. But swallowed hard and took her there anyway. It was 9 pm at this point. And to say that we were tired well that was an understatement. We had a pit stop at the gas station, Wal-Mart, and KFC. And then headed on our 1 hour drive back to the campsite. We got home to our boys having a "Bachelor Night" in the camper with he Folmar men. Then we all went to bed. We awoke Saturday morning to a Beautiful day. We got all ready after having a nice breakfast. Our day was Blissful. We rented all 6 Kayaks the park had, and enjoyed the water all day. We rode the canoe, sat around the fire, and visited with friends. The kids went swimming, jumped off trees, raced each other, rode bikes and scooters. And we all ate very well. Saturday was Awesome, Amazing and just flat out wonderful. After campfire time, game time, popcorn, smore and cobbler time. We all decided it was bed time. So I headed to the shower and Bryce put the boys to bed. Lucy had asked to go to bed earlier. After being in the bathroom and my mind racing. I thought I have seen way too many scary movies. I will shower in the Am. I headed back to camp and the boys all came running out. "Lucy is hurt" What?? She's asleep. Well "Dad was hanging the lantern, it fell and sliced her head open" Seriously?? So I like a robot went to get my friend that is calmer and had a first aid kit in hand. We all went to the Ladies bathroom men and all. Turns out it was not that bad but head wounds bleed like crazy. So after some time we all went to bed. Can I tell you that we were done at this point? Bryce wanted to pack up and leave that night. I talked him into at least sleeping and leaving in the morning. We slept well, ate breakfast and then the kids went swimming while we packed up. Some f you may read this. Some of you may laugh, cry or even shake your head. I am quick to admit that the trip while it seems like I could surely say was from Hell. I choose to say that it was GRAND. It was hard yes and not sure I want to do it exactly like that again, but we had some great times, with friends and our family. So see it’s all about perspective. And the perspective I am choosing to see is that we made some great memories and enjoyed time with our favorite people. Our children. So how in the world could that have been so bad??

Love,
Vicki
PS pic later :)

Story of the judge who said no!!

2011-03-25T08:31:00.001-05:00

This is a friend's friend story. I do not know these people, but I would love it if we could help them:)

The Story of the Judge Who Said No

Please feel free to share the following on your blogs. It is a summary of our adoption journey so far. Please help us spread the word. We are hoping somehow someone will be able to help us.

Two years ago Greg and I began praying for God to do whatever he wanted with our lives. We handed him a “blank check” so to speak, and told him to cash it. He opened our eyes to children with disabilities wasting away across the ocean in Eastern Europe. We joined God and started our adoption journey.

Our family is more than equipped to handle a child with special needs. I have a degree in Early Childhood Education. I am a member of the Board of Directors of Best Buddies of Alabama. I have volunteered for RISE and Eagles’ Wings. All of these organizations serve individuals with special needs. My husband I have close friends and family who have special needs and we are a big part of each other’s lives. Our wedding party included some of these special people. Our involvement with individuals with special needs led us to adopt a child with special needs; specifically, we chose Down Syndrome.

As we prayed over the faces of thousands of orphaned children with Down Syndrome, we ultimately chose a little boy named Sergey from Russia. Eight months later, as we neared the finish line of our adoption, one of Sergey’s family members in Russia stepped forward to adopt him. We were heartbroken for our loss, but God showed us that we were following him, and his ways are perfect. We knew we still wanted to adopt, so the way we saw it, two children would find homes because of our journey…Sergey went to his family and now we would choose another child to come into our family. We took great comfort in knowing that God could see this when we first committed to Sergey! We were honored to be a part of his plan.

Shortly after losing Sergey, we received a new referral with a grainy photo of a four-year-old blond-haired boy wearing pink glasses named Kirill. We were instantly in love with him. We had to re-file a lot of our paperwork because of the change in referrals and regions of Russia, but we were fast and we thought we were looking at three more months at the most until we would have Kirill home.

That was well over a year ago.

Since then so many things have happened. A tragic story of an adoptive mother sending her child back to his country alone on a plane with a note pinned to his shirt rocked our world…he was from Russia. Adoptions in Russia came to a screeching halt. Kirill’s region stopped processing adoptions for eight long months. The judge refused to accept any Amercian adoption cases until an official treaty was signed between the United States and Russia.

Even though we wouldn’t be able to finalize the adoption in court until the treaty was signed, we were allowed to go visit Kirill and sign our official petition to adopt him in August 2010. We fell more deeply in love with him. This was our son.

During that time, we found out that Kirill is the first child from his region EVER to be adopted with Down Syndrome. A birth mother keeping her child with Down Syndrome is unheard of in this area of the world. Adoptions of children with Down Syndrome just don’t happen there, these children are literally hidden away from society in orphanages and mental institutions. As our process continued, it became apparent that Kirill would be a pioneer. If our adoption was approved, it would pave the way for other children with special needs to be adopted from this region.

Then, a miracle happened around Christmas and the judge in this region suddenly changed her mind and began processing American adoptions again. We were elated. Could this be the light at the end of a very long tunnel? I was somewhat nervous about Kirill being the first child adopted with Down Syndrome from his region, but our agency was very confident that if we got a court date, our adoption would be approved. In seventeen years, they had never had a case rejected IF the family was issued a court date. We were told not to worry, so I didn’t. After meeting the judge’s requests for several supporting court documents, we were finally granted a court date-March 17, 2011. St. Patrick’s Day…I was thrilled. This would be our new favorite holiday! Our son was coming home!

Our other son, Clayton, who had just turned three when we started this adoption process, has prayed fervently for his brother. He is now almost five. When we told him Kirill was coming home, oh my…we had an excited big brother on our hands! At one point he even went to his room, dumped out his toy cars and divided them into two stacks…one for him and one for Kirill.

Last week, as we sat in the courtroom and suffered through five agonizing hours of difficult questioning, we were not prepared for anything but an approval of our case. Two doctors, two social workers, and the Minister of Children’s Services all made very strong statements on our behalf. They fought for us. Hard.

But when the ruling was read, the judge said, “Your application to adopt is rejected.” The basis given was that Kirill was “not socially adaptable” due to his “medical condition” and he was better off in an institution than in a home with a family. As the judge read her ruling, she stated several times that we were a good family, that we met all the criteria to adopt a child, but that she would not approve our adoption because Kirill has Down Syndrome. She told us that we could adopt another child, because legally our application had no problems according to Russian adoption law. She said she would approve our adoption for a “typical” child, but not this child. Why? The only reason? Because he has Down Syndrome. Even though we were approved by our home study and by the USCIS to adopt a child with special needs. It makes no sense whatsoever. Denying a child a family because he has Down Syndrome is a violation of human rights at its most basic level!

It was like a terrible dream. We were so unprepared for this outcome. As we left the courthouse in a mental fog, the doctors and social workers that had testified came to us and said, “If you appeal, we will fight for you. Appeal. Fight this decision.” Of course we were going to appeal…I could no more walk away from our biological son, Clayton, at this point. Kirill is just as much my son.

So here we are, asking God to move the mountain that is standing between Kirill and us as we appeal to the Supreme Court in Moscow. There are also three other families who are in various stages of adopting children with Down Syndrome from Kirill’s region; one of the families has a court hearing set for next week.

We are hoping that someone will hear our outcry and help us bring our son and these other waiting children home. His adoption will set the precedent for many other children in his region. There are 98 children in his orphanage with special needs alone. It is one of many orphanages in this region that houses children with special needs. This is about more than just one child, the lives of hundreds of children with special need are at stake. Please help us.

(This story taken from "Our Eyes Opened")

Shattered Image...........

2011-03-22T09:11:00.003-05:00

So a good friend and I have been discussing for months now reality in blogs. Life on a blog and how different it is from real life. I feel like mine is pretty open to what happens around here. But have thought that you all don't necessarily see the ugly. So not that I want you all to think that my life is not all that and a bag of chips. But I DO want you all to see that my life well it's good, but there is some ugly(it's just real). Like the fact that my kids don't always obey, or the way Bryce and I disagree. Well sometimes it's just down right ugly. Does it negate the fact that we are still 100% committed to each other? Well of course not. We take our vows VERY VERY SERIOUSLY. And it's not entirely because we made them to each other. Why it's because we stood before the God of the Universe and pledged ourselves to each other before him. I fear the wrath of God more than I fear the wrath of Bryce. So many people, sadly to say a lot of Christians do not anymore. And we wonder what's going on with our youth and Nation. Ok this is NOT a marriage post....:) There have been times when I did not think that I have been fit to be a wife and mother. But when I get that feeling I pray. I used to go to the telephone. So someone could tell me my self worth. But now I go to the throne of Jesus. He tells me I am the apple of his eye, that he LOVES me and will NEVER leave me, he says if I draw near to him he will draw near to me.....It's the way things are. I DEPEND on Jesus for everything. I NEED him for everything. Sometimes there is chastising. HE does that to the people he Loves. Only because he wants to see me grow. To have victory in areas I have struggled, to overcome. To hold my toungue, to love and not hate. Jesus is why I can love, be a decent wife and mother. Jesus is why I can love friends, and family enough to give myself. It's all about him. So this my firends is my REALITY. It's not always easy nor do I expect it to be. There have and will continue to be disapoinments. But if I keep my eyes on him, those will only last a little while. Becasue joy comes in the morning!!! So friends...please don't hide behind a fence, image or mirage. Just be you, let Jesus live in you. And you won't have to hide anymore. Oh the Victory in just being you and not what others think you should be is... well it's FRREDOM!! I love all of you!!! Have a wonderful day...Remember we are Blessed to be a Blessing:)
Vicki

PW + MM = My Valentine's 2011

2011-03-12T09:44:00.005-06:00

OK there was this city girl, that met a cowboy. They fell in love, got married and had 4 babies. Oh AND she was from the city....moved to the country and became Pioneer Woman. I LOVE HER!!!! Some of you worry about me and my minor obsession with PW. But to all concerned, STOP. She is my friend. Maybe just in the cyber world, but none the less my friend. I feel like she is one of my best friends. And guess what? I am not the only one that feels this way about her and her incredible family!! She has this small blog www.thepioneerwoman.com . You should check it out sometime...Jk about the small part. It's a goldmine of information, photo tips, life stories, oh the Mike stories they make me smile, and just a few recipes. Just a few? Are you kidding a platthera of recipes. I was hooked when she showed a picture of every step of the way. It was life changing for me. Do you know how many times, I have been making something new, and wondered what it should look like? Well she eliminated that for me, and for that I will always have a special place in my heart for her. I was introduced to her blog 4 years ago, when really there was not much traffic. Those were the days. She now gets a million hits a month, and I am sure there are even more now. It has been such neat journey to share with her the explosion, and popularity of her blog. She wrote a cookbook and I went to her signing. I had never been to a signing before. I had so much fun. Met some friends, well what else do you do in line for hours....you meet people, Totally a gift of mine:) When she announced her Love story release I looked for her book signing schedule. Once again I made plans to attend. My husband gave me the book for our Anniversary gift, but insisted that I get a date to go with me. You see it was on Valentine's day. How awesome was that? My husband gave up his Valentine. It was pretty special and I came home with a special present for him.....now get your minds out of the gutter. It was a cigar humidor that he has wanted for a long time now. I took 2 lovely teenage girls with me. Lynsee and Korrin, they were so much fun. And on the date I found out I was both of their first dates. We had fun shopping, eating at the Purple Cow. Then standing in line. Oh I meant I stood in line they are both book worms and had fun wondering around Borders for an evening. They would come check on me every now and then. I met more new friends. I was able to meet up with an old friend from high school. Karie and I had not seen each other in 20 years. That was so much fun, new and old friends...my favorite:)Oh I got to see MM's cousin Mateo and his lovely Bride Teresa again. I think their just as great!! PW, is so gracious, kind, loving, fun, and my best friend. Oh I already told you all that. Well her husband, MM the one responsible as to why some of us have bought our husband's Wranglers. Jk......Well he is just a true gentlemen. He stood in line for hours signing books with no comfortable table or chair. He just stood there, gave everyone their moment, took pictures for us to brag about, smiled and did the same for the next 500 people. Oh the night was wonderful.....and I am so Thankful to my wonderful husband for giving me that gift on Valentine's...Enjoy the pics everyone!!!

12

2011-02-24T08:55:00.003-06:00

OK how in the world do I have a 12 year old? I am so sad, not because I desire like the world to be young...Nope. I am sad because Colin is still my baby boy. He will always be. I realize he has a desire to grow out of that, but I may not ever let him. He is my little love. In fact when ever he wakes up in the morning. Lucy announces "Mom your love is awake" I just love him so much. I cant help but think back of him being my only baby. Oh the attention he got:) And now the way he is literally my right arm. He helps me remember things, is my strong guy when dad isn't around. I am just so impressed with the amazing young man Jesus has developed. Colin is skilled at building things, and serving. This young man in the making is such a joy to be around. In honor of Colin's birthday(well every one's in the house) He does not have to do any chores today. We serve him and love him ALL DAY LONG!! He gets to pick the menu for the day.

Today it is:
Breakfast Homemade donuts
Lunch Chicken fettuccine
Dinner Fried catfish and home made fries

For his birthday celebration this year we are going to an indoor water park for the weekend....Fun times and family memories...Our favorite!!!!

Colin,
We all love you so much. Dad and I are so proud of you. You are such a joy to be with. Thank you for loving Jesus.!!

Love Forever,
Dad and Mom :)

Three........

2011-02-09T12:54:00.002-06:00

In just 29 short days, it has SNOWED 3 times here in East Texas. Now according to the people that have been born and bred here...well it's a first. I have never experienced the white stuff so much in my life. I am from South Texas where we actually celebrated Christmas with our AC on at times. So this over abundance, global warming, insane weather is odd for me. The first time we were so excited we were outside as much as possible....The second time after a day we enjoyed snow ball fights....Now this third time...I am thinking the only good thing is that I can eat snow again. I LOVE TO EAT SNOW. So, no pictures just a ramble...enjoy the snow folks:)

Vicki

How??

2011-02-01T10:18:00.002-06:00

How is it February 1, 2011? I mean really. I had this great idea and plan. I was going to blog once a week in January about first. Like Tanner's Deer. And my first real fast.First time to really admit we made a mistake..... And my first time to ever take care of a parent. It was going to be good. And now here it is February and well it doesn't seem so cool anymore. So I guess I will just give you snippets of what was going to be...........

We talked to our life group about having a fast. We all agreed to meet every night for a week. To worship, pray and seek the Lord. What you fasted or didn't was up to you and your family. I actually did it for the first time. Now I am very familiar with fasting. We have done many fasts. Our last church Trinity in Dallas we fasted church wide twice a year. So I am used to them. But honestly I have never fully participated. See I was always pregnant or nursing. So I had to eat. I mean I was the source for my babies. But anyway this time I had no excuse. I tried to make them:) I was blown away. I have never denied myself for that long and I saw Jesus. I saw him and spoke to him and loved every minute of it. Well not every minute of the hunger but every minute of being in his presence. It was so incredible to be so close to him. If you have not ever fasted. I challenge you to pray and seek the Lord and ask him if you should. Because with out him you will not succeed.

Mistake:
What are you thinking???

Well let me just tell you so you don't have to wonder. We made a HUGE mistake when we decided to have Bryce fixed. We thought that was what we wanted. I was so DONE having kids. My body was tired and honestly I was being really selfish. Now before you throw tomatoes at me. We did have some valid reasons. Like the fact that after loosing our Precious Henry. I almost died. Twice. Now that is a reason. But as we have seen over time it really wasn't reason enough. You see because I trust the Lord. So even if I would have died it would have been his plan. I don't mean to be all morbid. But I Completely trust my Maker. He knows it all and has a plan that I am just involved in. So the action of cutting off his blessings makes us sick today. We want another baby or 2 or 3. Who knows we just know that Children are a Blessing from the Lord. No matter what the world says. So my dear, sweet, wonderful friends......PLEASE I BEG YOU...DO NOT MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE. Am I saying become the next Duggars? Well if that is what the Lord has planned then yes if not then no. But we have a Lord that loves us so much. He gave his only son so we could live, and Love his Blessings!!

Taking care of MOM:

Well we have had the opportunity of taking care of Mom. We have had her since November. She has official been here 11 weeks. How has it been you ask? Well you want the pretty picture or the truth? I must give you the truth I love you all too much. It has been a challenge. The beginning although it is now a blurr was very very difficult. I was being stretched like never before. I had 5 children in my home and one(mom)was like an infant. Not because she wanted to be. But truly out of a need. I would have to wake up in the middle of the night half asleep to take her to the bathroom. I had to bathe her. Make all her meals help her get to and from the table. Wash all of her clothes and bedding. It was HARD. I don't want to have to do it again anytime soon. But I have learned so much about myself and my family. Some of it isn't so pretty. Like my lashing out on all of them because I was so tired or worn out. I yelled at all of them one time to be quiet. I said there is one of me to 5 of you give me a break. Well that was the ugly. I was ugly. My mom did not want to sit in a wheelchair and depend on me. But she did need me. There were times when Bryce would just hug me and then demand that I go to sleep. My husband slept on the floor next to mom. So he did not have to wake me. He is amazing. Then we got her into a room with a bed and it got a little better. Then she walked and boy did that change things......My kids were so happy for her. It has been a really amazing time. I am so thankful that the Lord allowed us to help mom during this time. I am even so thankful for all the hard. I am thankful that my kids have had life lessons that you can not get through a textbook. They have leaned first hand to love and serve. I have seen my family grow in this experience and it makes my heart smile. Now I am not tooting our horn saying we have done it all right. Because we have not. But I do believe that Lord is happy with us. His servants.

So there you have it friends just a little recap of our lives lately. Have a wonderful day.

Love,
Vicki

Tanner's a HUNTER...........

2011-01-19T10:01:00.004-06:00

Well the boys went on their first hunting trip ever. And it was........a SUCCESS! Well for some it was. Bryce has been wanting to introduce the boys all of them into hunting. But time and finances has been a hurdle. Well our Brother in law has some land and invited them all out for a weekend. The plan was made, written on the calender and days were counted down. The weekend came and they were all set. Bryce walked in the door from work they loaded up and went on their merry way. Well they got to their destination about 11pm. And then stayed awake till 12:30 am. Yes they were hanging with the guys. Anyhow they got up at 5:30am. And set off. Bryce and Tanner went together. While Colin went with Randall. And Owen went with Russ for a few minutes anyway. Then they called Deidra to the rescue. She came to get Owen who decided sitting in a blind quiet wasn't exactly his idea of fun. So anyway Colin and Tanner are out in the cold waiting....and waiting....and waiting. When Bryce decides to say "Hey Tanner let's pray and ask God to bring something for us. So we can share this experience together." He was fixing to say Amen. Opened his eyes and Tanner had the gun in his hands. And shot. After the celebration of hooping hollering and high fiving. Bryce said "Tanner I am not sure that was a legal shot" Tanner's response... "Well Dad legal or not it's what the Lord sent us!" Turns out it was completely legal for a kid:) So we have deer meat in the freezer. We have already made jerky, chicken fried steak and a roast. Oh my it has been so awesome. Hoping and praying that next year will be Colin's turn. And Tanner's again and maybe even Owen. I love deer meat. Here are a few pictures. What can I say. I wasn't there to get 100:)

Texas Snow Storm......

2011-01-12T15:31:00.005-06:00

Well not sure some of my friends that live in the North would call this a storm. But for my Texas mind it was definitely a STORM:) We had so much fun. At first it was just the girls enjoying the snow. The boys got rained out from their hunting trip and left early. But what did they get in return? Well a day filled with snow eating, snow throwing, snow fort building and snow gazing. It's what you do when you maybe get snow once a year. We have been richly blessed to get the white stuff 2 years in a row now. And we can say that we are addicted to the white stuff. It's just so fun.....

Don't be surprised if you see this picture again in 11 months:)

My mom and the kids with Mr. Snowman!!

The snowman builder...yes this guy stayed out there to get the job done.

My mom I made her go outside. She was happy I did.

Just keeping it real....with the beautiful white stuff...came much laundry:)

Ready aim fire...."Mom where do we throw them?"...Me " well I guess at me:)"

The boys were coming in to dry off at the radiator heater. They showed thumbs up for fun.

This is what I did a lot of. I really could eat snow all day lonnnnnggggg.

Owen is trying his best to catch the snow:)

Have I told you all lately how much I love this young man? Well just look at those eyes.....their saying..."I LOVE MY MAMA"

Our land

The cow was not happy that there was stuff in the way of his hay.

I just love how this looks.....

Here is a hand full of snow just for me.

What can I say? Colin is into wars and battles.....so he made 2 small snowman and let them have a battle....Well at least they were the first to melt:)

15..............

2010-12-23T08:45:00.004-06:00

My wedding day December 23,1995. I got to wear my MIl wedding dress.

My Senior Prom...NO I did not rip the picture. A friend did on accident!

My gift of wife and motherhood. No better job to have:)

Seriously my Better half..........

Fifteen years ago, I woke up a young 20 year old girl giddy to be getting married. Today I woke up a little older yet still so giddy lady in love. I am really the luckiest girl in the world. I have a saviour that loves and adores me enough to give me the Best gift ever. That gift was and is my Husband. He is perfect for me. We have been together for 20 years. We started dating when we were 14 and 15. We got hooked up at a VBS at the FBC in Mathis TX. We talked and then on my birthday August 12, 1990 he asked me to be his girlfriend. I said yes...and the love story began. After a couple months we saw each other with our moms at H.E.B. and they knew each other. After getting over being shocked our mother's told us that we played together as little kids. We were in a life group together long before and so we knew each other way back....so cool. Anyhow we were definitely typical teenagers. We broke up a million times and then got back together. We dated all through our High School years. I really can not tell you how much Bryce means to me. He is everything! He loves me when I don't deserve it. And I am so thankful that we have come so far. Our marriage was not a bed of roses in the beginning. But who knew how great it would get. Only Jesus. We love each other more today than we did 15 or 20 years ago. We are committed to each other till death do us part. We take our marriage covenant very seriously and know that we not only made a covenant with each other, but the Lord as well. I am so thankful that we have walked a bumpy road....because we are better for it.

To Bryce,

I Love you more than words can say. I am honored to be your wife and help mate. I am blessed to be the mother of our children. I am still so giddy crazy in love with you. You make my heart skip a beat. NO ONE compares to you and I will LOVE you forever.......
Your Bride,
Vic

Me and my Love right before we took off for our Anniversary date........

100

2010-12-01T14:31:00.008-06:00

To continue with my thankful theme. Here is a list if 100 things I am Thankful for.

1. Jesus because of him I am FREE.
2. Bryce he is my heartbeat.
3. Colin he is my right arm, such a servant!
4. Tanner he is my out of the box thinker.
5. Owen he is still my baby boy.
6. Lucy she brought pink into my life and I love it:)
7. Bible I learn so much every time I read it.
8. Family where would I be with out them, all of them:)
9. Friends near and far. I love friends but have learned that a little go a long way.
10. My house....it's not perfect. That's why it is Perfect for me!
11. My car it's paid for.
12. Our yard and land they are so fun.
13. My husband's job...it pays our bills:)
14. Life group.....
15. My health......I still work thank you Jesus.
16. Pictures going through old photos is so fun.
17. My bed.
18. My 5 pillows that I sleep with and take with me where ever I go.
19. Running water.
20. Indoor plumbing.
21. My Kitchen by far favorite room in the house.
22. Butter it really does make everything better.
23. Baking with my kids.
24. Making dinner for my family and friends.
25. My cast iron skillets.....I would be lost without them.
26. My gas stove...oh there is no other stove for me:)
27. Clean laundry.
28. My clothesline.
29. Music...all kinds I love it! Well except for rock...can't handle it!
30. Candles I love them.
31. Home school....oh the great wonders of being home with my kids all day.
32. Books, Books, and more Books.
33. A tidy house. Cleanliness is next to Godliness. It's TRUE!
34. Hazel she has been such a good addition to our family.
35. Ability to raise our own meat..so gratifying
36. Cows they are so good to eat!!
37. A freezer to store all our meat.
38. The Internet. I really do enjoying the tool it was created to be.
39. Smell of homemade bread in my home. Oh wait that's why I have weight issues!
40. Being convicted to loose weight.
41. Loosing weight even though it is s-l-o-w-l-y.
42. Mind Pictures...images I take in my mind to remember later.
43. Listening to my kids play together there is no better sound in the world!!!
44. Crafts my kids make.
45. Pictures my kids draw for me.
47. The way my husband can fix ANYTHING!!
48. The way my Husband loves me it's pure and Amazing.
49. My husband's arms. My favorite place in the whole world. Nothing can compare!
50. Home made cookies.
51. Home made tortillas....yet another reason for weight......
52. Home made Tamales...oops here we go again.
53. Long phone conversations with friends.
54. Emails that make me smile.
55. Laughing. It is the BEST medicine out there!!
56. Watching my kids with their made up plays.
57. Reading to my kids.
58. Friends that are Incredible Photographers........
59. Pioneer Woman Website.....just check it out you will see what I mean.
60. This Blog...since I am not scrap booking anymore.
61. Lists....I love them. They make my life easier.
62. Lessons I have learned in life.........
63. Being Daddy's girl......
64. My Daughter's JOY. She wakes up so happy every single day.
65. C.H.E.S.S. our local home school group has been awesome.
66. Sulphur Springs who would have guessed we would be so happy in the country:)
67. 9 pm bed time the angels start to sing and I unwind.....
68. Cell phones how did we get along with out them for so long......
69. Camping as a family. We have the best time and make memories for a lifetime!!!
70. My front porch....oh the fun times on the rocking chairs:)
71. Neighbors.. even though our favorites moved away.
72. Old people...there is just something about them that I am drawn to.
73. Being able to star gaze every night if we want.
74. Funny stories. I love to laugh.
75. Walking in the early morning all alone.
76. Walking with friends.
77. Waking up before anyone else....so peaceful.
78. Beans and corn bread. Poor man's meal is the best.
79. Then Chalupas it's my absolute favorite meal.
80. My kids requesting meals to eat.....says something:)
81. Cheeseburgers..... they are my second favorite.
82. My kids smiles.......
83. Face book....some of you are gagging..but I am a people person!
84. Worship....it does something to my soul.
85. Calendars...I mark all over mine. Keep them and then read over them..memories
86. My crock pot...this time of year it's my buddy.
87. Taking baked goods to my neighbors......
88. Visiting with my mail man... He is so nice!
89. Getting packages in the mail...even if they are not for me.
90. All of you:)
91. My wedding ring....I got my original back and I am so happy!
92. The smell of a clean newborn baby....ohhhhh I love it!
93. Loving on people that need to be loved on!
94. Sleeping next to my soul mate every night...there isn't anything better.
95. Having sleeping buddies to snuggle with when Dad is gone.
96. Having a Thankful heart....
97. Enjoying Mercy from my Lord.
98. Teaching my kids about the world.
99. Making people happy with food...is there any other way?
100. All of you who have actually read all 100!

Can you beleive it........

2010-11-30T13:47:00.004-06:00

Tomorrow is December 1st. Where did this year go? We have been so blessed this year. I sit here not even a week after Thanksgiving and I am in awe at our Lord. Jesus has been so faithful, true, and constant. I was reading different posts on the hustle and bustle of shopping. And I am so Thankful to be content. I have not always been this content in my life. Always wondering what the grass was like on the other side of the fence. But in my ripe old age of 35, I have learned so much. It's not always as it seems. Even the rich have problems, desires, insecurities and wants. And it all comes at a price. So here I am still Thankful. I want this to be the always Vicki. Not just when It's Thanksgiving, anyone can do that.I want to be thankful for what I have and what I don't have. I have little desires, and I am so happy. Just had to add that because I am content does NOT mean my life is perfect. Because it is not:) Sure I could make a list for you of all the things that are wrong. But instead I choose to look at all the Good. It is a choice....and only you can make it for yourself!! Jesus makes a way when there seems no way. He gives grace to the humble. He is available to those who seek him. So dear friends, let me encourage you to SEEK him. What a wonderful time to seek the Father. He is the best Christmas present you could give yourself and others. Please don't get distracted with the world and the things of this world. For it will pass away. But he will NEVER pass away.

Here are some scriptures to mediatae on this Christmas Season:

Luke 1:35
And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy–the Son of God.
Matthew 1:23
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).

Luke 2:9-12
And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. (10) And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. (11) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (12) And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:13-14
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, (14) “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

Miss Patti

2010-11-11T13:30:00.002-06:00

Miss Patti was my first neighbor here in Sulphur Springs. She lived across the street from my brother's house that we were renovating. She was super sweet, and always so kind to us. She sewed stuff for us, came to visit, and brought the kids candy. Well then she moved away. And we moved to our home. She came over and helped me here. She recently moved back into the area and I am so excited. Are you wondering why I am doing a post on her? Well let me tell you why. Miss Patti has been instrumental in my weight loss journey. Although we have never worked out together, or even talked about it on the phone. She encouraged me the entire year. She would like or comment on every single work out post I made to Face book. She never missed a day. And I am so very thankful. Every time I saw her thumbs up or comment, I smiled. It's so nice to have people in your life that encourage you always. Miss Patti has been such blessing to me and I am not sure she even knows it. So here is a THANK YOU. I appreciate you encouraging me.....

Love,
Vicki

365...................

2010-11-09T07:35:00.004-06:00

This was me 1 year ago...........

So today marks my one year mark of turning my life around. In the fitness department. One year ago I woke up and decided to do SOMETHING. I committed to myself to work out 1 hour a day for an entire year. Due to the last month of traveling for a death in the family. Then coming home and getting sick. I did not reach as many days as I wanted. And I can easily get hung up on that. But today, TODAY I am Thankful that the Lord has given me the strength, will power, and desire to make this change. I did complete 318 days....and for someone who has never worked out consistently, that is HUGE. So what are the results of 1 year committed to health? Well I have almost lost 20lbs. It's coming off S-l-o-w-l-y...but it is still coming off. No radical ways of doing it. I am just eating good whole foods and moving my body. I have seen 3.5 inches come off my waist alone, 3 inches in each leg and 2 on each arm. So the changes have kept me going. Even when I did not really want to go on. I can wear jeans all day and not feel like I am dying. I feel much better about myself. I can do a lot more things that I thought were possible. People tell me I am getting thinner and that is really nice to hear. But I did not do this for anyone but myself, husband and kids. So here is to a year. I can not tell you how much this one thing (exercising) has done in my life. I have a desire to be more disciplined. In everything isn't that GREAT? Well it has been great for me. Oh and one more thing this morning as I made homemade donuts for my family. I honestly did not desire them at all. I am content with my egg on toast. Now that was not the case last year. Last year I sat pinning and watching as they enjoyed them. So if that was the only change I would be grateful. Because my mind is in a different place. So since it has been forever and it is my anniversary I thought I would share with you all my fun experience.....and it will not stop here!!!!

Blessings,
Vicki

This is me in the same outfit. I don't seem to resemble the Pillsbury dough boy...busting out.

Just because it's been a month.......

2010-10-11T08:39:00.003-05:00

OK I am so sorry that it has been so long. I apologize really I do. But life has just been happening like crazy here. I got 2 baby calves and they are work. I have a great story but maybe later on in the week you can hear it. We are doing a Charlotte Mason co-op that all of us just LOVE. We are also taking a Spanish class. So you may get some Espanol thrown at you. And I just recently took a quick trip to South Texas. My aunt got sick and then passed away. It was all so fast. But so incredible. We prayed her into the arms of Jesus. I really can not think of a better way to enter his gates. OK well we should be doing school so.....I will blog more later in the week. I miss you all:)

love,
Vicki

Gotta tell you about my new place!!!

2010-09-10T13:50:00.005-05:00

OK so a friend told me about a place she heard of that was like a huge garage sale. I heart Garage sales. So I let her go and tell me if it was something to check out. We all went and we were immediately hooked. This place if you just look at it looks like it is filled with junk. But upon closer examination you will find treasures. We have now gone 3 times in 2 weeks. We have been blown away with our finds. It a garage salers heaven as I have described it on FB. There is a pile of clothes that is a mile high and I am not exaggerating. There are books, house things, old luggage's, nick knacks, furniture, toys, and stuff, stuff and a little more stuff! Here is a list of what we have bought on our trips thus far:

Trip #1
clothes
books
toys
bean bag chair
old fashion cake pan
a nice frame
We were new to the game. Total cost of that trip was 5.00

Trip #2
clothes
books on my CM book list!
a really cool old fashion toy box
a CD case
awesome knitted blanket
bowl
dog bowl
a lunch box for Bryce
mugs, mugs and more mugs
pop up tent
bread machine that she said was a dollar
helmet
football pads
a butter dish that I looked up online and it sales for 20.00
and much more 40 items total was 8.00 Each item was 14 cents.

Trip #3
a brand new router
a brand new kitchen aid tea kettle that's RED
a purse
a headphone set
book
pens
pen bag
2 large bean chairs
1 large blow up globe
a back pack
wicker basket thing for my mom
Today we spent 5.00 for all of this stuff. So today's items were 29 cents each.

Colin Plays Football......

2010-09-05T07:16:00.005-05:00

We are not a sporty family. Let me just get that out. We have not ever had the desire to put our kids in the ugliness of organized sports. Some people are mean, crazy, over zealous and just plain weird. Now others are kind, encouraging and good natured people. But it's the craze's I have had no desire to be around. So we have played sports as a family or with other families. Anyhow Colin has been asking to play. Now when I say ask I mean for like 3 years. Not just this random thing. Well this year we decided that if it was what he wanted then we would definitely let him have the experience. This decision was made with much thought and prayer. The Lord worked out all the kinks and believe me there were some kinks. But now my son AKA My Love is a football player. Can someone please tell me how this has happened? I mean he is my baby boy that I love with all my heart and can see him as a little guy. The one that would come up to me and put my head in his little hands and profess his undying love for me. The boy that would tell me how beautiful he thought I was. The boy that was my little man. How in the world did he grow up? Well he has but he is still My Love. And yes I did embarrass him. Because after all that is what Mother's do. We say "be careful My Love, I LOVE you honey, got get the ball precious, you can do this Angel, Mommy's here if you need me son or Did that boy hurt my baby?" I mean really what would this world be without us mother's? OK well sorry for the rambling it is easy to do.......Here you go, here are pics of My Love...AKA The Football Player:)

They get the whole experience......

Team Meeting........

This prayer was for the Moms:) Jk but it was neat to see them do this!

Are you ready for some FOOTBALLLLL!!!

Let's go # 94 that's my baby:)

Who hit him??

I am so proud of him......

She found ME:)

2010-08-30T12:55:00.002-05:00

Let me introduce you to the newest member of our Family..........

Her name is Hazel. If you know me at all you know that I should have been born in the 50's. I Love anything old! OK so back to the dog. I was visiting my brother's house. It was Friday night and it was just Lucy and me. So after eating dinner...Oh wait did I tell Aminta Thanks?......................OK I called her and thanked her for the wonderful meal:0 So now after eating we went outside to enjoy all the traffic. It's what you do in a small city. If there is any traffic..well it's worth checking out. The traffic was for the first Home football game. Anyhow we were sitting on the front porch when these guys passed by. Following them was the cutest dog. I thought she belonged to them. Well they kept walking and she stopped to visit. Instantly me, Lucy and Belen fell in love. After some time and the guys not even turning around......I took her home. I have Never done something like that. But I was alone and apparently cannot be trusted:) I bathed her for an hour she was flea infested. I sang to her, told her stories and just plain enjoyed her. I have felt for awhile that I was ready for a dog. A dog to love. Well I didn't go out to find her she found me....and I am not gonna let her go!! Just FYI we did walk the neighborhood to make sure she did not belong to someone. But as thirsty as she was, she drank three things of water. And how dirty she was I doubt it. So today we took her to the vet for flea medicine. She will be an indoor dog....I am SO HAPPY. She is an awesome dog. She loves us and we love her.......Take a look at my new baby!!!

Today we were COUNTRY.........

2010-08-21T21:36:00.005-05:00

OK let me give you some background here...... Bryce had an extra job to go look at, so naturally(not really) we tagged along. I met this lady here at my house at a birthday party. Anyway we went out to their house to see this job. THEN they took us to their chicken houses....the 180,000 chickens. Yes I wrote 180,000 chickens were picked up last night to get processed. But we wanted to take a tour anyway. Well there were 4 chickens that got away they escaped being put on the truck.......So they gave us one. They offered us all 4 but we just decided to take Ralph! Bryce wanted to teach the boys how too process. It was so gross. I took pictures but had to leave when they were gutting it...So there you go. Explanations are good:) We, well I say we very loosely processed a chicken today. I will have to tell you how it tastes later...........Beware some of these pics are gross!!!!!
THE DEED

The Weapon......

Poor Chicken.....

my daughter stood there eating a Popsicle and did not even budge, her Daddy was so PROUD:)

Owen enjoying holding the chicken up.....not really.

He is so happy with himself!

My Fig tree will never be the same!

Really??? He was so excited to walk up to me with this new friend!

Boiled water makes the feathers come off so much easier.......

Plucking away....

Still plucking................

Yes this pic is blurry...Want to know why? Because my husband was chasing me with a chicken foot wanting me to give it a high five!!!

Tanner on the other hand...no pun intended was happy to slap a chicken's foot!

The finished project!!

2010-08-20T16:44:00.002-05:00

A MEME: Well I was tagged what can I do but respond???

1. What do you normally smell like? Depends, after I work out like sweat...but then after a shower....well like me:)

2. How far away do you live from your parents?About 8 hours:(

3. Are you happy with your job? Yes, I am.

4. What did you get in the mail today? Nothing yet....still waiting on the mail man.

5.How do you like your steak cooked? Well done indeed!

6. What do you usually order at Taco Bell? Yuck!! I make my own Mexican food:)

7. Have you ever sat all the way through Gone With the Wind? Nope.

8. Have you ever been to Mt Rushmore? Nope.

9. Where is your favorite place (that you have actually been to)? We loved visiting The Grand Canyon....pretty amazing:)

10. What is your favorite candle scent? Pineapple Cilantro....so yummy

11. Have you ever smoked cigarettes? Yes, and sometimes...I still have cravings:((

12. Have you ever been to NYC or LA? Been to LA when I was a kid......I would LOVE to visit New York someday:)

13. Are you currently planning a trip? just got back from vacation...looking forward to spending some time camping in the fall!

14. Do you prefer to pack your own groceries? NO!

15. What is your favorite snack? Sunflower seeds

I tag: Jody, Judy, Jane, Gretchen and Shipra

I have GOOD NEWS!!!

2010-07-27T21:09:00.003-05:00

No this is not a baby announcement sadly. But some really good news none the less. My hubby is MOVING HOME:) Bryce has taken a job with Apx Alarm. I want to tell you the story because it is a Real GOD thing!!! So Bryce was contacted and asked if he would be interested in working for Apx. He was like sure I will check into it ...well that was just 5 days ago. Yesterday I got a call on my cell. It was a guy that works for Apx. He wanted to ask me some questions and I answered. I also had questions. Go figure:) Well it was a phone interview for my husband....Apparently I can interview...the guy then called Bryce and offered him a job. That was just yesterday....Today more details were given and he leaves for Utah on Sunday for training. Is that God or what? I mean 5 days ago it was an idea today it is a reality. Bryce has been so faithful working at the mine, and away from home to provide for our family. It has been a tough road but we have been faithful. I believe that the Lord is giving us such a gift in allowing Bryce to be back home. Where we believe he belongs. Not at all because we deserve it, but because he is a God that loves to give good gifts.And the benefits oh the benefits are just too many to share...but I will tell you this in just him moving home and not driving back and forth and paying rent for his trailer we will save 600.00:) That my friends is enough to dance about..... Just a couple weeks ago in the privacy of my bedroom all alone. I cried myself to sleep just longing to be with my husband again. I told no one. It was between God and me. And he answered my prayer. Does he do this all the time? No, but he has this time and I am so very very THANKFUL!! So there you go if you read my Face book status yesterday about praying for my husband and wondered.....well wonder no more. But rejoice with me:))

Love,
Vicki

This is who I get to spend my evenings with again....

I can't wait............

253

2010-07-19T16:26:00.003-05:00

What does that mean? The number 253? Well 253 days ago I started on this weight loss, life style change. I figured out last night that I have done 230 days. So I have only skipped 23 days. Isn't that cool? Well I think it is. Changes are still happening but my commitment is there and that is what counts for me :) just wanted to give you a little update since I haven't in a while.

Vicki

Family photo shoot

2010-06-26T18:21:00.006-05:00

So I have been wanting to take family pictures for a long time. I even have a good enough camera to take them with. But never have. So I asked a friend that is starting up a photography side job if she would tackle a family of six. She agreed we put the date on the calendar. On here are some of the results. I am so happy with these pics. Bryce was her assistant and would place everyone. Of course some of the best ones are the candid shots. I am just so excited that we have family pics. Now to print and hang them. Hope you enjoy our family photo shoot. For information on our photographer please go here:

http://www.pictoriaphotos.blogspot.com/

We got kicked off the train tracks...giggle giggle:)

Just a little sunny.

Love birds for SURE!

I LOVE these kids so much!!

Brother's

A friend said" Miller Monkey's" and I think that is the best title for this pic. Don't you?

Owen isn't feeling the LOVE.

Trying real hard here.....

Yep we think we're cool....Oh wait...WE ARE COOL!!!

Fun with NANA:)

Hello there are 6 of us.

Can you handle it? Because I can't...I LOVE THIS PIC!!!!

Lucy and her favorite, most wonderful daddy EVER....Well that's what she says!

What can I say? Oh not much, except that I LOVE this girl with all my heart!

My LOVE he is growing up way too fast, and I remember him being my only baby. Where did the time go?

My Honey Sugar. Ok his name is OWEN!!

Tanner is such a MANLY MAN that he likes flowers.

I am such a blessed wife and mother. God has given me such a gift in Bryce and each one of my kids. Sure hope you have enjoyed seeing some of our family pics.

Love,
Vicki

Just in case......

2010-06-19T07:00:00.003-05:00

Lucy and I just had a mother daughter photo shoot. In case I did not send you an email. Some of them came back undelivered. And for those of you not on Face book.
If you would like to see a few pics then go to this link:))

http://thestoriesofmrandmrssmith.blogspot.com/

Hope you enjoy them. I cried when I saw them for the first time and there are still 100 more to see!!

Blooop

2010-06-17T19:18:00.004-05:00

Here's my girl Before:)

This is the word we have been using for 2 months. Why you ask? Well let me tell you. Lucy has been asking to get her ear pierced for about 2 years. We told her at first that she had to stop sucking her fingers. Soon after we changed it. We said she had to stop sucking her fingers or wait till she was 4 which ever came first. Knowing full well that it would be turning 4 when she got them. We are OK that she wants to suck her fingers till she gets married. JK. I think:) Well she will be turning 4 next Wednesday. And since her daddy will not be here we decided today was the day. We were told to make sure and have 2 people there to do it at the same time. Many have told us that they did not and left with only 1 earring. So we called our local Wal-Mart and they had 4 people working today. So we gave her Tylenol, pinkie, and a snack and head to the big"W". She had so much fun picking out her earrings. But when the ladies started to put on surgical gloves. The " I don't want them anymore...I'm too scared....Forget it...No daddy" came out. After many many many OK like 4 suckers and lots of negotiating she was tricked. The lady was good. She told Lucy they were going to hold the triggers on her ears. They did then nodded at each other and clicked away. Tears followed and shock set in. Then another sucker and certificate for BRAVERY was given and all was well. She is so happy. Her daddy should also get a certificate because he sat with her the whole time. He promised her ice cream. And just held her hand. I was visiting with friend trying to distract the other 7 children with us from watching. And ready to snap away. I almost missed it but here you go. Some pics of my sweet princess with new earrings!!

The meeting of the ladies.

"No daddy No"

OK mark my ears.

"Nope I don't want them!!"

This was the deed. Notice the eyes of the lady on the left of Bryce she is waiting for the NOD!!

It happened........

Keep your suckers....sniff..sniff....

Tears are gone. Sucker and certificate in hand. And happy is the girl with PINK BUTTERFLY earrings!!

She is just too BEAUTIFUL!!

Hair is so over rated!!

2010-06-12T20:34:00.002-05:00

Well at least that is what Tanner and Owen think. They have been begging to be skin heads since last year. And since their hair grows like weeds outside. I said why not. But dad said NO. So while giving them trims, he decided to fulfill their dreams. These are the pics of them with their beautiful locks. And below you will find their happy heads.

Tanner has really enjoyed his new look. And I must say it has been really nice to not have to wait for them to brush their hair. Poor Owen he is so fair skinned that he got a really really bad sunburn. He was only outside for an hour. He decided that having hair to cover his noggin is a good thing. We live and learn people. Live and learn!

And camp we DID!!

2010-06-03T19:53:00.006-05:00

We love to camp. We love to get away just the 6 of us and be in the woods. But it seems like we have not had the opportunity to do that much lately. So we decided that Bryce's first full week off we would head out into the wild and just be. Meanwhile I had planned, paid and gotten childcare worked out for me to go to the home school conference. And guess what? Yep.. after making all those plans and even paying my deposit and preregistering. We found out that Bryce's first week off was at the same time of the conference. So I gave up my spot and got my mind in camping mode. We were all so excited. We were blessed with a pop up camper. And so we packed for a week. Well I packed for a week. I had a menu planned groceries bought, snacks, and drinks ready. Bryce got home we packed up and drove off. We headed to Caddo Lake State park. It is the only natural lake in Texas and it was Fantastic. We had such a great time just connecting as a family. We hiked, canoed, and played during the day. And at night after showers and SMORE'S we played cards and games. It was such a good memory making time. We are so blessed to have each other. Families are FOREVER. Please enjoy some of our pics from our time together ........

First Ever Tea Party......

2010-05-30T23:01:00.004-05:00

Lucy and I were alone for an entire day. So we decided after going on a date for lunch and a little shopping. To have a tea party. I have never had or been to a tea party. That's not the thing you do with boys you see. So we planned it. Talked about it and then made it happen. We decided we needed a table and chairs so we got those from the schoolroom. Then we saw a pretty flower so we picked it. We set the table and then enjoyed our hot green tea together. I must say it was everything a mother could dream of for a tea party. After all I was with the prettiest girl that I love with all my heart. We shared cookies, tea and the best conversations a mom could have. It did my heart good to spend a day with just my girl. I for see many more tea parties in my future!!

The URBAN Cowboy!

2010-05-17T21:10:00.003-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen please let me introduce you to the Urban Cowboy.....

Well not really, but this is my sweet baby boy Colin. On his 11th birthday back in February. Did I just say that he is my baby boy that turned 11? I mean am I that old to have an eleven year old? Don't answer that:) Wow time goes by way too fast. I remember when he was my only child, I really thought how do you love another? And now we realize that the more you have the bigger your heart gets. Colin has always been a responsible kid. He definitely is a my right arm. And for that reason alone he will not be getting married...JK. I think! I love this boy so much and can't help but pinch his bottom. After all we are in the BB (big butt) club together. He is kind, helpful, fun, and sweeter than honey. I am serious. He helps set up mom appreciation days, will cook for me and loves to take care of me. If I let him marry. That young lady will be a princess for sure. He even paints my toe nails for me. I just can't say enough GREAT things about my first born. Please enjoy these pics of a True Gentlemen in the making:)

I feel the need to explain a few things. This is Colin's cowboy "outfit" as he calls it. I mean no disrespect to the millions of people who wear this kind of clothing for a living. But for Colin it's a phase. I mean after all our family wears Levi's NOT Wranglers. I don't know if it's because we now live in East Texas where our friends have cows, horses, pigs or chickens walking all around. Or if it's because a boy may have a crush on a girl that has a crush on a real cowboy. But none the less. We are walking this out with our boy. That big belt buckle was not won at any rodeo, it was purchased at a garage sale long ago by my mom. That hat well that was a garage sale find as well. So if any of you are worried that we are turning country. Settle down. We do love the country life. But all loading up to go to a rodeo as participants ain't gonna happen!!! Did I just say AIN'T? Oh my I better go:)

To My LOVE
From your favorite Mother:)

Do you like Rats????

2010-04-29T18:18:00.002-05:00

Hopefully most of you answered that with a great big fat NOOO!
Well I don't like them either.....but we have a couple of rats. Or so we did. I noticed a couple weeks ago something I had never seen here. I googled it to find out it was rat droppings. I FREAKED out. I mean FREAKED out! I got three different size and type of glue traps. A large snap trap and POISON. Then started cleaning everything. We are pretty clean people so what was the deal? Well last week while cleaning out my laundry room. With a TRUE friend. We OK OK she found baby rats. They were not days old. So I ran around my kitchen screaming and jumping on things. Really I did, and I am OK with it. I HATE rodents.. So Colin gets the little glue traps and gets the babies on there. Lucy says "Mom their heart is breaking" But so was mine. I mean a rat. I am so FREAKED out. Anyhow that was on a Thursday. Friday night hubby gets home and I ask, plead, and beg him to do something. He says he will stay up all night. I woke up to potty and he was a sleep. I turned on light and there it was. I RAN AND SCREAMED. Waking children up out of a deep sleep. Bryce jumps up grabs the pellet gun, but it's to late the rat is gone. I GET MAD. Like really irritated and FREAKED out. Anyhow Sunday morning I wake up to a rat on the trap. I did the happy dance. Cleaned my whole house and even face booked about my wonderful day ahead. We did have a great day. Then Tuesday night Colin and I stayed up to watch Napoleon Dynamite. He was going to the bathroom. He came running. "Mom I just kicked another rat" WHAT?? So we get the gun, broom and courage. We run to the bathroom. I seal off the door with a towel. This guy is going to DIE. Well as Colin is cocking the gun. The rat starts to run toward me and the door. I jump like really jump. Into the tub. I am wearing crocs and the tub is WET. Can you picture it? Me jumping with cros in a wet bathtub? Well if you see me falling you are right. I fall on my right side and really am in pain. But I am safe from the jumping rat. OK I am FREAKING out Colin and I are in my bathroom with a CRAZY rat. Plus I am in Pain. Well the rat got away. I got a broken toe and memories I don't want. That night I cried all night long. I was in more pain that ever before. Tanner helped me every time I had to go to the bathroom. I crawled and wept. Well this morning guess what? Yep we caught another rat. Hopefully this is it. But if not I got the trap set, and a pest guy coming. Sure hope you get a good giggle from my misery. Love you friends:))

Vicki
THE RAT KILLER

Check in Day:)

2010-04-22T09:21:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to check in with some of you concerning my weight loss. I started this journey 166 days ago on Nov. 9, 20009. And I have only missed 17 days. I like that. It has been wonderful, miserable, easy, hard, fun, depressing, rewarding, and incredible. I started this new life style in hopes of just loosing all kinds of weight. I have lost 13-14 lbs. to date. I started off weighing 172. So sad. And now I am in the 150's. I have learned so much in the past 5 1/2 months. Things like:
I really enjoy working out
I can run....
I hate to miss a day
I have endurance
I have ankles now
I can see parts of me I like
I really like myself

I could probably keep going but will save some for another time. I used to tease my sister who is a size 2 soaking wet. That she was jealous of me being a size 1-2. but my numbers were together as 12:( We would all laugh. but I really wasn't happy being the chubby girl. I have a long way to go, but I AM GETTING THERE. And for me that is what counts right now. I am OK with it taking me a while. Because I no that I am sticking to it this time. I am working hard, and enjoying the fruit of my labor. And the fruit is that I have lost almost 3 inches in my waist. Inches all over my body, and I just feel so good. I don't have to take a nap to make it through the day anymore. And the cloud of depression that liked to follow me is not there as many days. I like to push myself to do new things. I am challenging myself and it feels good. I sure hope no one takes this as bragging. that is not my heart at all. Just want to let you all in on how I am doing on this life long journey. And if you are wondering if I have ever fallen off the wagon? The answer is yes. But I get right back on. Sure hope this encourages some one to get moving:))

Encouragement.....

2010-04-13T17:53:00.002-05:00

This is the definition from online.

en·cour·age·ment [ in kúr ijmənt ]
support that inspires confidence: support of a kind that inspires confidence and a will to continue or develop
something that encourages: somebody who or something that gives somebody hope, confidence, or courage
Synonyms: reassurance, help, inspiration, cheer, praise, backing, reinforcement, boost, lift, support, backup

Today I experienced this definition. I invited three friends over that are also walking the (husband working out of town routine). It was a simple way for me to pick their brains. Listen to their words of wisdom, and just be around some really cool ladies. It was really, really incredible. I was able to visit with a friend I have not been able to see in a while. And you know what? I really LOVE her. She is simple, beautiful, peaceful, and oh so fun. Thanks Maralee for being that light, that friend. I can't wait till you are done with nursing school. I also got to visit with Juli. She is just too cool for words. She has been doing this thing for years now. I can't tell you all that was shared, cause it would take too long. But it was GREAT. I really can do this. And for those days that I can't I am headed to her house. I also got to visit with Jenny. She is the really quiet one. But today she shared her heart with me, and I gained so much from it. I am truly blessed to have these ladies around me. They have been walking this road out, and let me tell you something. These ladies, well they are the BOMB. I really appreciate that they gave me real advice. They told me the truth, told me what they have done wrong, what they have done right, and encouraged me to lean on the Lord. I won't always do the right thing, have the right attitude, or make the best decisions. But I know without a shadow of a doubt that I have a real tangible support group. I am so Thankful that the Lord saw fit to put these friends in my life. So, THANK YOU ladies for being such great friends!!! He cares about every single detail. He loves us, he will never leave us. And he put people in our lives to be his hands and feet to one another. I am in awe. I am in Love with my Savior. I pray that you too have a support group. For whatever walk you are on. For whatever you need in your life. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path.

Blessings,
Vicki

It's the little things.

2010-03-30T17:09:00.002-05:00

As you all know Bryce is traveling for work right now. He is a coal miner. So he leaves and then shortly returns to us. He loves coming home because he is like a serious rock star when he drives up. We all run out to the truck and smother him with kisses. It's a great night for all. But really it's the little things about my husband I miss. It's the sit on the couch and just hold me as we talk before bed every night. It's the waking up to my love I miss. It's the help with the kids while I make dinner I miss. It's the empty spot at the dinner table I don't like. It's the daily showers we have together. Sorry if that is TMI but it's true. It's the fact that I have to wash my hair by myself. Which I have not done for 14 years. It's the reading to the kids before bed that I miss seeing. It's the I need your help with this or that I miss hearing. I am really a blessed woman to have Bryce in my life. He is my rock. Perfect by not means but perfect for me. I love him with all of my heart. We have literally grown up together. This August we will celebrate 20 years together. And in December we will be married for 15 years. And guess what? I would, DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN. In an instant. I would live this life though not perfect or even easy at times again with my Love. He completes me. In ways I never dreamed he would. So if you have a special someone in your life. Hold them tight tonight. Kiss them an extra time. And Bryce when you get here on Thursday, I will be waiting:))

Love,
Vic

Still a Blogger......

2010-03-09T16:02:00.002-06:00

Well am I? I mean it has been so long since I have blogged. Am I really committed to this? Well let me reassure you that YES I am!! I have just been crazy busy. Sometimes life happens. Sure glad no one really rely's on this blog for life. Like if PW took time off. People would maybe stop cooking, or taking pictures. But no pressure P-Dub you take time off if you need it. OK I wrote to her like she was going to read that. Back to my family and friends that do come see what's going on. I am here for you. I love each and every one of you. Now for my excuse......It might be good and then again maybe not. I have been a little sad. You see we still have not gotten our pics off our old computer. And that is where I would look at pics, then blog. And since I don't have that anymore I sulked. But no more! I am back with things to say. And some of you just want to hear me talk...Right? OK don't all answer that. You want to no what has been going on here? Let me tell you some stuff. My kids are growing. Colin just turned 11 and with that became a cowboy. Guess he didn't get the memo that clearly states that we are not Wrangler wearing people. But he has boots now and calls his new clothes: "My Cowboy Outfit" Some cowboys may not appreciate that. Tanner, well he is still my free spirit. In a good way of course. He is just so laid back easy going. He loves to sleep with us still, and sit on top of us if he can. I love that he still wants to be so close. Does a Mama good. Owen my sweet baby boy has grown up. He NO longer wants me to call him. Mama's Honey Sugar Sugar Mama's Baby Boy. I can call him Honey Sugar but I MUST leave out the baby part..... Makes me so sad. Because as you all no Owen is still so little. It's easy to call him baby. The fact is he IS my baby boy. But none the less he wants to grow up. He wants to stake his place in this world of Men. So I will let him grow up and still be his Mama:) Lucy where do I begin? Well first of all she is a Coal Miner's daughter. More on that in a bit. She is almost 4. So lovely, and fiesty. We are working on the fiesty. She is with mom or dad at all times. It is hard but we are making progress. We are almost done with school. This had been our BEST year to date. I finally took the pressure off myself and lived. And we have been more productive than when I was stuck to my schedule. Are all schedules bad? I say NO! Some people need them in their life to get perspective. I needed one, and now not so much. We try to keep one still just not so bound. We have two calves again. They were escape artist, but now they are eating grass in the land like they are suppose too. Bryce has a new job. He is now a Coal Miner. Sounds scary. But I am not afraid. He will be driving a HUGE truck. He will be working out of town. But the shock has worn off. I now feel like I can do this. At first I was devastated. We have a plan. And I have great friends to help me if I need it:) I have still been working out. I did day 109 this morning. I have lost a total of 12lbs. lost 2 inches in my waist. And overall feel AMAZING. Don't know why it has taken me so long to tend to myself. But I am so glad that the Lord never gave up on me! So there you go. A brief story about where we are:))

East Texas Blizzard!!!

2010-02-13T15:36:00.008-06:00

We just experienced a Blizzard. Or at least that is what Bryce named it on our pictures. But according to Dictionary.com it means: a storm with dry, driving snow, strong winds, and intense cold, a heavy and prolonged snowstorm covering a wide area, an inordinately large amount all at one time; avalanche.

Well maybe we didn't experience a Blizzard. But it sure felt, and looked that way. I mean the library was shut down, the school's, and Wal-Mart was crazy with people preparing. I on the other hand was not convinced it would even snow. But Thursday morning we woke up to Real SNOW. It wasn't the Texas snow we are used too. You know ice really? It was fluffy, white, and Amazing. It snowed all day long. We were so excited. We dug, and I do mean dug around for gloves to keep little hands warm. And then the fun began. The kids built a snow man, then built a snow family, a fort, and other creations. And all the while it kept on snowing. We had snow ball fights, and we ate more snow that should be allowed. We made snow icees. It was wonderful. And then Friday we woke up to even MORE snow. It was like a dream. A winter Wonderland,a post card, a beautiful picture someone else gets to take. But now we were the ones taking the pictures. I have done more laundry than usual, and cleaned my kitchen floor more times than I wanted too. But we also made lifelong memories as a family. I am so thankful that the Lord saw fit to give us such a precious gift. It has been an amazing time of watching my kids play, laugh, and chase their daddy with snow balls. I have loved going out in the dark to get a handful of snow to enjoy. It really has just been incredible. We invite you to see what we have been doing the past couple days. Please enjoy our pictures.

Family picture. My nephew took it. OK so my kids look shabby, but we had FUN!!

These kids have the best daddy of all time:))

This hare is a East Texas Snowman. Yes I spelled here wrong.

I love this picture.

OK this says 10 inches. But we had cleared this area before for snow ball fights. Soooo I wonder what it really was.

The boys were so proud of their 6ft. snowman.

Lucy is proud of her 18 inch snowman:))

Seriously I could have done this all day long. Oh wait I did do this all day long!!

Colin made the most beautiful snow angel I have ever seen.

Happenings in South Texas

2010-01-11T18:49:00.003-06:00

We left our home sweet home Jan. second. Bryce had work waiting for him. Instead of going at it alone he said "Please, Please come with me Love of my life. How will I breathe without you? " Well OK maybe I stretched that a tiny bit, but it sure is close. So we packed up all our stuff. Which included tools, school things, dog & dog things, and of course my very own pillows. I must have My pillows anywhere I go. It's a habit I don't want help overcoming. Anyhow we set out on our 500 mile journey. We drove into Mathis Texas at 5:30 pm. Just in time to meet for Mexican food. But where? We seriously have choices. It's a small town with a Mexican joint on each corner. But it's real Mexican, real cheap, and especially real good. Then we got to my in laws. This is our camp out, and Bryce's place of employment. So with no kitchen, and only being able to use 1 appliance at a time. By appliances I mean toaster, microwave which we have not used for 6 years, toaster oven, electric skillet, and crock pot. We set off on this cooking adventure. We have actually eaten pretty good for not having a kitchen. I mean is there anything wrong with making your dinner in the laundry room? And using the laundry room sink as your dish washing station, with a towel on the washer, and dish drain. Now on to the Fun stuff. We have hung out with cousins, which almost can't be topped. Watched a couple....OK like 25 movies. Had apple pie at 9pm(usual bedtime) with Papaw. Eaten breakfast, lunch, and dinner out more times than we are used too. Things are going really well. I personally have been able to pick up some of my favorite kind of books about Amish life. I am currently reading Daughter's of Lancaster. By the time this day is over I will have read 890 pages of pure bliss. I am just loving being here. Our schooling is just an incredible set up. The big boys and I are in the church library. The littles stay in a room with Nana toys, blocks, movies, and snacks. I could get really used to this. Maybe we should leave tomorrow before I do get too used to it. It has also been so sweet to see the kids run to their Papaw each night and give plenty of kisses. The boys have gone on a arrowhead hunting adventure. Gone to the movie and Arcade. I'm wondering how many tears will be shed when we do leave. And the weather has been crazy. This is the place I was raised, and remember Christmas's with the AC going and shorts. And so naturally I brought flip flops. Well we had to make a sock run, because baby it's cold down here.

Just a year ago.

2010-01-05T10:23:00.003-06:00

Just a year ago this is what our children looked like. We were happy and just trucking along with life. I was in school Paris Junior College, Bryce was working hard and we were getting home school done. Kids grow up way too fast. These were my babies just one year ago. Don't tell Colin and Tanner but yes I refer to ALL of them as my babies. And they will be forever. It's just a mama thing. We all do it. It's OK too. And then in May we found out we were to be expecting #5. I was shocked, and kind of mad really. But the Lord helped me get over myself and we were so excited about the addition to our family. The kids were all pulling for a brother. Lucy would say I want the brother kind. And the boys just wanted more testosterone in the house. We were all so excited to think about a baby in the new year. Then in August we lost him. It was a boy. We named him Henry Willis after Bryce's grandparents. Her name was Geraldine Henry,and his Jack Willis. So we used their middle names. I have had that name in my back pocket for someday. He was so incredibly cute. He was waving good bye, and blowing me a good bye kiss. It was the hardest thing we have ever walked through in our marriage. But God has sustained us. Our arms are empty. He was due in just a few short days. These will be hard for me as two of my friends are also due. BUT I can truly say with a clear heart that I am so incredibly happy for their families. Sure I would like to be going into labor too, but it was not God's will for me. It is well with my soul. I will see my boy again one day. And the hope of spending time with him is real. He is having more fun in heaven, and loving Jesus. I am a bit jealous actually. So I guess the point of this post is to Trust God. He loves us more than we can imagine. And even in the times we hurt he is there. Actually he was never more alive to me than in August. He literally held me up, holds my hand still, and is healing me. Thanks for letting me share my heart today:))

Merry Christmas, and happy New Year.........

2009-12-25T21:18:00.004-06:00

I just wanted to tell you all Merry Christmas and happy New Year. We are doing well. Our computer crashed so when I will get a nice post up with pictures is questionable. Sure hope you all enjoy your friends and family this wonderful season!! Until then remember the reason for the season.

Love,
The Miller's

It's THAT time of year.........

2009-12-15T14:00:00.002-06:00

You know that time where you feel like you can't hardly breathe? You go, go, go and then go some more. There are Christmas parties for work, church, social, and of course the kids. You have to BUY a gift for this event or that one. Your kids are in 10 different activities that you must attend. I mean what kind of Parent would you be otherwise. It's the time that we can't eat together as a family because we have to Go somewhere. Well guess what? If this is your life I am sad for you. JESUS is the reason for season. Or is he? Is he just another lame excuse we give to all our worldly friends. Well he is for me. We have all but stopped most activities this season. Sure we have gone to a party or two. But consume us no more. We as a family are tired of stuff, things, and wasting of time. So here is your challenge... SLOW DOWN. Enjoy yourself, and your kids. Go for a drive to see lights, make hot chocolate together, cookies, and watch Elf. It's a funny movie. And Please Please remember what it is really all about. Not getting everything YOU want, but giving to others. Some people are really hurting this Christmas season. Wouldn't it be great if we forgot about ourselves and gave of ourselves? Oh, and by the way Merry Christmas.

Love,
Vicki

Check In Time.........

2009-12-09T14:57:00.004-06:00

I am on a weight loss journey. And some of you have been such an encouragement to me, I wanted to share my latest. I started out 31 days ago today. I was there and really needed and wanted to do something. So I started to walk/run 4 miles a day. I have had great results. Down 7 lbs, and about 8 inches between my stomach, thighs, and arms. I am so excited. I really wish that the poundage was more, but the fact that the inches are coming off is better. So just wanted to share in my baby steps to a healthier me:))

The I no longer want to be a fluffy girl.
Vicki

Weiners!!!

2009-12-07T17:44:00.002-06:00

OK sorry for that but if you are any kind of PW fan then you will understand..

After much delay here are the winner:

Shirt: won by Amber but she said draw again she has one. And Melissa D. got it!!!

My Autograph: I know you all wanted it, but the coveted gift goes to. Andra:))

Dinner: Well Lisa it looks like we will be pot lucking when you come to Texas in May!!

Thanks for posting your memories. Fun to read:))

Ree Drummond AKA Pioneer Woman

2009-12-02T16:23:00.016-06:00

So most of you are aware of my mild obsession with www.thepioneerwoman.com . Some of you are not so let me let you in. I found this small blog about 2 1/2 years ago while searching for a recipe. I was instantly hooked. She shows pictures of every step. I had never seen this before. Instantly I was in love with the concept. Then I started to look at other stuff, and read Black Heels. It was all over from there. She had me hook, line, and sinker. Back then she would have just snippets of her love story. I would cry at my computer, laugh out loud literally, and smile. I was so impressed by this woman's writing skills. She can draw you in on the first line. She told us of how she met MM short for Marlboro Man (what she calls her hubby). In a smoky bar as she was getting ready to move to California. Anyway he made her heart stop, and then she found herself married and living in the middle of no where Oklahoma. It is so much better than that so grab a nice drink and sit and read it for yourself. My point is she is my friend. She was not aware of it till last night when I met her. But I call her friend:)) So fast forward a while she now has 4 kids, but I don't think she is done. The response has been so big that she wrote a cookbook. Then went for a small book signing tour that has become out of this world. They have had to add places and all the places get packed out. Well last night it ws my honor to finally meet my new friend. And it was all I thought it would be and more. Judy, Lexy and I had the time of our lives. We met the most amazing people in line and friends for a lifetime:) I felt like I was at a HUGE family reunion. Where everyone liked each other. And I got to hold sweet Ruby, I will get a pic of her soon. She was the happiest, girl there. And she did not even know who PW was. So here is a preview of my night. Thanks to my hubby for getting me the book and keeping all the kids so I could go out:))

These are her girls. They were the most amazing home school girls ever. They even talked to people. So for those of you out there worrying about socialization. STOP!!

Matheo and Teresa MM's cousin and his Beautiful wife. They were just precious. I am making them some home made chips, salsa, and tortillas sooon:)

The first time I get this close to her:))) And that is my new Friend in the corner. She had her daughter with her, and is due in 50 days. We had fun together! Hi Andra and Sadee.

Yep she's my new BFF:))

That's her oldest and she is 12. And 4 feet taller than me. What is going on with my gut? I have no idea but I am happy!!

Her youngest girl. Sweet Sweet thing:))

I did not steal this sign, I repeat I DID NOT STEAL THIS SIGN. I asked and the guy gave it to me:))

Judy and Lexy sporting our sign.

Crazy Mexicans. Judy said she was going to tell PW "We are Mexicans and we come in Peace:))"

THE COOKBOOK of the YEAR!!!

OK so if you made it to the end of this post you are in Luck. I am doing a giveaway. All you have to do is answer this question. " What is your most favorite memory of all time?"

Prizes:

1. PW shirt it is cool......
2. My autograph...ha ha ha
3. The GRAND prize dinner prepared by me from PW's book. You pick the menu (has to be from her book).

Winner's will be picked randomly on Saturday December 5th 2009.

Do you know what tomorrow is????

2009-11-30T07:32:00.003-06:00

Some answers may include: It's the first day of December, some may say oh no, I have to shop, some may say it's just a Tuesday. Well let me tell you the truth. Tomorrow is Tuesday, December 1, 2009. And yes you only have 23 shopping days left. BUT tomorrow is also the day that I get to meet and hug, and take a picture with Ree Drummond. She is http://thepioneerwoman.com/. I have followed her blog for over 2 years now, and what can I say but I LOVE HER dearly. She is like a long lost friend. Her blog is incredible. She is funny, witty, corky, beautiful inside and out. She loves to cook and loves her family. What is better that that in this world?? Please if you have been living under a rock and not had the opportunity to visit her blog then do so TODAY!! I am like a giddy kid, waiting for Christmas morning. Can not wait to show you all her picture from my very own camera:)))

Sorry about this picture, but that's how I feel!!

I made it, I made it!!!!

2009-11-22T19:31:00.002-06:00

Some of you are aware that I have been a single parent now for the past 6 days. And tonight well it's my last night alone. I love/ hate times like these. I hate that we are away from Bryce. He hates to be away from us. But I LOVE when we reunite. He is ever so happy, and so are WE. We have been talking about our Daddy reunion all day. I am excited about co-op. But really could leave right now. I want/need to be in My Love's arms. I feel so safe there. But I am so incredibly Thankful to my Lord and savior. Because I was rewarded with sweet sleep this time. I was not scared like I normally am. It has been great. But tomorrow, well it will be like heaven:)) I also want to say Happy Thanksgiving to everyone near and far.

Be Blessed my Friends,

Vicki

I'm There

2009-11-15T19:18:00.002-06:00

I'm at the place, I thought I was at long ago. I am READY to loose all this extra weight. I have been on a diet, life style change, whatever you want to call it. Now for 7 days, and you no what I am doing great. I love to get the exercise and I am making great decisions with my eating. I am encouraged. I have an accountability partner that I LOVE. And my hubby is really backing me. I just wanted to share this with you all so I have even more accountability. So there you go. You may contact me and ask me any question. Like did you work out? Are you eating well? What ever you want, I will answer. Ok just want my blogging friends to no where I am. Have a great week:))

<3
Vicki

What do you do with left over Donuts??

2009-11-09T19:51:00.006-06:00

We make donuts for our kids every now and then. Before you say oh my. Let me tell you a little secret. All we do is get flaky biscuit dough, use a donut cutter to make the holes and then fry them up. My kids make the icing usually a vanilla flavored and OJ flavored. Anyway normally there aren't any leftover. Like I may get one and we make 2 cans. But the other morning Bryce was gone and I was feeling rather special. So I made them, and Colin made the icing. Wellll....... we had some leftovers. And it's not like we are going to reheat them, so we fed them to the birds. They have really enjoyed their tasty treats.

Honey Sugar Suuugar Mama's Baby

2009-11-04T08:24:00.013-06:00

OK so I will do this again! Let me tell you. I have avoided doing this post again. I sat for an hour and did this really great blog. I was so proud of myself, it was the retold story of Owen;'s birth. I was uploading my last picture and the entire post disappeared. I tried for another 10 minutes to see what I did and Nothing came back. So I walked away from the computer and cried:(( So here we go again.

It was 5 years ago that I was expecting my third boy. I could not have been happier. I always knew I was a boy mom. So here we go getting our place ready and gearing up for the arrival of boy #3. But then pregnancy bliss, left quickly. I got really sick. And the Sciatic nerve that usually bothers me at the end of my pregnancy. Well it reared it's ugly head and decided that I needed to endure it's wrath the ENTIRE pregnancy. So Bryce literally had to help get me dressed every morning. Not sure he minded that part:0 And then Cheryl my wonderful MIL came to live with us for the summer. She was there to help me and the boys survive. Total side note but at night she would call my FIl. And cry on the phone cuz she missed him so. It was the sweetest and hardest thing to watch. I was so thankful to her for all that she was doing. Yet my heart ached for her. OK so mushy stuff to the side. We need to talk, birthing pains, mucus plug, and stripping of the membranes. Ready? So since you all are aware of the pain, and misery that I went through during my pregnancy. You will understand when I tell you that I begged, pleaded and cried. For the doctor to take my baby early. I could do this no more. I did not want to do this anymore. I was DONE. I convinced him, or maybe my very fluffy body convinced him. He started to strip my membranes daily. That did nothing but make me cry. So he scheduled my induction. It was set, November 3, 2004. We were to be at he hospital by 6:30am and by 5:15 that evening. My Honey Sugar Sugar Sugar Mama's baby was in the world. He was the cutest thing ever. So there you go. I managed to rewrite the post. Now remember that was 5 years ago. So I am not to be held accountable for the sketchy memories!! Enjopy pictures of my sugar sugar:))

SWAG Bucks.........

2009-11-03T17:09:00.002-06:00

Ok so I have avoided this long enough. I must share. I joined this swag bucks. You get bucks for using their tool bar and using their search engine. I already have 7 and just signed up. It is reeally cool stuff you can get, books, gift cards, and so much more. If you have not checked it out please do.

http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/brycenvickibrycenvicki

Thanks:))

Two words: Divorce SUCKS!!!

2009-11-02T20:16:00.002-06:00

This is my parents a mere 11 months ago.

Sorry guys but tonight is a venting night for sure. It is official. My parents will be divorcing after 39 year marriage. Was it perfect? No. But does anyone have a perfect marriage? NO. So here it is... After meeting and getting prego at the age of 14 and 15 my parents got married. Then they got a divorce because my mom lost the baby. They got remarried and had my brother. Split again, then remarried again with me, my brother, and sister at the third wedding. We were actually in our parents third wedding weird I know. But it is also all I have ever known. Their marriage was hard. At the age of 19 my mom and dad had 3 kids, a miscarriage and a full hysterectomy. So we were raised in a crazy, loud home. Then we moved to the country to get away from all the drama. We did well as a family. It was not ever perfect, but we were HAPPY. Then we grew up dad said he waited for us till he left. Thanks.:( So now I am a 34 married woman with 4 kids. And still want to cry like a baby. The only thing I have ever known was this family, as dysfunctional as it was, it was mine. Now what are we going to do about holidays? Really kill joy. I HATE it. What do I tell my kids? Will I ever be able to befriend her(his girlfriend)? What, about my kids don't they count? Oh man, this has been happening it did not just happen today. BUT I don't like it. And neither does the God I serve. Why not reconcile? Why do we choose sin? It is only good for a while. Then it brings death. I HATE THIS. I am not quite sure who to be angry at. One day it's mom the next it's dad. Hard for me I am have always been daddy's girl Now daddy is unavailable. Someone else is taking up all his time. I looked at statistics all afternoon, and wanted to throw up. There are 3 easy steps for a quick divorce, do it online, get the best attorney and Win. Really this is what we have become. Get out of Marriage free, quick ,and easy. Makes me want to throw up. Sorry but this is my reality right now, and frankly it just hurts!

Vicki

It's all about the 80's

2009-10-29T21:52:00.007-05:00

Can you tell what kind of party we had? Well you see I am the MNO(Mom's Night Out) coordinator for our home school group. And we like to have fun, like totally! Shala a friend of mine wanted to host this event. And it totally rocked, it was awesome, rad, narly, and sweeeet. We had 12 moms show up in their outfits. We played air guitar, had 80's trivia, and had a dance off. The night was filled with so much hairspray(aqua net), fun, laughter, food, and, prizes. We all vary in age from 20's they were babies in the 80's to not so 20. Our group is amazing. Hope you enjoy some pics, and may some of them bring back fond memories.

Oh talk about memories. ATARI rocks and will never die!!!

Our hostess with the mostest. Shala:0

What I am doing here? Sorry to even show this picture but it's my inspiration to get off my butt!!!

Jody, meet Jenny she is our Co-op president. You could learn a lot from her. She not only can sport pink well, she can be a leader. Too cool huh?

What can I say there has to be a good one in the bunch. Thanks to Lari for being a "good girl".

Friends to the end:)) Tabitha and Cori.

State Fair of Texas

2009-10-18T15:25:00.022-05:00

We recently took on the Great State Fair of Texas. We had not been in 5 or 6 years. Last time we went we only had 2 kids. We now have 4 kids and going anywhere like this is a huge commitment. But we made a plan and did it. We got free tickets. So that was a bonus. I was not aware that there are so many ways to get into the fair for free. Anyhow we left at 8:30am, and headed for the Big D. We arrived right at 10 the morning and the races wee off. We walked inside and got our oooo's and aaa's over with and headed to the puppet show. It was cool, but the little girl that went up stole the show. She was the cutest, chubbiest little thing that was afraid of the puppets. But by the end of the show she was kissing and hugging them. Then we had lunch. I asked my kids what they wanted and the resounding response was "anything on a stick" Can someone give a shout out for Corny dogs, nachos, burgers, fries, chicken on a stick, and sausage on a stick? That was our yummy lunch. Then after that yummy meal we headed to the backyard circus. This guy has been doing this forever The kids are the circus, nuff said. well all my kids got called on then Owen decided to leave the stage. When he wanted to go back up the man said sorry you have to come when I call you. So instead of wanting to leave I opened up some candy. I had to get pics of my other 3 kids still in the circus. We then went to the museum, and all other kinds of shows. But our all time favorite............Well it was the bird show. Oh my it wa incredible. The way the birds came flying down from the Texas Star(Ferris wheel) it was majestic. Everything about this show was interesting, amazing, and just plain great. Abby Rowland and I were called up to take pics of the owl. He was flying right to my face. I was scared, and so excited to be up there. Then we did it. The Ferris wheel, at the highest point you are 250 feet up in the sky. I was so worried about me and Owen. But guess what? We loved it. Now Bryce, Tanner, and Lucy they were a little scared. I laughed so hard, Bryce my macho hubby was shaking, had his eyes closed, and was biting his lip. It was worth the $6.00 a person we paid just for his faces. After a day of walking eating more, and plenty of memories. We sat down for the parade, and light show. We had no idea we sat right in front of the fire. Oh boy was it hot. You will clearly but mine and Lucy's face that we enjoyed it. After the show we got in the car, and headed back home. It was truly an amazing day as a family. Enjoy the pics.

Oh My!!

2009-10-12T09:53:00.002-05:00

It has been so long since I blogged I almost forgot my sign in:( So much has been happening around these neck of the woods. Gretchen updated my blog for fall but......I can't handle the flies:(( Tanner(My little bear) turned 8. We started co-op. Lucy is growing up too fast. My (honey sugar, mama's baby) Owen will be 5 in no time. And Colin sleeps like a teenager. We no longer have livestock. The cow has been in my freezer for a month now, and we pick up the pig in the next couple days. Some of you may think this is gross but, the cow is Delicious!! Hopefully the pig will be the same. We will be using some of him to do our annual make tamales as a family tradition. The kids are doing Fabulous at home school. Mom is sticking to her do what we can routine. And surprisingly we are getting more done than ever before when I had the plans all written out! We just went to the great State Fair of Texas. And it was the most fun we have had as a family in a long time. You no trips usually get some one all wound up (like me). You work so hard to do something fun then you get annoyed at any little thing? Well that did not happen we just loved and enjoyed each other. Longer post with pics later:) I am doing well emotionally, still seeing my counselor. I have my I really want Henry days but I can still live too. Big accomplishment as just 6 weeks ago I wanted to hide in a cave. Bryce is getting work. Things have been interesting this year, but God never lets us down. We are just Thankful that the Lord loves us, and wants to see us grow. Sure hope all is well for you! Be encouraged, and of Good cheer. Promise not to let it be so long next time.

Sometimes a girl needs to be surrounded by PINK

2009-09-10T08:46:00.005-05:00

Since we are out numbered, 2(girls) to 4(boys). we surround ourselves with prettiness. All this girl needs is a beautiful pink dress, pink teddy bear, and PINKIE PINK(her special blanket). Life is good when you surround yourself with good things. Like Christ,good friends, good food, and fellowship. What are you surrounded with? Show me who you hang out with and I will show you who you are!

Phil 4:8

Finally, Brethren whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is lovely, whatever is pure, whatever is good repute, if there is any excellence and is anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.

Two weeks.....

2009-09-01T12:21:00.003-05:00

ago my body was preparing to say good bye to my baby boy. I had no idea. I am so sorry but I have been thnking. We really don't no what tomorrow brings. Hold your spouse tight, kiss your kids, sing them a song, and be KIND!! My heart is hurting. I trust Jesus. And would like to be used by the Lord to encourage people to LOVE. Have a great day.

Vicki

THANK YOU

2009-08-27T08:06:00.003-05:00

We are blessed beyond measure. We owe a huge Thanks to so many. We have been taken on a road that we would prefer not to travel. The Lord is so faithful. He has been our best friend. He has given us such beautiful memory pictures. He has given us GRACE. He has had his people literally be his hands and feet to us. Really our grief is there, yet we are so thankful. Thankful for a heavenly father who catches all of our tears. Who understands our loss, and wants to see us have joy. We are covered by prayers from so many saints. We could not have done this with out our family, and friends. So if you had any part in the Memorial service, the food, the prayers, the phone calls, or anything I am leaving out. THANKS:) We are blessed to have each and every one of you in our lives.

Love,
The Miller's

Henry Willis Miller

2009-08-20T13:26:00.002-05:00

Our sweet precious baby boy was born and died on August 18,2009.
It was very sudden, unexpected, and heart wrenching. We no that he is in a much better place, and we will see him again. Please lift up our family as we walk this difficult road.

Memorial Service
Saturday August 22, 2009
Shannon Oaks Church
Sulphur Springs, Texas
10:30 AM

Well.........

2009-08-17T21:16:00.002-05:00

I was going to start this series of why we love Pine Cove. It was going to go through the whole week. I have 977 pics from this past week, and wanted to share oh, about 368. But when we left Pine Cove I started to sneeze. I sneezed the whole way home, and all day Sunday. Then Sunday night I got sick. Like really, sick. My nose was dripping, my body aches, and I feel awful. So my cool series will have to wait. Then today, our Lexy dog died. So I have had a hard transition from Pine Cove life to reality. But on Wed we find out what we are having so that will be cool. So for now here is a picture of Lexy. May she rest in peace:((

Our Family Vacation is HERE!!!!

2009-08-08T22:50:00.012-05:00

So if you have ever talked to me for more than oh a minute. You have had to hear about PINE COVE. It's Heaven on earth. It's a getaway above all others. It's our families special place. We have more fun here than anywhere else. There is something for everyone. There are fun kid camps, crazy counselors, and yummy food. There is a nice cold, dark cabin for Bryce to nap. And there are plenty of horses and people for me to hang out with. Oh the cattle drive....I LOVE IT. I feel so country, and cool. Here are some pics from the past few years. We have been so blessed to be going to Pine Cove, this will be our 5th year. When we get back I will tell you about this year, and the special place this camp has in all of our hearts:))

Out numbered.....

2009-08-06T16:45:00.002-05:00

I got you, you thought I was talking about kids right? Like since I have 4 and am preggo with #5. But the reality is I am out numbered by something else. Something that is private. One thing I have not comes to terms with. Like I remember when there was just a few. I could sit on my counter in the bathroom, and remove them. NO, I am not talking zits. I am talking about....Oh my I am going to divulge. Oh deep,deep breathe. Ok I will be 34 in 6 days. So I guess coming to terms with it is something I need to do. I am out numbered by.................................

GRAY HAIRS

I said it, I will now go to the beauty store to buy hair dye.
Just kidding, Bryce likes it. Don't ask me why. I really want to embrace it, but it meeans that I am getting older, and well I am not ready for that:))

More Than Enough.....

2009-08-01T08:29:00.002-05:00

I have had this song in my head for 2 days now. I sing it all the time, like I can sing. But since I am not auditioning for anything I sing loud.

"All of you is more than enough, for all of me. For every thirst and every need. You satisfy me with your love, and all I have is you. Is more than enough."

This is what I am repeating all day..Why? Not sure till last night.

First let me build the picture.

I am leaving Wal-Mart. It's 8:30 pm.
I walk out the normal door I go into to realize I parked in unfamiliar territory.
So I am walking across the parking lot to find my car.
I pass many people. I see a lady.
God directly says I want you to pray for her and her baby.
I say but what if she is not pregnant. I have had this happen to me before and it was not pretty.
I ignore his command and continue to walk to my car.
Having a fight with him the whole way. I don't no this lady, what if she is not pregnant, what of she says go away freak.
I get to my car, and he speaks directly to me and says "go pray for her and her baby."
So I reluctantly turn my basket around and head in her direction.
I smile she smiles, and I say "this may sound weird, but God told me to come pray for you and your baby. Are you even pregnant?"
Much to my unbelief she said "yes I am".
So I say well can I pray for you?
She said "sure".
I ask her for her name.
She said "does my name ring a bell, I say sorry but no."
She then said "I need to tell you something before you pray for me."
OK God what are you doing I am trying to obey, but this is not easy.
She said "Last year in December I lost my 14 month old daughter in a tragic car accident"
So as I am standing there weeping I remember people telling me the story, but had no idea who the family was.
So I gather my self together, and give my condolences. Then say "but I am still suppose to pray for this baby."
So she puts down her stuff, gives me both hands and we begin to pray.
I can't tell you what she got out of it, but I can tell you that God is real. He is speaking today through his people to give HOPE. I walked away with a new friend,and a true sense of the Holy Spirit alive and working. I had disbelief. I am human. But Obedience is better than sacrifice. I did not no this lady from all the other people I passed up last night,but God did. If he speaks to you listen, I was afraid of looking dumb. He loves us, more than we care about how we look.
Guess what? She is due with her 2nd daughter the day her 1st daughter was pronounced dead. Some may think that is morbid. I believe it's God's gift to this grieving mother.

Too many Turtles..........

2009-07-27T10:43:00.009-05:00

Have I told you all about our turtle phase. It was glorious. We had 6 of them. The boys were playing in the land, and every time they crossed a path they found a turtle. They named them: Katrina, Big foot, Mystery, Rosie, Tiger, and Fireball. They were so cute. A little exotic, and fun. I made them a pen. You see I am trying to be a real country girl. I HATE cats, my dogs drive me crazy, and I can't hold the cow or pig, nor do I want too. So these little guys they were my way of being a little edgy, on the wild side. But it didn't last very long. Hubby was not very happy that we had these guys stuck in a cage. So we begged, pleaded, tried to make deals(good ones). And still the answer was no. But we had fun while it lasted here are some memories of my wild days. But first no that we enjoyed these guys, and gals tremendously. We made fun baths for them, we let them walk all around the house and even played hide and seek with them:))

Here Owen is in the pen I made, not too bad huh?

The memories not only of the turtles, but also my kids with hair. Lucy has since cut it twice and is trying to not look like a boy anymore, and Owen has a summer do.

Wow turtles for cheeks.

And these little guys, are FAST. Who said turtles were slow?? I would like to talk to them.

Blueberry Fun!

2009-07-18T17:40:00.010-05:00

This morning a friend called and said what are you all doing today? i was like well right now we are cleaning the crust off our eyes from just waking up. She then told me to hurry up get ready and let's go blueberry picking. So I asked Bryce knowing that he in fact would say, No, That's lame, It's Saturday morning and I want to watch cartoons. But much to my dismay he said Sure, you mean like ya. So we got the kids fed, dressed and out the door. Now I can not promise that all had their teeth brushed. So we go to this place my friend is not there yet. I say this is it. Bryce says no way blueberries are on the ground. So I say let's ask, and sure enough we were in the right place. Our kids had such a great time, well all but Lucy. She wanted to be held. No honey we are picking blueberries and can't hold you right now. So she whined and we picked it was glorious:) In less that an hour we picked 5.5 lbs. I ate 4.5 lbs. I gained 25.6 lbs. OK maybe not, but this baby will be the smartest baby ever. Because I did eat a crazy amount of blueberries. So if you live close by, come enjoy a handful of blueberries.

No T. V.

2009-07-10T11:41:00.003-05:00

We are addicted to the television. And have come so far away from our vision. I have this love hate relationship with the tube. So we are starting a new chapter in the life of the Miller Clan. We have turned it off. Can you believe that? I could not be happier. Do I miss the occasional sit down and do nothing? Why of course. But we are not disciplined enough to watch it for just a little. Our little turns into hours of wasted time. We have so many house projects that need to be done, including finding a place to put this baby come January. And well my kids .......get this they are getting along so much better. They are creative, sharing, and enjoying each other. I like this way so much better than the self absorbed children they were becoming. So put us down as weird homes schoolers I really don't care. I will take weird with relationships, and LOVE. Than selfish brats:) Sorry did not mean to get on a soap box, but it happens. So what can you do to make your family life, and home more pleasant? Consider this a CHALLENGE:))

She's THREE She's THREE

2009-06-23T11:44:00.003-05:00

Three years ago today. I thought I would be pregnant forever. Lucy was past due and I was waiting. My sister was visiting waiting with me. It was a normal day of tending to kids, wobbling around my house and watching Oprah. Well during Oprah something happened. I had pain, so I took a bath knowing that it would stop. Because you see I was pregnant with an elephant and had 3 months to go(that's what I convinced my self of). So I took a bath and it didn't stop. I laid down and it didn't stop. I got ver uncomfortable really fast. Had my sister call Bryce at 4:25 to come home. He did and quickly took them to our friends house. Well it was Friday afternoon Dallas traffic. So it took him a little bit to get back. Meanwhile back at the house my sister was trying to tend to me. Poor thing. I was crazy, mean, and a sailor. Well, I cussed like one at the time. I was trying to go natural. But we never took classes so, she would call Gretchen and Jody. They would tell her things to do for me. Like put a hot wash cloth on me. I was Mean I tell you. I took the washcloth, and threw them at her. I told her to tell them that I was not going natural. So If they would be disappointed to stay home. I was serious. This was hard. I was spitting green stuff. Not like Jane Rowland she sings and says sweet stuff. I was a sailor. So here we are waiting for Bryce, he finally shows up. I am waiting outside. We proceed to have a nice drive to the hospital to deliver and meet our first girl. Well we proceeded but the nice drive is a lie. I banged on the windshield, pulled Bryce's hair, and threatened to jump out of the car. I was dying already what could be worse? I told my sister off for talking on the phone. Poor thing was trying to make arrangements for her kids. We get to the hospital, and I am that crazy screaming woman in the hallway. There was no shame, integrity or cuth. I was a walking monster. Gretchen got there just in time to be totally embarrassed by my yelling and whispered, "BREATHE" "JUST BREATHE". Imagine that simple words, I tried and I could actually walk with out cursing to my room. Once in the room they were trying to get my info into the computer. I insisted on an epidural. The nurse said no. I cried, "PLEASE I SAID". But they still said no, there was no time. I was ready to deliver. I asked everyone kindly to leave the room so I could poop. Well I think it was kindly. And but soon realized that it was the baby. On my knees at the end of the bed, holding onto to the Love of my Life. I pushed once and my baby girl was born. Less than 2 1/2 hours after the first contraction my daughter was in the world. She was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. I took a shower and was in a rocker another hour later. Wow I did it, barely but it happened and I did not die.

And today my baby girl, my one and only, Juicy Lucy, Lucy Goose, Beautiful is 3. Wow how time flies. I am in love with her everyday. She will be my best friend. She loves me, and wants to be with me. Having a girl has rocked our world. But we can't imagine life with out our girl.

Thankful........

2009-06-09T18:25:00.002-05:00

I am THANKFUL. Thankful for all the prayers for our baby. I am 8 weeks and just have 32 to go. That's not long is it? Thankful, that the bleeding has stopped, and there is still a heart beat. Thankful for AMAZING friends. We have had meals, sitters and people so available to our family. It's very humbling, to be loved so much. I have learned a lot these past 2 weeks. God is really in control. He does not give us more than we can handle. And he will never leave us nor forsake us. I LOVE him so much, and am now to the point where I find my pregnancy a blessing. Overwhelming feelings were my first reaction. And for that I am sorry, but gratefulness is now filling my soul. I am honored that the Lord would give Bryce and I another one of his blessings. That he sees us fit to raise another blessing. I just want to hug each and every one of you!!!

Feeling G-R-E-A-T

2009-05-28T08:11:00.002-05:00

OK so I am expecting #5. And frankly expected to feel absolutely miserable, tired, cranky, overwhelmed, and mean. I am not any of those things at the same time. Have I been mean? Why yes I have. But not at the same time I have been tired. Does that count??? I have been a little overwhelmed.... with what my weight will turn out to be.....of all things. Yes I am aware that is selfish, and so vain. Which normally that does NOT run through my body. I mean I will go to the local store in pj pants with no shame. But to think that I could be large marge, Brick house well that is daunting:(( So I am walking I am walking 2 miles a day right now with the hopes of getting up to 3 a day. And for my crankiness, I am going to bed extremely early even for me, and taking a nap FOR SURE!! So see I am being proactive. I feel really good these last few days, I have energy, and I am still cooking and doing laundry for my family. My hubby is sure thankful that I can still pull it all off. But I have been given the green light, to let it all go if I need too. Just wanted to give an update on the Miller's. We are well, we are better than well we are GREAT. I feel like serving you all frosted flakes now:))

We got some news.......

2009-05-20T12:00:00.002-05:00

Many of you already are aware......but we are expecting #5.
WOW, is all I can keep saying. We were not trying.
We are still in shock. But excitement is building. Children
are a blessing from the Lord. We are about 5-6 weeks right now.
Some time in Jan 2010 we will have our fifth baby....WOW our Fifth
it may take me some time to get used to saying that!!!

Today....is going to be??

2009-05-11T10:08:00.002-05:00

Well it's the day after Mother's day and yes I was spoiled. I did not have to much of anything yesterday. I am so thankful for that. Because today.....well today is a different story. Today, I will do laundry. Today I will do dishes. Today I will tend to the trash. Today I will make lists of things that need to get done. Today I will teach my kids school. Today I will clean out some room. Today I will balance my check book(scary). Today I will choose to be THANKFUL for yesterday. Have a great day!

Oh and tell me what you got for mother's day.

I got a rose bush, card, and lots of pampering:))

I couldn't be HAPPIER:) :0 :)

2009-05-07T12:54:00.002-05:00

These are my grades they just got posted...........

Happy Mother's Day MOM!!!

Your grades for the SPRING MINI-TERM termcode are as follows

Course Section Title Grade Attempt. Earned Points
BCIS-1405 S3 BUS COMP APPLIC A 4.00 4.00 16.00
PHED-1134 S1 INTRO TO WELLNESS A 1.00 1.00 4.00
PHED-1138 S1 MAINT OF WELLNESS A 1.00 1.00 4.00
PSYC-2301 51 GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY A 3.00 3.00 12.00
Undergraduate Semester Totals: 9.00 9.00 36.00 GPA 4.00

Graduate Semester Totals: GPA

Is it ok to be proud of yourself???

2009-05-05T10:48:00.002-05:00

I am really asking? You see I just completed my first semester back in college. I first went to college as a teenager and have not been back in 13 1/2 years. So to say I was in over my head well you can imagine. But guess what? I did it, and I did well. I am so excited. My FIL could not stop telling me how terribly proud of me he was. And well I received it, I got proud of myself. Now I'm not saying I am walking around with a big head or anything. Just a sense of I accomplished a task. This has been so good for me!! Thank you for all the encouragement. Have a fabulous day my friends:)

NEVER a dull moment!!!

2009-04-30T11:54:00.003-05:00

So this is what's going on today. I have 7 kids. We have found 6 turtles. I have cleaned my floor 5 times. A 4 pound container of berries picked from the land. I want to take a 3 hour nap. There were 2 girls in the tub. And 1 floating poop. So guess what I get to do? While trying to make lunch for 8: And still I am Happy. God is GOOD!!! Oh and I might be getting a bird. SHHHHHHHH Don't tell Bryce he might say NO:))

Not a product of the city anymore

2009-04-28T09:25:00.005-05:00

I don't no what all my city friends are doing today. But already I have been a cattle wrangler. Pig feeder, Turtle look forer(I realize that's not a word). And fence repairer. It is official all the city I had left in me......well it's G...O...N...E... I have the barb wire scratches on my arms, and the poison ivy all over my body including my gluteous maximus:( to prove it. And well I could not be happier. I mean really I am HAPPY. Can you believe it? This girl that used to think her kids could only wear Gap. And always look pretty good. Well not now, My daughter dresses like a bag lady and my boys, let's not go there. But we are the happiest we have ever been. My kids have plenty of friends with our animals. And they love to play in our land. They have this cool club house and they make maps, and rules for it all the time!!! We are terribly blessed and I just wanted to share. Have a great day my friends!!

Rainy Days

2009-04-27T10:30:00.002-05:00

Rainy Days

Rainy days are so neat
Movies, popcorn put up your feet.
Not me, we have school to do...
laundry, cleaning, and dishes too.
Plus my girl, she is so frightened
with the rain, thunder and lightnin'.
So today I will get things done
And then maybe later have fun!!

Well that's a poem straight from my heart:)
We do have so much school to do. Tanner
was so sick Thurs, and Fri. We were in the ER with him
both nights. He is better now, so we need to catch
up. I have finals next week. I am excited and scared
all at the same time. But ready to complete my first
semester of school. What are you doing today?

It has been so long.

2009-04-17T08:10:00.002-05:00

OK so we have Pig DRAMA, Vehicle news, Potty training news, Tennis news, And NO pictures to go with any of it:((

We have no more memory on our computer, so I can not download the 1500 pictures on my camera to share with all you lovely peeps. So you will have to be good with just my great (ha ha) writing for now.

Bryce gets a new truck(to him) today. A blue Dodge Ram 1500 that is a full cab:)
He has been so patient in getting something for us that I believe, God is blessing him with a nicer truck.

The boys all three are playing tennis. But I must say that little Owen is the star. Not because he is the best one out there, YET. But simply because he is the cutest. He is only 36 inches tall and his racket is 25 inches long. I will get pictures soon. His coach really favors him, and he is actually doing really good. He is the youngest out there. He can hit the ball over the net, even though he can't see over the net!!

Lucy is completely potty trained. She woke up a month ago, and did not want to wear a diaper. She potty trained herself in 2 days. She sleeps through the night, and has only had 1 accident.

OK so now the PIG DRAMA!!
I have this really good idea. Well in my mind it was GOOD. We get a male pig, raise him and mate him with my friend's pig and get lots of bacon. Seems pretty simple. Even a city girl can do it right? After all I am raising a cow. Well we are so citified, we go pick up the pig in our suburban with nothing to put him in. So we put him in the back. After he screams and cries the kids start to cry. So Bryce jumps to the back to help calm the pig down. We had to roll our windows down because if you can believe it the pig was dirty and stinky. So we are driving down the highway with a stinky pig, cold kids, the heater going, and Bryce trying to be a pig wrestler. We get him home and had a little pen for him. Till we made him the bigger one the next day. Well guess what? The pig is GONE. Yes I repeat the Pig is GONE. So we go out to find the little rascal. And he runs away from us. Through a neighbor's yard, across the street, through the park, into the high school parking lot, and then into some woods. Meanwhile Colin is chasing him. After I call my sil to come be with the other 3 kids. I get in the car to go look for Colin and the runaway. After I find the animal control officer who says they are at the HS. I go there but where is Colin? I see the pig......Then a police officer one of 3 tells me Colin is on the other side of the HS. He brings him to me and we see the pig. But NO ONE can catch hm. We tried believe me. I have the poison ivy to prove that we tried. For 5 days. We then got a hog trap. He came back everyday to eat, then he would leave. Well the little sucker was renamed Houdini. He was trapped and got out of the trap. So we rigged up the string to our back door so we could get him, and well it has been a week and he is still there. We made him a new pen and now he is safe. And so is our East Texas town. People would call us and tell us that they heard the pig sitings on the police scanners. Once again these city people were in the public eye. But hey we are trying to fit in. Hope this keeps you all till I can get some pics up.

Are we different???

2009-03-29T14:00:00.002-05:00

OK so I have a thought provoking question for you today....

ARE WE/YOU DIFFERENT??

As I sat in church today, you know being a good christian and all, well frankly I was disgusted. Please don't be offended just hear me out. If you think I am wrong let me know. But first let me tell you what was so disgusting. By the way it is not just the church I was at this morning. I am talking about church as a whole in the USA. I am disgusted that we as believers who are called to be DIFFERENT. Are no Different. There was a recent study on Christians and Non Christians.It stated that in general we are the same. We really don't have things that define us as being saved or not. SAD but true the reality is that we are no different from the world. We measure up with divorce, pre-martial sex, we believe homosexuals need rights, and we don't stand for anything that goes against this GREAT USA!!! WHAT! No that's not right. We are different. Or are we? I sat behind a family today whose daughter was in service with her parents, great she was dressed the part of a teeny bop per( you know the same look as every otter kid in America trying to look like the stars). But she read her twilight book the whole time. I have been in service with kids playing there Ds the whole service. Are my kids perfect? Do they sit still ,and take incredible notes. Not yet. But I also am not giving them things to get them through a 2 hour service. So by golly they don't get BORED. I mean really do we not have any standards? Are we just that luke warm? The Bible says that it is better to be cold than luke warm. I am so sad. We are to live our lives different set apart. People should see us and think,"there is something different about them that I want". PLEASE, be differnt. Sometimes that looks radical to this world. You know turn off your T.V. read together, play a game. If we are pleasing our LORD then we should be DIFFERENT!! Have a great day.

Community Service

2009-03-20T06:58:00.003-05:00

Do you think we look good in stripes? Well we will let you know. Bryce and I like to do things together. You know like camping, hiking, road trips. So when I got a ticket for speeding in a school zone. I knew I could count on Bryce for lecturing me about speeding. Then getting one himself 4 days later. Oh but he didn't only get one ticket he got 2. He always wants to outdo me. So being the good citizen I am I went to take care of the bill. When they gave me the amount and after I awoke from fainting(just kidding kinda). I came home to hide under the covers. The total was $600.00. Oh my. Oh dear. Please NO. What Will I do? A friend suggest I go talk to them. Talk to them about what? I was speeding. So I humbled myself sat in the Judge's room and asked what I could do. The front desk clerk gave us community service. I got 15 hours and well my hubby he got 35!!! So this morning we start. We are going to work the local gun show. Bryce has this idea that he is going to have fun. I am thinking we will be carting around brooms and dust pans. But we will see. Maybe if your in East Texas you will see us on the side of the highway picking up trash. Should I wear a dress? Would they still make me pick up trash? Have you ever had to do community service?

Parents

2009-03-12T11:00:00.005-05:00

You know those people we used to think were so Uncool. The one's we knew as kids that were our heroes or enemies. You know the ones that mated and brought us into this world. Or the ones that gave you away for someone else to be your parents. Well those are the ones I am talking about. I had a rough childhood. But even so I am so THANKFUL for my parents. They were kids, having kids. And really they did the best they could with limited finances and education. I have them to thank for my upbringing and the morals they instilled in me. Are they perfect leave it to beaver parents? Are you kidding. But they did LOVE me and take care of me as they knew how. And now that I am the mother to 4 I get so thankful. For all the little things. Like. That I can still call and get their opinion. That they drive up here to see us and our kids. That my mom does my laundry when she visits. That my dad plays rough with the kids. That they are alive. That they would give us the shirt off their backs. That they accept us, and ALL our kids. That they want only the best for us. That they want us to succeed. That they work hard on all of the homes we have had. That they are just good people. And not just my parents but my in laws. I really am a lucky lady. You no to have in laws that I LOVE, and that LOVE me back. They made the man that I call LOVE. They helped him to be the one for me and our children. I am so incredibly blessed to have 4 REAL PARENTS. And wanted to maybe remind someone else out there to be THANKFUL for the little things, because in the little things we can achieve BIG!!!

The results are in..........

2009-03-05T18:20:00.001-06:00

OK this is CRAZY I did not want to post the results...Sorry Winner.
Because you see I have a problem. I had Owen pick a number 1-6. Well
he picked #5. That's my problem, #5 is Jody in Illinois. So I did
another drawing,(with out anyone knowing) guess what Colin picked #5. Well that is still Jody. In Illinois. So I thought Tanner he is my man. And he pulled
out lucky #5 out of the hat(my kids were like can we stop drawing the same #, and I was thinking the same thing!!).
So I called Jody. I thought she would gladly pick a new #. Well, she said NO! She said I have to keep to my word and make her a meal.
The problem is she lives in Illinois. And well I don't. So what to do?
Well she has me marked down for May.....UM don't tell her, but unless I hit
the Lotto she may have to wait a while for her meal!!!! These are not the best pictures of her but she is doing what she does best so here you go:)) Congrats JODY!! I do promise one day to make you a meal in MAY.....................

I guess I'm an Official Blogger

2009-02-19T13:23:00.000-06:00

Because I am going to do my First Giveaway

RULES: You have to answer my question, by leaving a comment.
Contest Ends: In a week
P
R
I
Z
E

OK so what can I do that I LOVE?
I will make dinner for you and your family or guest. I will make sure you are fed and have FUN!!

Choose your meal.

If you have kids, and want to just be an adult thing.... I will arrange child care. So is it tempting? Leave a comment and we will see who wins!
We will have a great night...
READY....SET....GO

What makes YOU happy:)????

I've Been Tagged

2009-02-18T08:23:00.000-06:00

They say that what's in your wallet reveals your priorities. Let's test that theory. List 12 cards you find in your wallet, then tag 12 people.

A Dozen Cards in My Wallet:

1. My debit card
2. library card
3. different library card
4. S.S. Wildcat card that I cant use in S.S.:((not too much anyway)
5. Wal Mart Gift card
6. C.H.E.S.S. debit card
7. Get out of jail free card
8. College I.D. card
9. Bread store card
10.Lowe's card my hubby would be proud!!
That's it. I don't have 12 cards.

Ok I tag Gretchen, Judy, Jody, Shala, Joy, Ange, Shipra, Kelly, Melissa, Jane, Cory, KT.

That's it. Do it have some FUN in your life!!!!!!!

Cooking Class

2009-02-16T07:20:00.000-06:00

I teach a cooking class at our co-op. Every Monday we make dinner for 10-13 families. I have 8 students which make up 5 families. But the board members also buy a meal. We prepare most of the food in class, and the kids(teenagers) have homework every week. I have made them do things like chopping an onion, boil and debone a chicken, and many more. Totally gross things you no like touch a RAW chicken. We have had such a good time. These teenagers are a joy to teach and be around. I find it funny sometimes, that usually teenagers are hard, emotional meanies. These home schooled kids are different. Do they get upset? Of course they are human. Are they emotional? Well didn't you and me have raging hormones. But still there is a difference. They have R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Don't make me break out into a song because I will. They really do, they are young don't get me wrong but they have a good head on their shoulders and I expect great things from them. I have the best helper her name is Shala the kids and I think she is Awesome. Also we could not do as great a job with out the amazing kitchen we have the privilege of using at United Methodist Church. Enjoy these snap shots of my WONDERFUL students. And if you ever see them on the road, ask them to tell you what AU JUS means!!

Redneck MEAT East Texas Version

2009-02-11T15:03:00.000-06:00

Not to be mixed up with the Robinson Illinois Version.
This is the definition that I got from the Internet. Actually I erased some because there are some really mean ones.
Redneck -
Rustic - an unsophisticated country person
I want to first express my LOVE for some of these people. Because I don't want you to think that I am judging them at ALL.

OK so back in January Bryce's BESTEST cousin ever, Mary Beth. Took the day off on Friday to give me and my Love some time together. Her and her Sweet, Amazing, Charming, and Loving, hubby took all four of our children. I repeat ALL FOUR OF OUR CHILDREN, for the entire weekend. We had so much fun just hanging out and being together. This is what we did:
1. Worked by handing out flyer's for Bryce's business
2. Went to dinner and had some drinks( not just soda)
3. Went to the Carrel's to play games, eat dessert, and talk, talk oh and TALK.
4. Slept in...........
5. Had fun:0 :) :0
6. Went to help cut up a cow
7. Slept in..........
8. Went to Church
9. Met friends for lunch
10.Made dinner for Mary Beth and her hubby

You wanted all those things listed right?
Well I would explain them all, but this is a G rated sight so I choose lucky # 6 to elaborate on.

See Bryce was working with a guy we will call Joe, Joe's dad came by and asked them to help with a cow. Bryce said sure. Not knowing what he was agreeing to. He helped them kill a cow that had broken his leg. Then they took the cow to start processing him. Oh my! They hung him up by his back legs and did things to him that no lady should hear about. Well Bryce decided he was going out there for an hour or so and asked me to join him. Since it was our weekend together I went for photo opportunities. Boy did I get them. You will see. This was all done in and old slaughter building and they made me WORK. I was just there for pictures. I am a city girl. I don't want to touch that, but when you are around Redneck, country boys well you just work. So there you go. See this nmay not be the way some would choose to spend time together, but WE had FUN. So. Enjoy:)

College Student

2009-02-08T16:38:00.000-06:00

I never claimed to be a photographer, so if these pictures are not very good well this is my disclaimer. I am so so stinking proud of myself for taking them, uploading and showing them to you all by MYSELF. See up to this point Bryce has always been the computer person around here. But watch out I am taking a computer class. I am learning things that are so incredibly cool. I am sure some if you are like big deal so what. I can do those things with my eyes shut. Well for this getting old girl, it's all so new to me and I am enjoying learning. I am now a college student. I have been out of school now for about 15 years. I said about. So let me let you all in on where this blogger fool has been. I have been READING, STUDYING, GOING TO CLASS, and EVEN STUDYING WITH A FRIEND. (No the friend is not some hunk that is 22, she is a 44 year old lady that I met when we first moved here.) I am a college student. I have to keep repeating it to myself so I believe it. I am in nursing courses for all of you who wonder, with the final step of becoming a midwife someday. I could change it. I wanted to be an AG specialist a few weeks ago. I was learning all kinds of things for my garden and got excited. I have been a wife and mother for so long that I forgot there was a world out there. That long ago I wanted to be a part of. I am not announcing anything so stop wondering. I LOVE being a stay at home mother. I plan an doing this till I can't anymore. BUT I also want to learn more. So I am taking classes slowly. I plan on this taking me a while. I don't want to go get all Edumacated and then leave my childers with someone else. But one day my kids will be gone and I can't KNIT so I might as well learn how to help bring babies into this world huh? Any way I just wanted to give you a window into what is going on with me and my STUDIES:)

Ramblings, Routines, and Ruckus

2009-02-01T12:12:00.000-06:00

OK I am SO sorry that I led you all on for Thursday. I had full intentions if keeping to my word. But you see there is this crazy thing I am involved in called life. And sometimes well it gets the best of me. We have been so terribly busy. Things going on, we had a weekend to our selves, I started school,(after 14 years being out), I teach a cooking class, Bryce is working a little, We got a new puppy,the boys entered an art contest, my good friend Shipra just had her first GIRL:) and My LOVE will be turning 10, I am an addict to Pioneer Woman, and I still HAVE to do laundry! . See that is the rambling part just for you. So now for the routines... I would like us to be on a better routine so thus the limited computer time. I am really trying hard to use our school room. I will blog about that soon, but it's not decorated the way I want so that is why I am making you all wait. And ruckus well, we have 4 children, 1 cow, and now 2 dogs. We were driving by and I saw the puppies. We asked Bryce if we could all see them. He said sure. And we all fell in Love. But drove away. I had a pouty lip. Bryce forgot something at Lowe's and when he drove back he decided why not. So we are now the proud owners of Jesse. And Lexy is trying hard not to like him. But then she plays with him. Now to potty train. Maybe if Lucy sees him go a lot then she will be easy. At least that was our plan for spring. What is happening to me? I was the NEVER an animal in the house kind of girl. But watch out you might fall in LOVE too......And right now I should be reading or studying, but it is so hard.

I will blog again soon about our weekend together and share our version of Redneck meat. Wow it's amazing the people in this lovely world!

Sorry

2009-01-29T10:34:00.000-06:00

I will be blogging today. So much is going on that I need to let out....So stay tuned!!!