The Ritchey Family

Disclaimer.....

2011-04-08T15:12:00.000-07:00

Ok, being the OCD person that I am, I have to say that the previous blog and I spent about 2 hours fighting with each other. I finally posted it before I lost everything! I know it is not centered and yes it drives me crazy. So, Jaydon and Kye, when you read Mommy's blog years from now, please know that I tried to make it perfect:)

Love,
Your Nutty/OCD/not so perfect Mommy :)

The Ritchey's are back and better than ever....

2011-04-08T13:11:00.000-07:00

Wow! It seems that I only like to write on this blog once a year! I hope to be better at that!!! A lot has happened in the past year. I will try to sum it all up for you. Here is 2010-2011 in pictures...

In May, Jaydon graduated from Kindergarten!!!

In June, both kids had their tonsils out!!!

In July, we visited Colorado and had an absolute BLAST!!!

In August, my faith was restored when miracle Lauren entered the world:)

In September, Rebel football started and we said goodbye to daddy and hello to Friday Night Lights...

In October (one of my FAVORITE months), Jaydon was the quarterback for his little flag football team!!!

In November, the 5 Great-Bristo Grandkids were able to spend the Thanksgiving Holidays together!!! They were sooooo cute together!

Atley was not to sure about me......I think I won her over though:)

In December, on Christmas Day we flew to Chicago for a Bears Game! We had the time of our lives....

In January we celebrated Jaydon's 7th birthday. His birthday is really December 29th but we waited until January so that he could celebrate with his Amarillo friends!

In February, Kye-Kye turned 5 years old! She celebrated with a Circus birthday party at the Donut Stop with all her little friends!!!!

In March, Kye got her very first bike. She actually did pretty good on it. Only a few minor accidents:)

Now we are current with April 2011...

Kye's new friend....thanks Aunt Jamie for introducing us!!!

Jaydon loses ANOTHER tooth :)

April has been an amazing month! Jaydon is finishing up 1st grade. Kye is finishing up daycare and looking forward to starting kindergarten (OMG!) Both kids have started track season and LOVE it!!! We have been blessed beyond measures! This month my sweet friend Tiffany introduced me to the song "Blessings" by Laura Story. I have to end with this song. My life has been blessed....God is Good!

I wonder what God was thinking.....

2010-03-07T18:09:00.000-08:00

It's been 10 months since I sat down to write on this blog. Where have I been you might ask. A lot has happen since May 9, 2009. In March, my best friends father passed away. In mid-May, our lives were saddened and blessed at the same time when we had to say good-bye to the Randall Raiders and hello to the Tascosa Rebels. Those two separate events (losing David and not being a Raider anymore) totally hit my emotions. I did not know what to say or even what to think. I knew God was there but why in the world was all of this happening to us and our friends. Months passed and then in February I received the news that one of the greatest men I ever knew, Willard Tate, passed away after a battle with cancer. Then about a week later, I received the news that my college friend, Jenny Bizaillion, had passed away!!!! Oh Lord, how did I ever not know where you were. You have been here the whole time and even though I questioned your reasoning and timing...it was always what you had planned. Did I like it? No...heavens no! Do I still love you...of course! The birds are still and quiet when you speak Lord and so should I!

Keeping up with Jenny and reading her story made me realize something that I already knew. Life is short, precious, and can be taken at any moment. I want my husband, my friends, my friends and especially my children to know how much I love them and how much I love the Lord! I decided it was time to sit back down to this blog and type the words that HE has put in me (thank you Josh for inspiring me to do this)! Sooo, I am back to the blog world!!!!! Look forward to great things to come!!!! I love you!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-09T22:13:00.000-07:00

I feel blessed every time I hear my babies say "Mommy" or "I love you", but this has to be one of the sweetest days out there! How amazing is GOD!!! What a perfect gift...children! I knew what love was, but when I had Jaydon and Kye, I truly fell in love and continue to fall more in love with them more everyday! Thank you GOD for choosing me to be Jaydon and Kye's mommy! I could not think of a better job to have!!! Thank you Jaydon and Kye for allowing me to love you the way GOD has called me too! You bring so much joy into my life! You are my sunshine and I love you both!!! Hugs and kisses from Mommy!

Kindergarten Roundup

2009-05-09T20:28:00.000-07:00

My baby Jaydon then.....

and now...

Kindergarten! Am I ready for this? It just seems like yesterday that we were bringing Jaydon home from the hospital. Is it time already for him to be in school!!!! Oh I am sooooo not ready for this Lord!

Jaydon and Daddy wrestling at roundup...

Jacey is here!

2009-05-02T06:12:00.000-07:00

April 13th, 2009...beautiful Jacey Kate made her entrance into the world! She is absolutely beautiful...just like her mommy! I love you so much baby Jacey and I can't wait to see you in a few weeks! Give your mommy a hug for me! love, Aunt Burt

These are some pictures taken at Jaclyn and Jacey's baby shower! Laura and I were so blessed to be able to go!

I will praise HIM through this storm....

2009-04-06T20:52:00.000-07:00

I have not written in awhile...for many reasons...being tired, busy, distracted, but the main reason being that I have had an extremely heavy heart and I could not find the strength to sit and write. With that said...I found a wonderful scripture that has helped me embrace each day...

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2

I love you Jenna and Jaclyn and I pray for a peaceful night...for all of us!

Sweet Caroline....

2009-03-11T21:02:00.000-07:00

To God be the glory, great things HE has done.....
Once again, God is amazing!!! On Thursday, March 5th, Caroline Grace was born!!! She is absolutely beautiful (just like her mommy)!!! Big Brother Brody is sooo happy for the arrival of his new little sister! Thank you Lord for bringing baby Caroline into our lives! She is amazingly beautiful and created by you! Thank you for bringing her here healthy and for Lins for having a speedy recovery!!!I can not wait until I can see and hold her in May!!! Aunt B loves you very much baby Caroline!!!

Happy Birthday Kye!

2009-02-15T14:48:00.000-08:00

I can not believe that Kye will be 3 tomorrow (Feb. 16th)! My precious baby girl is growing up so fast! Kye is a baby that was defiantly meant to be! I thank GOD every day for giving her to us and especially for letting me stay here to watch her grow and to be here mommy...that is the best miracle in the world!!!! Kye is such a pleasure to be around. She is beautiful, funny, mischievous, witty, independent and lovable! She is loved by so many people and we are forever grateful for that! Please say a pray for Kye on her birthday. Please pray for her health, her wisdom, and her love for God! And also please pray for Kye's parents, brother, friends, and family that we may raise her the way that the Lord has called us to! We love you princess Kye! Thank you for being such a joy to us!

ps...Kye, mommy loves you very much! This is a day that we both celebrate our lives! I love you sassy girl!

Sassy Pacies

2009-01-26T17:44:00.001-08:00

Perfect Shot...

2009-01-24T18:24:00.000-08:00

Oh, he is fine...I know what you are thinking though (probably the same thing that Josh was yelling at me when I pegged Jaydon..."Ugghh, Brittany! Why did you hurt him"). He ran by, I threw the "plastic" ball and there ya have it...a perfect shot! Probably could not do it again if I tried! Jaydon thought it was AWESOME!!!

Proverbs and Dora

2009-01-24T18:10:00.000-08:00

Friday night, as I was folding laundry and talking to my mother-in-law on the phone (reflecting on the family's week of strep, bacteria infection, and sinus infections), I heard Jaydon and Kye come running into the bedroom. Jaydon pulled up his favorite little sofa and Kye climbed in her laundry basket (that is where she gets when she is sick...I have no idea why). Jaydon proceeded to tell her that if she would sit still, he would read a Bible story to her...this defiantly got my attention at this point. I wanted to see what he was up to (I could only imagine)! He has his little green Bible that I think they passed out in Abilene one time...not sure how he ended up with it but he says that it is "his". Anyways, once Kye got situated, Jaydon said that he would read from the book of Proverbs (this is where his daddy reads to him from at bedtime). The story for the night...from Proverbs mind you...was about Dora and boots!!!

I love watching you work Lord!!! Thank you for giving me and Josh such interesting children! My life is never boring!!! I love them soooo much!

Birthday Memories...

2009-01-24T17:45:00.000-08:00

Jaydon and I spent the afternoon at the Discovery Center here in Amarillo! Jaydon was invited to Andrew's 5th birthday party. He had so much fun trying out the experiments,meeting and playing with new friends, and eating Katy's alien cupcake masterpiece...

As I was looking around the party, I flashed back about 25 years...

Yeppers...that is me and Katy in that picture! Can you believe it! Katy and I were born two days apart and our boys were born 7 days apart. Is that not ironic?!? There are not many friends you have in life that you have shared birthday parties with, went to Sunday school together, played as double partners and now...25 years later...you are able to share you children's birthday parties together! I am so glad that God has given Katy and I this opportunity to live in the same town...literally about 2 miles from each other...and share these sweet memories together! What a wonderful day to reflect back on those memories!!!

Thank you Katy (and Andrew) for a wonderful day! I love you sweet friend!

Sick...

2009-01-21T17:51:00.000-08:00

Oh my...we are sick! Kye has strep, Jay has a bacteria infection in his nose and I have an ear infection, sore throat, and a sinus infection...aaarrrggghhhh! We are exhausted!!!

JOY

2009-01-19T19:30:00.000-08:00

This was in my devotional tonight...what an amazing though!

"JOY comes by putting Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself last"

Tomorrows prayer...

2009-01-19T19:05:00.000-08:00

Well, I have to admit, I did not vote for Obama, but tomorrow I will be in prayer for him as well as our country! The bible says to 'pray for your leader' and that I will do! Visit www.klove.com to learn more about the prayer wall for Obama!

His mercies are made new every morning!

2009-01-19T18:54:00.000-08:00

I am totally exhausted and I will defiantly explain more later but before another day went by, I wanted to post the fun pictures of Jaydon's 5th birthday party that we had here in Amarillo this weekend! He is so blessed and loved.....

40 Tips for Better Life 2009

2009-01-04T13:10:00.000-08:00

40 Tips for Better Life 2009

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the
ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.

3. Buy a DVR and tape your late night shows and get more sleep.

4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My
purpose is to __________ today.'

5. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.

6. Play more games and read more books than you did in 2008.

7. Make time to practice meditation and prayer. They provide us with daily
fuel for our busy lives.

8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.

9. Dream more while you are awake.

10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is
manufactured in plants.

11. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon,
broccoli, almonds & walnuts.

12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

13. Clear clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing
energy into your life.

14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, OR issues of the past,
negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in
the positive present moment.

15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are
simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but
the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college
kid with a maxed out charge card.

17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the NEGATIVE BLUES away.

18. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

22. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their
journey is all about.

24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will
this matter?'

26. Forgive everyone for everything.

27. What other people think of you is none of your business.

28. REMEMBER GOD heals everything.

29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

30. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will.
Stay in touch.

31. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

32. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

33. The best is yet to come.

34. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

35. Do the right thing!

36. Call your family often. (Or email them to death!)

37. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am
thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.

38. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

39. Enjoy the ride. Remember this is not Disney World and you certainly
don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most
of it and enjoy the ride.

40. Please share this to everyone you care about. I just did.

Ok, unless I miss it, I did not see "PRAY" on here...sooooo I will add it myself!!!

41. PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!!! ( I would consider this me#1)

Proverbs for 2009‏....

2008-12-31T08:49:00.000-08:00

This was sent to me by my wonderful mother-in-love! Thought it was a great way to start 2009....

1. Faith is the ability to not panic.

2. If you worry, you didn't pray. If you prayed, don't worry.

3. As a child of God, prayer is kinda like calling home every day.

4. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.

5. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knot.

6. Do the math. Count your blessings.

7. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.

8. Dear God: I have a problem. It's me.

9. Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.

10. Laugh every day - it's like inner jogging.

11. The most important things in your home are the people.

12. Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional.

13. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open. Come on in.

14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.

15. He who dies with the most toys is still dead.

16. We do not remember days but moments. Life moves too fast so enjoy your precious moments.

17. Nothing is real to you until you experience it; otherwise it's just hearsay.

18. It's all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again. Just be sure to flush when you are done.

19. Surviving and living your life successfully requires courage. The goals and dreams you're seeking require courage and risk-taking. Learn from the turtle, it only makes progress when it sticks out its neck.

20. Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are. No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting. Leave gentle fingerprints on the soul of another for the angels to read. I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I lived just the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well

Baby Andrew...

2008-12-30T21:03:00.000-08:00

Well, with all this blogging that I am doing today about babies, I of course had to do one for baby Andrew...her name has yet been determined...lol! This sweet little thing I do not have a picture of to post but she will make her debut in late April! Her mommy is one of my very best friends. I can not wait to meet her. I know that she is going to be just as beautiful as her mommy! I pray that this sweetheart enters this world with ease and grace:) She has been prayed for for a long time and is anxiously being waited for! I just love the thought of all these new babies! God is sooooo good and such a miracle worker! Jaclyn and Craig....I pray for you and this baby every chance I get! Please tell her how much her Aunt Burt loves her!!! I love you Ernie!!!

Baby Em...

2008-12-30T20:16:00.000-08:00

As I was going through a box of pictures today, I came across this picture of baby Emily Grace...

The picture took me to my knees. I sat there looking at this beautiful baby girl. So sweet and tiny! I thought back to when I held and kissed on her while her mommy was taking a shower and how she had the hiccups when Kendra was putting lotion on her! All these sweet memories make me miss her even more! It is hard to believe that this past August our baby Em would have been 6 years old...it is just so hard to imagine! Looking at this picture also made me pray for Emily's mommy and daddy. I pray that the Lord continues to bless them with sweet memories of Em and that they remember how much we all love them and her!

Speaking of pictures...Christmas, Kendra gave me some new photos of the boys. They are just too cute...I had to share them with you!!! These are Emily's brothers...Garrett-5 and Gavin- 2 1/2...too cute! I love them all!

Caroline Grace...

2008-12-30T09:54:00.000-08:00

In the busy rush of cleaning the house after Christmas and after our week long trip, I thought I would take a few moments and say a special prayer for Caroline Grace. Caroline is due to make her appearance March 5th, 2009! I can not wait to see Miss Caroline Grace! I pray that the Lord will continue to bless Caroline and her mommy throughout the rest of the pregnancy. I pray that this sweet baby will have a safe and easy birth! She is already abundantly loved by all her friends and family and of course her Double Digit Aunts! Baby Caroline...you are loved and prayed for everyday! I look forward to holding and loving on you...I love you...Aunt Brittany!

We're home....

2008-12-29T20:11:00.000-08:00

Wow! After a week of being in Vernon, we are finally home! I so enjoyed seeing friends and family and having that "extra" help with the kids, but I am also so excited about climbing into my own bed tonight!!!

Being home for the holidays makes me so greatful for my friends and family! Josh, the kids and I are so loved and that is just the most amazing feeling in the world! We are so blessed for each and everyone in our lives and seeing them makes me miss them even more!!!

This Christmas we were able to go spend a couple of days at the Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine! It is a lodge/indoor water park! It was sooooo amazing! Thank you Ritchey's for the wonderful memories!!! Swimming the day after Christmas is turely a treat;)!!!

As I reflect back over the holidays, I say a prayer for everyone that has touched my life in some way or another! I am so blessed for each and everyone of you! May God bless each of you just as you have blessed me and my family! I love you all!

Enjoy the slide show...

Happy 5th Birthday Jaydon!

2008-12-29T19:35:00.000-08:00

"Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart for my holy purpose..." Jeremiah 1:5

5 years ago today God showed me HIS love even more by making me a mommy for the first time! 5 years ago today, after a rough pregnancy and 4 1/2 weeks early, we welcomed Jaydon Chisholm into the world! He was the littlest thing that I had ever seen! He had the sweetest smile and the biggest eyes! I could not believe how much love I had for this one little thing! Jaydon has brought us so much joy over these past 5 years! He is smart, funny, sarcastic, loving, Godly, sweet, precious, athletic and most of all...healthy! As you read this, please say a prayer for Jaydon as he grows to be the young man that God has called him to be and please pray for me and Josh as we learn to raise this little boy just as God has called us to do! We love you precious Jaydon! Happy 5th Birthday!

Daddy, Mommy, and Kye love you to the moon and back!

Little Miracle...

2008-12-16T20:38:00.000-08:00

I love this baby....he is the answer to so many prayers!!!

Broden & Atley

2008-12-09T18:00:00.000-08:00

This has to be the two cutest babies in the world...

Our sleeping beauty...

2008-12-09T16:09:00.000-08:00

Well once again Kye has found an unusual way to sleep. We dress her for bed, clean her room, read our books, say our prayers, give our kisses and we leave her tucked into her bed nice and cozy with a clean room. When I go back to check on her this is what I see....

Laura and Scott's Wedding...

2008-12-07T20:03:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures from Laura's wedding this weekend!!! The wedding was breathtaking and truly amazing! I always knew that I was blessed but after this weeknd...wow! I am praising HIM for such a wonderful life! Laura and Jaclyn! Thank you for making this weekend truly amazing! So many laughs and tears were shared....thank you for the memories!!! I love you beautiful girls!!!

Twice the Love...

2008-12-02T21:46:00.000-08:00

On November 29th, 2008, my cousin and his wife, Shea, had two healthy, beautiful babies...Atley Clare and Broden Jay! Both babies weighed in at 4lbs and 9 oz. They are doing great...thank you for all the prayers! I can not wait to meet these two beautiful babies!!! Love you Jerod, Shea, Maguire, Broden and Atley!

Sweet Dreams...

2008-12-02T21:23:00.000-08:00

I can not sleep tonight! My kiddos are in Vernon with grandparents and it is killing me that I can not kiss and hug them tonight! I know that they are safe and warm but I still long to cuddle with them!!! Sweet Dreams my babies...may God wrap you in HIS arms and comfort you with sweet, lovable dreams!!! See you soon!

4 days until Laura and Scott's wedding...

2008-12-02T21:09:00.000-08:00

In four short days I will watch as one of my best friends walks down the aisle to marry the man of her dreams! Laura, Jaclyn and I have been friends since elementary school! We have been through so much together! They were there for me when I got married and when I had my two beautiful babies! Laura was there when JJ got married...I was in labor:). Now JJ is expecting a little princess and Laura is getting married.....so much to be thankful for! I am leaving tomorrow afternoon for Vernon! Thursday, JJ and I are taking LaLa to the spa for one last girls outing before the big day. I am so excited!!! I love you precious friends...see you soon!!!

Jake

2008-11-18T17:20:00.000-08:00

Oh how precious is the Lord....I love it when I am able to hold an answered prayer...and rock them to sleep!

Precious Baby Jake...

2008-11-12T20:38:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow morning I fly out to see baby Jake!!! I am so excited! He is the answer to so many wonderful prayers!!! I love you baby Jake and I can not wait ot meet you in a few hours....

the princess...in her brother's underwear

2008-07-29T18:56:00.000-07:00

Well I went to check on Kye in her room a few minutes ago and this was the sight that welcomed me...

She has on her brother's underwear, two different shoes and her sassy pink pimp hat! It was truly a sight! Thank you Lord for blessing me with such a fashionable daughter:)

Happy Birthday Laura...

2008-07-29T15:42:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is my sweet LaLa's birthday! Laura, since elementary school you have made my life a true joy. When I think of Laura, I think of racing to eat lunch at Taco Plaza in high school, trying to be the first one to get that "perfect" parking spot our junior year, walking seven miles every night (we were insane), crying over the death of a friend, crying over a breakup, watching "Broken Arrow" in your bedroom (or at least trying to watch it), being there for me in college when I needed you most, helping me get ready before I walked down the aisle, coming to see my babies when they were born, and I could go on and on but there will never be enough space for me to write down all my memories with you! Laura, as I go to sleep tonight, I will thank the Lord for my beautiful friend and thank Him for giving us another special day to celebrate your life! I love you LaLa!!!

you are beautiful...hugs and kisses

The Last Lecture...

2008-07-29T09:25:00.000-07:00

A very dear friend has been after me to read the book "The Last Lecture". It is a spiritual and uplifting book about a professor who has cancer and his students turn his last lecture into a book. I have picked up the book several times to read it but considering I have growths on my own liver, just as this professor did, there are times when it is hard for me to read the book. When I am able to read a chapter or two though, my soul is truely blessed! Tonight on ABC Primetime they are doing a special about the book! I hope that you will be able to watch the show and be inspired as I have. Thank you Blake for introducing me to this book:)

my two favorite men....

2008-07-28T11:22:00.000-07:00

I wanted to say Happy Birthday to the two greatest men in my life. My daddy and my papa. My dad's birthday was last week and my papa will be 75 tomorrow! These two men together have helped me become the person that I am. They have taught me many different things...how to fish, how to drive, how to sell cars, how to fight fires, how to be a disciple, how to love others unconditionally and mainly how to love my self! These two men mean the world to me and I thank God every chance I get for putting me into their lives!!!

Love you always,
your daughter and your grand-daughter

my papa...

my daddy...

Audrey Caroline...

2008-07-27T17:47:00.000-07:00

This is a blog that every mother needs to read. I have sat off and on today readng it and when I am not crying for this family, I am praying for them! Please take the time to read this...your life will be blessed!

http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/

Dear Lord, thank you for letting me run across the story of Audrey Caroline. I know that is was no accident that you had me read about her! I have been blessed by her story! I can not wait until I meet her in Heaven! Amen!

Little Laci...

2008-07-27T17:41:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking about you alot today Laci. I hope you know how much you have touched my life! You are a "Glory Baby" for sure...I put that song on my page just for you and Emily Grace! I love you girls!

Chiquitita...

2008-07-26T14:48:00.000-07:00

My two best friends from high school, Laura and Jaclyn, and I have been through so much together...k-college, marriage, births, deaths, tennis matches, taco plaza, and so on! They know my good qualities and of course my bad ones! It is safe to say that they are my "chiauitita"!!!

I love them more than anything and I thank God every day for putting these two beautiful friends in my life! We have been friends since McCord Elementary and after seeing the movie Mamma Mia, I am proud to say that I know our frinedship will go on for many more years and I am sure one day, when we come together for one of our own childrens weddings, we will do a performance like this one...lol! I love you beautiful ladies!!!

Woo Hoo!!!!!

2008-07-23T21:32:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know this is a little late to post....BUT my LaLa is getting married!!!!!!!! Yea!!!!! I am so excited for my dear friend!!!

LaLa, I love and miss you soooo very much and I am counting down the days until YOUR big day!!! I love you dear friend!!!

Garrett....

2008-07-23T21:18:00.000-07:00

A year ago tonight, I sat in a Longview hospital anxiously waiting for Garrett to arrive. I was told that he would be born on July 23rd, so I "quickly" made the 6 hour trip from Vernon to Longview. I just knew that he would be there when I arrived, but lucky for me, baby Garrett decided to wait for his Aunt B and made his great apperance on July 24th (very, very early in the morning)...

Watching Garrett grow and develop this past year has been an absolute blessing! Even though I am now 10 hours away from him and it is extremely hard to give kisses to those perky lips....I still think about him and pray for him every day! Happy Birthday G-Man!!! Your Aunt B loves you unconditionally and abundantly!

Pray for Jake...

2008-07-23T21:06:00.000-07:00

If you know me at all, you have heard me speak of the McBride family. In April of 2007, my sweet friends lost their baby after months of prayer, tears, and heartache.

Little Laci only lived 57 minutes, but her story will live on for ever! I will tell of Laci's story to anyone who will stop and listen. I love you Laci!

On a happier note...in October, the McBride's will welcome baby Jake to their family. As for now, Jake looks absoutely amazing, but I ask that you all as prayer warriors please continue to pray for Jake and his parents and that he will come into this world healthy and happy!

Dear Lord, please be with baby Jake and wrap him in your arms! We know that you are wih Jake and his parents every minute! We all look forward to holding him and welcoming him into this world! Amen!

the pillowcase dress...

2008-07-23T20:49:00.000-07:00

My grandfather Bristo's great grandmother made this pillowcase years ago. My friend Stacy graciously used her talents and made it into a dress for Kye! I was so afraid of her wearing it and getting it dirty, so what else could I do...get her portraits made in it. I thought it turned out extremely well...Kye's great-great-great grandmother would be so pleased!

It's Friday Night Lights time.....

2008-07-23T20:33:00.000-07:00

It is football season again and if you are needing me for any reason in the fall...here is where you can find me and my family:)

Varsity Football Schedule
2008-2009

Aug 29
Amarillo High Away
8:00

Sept. 5 Plainview Home 7:30

Sept. 12 Perryton(Homecoming) Home 7:30
Sept. 19 Frenship Away 7:30
Sept. 26 Hereford Away 7:30
Oct. 3 Open

Oct. 10 Pampa Away 7:30
Oct. 16 Palo Duro Home 7:30
Oct. 24 Caprock Home 7:30
Oct. 31 Canyon Home 7:30
Nov. 7 Dumas(Senior Night) Home 7:30

"sit down...for me"

2008-03-26T19:10:00.001-07:00

Tonight I tried many ways of putting Kye to bed in her new big girl bed. She loves the new bed, the problem is that as soon as I lay her down, read her a book, sing her a song and pray with her...she is already at the door before I can get up off the floor and leave...(big sigh)!!! After about 3 hours of this show, I finally got firm, laid her down and ran...as I went to close the door she said, "just sit down for me" not with me but for me! Her tiny little words touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes...yes...I had all the time in the world to sit down for my baby girl. At that moment bills did not matter, TAKS scores did not matter, the laundry did not matter...Kye mattered!

Thank you Lord for the small things...especially the ones that weigh 25 pounds, with dark brown eyes, dark hair, and a smile that will melt your heart! AMEN!

tired...

2008-03-25T21:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Lord, thank you for another wonderful day! The weather was wonderful, the people I delt with today were sweet and my husband took out the trash...such a blessed day! Lord, please be with Laura's MiMi! Wrap her in your arms and please comfort her with a secure feeling of good health and an abundance of love!!! Everyone is so worried about her but we know that she is in your hands and we trust that! Thank you again for all the wonderful things that you have blessed me with today and EVERY day! AMEN!

When?

2008-03-24T19:10:00.000-07:00

When did I last look like this? I remember this body...thin, tanned, in shape (my butt ran/walked 7 miles everyday...remember that Laura and JJ;D) Now I feel like I do good to get out of bed in the mornings...needless to say run 7 miles. I dont overeat, infact, I have to remind myself to stop and eat. Tanned? I have no idea what that is anymore. I miss this body...where did it go? What in the world happened to it...

Well, what exactly happened to my body...their names are Jaydon and Kye...

If I had to give up my body for these two beautiful healthy children, then I am perfectly fine not being the skinnest mom in the world. I dont mind that the majority of my exercising is trying to get up off the floor after the kids have tackled me down. I am blessed to be alive and to have this life...even if I am not that 'hot sexy momma'...lol!

Dear Lord, thank you so much for my two precious babies! They mean the world and more to me! I thank you for giving me a healthy and happy life Lord...and if you would like to have mercy on my body and help it find its shape again...I would be so greatful! AMEN!

See what the Easter Bunny left for Kye...

2008-03-24T15:40:00.000-07:00

As we were hunting easter eggs on Saturday in Vernon, my Uncle Bill brings down his dog, Jaxon. Kye just knew that this is what the easter bunny has left for her. She pulled Jaxon all around the front yard on his leash. Jaxon was such a good sport!

Thank you Lord for the adventures we had with Jaxon...but mainly thank you for letting him go back to his own home and not to ours...lol! AMEN!!!

2008-03-24T04:37:00.000-07:00

"It's quiet. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. In a few moments the day will arrive. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day's demands. It is now that I must make a choice. Because of Calvary, I am free to choose. And so I choose...Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek His grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest." - Max Lucado

2008-03-24T04:30:00.000-07:00

Kye slept in her big girl bed last night! It only took about an hour of rocking, singing and putting her back in the bed until she realized that is where she would be sleeping from now on. She really seemed to like it...will see how she does again tonight!

Thank you God for a peaceful night of sleep in our big girl bed!

2008-03-23T21:00:00.000-07:00

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7

Thank you Lord for letting my family have a safe trip to and from Vernon! We are so blessed to have the friends and family that we have! You truly are an amazing God...thank you for dying for ME! May the song of hope sing in my heart tomorrow! AMEN!

my girls weekend get-a-way...

2008-03-23T20:29:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, I was blessed to be able to visit East Texas...Hallsville to be specific. Mel, Kim and Lins flew me out for a girls weekend! We had so much fun! It has been a long time since I have laughed and cried that hard! We ate, shopped, visited some old friends, made some trouble, talked about old memories and made tons of new memories! Above is a picture of Kim's backyard...what a Heavenly sight! I can not wait until I get to visit again. I love you girls!!!

Hello!

2008-03-23T20:17:00.000-07:00

Well, I thought I would try out the world of the "blog"! I am addicted to myspace but many of my friends and family do not have myspace accounts so hopefully this will be helpful to them so that they can stay in touch with us too!