Do you like Rats????

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:)

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.....

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.

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......

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!!!

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

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.