12

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........

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??

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...........

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......

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..............

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

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!