Standing TALL

World Series Champs!

2011-08-14T21:30:00.000-07:00

Brock made All-Stars for the third year in a row. But this year was so exciting in the fact that we knew the majority of the kids that we're going to be on the team and Brock was good friends with all of them. So, here we go! Time for more baseball, but I LOVE IT!!! I loved all these boys and their families! We instantly all bonded and got along great! We had the best time getting to know one another and spoiling these boys rotten! We were family. A Baseball Family!

Some of these boys played on the Rage, some of them were together on the Blue Jays and One was on a team all on his own, but they instantly came together and played as one.

Some of the sisters, matching, not on purpose!

Here they are folks.

Your very own Bossier Americans.

Are you READY??

Best Buds for 6 years now!

Both Bossier teams.

DISTRICT CHAMPS!!!

We won District by beating the other Bossier team (Which had the other half of our Rage Team on it) 4-5. It was bittersweet. So happy to win, but my heart hurt to see the Rage boys on the Nationals team hurting.

Now we're headed to state in Natchitouches, LA

Emily, Khaki and Emmi

Brock and Cade congratulating each other!

Come on guys, if we win this one game, we qualify to go to World Series!

Brockstar!

YESSSSS!!! We're headed to World Series, but first, lets take care of State!

Sister is just about done with baseball for the weekend!

thats it! First District, now State CHAMPS!

Shreveport Americans didnt stand a chance against us, we won 12-0.

After the game, sweet sister ran into a bat that was being swung by a little brother. It wasnt a good ending to our day but it all turned out just fine. She still likes to milk it though, crazy how just a bruise can still hurt weeks later and no traces of it are visible!

So, with District and State under our belt, we are headed to Cleveland MS to take Worlds!

At 1am the night before we left I decorated my car.

Tree-shaka....from Swamp People.

Cade Scott and Brock at Opening ceremony

Jack Jack rode to Cleveland with us!

Our team banner with all our sponsors on it!

Whoop Whoop!

Grandpa to many! Cameron just walked up to him and asked if he could sit in his lap! LOL!

I came into our room to find this:

Witten thinking is the mac daddy... Sweetest girls ever, I did find two more girls (Khaki and Emmi) in the bathroom!

The boys doing their team cheer!

Sweet siblings, they bonded in their own way!

WE WON!!! It was a very long weekend but in the end we pulled it off!

Chris congratulating his son!

Bossier Americans

2011 District, State, and World Series Champs!

Proud Grandpa!

Their other proud Paw

The unstoppable duo, 1st baseman and 3rd baseman.

Watching these two play together is amazing. They really know what the other one is thinking. They work great together and depend and trust each other whole heartedly!

And then theres these two.....

And these two!

Congratulations Brock, I'm so proud of you!

Brock told me at the beginning of this all-star season, he wanted to do what his cousin, Turner Toms had done a few years ago. Turner's team won District, State and then World Series. and thats exactly what Brock and his team did!

Giving all the glory to GOD!

Witten says the darkest things

2011-08-13T14:31:00.001-07:00

Every time we leave the house I always have to allow an extra 10-12 minutes for me to fin Wittens shoes. Most of the time they are under the trampoline or in the gameroom under a pile of toys. But it still takes me looking for them for a while before we can leave the house. And, I always start telling him to find his shoes about 30 mins before we're ready to leave.
So yesterday we were leaving the house and I started with my usual.
"Witten get your shoes on."
Witten: ok mom.
As usual it's time to go and of course no shoes, so i say it again.
"Witten PLEASE find your shoes!"
Usually Witten says something along the lines of I can't find them, or I don't really need shoes or they're in the car or something to just pacify me. But not yesterday.
Witten: Momma I yooked ebey-where and I just can't find them.
Me: (a little shocked by his
Different response) ok babe well where did you look?
Witten: well I yooked in da fridge and they're not in there so I have no idea where else I woulda put them.

I just couldn't hold it in, I feel out laughing bc I know he's completely serious. He is ALWAYS in da fridge, so of course that's where he looked first!

That's my boy!

This Myrtle meets Fertile Myrtle!

2011-08-11T21:45:00.000-07:00

Chris' grandparents had the BEST idea this year at Christmas time. This year instead of exchanging gifts, we all just met at the beach in June. WHAAAATTT???? Best Idea EVER!!!!

So, Chris, the kids and I all flew to the Myrtle Beach. It was so much fun. Chris and I also realized how big our kids were...traveling with them is.....ehhhhhhhh im fixing to say it...... E. A. S. Y.

Yup, I said it, it was maybe not easy, but definitely want to pull my eyelashes out one by one with an ice pic and a fork...yeah..it used to be bad. But this time they were really good.

So we get to the beach and We are STOKED to be there. We are so excited to see all his family that we all love and adore but rarely get to see. It was EXACTLY what we needed to start our summer off right.

So I kinda figure Witten may not be as into sports as his brother, but he may have found his "thing" I can totally see him as a surfer boy. Only thing is, theres no beach close to mama. We can fix that though. He refused to get out of the water. I was so proud of him.

Uncle Chris and Pay Pay!

Sweet Jack! He is heaven on earth!

Every night the boys (& Emmi) would gather at the ledge and watch the mass of golf cars driving around in circles.

My trio at 5 am, waiting to board the plane headed out! They were stoked. Of course Emmi had her "Bankey" in hand.

Poor Aunt Lauren, her anxiety level was the upmost high after this trip. Emmi loves babies and I mean LOOOOVVVEEESS Them. Loves to smothers them. These two are gonna love each other.

Us in the rental car waiting on Daddy checking into our resort

Ocean Lakes, praying you survive the Van Hoys week

Thanks Granny and Gramps for such a fun week. A week to remember for sure!

The third bird always gets the last of the worm

2011-08-10T22:08:00.000-07:00

My sweet baby girl. The one that gets most of my time and attention, but only because she DEMANDS it. Shes the only one that can sense when I've walked out of the room and cares...

She's the only one that will still come cuddle in the bed with me.

She's the only one that prefers me to Chris.....unless he has food.

She's my mini-me and I LOVE IT!

But poor child just gets shuffled from ball-field to ball-field but does it with style and grace...ok not so much on the grace part but she does have a canning ability to work the crowd to her favor. So this post is dedicated to my Prissy, no baseball, no brothers, just her!

I promise, I did not coach her to pose like this. PROMISE!

This is what I woke up to the other morning. This is what Walt Disney meant when he created Sleeping Beauty!

I love you my angel! I cherish our time together every night when we sing Amazing Grace.

I pray the day never comes when you stop calling Popsicles - "Pocka-Pickles"

I adore your fun spirit and your adventurous outlook on life, you're always the life of the party.

I love how you work over your Daddy....and you know it.. Work him sister!

Lastly, I love you how you love me. Its just different, I pray you always look at me with your big blue eyes and tell me you love me.

I thank GOD for you and your brothers daily.

Witten plays ball too ya know.....

2011-08-10T21:49:00.000-07:00

for the past 8 years, Brocks sports have been a huge focal point in our life. But this year, we had the tough job of balancing both boys playing baseball. So Witten played t-ball with the Red Sox, Brock was playing Machine Pitch for Rage Dixie ball and Tourney ball....Whew, no wonder Im tired!

Witten was awesome, he wasnt quite into it as his brother but he definitely left his mark on the team...
He was the comic relief. as usual. Im so proud of my baby, I will ALWAYS be his biggest cheerleader!

He loved being able to get dirty and not get fussed at for it!

Best Bud Colton

Colton, Andrew, and Witten

My favorite pic ever!

Ok maybe this one ties for fav pic ever!

Im so proud of you Witten Macabe. You are perfectly and Wonderfully made!

Take me out to the ballgame....AGAIN & AGAIN & AGAIN.....

2011-08-10T21:22:00.000-07:00

Well, The Rage Team finished 2nd.....IN THE NATION!!!

YEAH! You just read that RIGHT!

Second best team in the NATION!!!! BOOOO YAAHHH!!!!

Rage was the best time of our family lives. Not just for Brock, but we ALL had fun. The parents were great. We all bonded together in the heat. Witten and Emmi had so much fun making friends with all the other siblings. Heres some pics from the last few weeks of Rage Ball!

After we played in Natchitouches

Our Team Banner

Sisters

In Little Rock, AR. Our last weekend for Rage Baseball

Mimi ordered cookies for all the boys!d

Emmi & Landry

Dear Baby Jesus!

Future Ball-players

CV catching up on some zzz

All the dads checking out our comp

Boo YAH! This win makes us finish second in the nation!

Coaches

Rage baseball was the best season. It was a group of boys handpicked by a few dads, they never practiced together, but when they stepped on the field they become ONE!!

He is Risen Indeed!

2011-04-25T21:30:00.001-07:00

I love Easter. Always have. I love the pastels that appear this time of year. Baby animals everywhere. People just seem happier this time of year, don't ya think?
I was thinking about Easter and how wonderful it truly is for us Christians. I am so grateful that Jesus defeated death. It is my ticket to heaven. It's the hope I look for in hard times. It is the guarantee that someday I will see my Pop again.
This is our first Easter without him. It will be so odd for him to not be there. We usually always go to Palmetto for lunch after church, but we always had to eat downstairs because Pop can't walk up the stairs. I giggle as I think of how Pop used to complain that Palmetto wouldn't install an elevator just for him.
Oh Pop, I miss you so much. I know you're having such a great time up there. I bet Easter was awesome! Oooohhhhh how I cant wait to hear the worship that goes on in heaven.
Thank you Jesus for suffering on the cross but more than that, for rising from the grave. You Are ALIVE!
Happy Easter everyone!

What's up Lately.....

2011-04-13T20:41:00.000-07:00

What have I been up to lately?? Well, its Spring and it's what always takes up my time.

BASEBALL!!!

This year its the Bossier Rage!

I H.E.A.R.T #14

Brock is on two teams, one a tourney team that plays almost every weekend. And a regular season team. Both named Bossier Rage. It is just so much fun! I may complain about it taking up so much time, but I cant lie, I love it so much. This year, its double the work because Witten is playing his first year of T-Ball. His first game is tomorrow night and I cannot WAIT!

Pics to come for sure!

This is IT! I promise!

2011-04-11T20:51:00.000-07:00

A few more from our last night at Magic Kingdom and the morning we left!

Someone was NOT ready to go home!

Grandpa was trying to cheer him up! But it was not working, but honestly, I felt the exact same way!

Camped out at the airport waiting for our plane to arrive! We take up a lot of room everywhere we go!

Day 5~ Pt. 2 Party with a Princess!

2011-04-11T20:31:00.000-07:00

Our last night there, we had reservations at Park Fare in the Grand Floridian. This dinner was our favorite the last time we came. It is a character dinner with Cinderella, Prince Charming, the Evil Stepmother and the two Step-Sisters. The food is wonderful but the characters are what make it so fun! The step-mother and sisters are a riot! This year was just as great! I had high hopes of Emmi at least taking a picture with Cinderella but I was wrong. She hid from her too!

I ordered this outfit, specifically with this dinner in mind!

The Evil Stepmother

Funniest sister!

Here she is!!

After dinner, we were ending the day and our trip with a night at Magic Kingdom. We had a parade to see and fireworks! Plus it was a Extra Magic Hours so the park was staying open late.

Mimi is really loving her new phone! She was worse than a teenager on it!

So, Emmi was a camera hog this entire evening!

She kept saying "Momma take my picture, again!"

While waiting on the parade to come, we staked out our spot and Emmi took upon herself to have a photo shoot!

The Bubbas were bored out of their minds

The crew camped out!

More pictures momma!

Stay tuned! More to come!

DAY 5~ Pt. 1 Hollywood Studios

2011-04-10T21:50:00.000-07:00

On this day, I had planned for us to go to Hollywood Studios in the morning and then hit Magic Kingdom one more time before we leave! We also have two Character meals scheduled for the day. We're eating breakfast at Hollywood and Vine with the Playhouse Disney characters, which include Diego, Leo and June from Little Einsteins and Special Agent Oso. Witten and Emmi were stoked!!! And the food was really good too!!!

But first, we ran into Minnie Mouse!

Agent Oso

June from Little Einsteins

Handy Manny

Leo from Little Einsteins

After Breakfast, we had Fast Passes to the Toy Story ride, it was so worth all the hype!

We ran into Disney Channel Dance Party and Brock got up and danced with the crew!

So proud!!

Again with Witten being so silly, after we got done riding a ride, we were, again, all standing around trying to decide where we wanted to go next and I get that feeling that one of my little ducklings have wondered.... so I start looking around for which one is missing, I notice it's Witten,, of course!

I found him!

I swear I just love this kid!

Disney Randomness

2011-04-10T21:19:00.000-07:00

I honestly cannot remember when we took these pics but I just love all of them!

All of these are of us on the people mover!

This is Witten in line for the Buzz Lightyear Ride!

I always say that Witten is my funniest kid. He is so funny but never means to be, and when you laugh at him, he gets his feelings hurt. This picture is just a prime example of what I'm talking about. We were standing on a corner of two "streets" in Hollywood Studios trying to decide where we wanted to go next, and Witten announces "I'm done." And just walks to the center of the intersection and just parks it! Sits down, right in the smack dab center of the intersection, never even worrying about the mass amount of people that were now walking around him. It was then, Chris looked at me and said, "stay there I'm going to rent him a stroller."

Disney Day 3!

2011-04-10T20:58:00.000-07:00

On our third day, we woke ready to eat! we had reservations at O'hanas for breakfast! We love to eat at this place, but we have never had it for breakfast. It was recommended to me by a friend and I am so glad that we did it. The breakfast had characters there, Mickey, Pluto, Lilo and Stitch. I dont think that my kids even know who Lilo and Stitch are but they did not care at all! One of the best things about this breakfast, was that it was right there at our hotel!

Here's part of the crew, waiting to be seated!

Blessing our breakfast! The food was to die for, I mean just look it, family style eggs and bacon, sausage, biscuits, Mickey Waffles! OH!! the Mickey Waffle, how amazing you ARE!

The boys and Stitch

Emmi had to stay close to daddy!

The boys and Lilo

Us and Pluto

Ok, so now some of the photos are out of order and I cant figure out to fix it, so just bare through it!

On our agenda for the day: UNIVERSAL STUDIOS!

We didnt have tickets to this park yet, and boy, am I glad I waited to purchase them. Daddy bought us these special tickets that let us go straight to the line of rides! It was amazing because the park was really packed. Universal Studios just opened the Harry Potter attraction, so people were coming out of the wood works to see it.

I was so excited for this day mainly because Witten is obsessed with super heroes and this place celebrates super heroes the best!!

Witten got to meet Spiderman, we also rode the 3D Spiderman ride and he loved it. It truly is an incredible ride. I was so proud that he rode and enjoyed it!

Here are just some fun photos

This green giant is called The Hulk. Its probably the most intense roller coaster I've ever been on in my life. It is ridiculously fast and lots of curves and drops. Chris and I begged Brock to ride it all day before we got there, and when he finally set his eyes on it, I think he got a little intimidated. After us begging and begging he finally said "Ok Mom, let's get it over with" So there we went with our extra special passes right up to the front of the line (BOO YAHHH)

It was AWESOME!! Riding it with my two big boys, Chris and Brock!

Brock loved it and rode 5 times total before the day was over!

More Fun Pics!

Brock AKA The Hulk

Witten AKA Your Friendly Neighborhood Spiderman

Here we go, back to bfast pics! Heres the boys with Stitch

our hotel room has a conjoining door to Mimi and Grandpas room. Our kids thought this was the best part of our hotel! The easiest access they've ever had to Mimi and Grandpa! After we got back to our room for the day, they all walked into our door and headed straight to the door to Mimis room.

BOOF! Sorry Mimi!

Emmi AKA Wanna be!!!

Peace Out Hommies!

Disney Day 2!!

2011-04-08T13:30:00.001-07:00

On day 2, we woke up and couldn't get to Magic Kingdom fast enough! I had an outfit made for Emmi to wear, it was the same outfit that she wore a few years ago when we went but I just loved it so much, I had the girl make her another one. We got up that morning, got breakfast at Captain Kook's. Emmi was so excited to get her a Mickey waffle

After breakfast we walked out to catch the monorail, which I saw the perfect opportunity for a mini photo shoot.

Magic Kingdom is truly the most magical, happiest place on earth. I cry eveytime we walk down it. As soon as we entered the gates, we stood in line for 30 mins for this pic

Oh the things we do for our kids!!! Can I get a witness?

We rode all the classic rides there. We headed straight to Pirates of the Caribbean, guess who we found there.
*I'm not real sure where Witten was for this photo op.

Emmi acted so shy around all the characters, she always clung to her big brother for protection. Which i loved and appreciated how good he was with her to sit there and talk to Ariel just so his momma could get a pic of Emmi with her.

After the "pie-wit ship wide" as Witten called it, we headed over to Big Thunder Mountain, Brock and Grandpas FAVORITE RIDE!!
We had fast passes for it so we didn't have to stand in line to long. Witten was bound and determined to ride it too, so off we went. Brock, Grandpa, Witten and myself for a train ride, we'll never forget. I was petrified to ride this with Witt, I was so afraid that he would scream hysterically to get off. After all, it is extremely fast, lots of drops and sharp turns. On the contrary, he had a blast. He did scream through it all, but with joy! I knew after that ride, it was on!! There would be no stopping him.

We watched two parades while we were there. Chris told me at one point during the trip that he hopes he always remembers the way our kids faces light up when they see their favorite characters. So I promised him I would do my best to capture the moment! I always tear up when Emmi sees Cinderella.

Brock had a big moment on this trip. He rode space mountain for the first time! I was so proud of him! He was a little nervous but ultimately loved it!

And of course we rode the teacups. Emmi still talks about this ride, she calls it the "coffee cup wide"

Someday my dream will come true! I will get to be Cinderella in a parade. Well.....maybe I'll have to settle for being the Fairy Grandmother! Ha!

Peace Out Hommies

Disney 2011: day 1

2011-04-01T14:16:00.001-07:00

In February we went to Disney world! We decided in December that we were going so I didn't have too long to make arrangements but I did my best. I knew that I wanted to surprise my kids with the news the morning that we were leaving for two reasons 1) that commercial where the parents tell the kids on Christmas day makes me cry every time 2) how hard is it for kids to have to wait to go on vacation? I thought it would be so great to tell them we are taking them there plus we are leaving NOW!!!!
Chris and i woke them up at 4 am and told them. I had a box with goodies in it for the trip. I had ordered them autograph books and pens, disposable cameras, candy, colors and coloring books, etc. I also had shirts made for them to wear.

We get to the airport and guess who's there.......

I love how little she looks standing next to him!

These were the shirts I had made! I will say that the two weeks before we left, the flu, strep throat, the stomach bug and mono hit our house which gave me lots of extra time to order things for the trip!

We made it! I couldn't believe we were finally here! We stayed At the Polynesian Resort, which I was soooo excited about. I was thrilled about having the monorail right there at my fingertips and I have to say, it was totally worth spending the extra money! It was just heavenly! The boys played In the arcade, swam in the pool, and the rooms were blissful! I'll never stay anywhere else when we go back! As soon a we got off the plane we headed for the Polynesian, unloaded our stuff and headed to Epcot! Emmi and CV stayed and took naps, E was still not feeling 100%.
At Epcot, the boys got to meet some characters, we rode soaring over and over, rode the Nemo rIde, watched Captain EO with Michael Jackson and rode the test track. Witten especially loved riding that one, but that was no surprise to me!

That night we watched the world showcase fireworks show and it was amazing! Too bad Witten fell asleep in my lap before it even got started! We headed back to the hotel for a good nights rest! That was the longest day for all of us!

I'm baaaaccckkkkk!

2011-03-29T20:55:00.001-07:00

Ok so I have completely slacked on my blogging lately! My brain is just overloaded by life all the time, but I really want to do better so here goes! Here's what you missed....
My children are growing at a rapid pace. No really, I can hardly believe how big they are and how little they are needing me now!
Brock keeps straight A's and is loving hunting behind our house with his buddies from the neighborhood. He is almost as tall as me, no joke!
Witten is rocking his preschool and has begun t-ball practice! He Is huge! Built completely different from his brother! Think along the lines of the Hulk!
Emerson is an ever-going, non stop, continuous chatterbox! She can talk any southern woman under the table. But she is precious, she is beautiful, she is a hand-full.
Chris is my dream! He is amazing! I cant believe we've been married 8 years! The cliche is so true, I truly love him so much more than I did the day I married him. I adore him and hate not being with him all the time, but look forward to him walking through the door.
My life is wonderful, it's blessed, it's busy! But its fun!

God, I hope to please you in all I do. Thank you for all your blessings!

Snow Day 2011

2011-02-06T20:17:00.000-08:00

Our backyard looked heavenly all covered in white!

Theres a whole lot of pink!

My prissy girl!

Emmi, I adore how you only want to be with me.

Your brothers are always on the road. But not you, you just wanna be with me.

And that makes me happy, cuz I feel the same way about you.

Our house, 1st snow.

She looks so tiny!

Chris decided to school the boys on snowballs!

They were waiting patiently for him to 'school' them with one hit!

AHHHHH!!!

Meanwhile, Witten is making snow angels!

Perfect!!!

Jesus, thanks for the snow. It was heavenly!

Peace Out Hommies!

Just a Few pics from my weekend!

2011-01-22T20:57:00.000-08:00

I've had a great, laid back weekends. One of those do nothing but just hang out and relax kind of weekends! Here's a few pics from my weekend, and yes most are of Emmi, but its b/c she's the only one that cannot be in a different room than me!

I recently heard a friend refer to this doll as "has some miles on her." Well she does, Emmi takes her everywhere she goes. And apparently she is concerned for her safety!

Friday morning, before work, I hung up these in Em's room. She adores them, calls them her "fya-flies"

While I was working Friday, Em went to Target with Mimi. Momma sent me this pic and it said "Isnt getting her way." I laughed all day at this photo!

I just bought this basket, it's for holding blankets in the living room, but I guess another baby doll will do for now!

Tonight, I cooked for my sister and Grandmother, after supper, CV showed off his "baby"

His 3D TV, I loved seeing Mom Toms wearing these glasses!!

That's All!
Peace Out Hommies!

Our Loss is Pop's Gain

2010-12-30T22:16:00.000-08:00

Ok, I admit I am a terrible Blogger! I havent blogged since Thanksgiving. I know......... terrible!

And to be honest, I have sat here for several days trying to type this entry and I just cant find the words..... but I really want to do my Pop justice so I have to at least try.

So here goes......

It's Tuesday, December 14 6:30 a.m. and my house phone rings, from the info on the caller ID I immediately knew something was wrong. My heart sank, seeing how all three of my boys were out of town, I panicked that something was wrong with one of them.

It was my momma, she was calling to tell me that Pop, who had been in the hospital since Sunday, was doing really bad. The doctors wanted family to be close. I got up, fixed a cup of coffee, sat in my chair, and just prayed! I prayed for my Pop and Mom Toms and for my Daddy who had been there all night.

An hour later, my phone rang again, it was momma, telling me that I needed to do whatever I could to hurry to the hospital.

And from there, the rest of the morning was chaos.

For the next three days, myself, my Daddy, my sister and brother, my momma and sister in law sat by Pops side in the ICU room. We took shifts, going in to see Pop, together we had to make some very tough decisions. Decisions that people should not be required to make of a loved one.

Thursday morning I decided to go into work to relieve Momma, but by 10:30 momma called me saying I needed to come up to the hospital. When I walked into the ICU room, Mom Toms was laying in a recliner with a wash cloth on her forehead. Pop was awake, surrounded by all his favorite people.

Mom Toms' Blood Pressure was out of control high, she almost fainted, she was now being admitted into the hospital. I walked over to see Pop, he was clearly in pain and letting us all know that he was unhappy of his current situation.

This next part is especially tough for me, mainly because it's the one part of the whole week that I will carry with me for the rest of my Life.

I walked over to Pop, got right in face, looked straight in his eyes, that seemed almost clear, and said

"HEY POP!!! IT'S ME TRAY! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?"

Pop: looked at me and grinned, just with his eyes, but I know he was grinning at me

ME: "Do you know how much I love you?"

Pop: Still grinning with his eyes, shook his head yes! then let out a groan...

ME: "Pop, are you trying to tell me you love me too?"

Pop: Got still and shook his head yes!

Me: "Pop, I know you love me, we all do! We all love you so much! Can you hear what I'm saying to you? Can you see me?"

Pop: shook his head yes and then he went to sleep.

Everyone said that was the most responsive he had been to everyone all day! That made me feel very special! Later that day Pop responded to David too. I stayed the rest of the day and late into the night, to return early the next morning. I stayed there all day Friday and thru the night. My sister and I took shifts with Pop and Mom til about 10 pm and then I went down to Mom's room and slept thru the night. Early that morning I went upstairs to check on Pop and my sis. Pop was as stable as he was the night before. I went home that afternoon, to bathe and change my clothes. My sister called and said to hurry back. By 3:00 that afternoon, we were gathered around Pop, saying our final goodbye.

Pop is whole, he does not hurt, his legs are young and healthy, he is with Jesus. Amen!

I made peace with Pop leaving us one night while sitting there with him, I was on my knees praying. Praying for Jesus to come for Pop. Praying for Jesus to reveal his grace and mercy over Pop and relieve all the pain he was in. As hard as it was for me to see Pop laying there covered in equipment, I feel blessed to be holding his hand as he entered the gates of heaven.

My Pop......... ever so proud of his name, of his family, and to be a Christian!

This was three years ago at Thanksgiving.

This summer Mom toms and Pop traveled to Minden to watch Brock play baseball.

I remember being so proud and happy that Pop made the game!

Every year we take a family photo at christmas. Mom and Pop made sure that every year we did this, we all moaned and groaned about it every year, but the end result, we all loved. Not this year, this year we couldn't wait to take it, for Pop. He would have loved being right in the smack dab center of everybody!

I love you Pop! I wish I could see you one more time, to tell you something, but that something will just have to wait, because one day, my time will come and when I leave this world, I know you will be the first one waiting for me, in a golf cart with a sack of corn on the back, you'll say to me "get in Tray, we've got some ducks to feed, but first there's someone I want you to meet." And you'll drive me straight to meet Jesus!! I can't wait Pop til then....

Peace Out Hommies!

Tray

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all!

2010-12-06T21:35:00.000-08:00

Thursday morning I woke up to momma and my kids watching cartoons and eating junk food! No wonder they love her so much!! I couldn't wait to watch the Macys Day Parade with my kids, but they weren't quite old enough to really enjoy it yet, it lasted about 8.5 minutes. So I put them to work.

PS- CV and B were at the hunting camp, promising to be home by 1.

Helping me stir my Sweet Potatoes

I heart that wing tip

There was just as much food in her mouth as was in the bowl!

Our 1st Thanksgiving in our home!

The next morning, I got up and hit Black Friday at 4 a.m. I went shopping with two friends. We had such a blast. The crowds werent terrible, in fact I didnt wait in line anywhere. We ended the morning at Strawns, all three of us ordered "The Big WOman Breakfast!"

Meanwhile, CV was at home getting all three munchkins dressed and ready to go to Dallas, they picked me up in town and we hit the road!

We had a very special person to meet.

Peyton Elizabeth Van Hoy

This image will always make my heart skip a beat!

I heart this big ole boy, especially when he's holding a little person!

This may have been my favorite moment of the weekend, only my kids could convince their Nana to let them blow candles and sing happy birthday to them, even when it someone else's birthday! Thanks Uncle Bubba for letting them taking the glory!!

And then it got real quiet and it was because this little one had snuck into the kitchen for a snack!!

The next morning Nana always gets the kids to decorate her tree. I am always in awe of how she lets them put them wherever they want. I know she goes back and does a better job, but still she's the model of patience!

The finished product! Good job Team!

So thankful for so much!! JESUS! CHRIS! B,W,& E! My momma, Daddy! My in-laws! My Church! My Friends!

Peace Out Hommies!

Day 24

2010-11-24T22:09:00.000-08:00

Ok so maybe my goal was a little unrealistic... I mean seriously,,, me blog everyday! yeah right!
I have been so busy that I havent had time to get on here and type! The house takes alot more time than our old one did! But its getting there!

Ok so today I'm thankful for my momma. After work today, CV left and went to join my dad and Brock at the hunting camp. So momma came over and we hit the town. We shopped til we literally dropped. We closed the malls down at 9 tonight and closed down Target at 10. AND....we had the two babies with us. But when you fill two children full of sugar from doughnuts, they dont mind being out that late. Who cares if at 11 pm they were still awake..
Anywho! I just had fun with my momma, my best friend. She is spending the night tonight which made my kids so stinking happy. I had put the kids to bed, went and got in the shower, came out to find them all back up and watching tv in the living room... I guess thats what happens when Mimi spends the night!! Oh well....cant wait for the Thanksgiving Day Parade and turkey! Our first Thanksgiving in our new house!!!

Peace Out Hommies!

DAY 20

2010-11-20T21:54:00.000-08:00

Saturday November 20.
Today I'm thankful for what I found on Facebook tonight. Two years ago, I wrote this "note" on FB, everyone was doing so what the heck.... I might as well too! I re-read it tonight and laughed at how in 2 years some things were the same but some were different!
Just wanted to share!

1. I hate being 6 ft tall, prefer 5'13'
2. My favorite time of day is early morning when all are asleep and Im drinking my first cup of coffee.
*Not now, no one beats Emerson Lee up in the morning!
3. I dont remember life before text messaging.
4. I have a 6yr son who is me through and through, except his face, thats CV! *Brock is now 8! WOW 8!!!
5. I dont like when people say: "I'm the type of person who..." just show me, dont tell me.
6. I cherish the way Chris and I always look at one another when something makes us laugh.
7. I miss dancing every single day of my life. *Not now, I'm back to dancing!!
8. I have a two yr who is Chris in every way except his face, thats me! *Witten is now 4!
9. I only drink OJ in wine goblets, it just tastes better. *I dont even own wine goblets now!
10. My husband bought me an original nintendo a few yrs ago.
11. I have a brother and a sister but grew up an only child.
12. I have been watching the Young and the Restless everyday for 6 years. I dont even like it anymore but.....everyday I still watch it.
13. I was born with a bad kidney.
14. I love my job! *Even though its a different one, I still love it!
15. I love romance, I'll take it any where I can get it. Movies, shows, vampire books...whatever! *I'm over Twilight!
16. I cant stand high heels. They make me fall.
17. I am that girl at the redlight that sings to herself in the rearview mirror like a rockstar on stage in central park with 1,000,000,000 fans screaming my name, with bright lights and backup dancers, Sequins outfits, a gold microphone, blue eyeshadow, curly hair, a gigantic tour bus, and Steven Tyler Perry playing the guitar.
18. I love The Bachelor and refuse to believe that at the reunion show they are not already broken up!
19. I have a beautiful daughter that has more clothes than chris and I together.
20. I care what people think.
21. I pray for almost a solid hour in the mornings.
22. I will always remember how I felt the first time I kissed Chris Van Hoy, the boy with the scar.
23. My favorite verse is 1Thess. 5:16-18.
24. I have the most wonderful friends now than I have ever had in my life.
25. I am in awe of the way the Lord has given me so much. *This has never been more true in my life! God is ever so present.

Peace Out Hommies!

DAY 19~ Stupid Hawaiian shirt

2010-11-19T21:17:00.000-08:00

Friday November 19th, I am once again thankful for my Lord and Savior! and for my hubby! My Biff!

God amazes me daily! Sometimes in just small ways and sometimes in huge ways, today was a huge way! Without sharing too much He just reminded me that even when we think we are in control, we are not. And I'm so thankful to not be in control!! I'm blessed to have Him running things, I should've learned by now that all I have to do is just sit back and let Him do His thang!! If anything, God has taught me that He wants the very best for me and Chris and our babies. All I have to do is QUIT worrying and just have faith. Something that is so easy to say but sometimes so hard to do!

And again, I'm thankful for my amazing hubby!
Chris Van Hoy, I met you 10 years ago. And when I did, I honestly fell in love with you at first sight. Dont get me wrong, I thought you were the biggest DORK in your hawaiian shirt (I dont care what you say, it was not a "rave" shirt, it had hibiscus' on it). I thought the scar under your right eye was sexy and made you look harder than you were really were. I loved that you were taller than me, I loved that you gave me just enough attention to make me want more of you. UGH you had me at the hibiscus shirt!!
But now, I love you so much more than I ever thought I could love a boy 10 years ago. I would still think you are a dork if you wore a hawaiian shirt or a rave shirt for that matter. I still think your scar is sexy and it definitely makes you look harder than you really are. I still love that you are taller me, and I love that you give me all the attention I could want and yet, still leave me wanting more of you. I love you how you can read me within 4 minutes of seeing me. I love the way I feel when I hear your truck pulling up in the driveway, even if I show differently. I love how we have come such a long way from those two kids in the Pike house. We have three kids, live in our dream home, we work together everyday but best of all I love how this is just our earthly lives together, I know our heavenly life will so much more together! Thanks for always praying for our family, for us, for me. I pray for you almost all day. But mainly just thanking God for you! I feel blessed more than any girl ever should

And I owe all that to God! I undeservingly have the best life, but I give all the glory and praise to God. I didnt do any of it, I just let Him work through me. I hope that I make Him proud. I hope and pray that one day, when I meet Him face to face, He will look at me and say "Job well done TvHo, you faithful servant!"

Peace Out Hommies

Be Joyful Always, Pray without ceasing. Be thankful for all circumstances in your life, for they are the will of God for you. 1 Thess. 5:16-18

DAY 16-18

2010-11-18T20:10:00.000-08:00

Today I am so So SOOOOO THANKFUL for medicine! I have been completely out of commission the last three days. My allergies have rocked my world, and not just mine, but CV's world, and my kids world.

I am also thankful for momma and daddy who came over Tuesday night to help out with the two babies while CV had Brock at football practice. I was in bed by 5:30 Tuesday night, took about an hour nap, woke up again, helped get the kiddos to bed and then went back to bed at 8:30. Wednesday night, I was WORSE! I just couldn't keep my eyes open. So this morning I went to see my doctor. By 10:00 am I had gotten two shots, a Z-pac and in the line at Starbucks! So my bucket may have felt like it got stung by 100 bees, but by all means, I was gonna be feeling better soon.

So by 4:00 this afternoon I was on a celestone BUZZ! And my front yard was full of boys and my ears were being blown off by my 2 yr old little girl!

By 6:00, I realized my Celestone Buzz was in FULL SWING! I even texted CV and warned him of what was going on at home, I think he was thankful to be at practice!! ;)

By 7:30 pm, I had rearranged our living room furniture, cooked a full-blown meal, (Smothered steak, real mashed potatoes & gravy, and sweet corn) cleaned three bathrooms, swept the whole downstairs, organized a closet, bathed the babies, folded two loads of clothes.

So now its 10:00 pm, I'm finally starting to settle down, my body is aching (probably from the lifting of the couch, love seat and two recliners) and I'm watching Greys Anatomy! I feel so much better and happy to back in commission!

Thanks Dr. Davidson, you have my family back in order tonight!!

How about a cute pic of my lil diva

PEACE OUT HOMMIES!!

DAY 14~

2010-11-14T21:17:00.000-08:00

Sunday November 14, 2010

Today I am so THANKFUL for my hubby! He is just bliss. Today he worked so hard on our house cleaning out our garage, organizing everything. THEN....he completely detailed my car, from top to bottom. He cleaned every inch of it.

Not to mention he looked totally hot while doing it! ;)

Peace Out Hommies!

DAY 13~

2010-11-13T20:58:00.000-08:00

Day 13, I am thankful for sore abs! Today was so much fun!!! I am thankful for loving to have fun in life, loving to laugh. I am thankful that I dont take myself too seriously. I think I laughed all day today! But thats what I always do when I'm around Hannah! Life is just funnier with her. And trust me, if I shared some of the things we laughed at today, you wouldnt think they were all that funny. But that would make us laugh too!
Just think how Chris probably feels right now. I think he is exhausted, just from hearing us. We dont giggle or chuckle, we bust a gut, belly aching laugh! So at least I got my workout in for the day!

Peace Out Hommies!

DAY 12~

2010-11-13T20:49:00.000-08:00

Day 12! OK! I dont know whats going on but I promise, I did update yesterday but I dont know where it went! UGH!!!

Well, here goes again! Friday November 12, I am thankful for great friends! Hannah is on her way! We always have so much fun when we're together. I have the best friends a girl could ever ask for.

Peace Out hommies!

DAY 11

2010-11-11T11:38:00.000-08:00

Day 11~ Today I am thankful for waking up this morning and the sight I saw. My alarm went off at 6:15 like it does every morning. I felt a large weight up against me and couldnt decide what it was. I knew it was not Chris because the large object didnt feel hot enough. I knew it wasnt Emmi because the person wasn't talking and since Emmi never stops talking I knew it couldnt be her. So I rolled my head over and to my surprise I just saw bright green everywhere. Still in my sleepy haze my eyes could not recognize what this mass up against me was, then I remembered!!

AHHH!! OF COURSE!!

It was a Ninja Turtle!! Witten had found Brock's old TMNT costume in one of the storage bins in the garage and put it on the night before. He must have convinced his daddy to let him sleep in it. So I rolled over and squeezed that turtle tight.

Then I heard something else, CV's alarm. Hmmm..... So where is Chris at??? Ok he must be asleep in the gameroom, so what would've made him to go in there to sleep?? So I reached my arm a little further past the sleeping Ninja and there she was!
A Sleeping Diva!! Emmi had made her way to our room too. No wonder CV went to the couch!

Isnt it funny how mother's will wake at the slightest hint of a sound when their babies are sick but when all are healthy we could sleep thru a hurricane! Well I can anyway! I think thats God's way of making sure I get the rest I need!

Peace Out Hommies!

DAY 10

2010-11-11T11:25:00.000-08:00

Day 10 (on Day 11)
Today I am thankful that my internet was hooked up late tonight so that I can get back to late night internet surfing. Our home phone was also set up. The house is starting to really feel like home for us. I unpacked 5 more boxes today and still there is stuff everywhere. I HATE decorating. So I just wait for momma to come over and tell me where to put it!
Witten is struggling with staying in his bed. Shoot, staying in his brothers bed for that matter. He hasnt slept one night in his bed. He starts off in Brocks bottom bunk then climbs to the top (with Brock) after about 30 minutes. But we've woke up every morning with him in our bed. He'll get there, I know!

Peace Out Hommies!
TvHo

DAY 9

2010-11-09T11:17:00.000-08:00

Day 9, Tuesday Nov. 9th
I am thankful having three kids. It is exhausting, trying and ALWAYS LOUD! It's chaos at its best. but I love it more than anything on this earth. I could not imagine my life without the trio. They fight, they pester, they tattle. But they love each other intensely, they stand up for each other and when they are apart, they all miss each other.
Brock is the caregiver, he loves to love the other two. He always fixes Emmi her morning cup of milk and he lets his younger brother climb in his bunk bed every night. He is sweet and sensitive, he is just a good kid. He will still kiss me on the lips every night and with hesitation he will kiss me in car line.
Witten is the protector, he will protect any and every one in the house. His guns are blazing at all times. He is quiet and likes to be alone but hates to be left out. He is always looking for out for his "brudder." He will snuggle with me when no one is looking.
Emmi, well, the only way to put it is that Emmi is the boss. She is ALWAYS to be found in the middle of the action. She adores Brock and knows exactly how to work her magic on him. She is obsessed with Witten and loves to annoy his every being, but Witt isnt exactly as smitten with her as B is. He's immuned to her love spells. She is happy, silly and loves to dance. She is me thru and thru and I LOVE IT!!

Without the three of them, I would not be the woman the Lord is moulding me to be. They have pushed me to limits I never thought possible, they have taught me to pray harder than I ever have before. Often times, my motto is if you cant beat them, join them. I adore their differences and thank God for their uniqueness. Not all days are good but at the end of the day, they all hug each other good night and then tell me how much they love me. Need I say more......

Peace Out Homies
TvHo

DAY 8

2010-11-08T10:30:00.001-08:00

DAY 8~ Today I am thankful for Silver Star's Steak Salad with the best Ranch in town! YUMMO!!

Peace Out Hommies!

DAY 7 (again on day 8)

2010-11-08T10:24:00.000-08:00

Day 7~ I am so thankful for my church! WOWZA!!!
Today was truly the definition of praise and worship followed by a powerful message by Bro. John about Heaven. I have to share some of the key points from his sermon!

*The Nature of Heaven
~is the presence and glory of God.
~ the bible refers to it as paradise.
~ there will be no sickness, no evil, no harm, no pain, no tears. ONLY JOY!
~ we will be perfected! (AMEN to finally getting the perfect figure!) Everything is going to be perfect!

*The State of Heaven
~ it is a very real place, there is no level of heaven.

*The Place of Heaven
~Jesus says "I go before you and prepare a place for you." Therefore we are wanted, we are expected company.
~ Hell was created for Satan and his demons. The bible says that Jesus expects ALL to be in Heaven, the bible refers to Heaven as our Promiseland.
~ In heaven we will be rested!! (Ok at this point, I was so ready to jump up and say come on everybody lets go now!! I can be skinny and rested!)

*The Person of Heaven
~ Jesus is the way, the only one, He gave His life for ALL.
~ Jesus is the Truth and He is ALIVE.

I'm telling you, church was good!!!

Peace Out Hommies!
TvHo

DAY 6 (on day 8 due to no internet access at home yet)

2010-11-08T10:05:00.000-08:00

DAY 6- Today I am grateful for a great night sleep in the new house! The painters showed up bright and early to finish up the outside, the Directv guy showed up before 9 and the washer/dryer was delivered before 11. All in all....it was a GREAT day!

Peace Out Hommies!

DAY 3,4 & 5

2010-11-05T13:44:00.000-07:00

Ok, So I have already stunk up the whole Thanks challenge! Its just bad timing.... We started moving and I am only blogging now, because of the nagging thats going on in the back of my head and because my body hurts so bad that I need a break in a bad way!!!!
So today FRIDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2010 I am thankful for my Momma and Daddy!
Not just because they let me and my crazy, wild, loud family live with them for the last 6 months, but they taught me so much about life. They taught me to use my manners, to treat people fairly, and to love and live for Jesus Christ.
I cannot find the words to write to express the gratitude I have for these two people. I'm so blessed that they choose to be invested in my life even into adulthood. They are the best parents and AMAZING grandparents to my three lucky children. They are great examples of the kind of parents that Chris and I want to be to our trio!

Ok, the boxes are not going to unpack themselves and Emmi is carrying a load in her diaper. Where's Chris when I need him?!?!

Peace Out Hommies!

DAY 2

2010-11-03T09:44:00.000-07:00

Alright so I thought this posted last night but I'm assuming it didnt. The internet was going in and out due to the weather so it must have cut off before it posted, so let me try again!!

DAY DEUCE!

Today I am thankful for the gift of dance. I have been giving the opportunity to do what I love again.
DANCE!!
I work with the local Middle School's Danceline and I LOVE IT!!

I am so GRATEFUL that the Lord brought that back into my life again!! Now if I could only touch my foot to my face again!!

Peace Out Hommies!

Thanks!!!

2010-11-01T21:35:00.000-07:00

WOW!! Today is November 1
Seriously????
Ok well, it seems that days are going by faster and faster!!

I have decided to challenge myself this month.
Being that this is the month of 'Thanks' thats exactly what I'm going to do.
I'm going to give thanks everyday this month.
I warn you, it may be very deep or just the simple thanks of cheetos.

So here we go! Ya ready?

DAY ONE:
Today I am thankful for Jesus Christ! He was, He is and He is to COME!
He has blessed me beyond measures.

Tonight we took the first of many loads to the house. We just put the kids ride-on toys, bikes, and a few boxes in the garage. Tomorrow the cleaning ladies clean the house top to bottom, then tomorrow night we can start moving in. Friday the movers come with everything from our storage, so our first night will be Friday night! I can believe its really here!!

The end of July.

The end of October!

3 months!! THREE AMAZING MONTHS! I watched my dream house come to life, board by board, brick by brick!

CLHHC= Wittens GTL

2010-10-24T21:21:00.000-07:00

Let's start at the beginning. For all you that dont watch Jersey Shore (I just watched one last week so I cant really talk) GTL = Gym Tan Laundry. Basically all the necessities that the guys do on the show to look good.

So for Witten his GTL is CLHHC.....

anyone guess what it is???

C= CHURCH

L= Lunch

H= HAIRCUT

HC= Halloween Costume

Witten Macabe got his 1st real haircut today! He has never had his haircut by someone other than myself, CV or my grandmother. His little 'issues' has always prohibited him from being secure enough to let a stranger get that close to him. Not to mention the hair falling on his skin= major melt downs!!

We told him that after Brock and he got their haircut we were going to get his Halloween Costume. So he said he was game!

I was so proud of him, he watched his big bro go first. (Which B was the model citizen. such a good big brother) Then Witten's turn came up, he climbed up into the chair and sat so still. So still, you would've thought Medusa had turned him into stone!

I was so proud of him!! Even CV had to sit there and watch every second of it! Just another reminder of how much God is working in our sweet boys life! So thankful for all the people that have made such a huge impact on this little boy. He is improving daily and I know that God will continue to prove his grace and mercy on each of us!

The final product! They love each other so much!

I am so blessed to have three kiddos who love each other. Dont get me wrong, they love to fight too, but more than anything they love to love!

Thats all for today!

Peace Out Hommies!

What you gonna do??

2010-10-15T11:38:00.000-07:00

Another Witten Story:

Tuesday, Witten stayed home from school because he was sick the night before. So Wednesday morning, he was so ready and excited to go to school. Every morning, Chris takes Witten to school and if you really know Witten, you know that he is NOT that big of a talker.

(He is the only one out of my 3 that got this trait from their daddy,

the other 2 are motor mouths just like their mommy-dearest!)

So, Chris makes it his mission to force Witten to talk to him on the way to school every morning. Chris says he'll ask Witten what he is going to do at school, who he'll play with, eat lunch with, etc. And everytime, Witten will gruff before answering. He's just a man of few words; so when he does say something it usually is hysterical and off the wall. Thats why there are always so many Witten stories to share!

ok, back to my story, so, Wednesday morning, Chris told Witten to call him after school since he was going out of town and tell him how his day was, what he did, who he ate with, what color smiley-face he stayed on.

(thats his behavior chart)

So Wednesday afternoon, I pick up Witten, he gets in the car all smiles and happy to see me and Emmi. He shows me his 'prize' for staying on his purple happy face all day. I reach into his backpack to see his behavior card for the day, and like Witt said it was purple!

But, on the back, there was a note written by his teacher that said:

Witten told me his daddy said 'I'd better not change Witten's smiley face today' so I did not. ;)

Yeah thats right!! My 4 yr old child told his teacher that his daddy said his teacher had better not change his smiley face!! Or what??? Whats daddy gonna do?? WOW!! At least he's creative enough to know what will work and what wont!!

Witten Macabe Van Hoy~ you bring me so much JOY in life!

Peace Out Hommies

For you Granny!!

2010-10-13T22:06:00.000-07:00

I went to my house last night, alone, just me and my cheetah print rainboots. I wanted to see what had been in done in the last few days! Everytime I walk through our house, a sense of peace just comes over me. Its perfect!! Not too big, not too small. The perfect size for all 5 of us to have our space, yet be within an arms reach from each other. So, I took pics with Granny in mind. Granny lives hours away from us, so I took pics from every angle, so you get the full effect of the house.
They have finished painting and the pictures DO NOT portray the real color of the house, the walls look more grey and they are NOT. They are the perfect tan!!
So, Granny, (and whoever else is reading this) sit down, grab a coke and stay awhile!

Our breakfast area

The kitchen, cabinets will be glazed and the different swatches

on the wall, were my test swatches for paint color.

Master bathroom

Emmi's bathroom cabinet, I designed it to be very girly with the scalloped bottom.

The view from the entryway!

Brocks room, Wittens room is the exact same!

The boys bathroom cabinet, I designed to be 'masculine'

They painted our shutters today!!

The back of our house! All the dirt is prep for landscape!

Our side entry.

Just thought this was gonna be a cool shot, not so much!

my spice racks in the vent hood!

the view from our kitchen window.

Another kitchen shot!

One of my favorite shots, I've ever taken! The only time Witten has ever appeared to be small!

Not sure which is hotter...my hubby or my sink! That thing was so heavy and he carried it in and unwrapped for me b/c I was just dying to see it!!

Our staircase!

Laundry room

Laundry room again, that is a hanging bar, since I hang ALOT of clothes to dry!

This is Emmi's room, you cant really tell but her ceiling is a very light pink!

Our mud bench, its painted the same light green that Emmi's bathroom cabinet and my lil desk is painted!

Last but not least, my front door, which I love more than anything!!

Whew! Im exhausted!

All I can say is Im so thankful for what the Lord has done for Chris and myself!

Without Jesus we have NOTHING!

Peace Out Hommies

Witten says the darnest things....

2010-10-10T20:44:00.000-07:00

I have to remember this story to tell Witten when he's older, so I figured I could put it here, since his baby book is in storage. Let me say, I hope and pray that this story doesnt offend anyone by any means.

As almost every night, Witten loves to sneak into Mimi's room and watch whatever crazy TV show, she is watching. I do not know what show she was watching, but I walked in and Mom said to me, "Tray, ask Witten what that Tiger just did." So I did, in which Witten replied, "Mom, dat Tiger just bit dat Choco-yate Man in da face." WHAT?!?!? Did he just say "dat Chocolate Man?" Only Witten would associate food to the color of a mans skin! ohhhhh I seriously love my life!

For the record, the tv show was about a man (i think in the 70s) that was raising a Tiger in his apartment, one day the Tiger attacked him. Go figure! At least now, I dont think Witten will be asking for a pet Tiger any time soon.

This pic is real grainy and terrible of me, but his face is so cute in it, I just had to share!!

Peace Out Hommies

Quotes De Jour!

2010-09-20T20:06:00.000-07:00

This weekend was the best weekend!! We just had a lot going on but it was all so much fun. Friday night we cooked out with our friends (and soon to be neighbors) Saturday was PIGSKIN all day! Brock had a football game that morning, then we drove to Ruston to watch La Tech Bulldogs play Navy. Sunday we went to church and then had a party with our baseball family from the summer, Brocks All-Star team.

Of course I have LOTS of pics from this weekend but first I want to share some of my favorites quotes from the weekend.

"Go back to bed til the sun comes up." Chris

"Mom, which one of my elbows are the pointest?" Brock

"Momma Momma Momma Momma Momma Momma Momma Momma Momma Momma Momma Momma Momma Momma Momma Momma Momma Momma Momma Momma....." Emmi

"Tracey, I need my spit cup..........hand me your purse." Mitchell Maxwell

"I so happy. I so Purty." Emmi

Thats all for now.....
Peace Out Hommies!

1 Thess. 5:16-18

2010-08-25T21:54:00.000-07:00

About a year and half ago, Bro John was giving a sermon (as he usually does on Sunday mornings) and he used a verse I had read many times over but for some reason this time when he read it was like suddenly yellow light bulbs were circling around this verse and angels were singing on the page. It instantly became my life verse.

'Be joyful always. Pray without ceasing. Be thankful for all circumstances in your life, for they are God's will for you.' 1 Thess. 5:16-18.

When I read it, I was like DUH!!! I mean how much simpler can it get???
1) Be JOYFUL, All the time!
*Joy is one of my favorite words. When a person has true JOY in their heart, it just shines, its contagious, its not just being happy, its being radiant! JOY is a word that I want my children to use to describe me....(I gotta get to working on that!) Joy is one of my favorite words!!

For the record, Stellar is another favorite word!

2) PRAY endlessly! I admit, my prayer life is a WIP-Work In Progress. I am what I call a shooting star prayer. I say itty-bitty prayers almost all day. When I see Chick-fil-A I am instantly reminded of Witten and his love for food, so I'll ask for protection over W while he's away from me. You get the idea?? But I admit, I am terrible at slowing down enough to really pray. I try to every morning and at night, but I do have to battle my ADHD during it.

3) Just be THANKFUL for every event that takes place in your life. Right now, I'm struggling with contentment with my job. It is so great for me. I get to work with THE cutest boy in town plus I have the most flexible boss a girl could ask for. But I miss my friends, the kids I worked with, the great parents I got to know and love. I miss seeing God at work in little kids hearts! But I am just thankful to have a job, a job that is such a huge part of my family. I am learning new things everyday. And for that, I have been humbled (Which needed to take place) But my new job and life IS God's will for me and my family. We were seeking His will when we were praying for this change in our lives and I am following His path. And for that, I am grateful! That He would even love me enough to care, to show me the path to follow.
Today I was driving down the road trying to organize 3 kids at 3 different schools. I just said Out loud "Lord, take me back to my normalcy!" And He replied with "This IS your new normalcy. Deal with Tracey!"

Oh My Gluesticks!! You're so right!! This IS my new normalcy!! Ok, I'll deal with it.
And so I am trying to deal.... trying to grasp how I will pick up E, drive to town to get W, just to turn around and drive right back to Benton to get home before B gets off the school bus!
Whew!! I'm exhausted already!! But I'm gonna deal with it, because my babies need me to!

Thank you Lord, for your unconditional love. A love that is so undeserving. When I fail you, you are still there, walking with me, guiding me and comforting me. I find rest and peace knowing that you are in control. And in that, I can have true JOY in my heart!!

Peace Out Hommies!

2010-08-18T21:26:00.000-07:00

All of you know that Chris and I are building our first house! We are having so much fun with this! It is going up so quick and its exceeding my expectations! It truly is our dream home! I am so blessed to have a husband who works so hard so that we may raise our trio in this house!! God has definitely blessed us beyond measures!!

So come on in, take your shoes off and stay awhile!

This is how it started! just a bunch of dirt, which is how Witten wished it had stayed!

And then theres was some concrete!

And this little piggie built a house with sticks!

a few days later, we had a roof!

This is the kitchen standing by the stairs!

we have dog houses, the technical term is dormers.

the kitchen from the living room

my future new workout!

the breakfast area!

I'll post more pics when you can actually tell what they are!!

Thanks for sharing this experience with us.

PS- to my dead beat nanny- Jac, youre welcome!!

Peace Out Hommies

Brocks Baptism

2010-08-15T21:52:00.000-07:00

March 7, 2001 was the darkest day of my life. I found out I was pregnant, not just pregnant, but ALOT pregnant, 25.5 weeks to be exact (that story is for another post, another day)

When I think back on that day, I know that God is the only thing that got me through it.

Even now when I talk about that day, and the following weeks after it, I always think about the footprints poem. I know that looking back that time in my life, there will only be one set of footprints in the sand, because God was definitely carrying me through life.

I hated everything, everyone, myself, except God. I knew what He was doing. He was trying to get my attention. He wanted me to quit living the life I was and focus on Him. I always felt the Holy Spirit tugging on my heart, but I was really good at shoving it away. I just always told Him, when I get a family, I'll get back to focusing on you again, so thats just what He did, He gave me a family! And I'm so thankful that God did!

All of that to say this....

That terrible, awful, no good bad day was redeemed ten-fold this morning.

Johnathan Brock Van Hoy was written into the Book of Life on June 18,2010.

This morning, August 15,2010, Brock was baptized. He washed and made new by the blood of Jesus Christ! It was the most incredible experience. I'm so proud of the boy Brock is.

I truly believe that the Holy Spirit called Brock to give his life to Christ. And he obeyed. Without hesitation.

What an amazing example he is of Christ's love for all of us!

AMEN!

Peace Out Hommies!

Eat, Pray, Love.....yup! Im good at all 3 of them.

2010-08-15T21:20:00.000-07:00

Last night, I went on a date with Jaynuh (Lauren, my assistant at MDO) We went to eat at Cantina Laredo. Then went to see Eat, Pray, Love. It was GReat!! I really enjoyed the movie. I have read some of the book but have not finished it.

You moms of LOTS OF KIDS understand that between school, cooking supper, running bath water, ironing clothes, folding more clothes, and Facebooking of course, there is little time to read books.

When I was watching the movie, I couldnt help but thinking about my own life. In the movie, the main character, Liz, struggles with balance in her life. She searches for God throughout the movie and how to balance herself and a relationship with a man. Her main struggle with love is that she loses herself when she's in a relationship.

'Loses herself"

Thats what hit me like a brick.

Mainly, because thats something I tend to struggle with myself. Always questioning where that girl went that would cruise in her red T-Top camaro listening to the Dixie Chicks. I tend to be disappointed that I cant always be that 17 year old girl with no cares in the world.

But what I decided last night, is that, I dont want to be that girl anymore. I love that I have 3 of the most beautiful children God could ever give a person. And the husband He gave me.....WHEW! Talk about lose myself in a man.....but I LOVE that I'm lost in him. Because Chris strengthens me. He calms me, He loves me. I depend on Chris for things that I know I could do on my own, but I dont want to, I want CV to do these things for me (Like change a light bulb or untangle my necklaces)

But its also the same for him. There are things I know he could do himself, but instead he wants me to do for him. (Like find that black hat that he loves to wear that is sitting on his nightstand in the plain daylight but for some reason I'm the only one who can see it)

I love my huband. I always have, from the day I met him. I knew he was wonderful, but I had no idea the kind of man that God would form him to be. And I'm so grateful that Chris and I worked hard and long at our marriage. Not just for our kids, but for each other. I think we better each other.

And it definitely helps that he's WAY HOT!!!

Peace Out Hommies

Dear Baby Jesus!

2010-08-01T20:18:00.000-07:00

Dear Jesus-

Thank you God for da motahome

da pool,

da fidge-a-gata.

Thank you God for da boat,

for da four-whee-dah

for da golf cart.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

-Witten Macabe 8-1-10

Nightime prayers!

He covers all the important things in life!

Peace Out Hommies!

Dear Baby Jesus!

2010-07-25T22:53:00.000-07:00

The one thing I usually try to include in my prayers for my children is their (very far away, not even close enough to really mention but its going to happen so I might as well pray about it) future.

When I am praying for my children I always start with thanking God for their personalities, characteristics, abilities, talents, etc. I always thank Him for making them all so different yet definitely formed from the same mold, then I begin asking for certain things for each one. For example:

Brock- Thank you for making him a Child after God's own heart. Thank you for giving Brock a love for his family, (ESP. ME!) Thank you for giving him a special athletic ability. Thank you for changing my life with this gift.

Witten- Thank you for my fireball. Thank you for spicing mine and CV's life up! Thank you for giving him creativity and strength. Please give him peace and protection. Thank you for choosing me as his momma!

Emmi- Thank you for the icing on my cake! Thank you for her big blue eyes, her smile and her sweet voice. Thank you for putting a love for her brothers in her heart that is so deep and true. Thank you for the father she has. Please dont let her be taller than 6 foot! (J/K....but not so much)

I then start to pray for their spouses. I dont do this a whole lot when I'm actually praying with them (esp. the boys) only because Brock gets grossed out and ruins the moment for the prayer!

For Brocks spouse: She needs to be gentle, sweet and kind. Likes to eat popcorn alot. Please protect my boys heart. He will love her unconditionally and forever! She better like his momma!

For Wittens spouse: She needs to be patient, strong-willed, and laid back. She needs to be a good listener. It would be in her best interest to get along with his baby sister!

For Emersons spouse: He needs to tall, rich and fast! Ok Im sorry I couldnt help myself! Seriously, height would be nice! He needs to be funny, love life and be affectionate. He needs to keep her grounded and humble. He probably should be fast, just in case he ever upsets her, he's got 3 HUGE guys coming after him.
I also pray that her husband not completely hate us for making her so rotten. I pray my daughter in laws not blame me for my boys need to be taken care of. I will always make my boys pancakes as long as they keep asking for them. After all, I know the way to a mans heart is through his stomach!

Alright friends, I need to go to bed, which means, I have to pray first so I better get off this computer and get on my knees! Night YALL!

PEACE OUT HOMIES!

Humble Persistence

2010-07-25T22:28:00.000-07:00

This mornings Sunday School lesson was entitled Humble Persistence. It was about praying for something for a really long time and seeing your prayers answered, and having Faith that God will get you through the situation. The lesson came from Mark 7:24-30. The story is about a mother who has a daughter who is possessed by an evil spirit. She has faith that Jesus can heal her and begs Him to do so. The mother was persistent and strong-willed in asking Him for His healing power over her daughter. And of course, Jesus did heal the little girl because of her mothers faith in God.

This story hit a little too close to home for me today! It made me think of my sweet Witten Macabe. I have prayed and prayed and prayed and prayed for Witten. I've prayed for so many different things. I prayed for answers, I prayed for a fix, I prayed for patience for both of us, I prayed for Witt to just 'be normal' but then I realized Witten is 'normal'. He's normal for Witten.
Which is ok with me!
Now I just pray for peace with him. We have been through so much with this child. But I NEVER gave up on Witten or My GOD!
A few months ago, I had to sit down with someone and explain to them about Witten. It was one of the hardest conversations I've EVER HAD! But I (kindly) reminded that person that no matter what he may think of my boy, Witten was made in Christ-like image, therefore, Witten is an incredible, creative and hilariously loving boy.
I then screamed SO BACK OFF ALREADY!!!!
Ok I didnt, but I really really wanted to!

Lately, I've noticed a huge change in Witten. He seems to be able to control himself much better. He is working on being able to handle social situations. Today at the lunch table, a stranger (to Witten) walked up to us and said "Hey y'all! How are ya?" Witten without batting an eye said "Hey! How are you?" It was not only adorable but made my heart so proud. He is starting 'Big Boy School' in a few weeks and I'm so scared! This will rock his world. And mine too! But I will most definitely continue to be the momma I am for Witten. The momma that prays continually for my children! I have faith in my GOD that one day Witten will have total peace in his body and mind, He will be able to walk into an unfamiliar room, with new faces and be able to 'deal with it' on his own without my coaching! Witten is a child of God, created in His image! And I am so thankful that God leant him to me while we're here on Earth!

PEACE OUT HOMIES!!

I SHAKE MY HINNEY!!

2010-07-08T21:32:00.000-07:00

For the ones of you out there that know me well, know that I have danced more in my life than I have walked! When I hear music, no matter my whereabout, I instantly begin shaking something! I LOVE DANCING! I feel it was a gift that God gave me. I thank Him for giving it to me. I still sawsha (sp?) down the hallway of my parents house. If you come up on me in my car at a red light, I will be dancing!

Ok, so you get my love of music and the effect it has on me?? Well, you could only guess my excitement I had tonight (Who am I kidding? ALL DAY) as I was driving my little prissy, sassy, Beyonce-lovin little girl to her first dance class tonight!!!!!
All day today, she was telling everybody who would listen. "I GO TO DANCE! I SHAKE MY HINNEY!"

So tonight we get all dressed up in her new leotard, dance shoes, hair in bun. And of course she grabbed her Hello Kitty cup, phone, and sunglasses! AND WE'RE OFF!!

We're heading down the road and she is so excited to be going to dance. She instantly asks me "I'na hear Hands Up Momma!"

(Beyonce's Single Ladies)

So we listen to it the ENTIRE WAY TO DANCE!

We walk in the door and the lobby is full of precious little ballerinas!

I quickly feel a tiny hand wrapped itself around my leg and squeeze.

Her confidence and excitement is oozing its way out the door!

The teachers come out and start calling names.

'EMERSON!"

What would you know, there are 2 Emersons in her class!

Well, my Emmi wasnt quite ready to let go of momma. After a few minutes of me hyping it up, taking her into the studio, placing her right on top of a purple star sticker, next to a buddy from church, and promising a milkshake after it was over, she finally let go!

When she saw me running out though, she rebelled and threw herself on the floor behind the rest of the pink-clad little 'rinas! Which is where she stayed for the remainder of the class!

I'm absolutely in LOVE With having a daughter. I laughed outside in the lobby the whole time. Because I knew that if the teacher would just walk over to the radio, turn off the piano music & turn on Single Ladies, my little 'rina would get up so fast her head would spin.

When it was over, she came out & squeezed me like she hadn't seen me in years!

I asked her if she had fun. Her response: "NOOOOO I POO POO'ED!

Which she had!

Peace OUT Hommies!

Just for you Jac!

2010-06-30T23:41:00.000-07:00

This update on blog is long overdue and I have no excuse other than pure jello for a brain.

I feel like the Tin Man.

"If I only had a brain!!"

So this update is dedicated to my good friend Jacqueline.

She may be the WORST Nanny I've ever hired for my children, seeing as she's never even showed up for her first day of work, but she is creatively witty and charming as ever! If only I could get her to stop wishing that 4th offspring on me!

One day Jac....one Day. Revenge will be mine!

Ok, back to my blog that Jac has been hounding me for.

So baseball has completely taken over my life, my husbands life, Brocks life, my two babies life, & my parents life. Brock made the All-Star team again this year!! We are so proud of his accomplishment. He is driven and motivated on and off the field! His team is absolutely AMAZING!

Or as Lauren (JAYNUH) would say "He is A-Mars-Zing!"

*Inside Joke, found only funny to the 2 of us*

They played in the district tournament last weekend and finished second. After 12 games our bats were dead and lost to a team we had beaten twice already in the tourney. We have our first game tomorrow night in the state tournament. We hope to qualify for the World Series!

Our Boys!

Witten is doing good. He is growing up and doing it much faster than my heart can take. He will be 4 next month. I just cant believe how much he is like his Daddy! He is bull-headed, strong-willed and doesnt like to be held down. But he is a fighter for what he wants and believes in. He is geniously creative; and just like his father, he can melt my heart with his eyes when he looks at me.

Most of you know that he has some struggles that he faces everyday. His therapists think its more of a social anxiety more than sensory processing. So, we're working on it!

He has been placed into a preschool within the Bossier Parish School System.

I know this is a blessing but I worry for him so much next year. Sending your baby off to school for the first time is SO HARD as it is. But to think that he wont even be 4 on his first day.....just makes my stomach hurt thinking about it! I hate that he cant (or wont) tell me how he's feeling. I have the same feelings (or fears) that I had when Brock started Kindergarten.

What if he's scared? What he no one talks to him? What if he needs to potty but he doesnt know where to go? What if he drops his tray in the cafe?? UGH!!! Why cant I just shelter him under my wings forever???? My baby boy isnt a baby anymore. And I need to let him be the big boy he is!

See....how could that face not get ya??

My prissy, little sassy, little miniature ME=Emerson, is the sunshine of all my boys eyes. She has each of them eating out of the palm of her hand. They love and adore her. I only wish I had the same effect on them that she does. She grins the moment she wakes up til she goes to bed. Today she was skipping all over the house with her blanket saying repeatedly 'I happy! I happy! I happy!' And she is!

I love having a daughter. I love doing ponytails in the morning. I love that when I do my makeup every morning, she gets hers out and does hers as well. I love her squeals, her giggles, the fact that we both cant leave the house without our lipgloss and cell phones. I love that she looks so little in her daddys arms. I love how little I feel in them too! She loves to make me jealous by hugging on him right in front of me. But the jokes on her bc the minute she goes to bed. I get all his attention.

This is a small glimpse of my day!

Just thought I'd share the next two pics.....I can say that she does get it honestly!!

Peace Out Hommies!!

8 is Great!

2010-06-09T20:45:00.000-07:00

Last week I had to throw together a birthday party for Brock REAL QUICK!
Due to the hectic baseball schedule I knew there wasnt a weekend available to celebrate Brock's birthday! So Sunday was my only option. He wanted to have a bowling party, so I called Holiday Lanes and got it on the books!

Sweet Boys! I so love that Witten is letting me take his pic now!!

A group of the boys! The others werent there yet!

Witt & his buddy, Colton

This is the future Mr. & Mrs. Johnathan Brock Van Hoy

This is my fav pic from the whole group! I love how happy Brock looks in the midst of all his fav people! I thank God every night that my children, All 3 of them, have the best friends with Christian parents!

Peace Out Hommies!

My Children's Rehab!

2010-06-06T22:07:00.000-07:00

So about every 6 months, my children need to be sent to rehab! They start acting out like crazy hooligans. So I send them here:

To Nana & Papa's House! They need Nana Rehab!

We went here last weekend and had a BLAST! We love their house and have so much fun from the moment we walk in the door!! My children hate to leave!

I have other pictures from the weekend but my computer is acting really weird and Im tired!!

Peace Out Hommies!

I'm Baaaaacccckkkkk!!!

2010-06-06T21:31:00.000-07:00

Well, I survived my first week at my new job! Barely!! No really, It went great! I enjoyed it much more than I had expected! I felt like a grown-up! The good thing was that occasionally I would run into the really cute guy that works in the office! He is sooooo dreamy!! His wife must be a knockout! ;)
Ok enough of CV!

So heres a sneak peek of some things we've been up to! The last day of school, me and my friend Kim, decided to surprise our boys with a get-a-way to Great Wolf Lodge! It was great! We just went for one night! Which was PLENTY!! The boys were great and loved being together! Emmi stayed with her Mimi and went 'boppin' (as usual)

I love the look of amazement in his face!

The 3rd Smith brother!

Peace Out Hommies

And she walks with Angels

2010-05-27T21:41:00.000-07:00

Dear Blogging Friends!
I just needed to share that there is a CELEBRATION going on in heaven right now. Angels are singing and horns are blowing! Mrs. Valerie Rockett went home to be with her eternal Father. She is walking with Jesus right now. She has felt his nail-scarred hands and seen his nail-scarred feet. Can imagine the joy she felt this evening when He walked up to her and said Job Well Done, my Good and Faithful Servant.

Because thats exactly what she was. She was good. Oh so good! And happy! And Kind! And told all about Jesus and who He was and is and is to be!
She was faithful. She was at peace from the moment she received her diagnosis to her last breath! She knew where she was going and excited to be going there.

I find myself sitting here crying uncontrollably, and my own mother is in the next room asleep. But the thought of my friend at her house right now, hurting. And I cant help her! I just want to wrap my arms around her and squeeze her. Mrs. Val, I promise to take care of Stacy. Thank you for raising the amazing daughter you did. I will miss you dar-lin!

In HIS complete Grace and Love,

Nah, you Dar-lin!

2010-05-25T22:30:00.000-07:00

Hi Blog, my name is Tracey, its been a while since we talked.

So, for the two of you (I am convinced that I have two regular followers, Thank you Emily and your mother Mrs. Sharon) Even my own mother doesnt read this as often as you two! OH! And my cousin Jac! Thank you for reading and more importantly commenting!

Ok, as you THREE know I have been bombarded with change.
*Left my job, which I LOVE more than alot of things in life.
*Moved out of the house that I raised my 3 bambinos, 2 of which were brought home to from the hospital, to move back into the house that I brought my first child home to from the hospital!

THANK YOU MOMMA & DADDY!

We are adjusting just fine! The kids are in Mimi heaven! They play outside all day and night and come in completely covered in FILTH! The bathtubs are covered in sand and dirt!!
But as the momma I am, to me, that shows that they are having FUN! And that makes all the swooshing of the tubs worth it!
*Another change.....my closest friend is losing her mother. Mrs. Valerie Rockett was diagnosed with stage IV Pancreatic Cancer. Mrs. Val, or Nah, as her grand children and my children (and myself) call her, chose not to have treatment but to enjoy her time left with all the people who love her dearly!
The time is being cute shorter than the drs. first predicted. Mrs. Val is prepared to go, but it is so hard for us here on earth to say good bye! Even though the cancer is fighting hard, Mrs. Vals heart is fighting harder. Stacy told me a quote from her momma today, Mrs. Val said "I've worked hard all my life to keep my heart beating strong, and now my heart is my downfall.'
This is not my own mother, but it has been one of the hardest things I've dealt with internally. Nah hugged me every time I saw her, she ALWAYS called me 'Dar-lin' like a true Southern woman would! I just LOVE her so much.
But again tonight, I am reminded of the Child-like faith that God calls us to have. Me and CV were praying with our boys. Brock always prays first. Tonight, he was going through his usuals that he always prays for. But then he threw in a curve ball. He prayed: "I wanna pray for my friend Cameron's grandmaw, she is really sick. I pray that you just come. Take her into heaven with you so she wont be sick anymore, She is really REALLY nice!
WOW!! I couldnt have said it better myself! Thank you Brock for being my boy! Thank you for being an example of what God commands of me! To have a child-like faith!

Please keep my friend Stacy and her momma, Nah, in your prayers! I love you Dar-lin!

Peace Out Hommies!

Proud Momma!!

2010-05-11T22:04:00.000-07:00

So, as you know I'm so proud of all my babies. I think they are the cutest one I've ever seen.
YES...Even cuter than yours! ;)
We have finally moved out of our house and into Momma & Daddys. So far so good. Chris and I are so grateful for them taking us in. We're a wild bunch but we come full of happiness and love. We try to focus on having fun together and making the most of everyday together! Here are some pics of the prettiest babies God ever made!

Not TODAY!

2010-05-01T21:30:00.000-07:00

Most days I feel like I am treading water.

Like I am doing great if my children go to bed each night, with out bruises and cuts all over themselves.

And some days they may have a bruise or two.

But Not today!

Some days I feel like the 'Tracey Toms' I once knew, and to be quite honest, loved dearly is G.O.N.E.

Like all I'm here for is to change the 15th dirty diaper, to pick up after everyone under my roof, and to referee btw David and Goliath. (BTW- Witt is Goliath, not Brock)

BUT NOT TODAY!

Some days I just want to Run Away. To the nearest beach, the nearest ski mountain, or heck even the closest Walgreens for a moment of solitude!

BUT NOT TODAY!

Today was good. No, Today was stellar!

Today started like most. Made pancakes with my boys. Emmi slept til 10. (WHOOP!)

Chris came home around 11:30 from work and I was very ready to tag him in.

The boys were driving me insane!

The fights were out of control!

I try to let them solve their issues themselves and I punish both so that we dont have 'brother issues' when we're older! ;) But after two hours of it, I was DONE!

So I took about 3 mins and closed my eyes and just prayed for God to help me. Give me patience & strength. Phill. 4:13!

And HE DID!

We had a great family day! We went to see Brocks art piece displayed in ArtBreak. Which was a very proud moment for me. I am usually very thrilled to be 'Brocks momma' in the stands at ANY ball field, but today was different! It was a talent that was unknown to me. I have a great 7 year old!

Afterwards, we came home and just hung out!

Brock went to Mimi and Grandpas to spend the night. Witten and Emmi hung out with me and CV. We had a hodge-podge for supper, some corndogs, frozen pizzas and rotel! Jamie Oliver would DIE!

CV put a movie on for Witten to watch before he went to bed. About 20 mins later I went in his room for a kiss and sleep had already come to claim my boy. He laid there so peacefully. I just looked at him. I tend to always stare at my babes while they are dreaming.

I called CV in to see him, so we tucked him under the covers and with his eyes still closed and half way out of dreamland, Witten said 'I'na see my Bubba!'

ahhhhhh.....be still my beating heart! They DO love each other!

I did good today!

So tomorrow when Im treading that water again, I pray to remember that all I have to do is just plant my feet on the solid ground that lies beneath me. For God is my solid rock and will give me strength each day! I pray it for my friends who all have multiples, its hard most days, but moments like tonight make it worth while. And for the ones of you who just have one. I pray for you too, no matter how many kids you have or dont have, Satan thrives on us doubting ourselves and succumbing to his ways and not leaning on our Father to get us through each day!

If only I could get all three of 'em to sit still long enough! oh well...I'll try again tomorrow!

Peace Out Hommies!

My Friend....

2010-04-29T21:31:00.000-07:00

This morning I saw a commercial for Grey's Anatomy on the Lifetime channel. It was a woman asking who she wanted as her BFF from Greys Anatomy. The woman chose George. Then she asked who she wanted for her lover....
Her lover?? Really?? Thats the best you come up with Lifetime?? LOVER???......DUMB
For those of you Greys Fans...of course she chose McDreamy. That was the obvious answer.
Anywho-So as I was walking back to my bathroom, I started thinking........ What friend would I want from the show...and after about 3 seconds, I knew exactly which one I wanted as my BFF.

Christina Yang.

I love how her and Meredith are with one another. They are my favorite relationship to watch!

I want my BFF to be honest with me all the time. I love how they skip all formality. There is no fake 'Hey how are you? Thats great! Yeah Im good.' NOPE~ Just cut the crap and get right to it. They laugh together. They cry together. But all in all, They just GET each other. They can finish sentences and thoughts from one another. A true friend is someone who can sit on a back porch with you and never say a word and have the BEST conversation. Just sayin....

Peace Out Hommies!

Crawfish Boil!

2010-04-26T19:55:00.000-07:00

After Church on Sunday, was our annual Crawfish Boil. We didnt attend last year for some reason that I cannot remember now, but we DID this year. It was so much fun. Even if I didn't eat any of the bugs YUCK!

We still had so much fun being surrounded by our Church family!

Our A.W.E.S.O.M.E. Church Family!

There they are! The BUGS!

CV showing Bradley Fream how to do it right!

Our Group minus Kim and the Dunks!

The many faces of my boy!

Emmi and her Booty Shorts

It was time to head home!

Well, To be from Louisiana, I am the worst representation of what we Cajuns eat! I hate shrimp, crawfish, anything seafood really. Its the smell!! It ruins my appetite the minute seafood hits the table. Even if its on CV's plate! Oh well!! I'll stick to my Tex-Mex food anyday!

Peace Out Hommies!

No P in our OOL!

2010-04-24T20:47:00.000-07:00

Do you get my title?? I stole it actually from one of Brocks A&F tshirts!
for those of you that dont get it....it means No Pee in our Pool!

So this afternoon, me and my #2 went for a little outing. We had several stops on our little get-a-way.
1) Willow Chute for an medium coke ICEE -did you guys know that the Mediums are now the old Large size?
2) Mimi & Grandpas house- had to get clothes and food since our closing has now been pushed back two more weeks.
3) FREDS- we went looking for something fun to do in the sun! We walked out with a big plastic Blue pool and ice cream bars for everyone!
* A sweet little elderly lady who was checking out in front of us, asked to buy Witten an ice cream bar. At first I did the polite, typical "You really dont have to do that. He's gonna get it anyways' thing, but she insisted, so...she handed my baby two $1 bills. Now to those of you who do know my Witten, knows that he is NOT likely to be polite to strangers. He usually gives his scrunched up eyes and growls.
(Please raise your hand if you've been given the Witten growl. Thank you! Thank you ma'am! Yes you in the back, thank you!)
If you do not know what the growl looks like, let me enlighten you!

Yup there it is! How about one more?

There it is! This was the face I was expecting for that sweet lady to receive. But instead, he gave her the most precious smile and said his most precious 'gank you!'

So, we went home to find CV mowing the yard. Witt was screaming to Daddy from the car 'Daddy we got a pool!' I pulled out the pool from the trunk and we immediately took it to the backyard. I told Witt to go get his swimsuit on. He was all but naked in about 3.5 seconds

#3 was awake and ready for the newest adventure that was taking place in our house. We got her swimsuit on and she was a little anxious about it, but she looked adorable!

Here are some pics from our 2.5 hours out in the sun in our new pool. The water was a little less than freezing, but that didnt slow Witten down one bit.

Good times! Good Times!

Peace Out Hommies

I wanna walk like a.....CAMEL!

2010-04-21T20:11:00.000-07:00

I had a pretty cool day today!

We went on my FAVORITE field trip.

We went to Gator & Friends Park! I love it out there. Its so clean and interesting. I love going in the spring time to see all the babies that are there! Just wanted to share our experience!

Just altogether a great day at the park! With great kids! And great Ladies!

Peace Out Hommies!

The 6 letter dirty word!

2010-04-18T21:41:00.000-07:00

“The key to change... is to let go of fear.”
Rosanne Cash

Change just Sucks....excuse that word. (Momma dont fuss) but thats the best word I could come up! I hate CHANGE! Being raised as an only child was something I cherished. I loved being with my momma & daddy all the time by myself. I loved being alone in my room. I loved the not having to deal with drama or squabbles. But at the same time, being raised as the only child in the house hinders you. I didn't realize this until I got to college and had to learn to share, learn to squabble and have to move on afterwards, and learn that quietness was something I should've CHERISHED!! But the biggest thing about being the center of my own world, is that Change was something I never had to deal with.
So thankful that my parents are still married b/c I know divorce is something I couldn't possibly handle. I have always known that change is something I dont accept easily!
I bawled like a baby on the 1st day of Senior Year in High School (That was our last first day of school)
I cried hysterically when momma and daddy moved me into the dorms.
I had a meltdown the day I got married (only b/c that whole breaking off from your mom & daddy to become one thing just wasnt something I really wanted to do)
So you get it..... I DONT DO CHANGE!!

Well, there is so much CHANGE coming in my very near future that only by the Grace of GOD am I still standing. And probably this whole blogging thing helps! I can get it all out and then shut the computer off and not think about it again!
Ok, so lets discuss the changes coming my way!
1.) moving out of my house. which yall have already heard about. The positive note on that one??? I get to move back into momma & daddys house!! YAY!!
2.) I'm moving back into my parents house! With my husband, 47 children, their dog, bird (which is Satans spawn) and we are possibly adding to our family (only the 4-legged kind of additions, not 2-legged)
3.) Im leaving my job which I love and adore.
4.) Im going to work with my parents and husband!

Yeah! So...CHANGE....you are not my friend!
I like being comfortable. I do not like having to learn something new. I like to perfect what I'm already good at! I like ease and stability.

So, one more time! Say it with me. On THREE!

Ready??

1......

2.....

ya ready?

3......

I HATE CHANGE!!!!!!

Peace Out Hommies!

Too Funny~

2010-04-16T06:50:00.000-07:00

Chris called me this morning with the funniest story about Brock, so I just had to share!

Just a little background for ya!

Every morning Chris gets up at 4:30, goes and runs, workout, and gets dressed and THEN comes home by 7:15 to help me get the kids ready and dressed for school. He always takes Brock to school in the morning.

OK, ya ready for some giggles?

So, the two of them were sitting in car line and Brock says out of nowhere.

B: "Dad, did you know that I can look at someone and tell what month they were born in?"

CV: " NO I had no idea you could do that Brock?!?!" (Secretly dying laughing to himself)

B: " Yeah, like you see that girl right there? She was born in May!"

CV: "Really?!?! Well what about that teacher??"

B: "Oh thats easy! She was born in December!"

CV: " Oh really?? Ok, well what about me? What month do I look like I was born in?"

B: " You look like you were born in April."

CV: "But I was born in March!"

B: " I know!! But you look like you were born in April!"

CV was dying laughing!! He couldn't believe how funny and clever this child is!

BTW... CV and I are already getting payback on acting like we dont have parents in front of our friends. The other morning when CV was dropping B off, he pulled up to the front of the carline and B was getting out. Like every morning, CV said I love you B. And usually B says I love you too Dad. But this morning there was no response. CV repeated himself. BROCK I LOVE YOU!! B just turned and gave him 'the look' You know the look! The 'I cant believe youre speaking to me right now in front of all of these little people that I go to school with everyday' look!

Well, this morning when CV dropped him off, CV made sure that B would NEVER do that again.. CV yelled and hollered in front of a bunch of teachers and student!! B messed with the wrong parent!!!!

Happy Friday!

Peace Out Hommies!

Last Monday night!

2010-04-12T20:23:00.000-07:00

We are moving out of our house this weekend.

- Please take a moment and sing a Hallelujah song-

As badly as I wanted to sell this house, now that its time for us to move out, I cant help but be heavy hearted! This house has been much more than a home, its been our haven!

In December of 2005, I walked into this house, and I knew...

This was IT! This was the house that we would grow in.

We GREW alright!

So much that we have Outgrown it!

When I bought this house, Chris was playing football in Miami. He stepped off the plane to come home and I took him straight to see our new house. He loved it instantly too! When we moved in, it was just the three of us! Chris, Myself, and Brock. He was three years old!

Five years later, and we're moving on! Brock is now 7 years old. He is a big brother to Witten who is 3.5 years old and Emmi is 2. We've had a dog, Belle. But she outgrew the backyard! So, she had to go!

So as we spend the last week in our house, I am reminiscing on so much that has happened over the last 5 years. I thank God for the chance to grow in this house. I thank Him for the roof He provided over my family's head. There are many hand-prints that have been covered up with paint, many art projects too. (Flat paint is terrible) I always pray that my children will remember this home, their childhood home. I hope they remember the laughter that was shared here, the friends that came to visit and the stories of God we told in the bathtub!

I pray they remember every Halloween Boo Bash. I pray they can remember the pancake parties we had when schools would close on holidays. I hope Witten remembers how much he loves to use our front yard as his personal urinal. I pray Brock remembers learning to ride his bike with no training wheels on our street. I will use pictures to show Emmi how her wardrobe took over two closets!

What can you say?? She's a girl!

But the one thing I cherish most about this house, is that this is where I brought my two babies home to! Brock was already 3, and he and I spent NYE 2006 in this house all by ourselves. I love that I brought Witten Macabe home to this house, where Brock would read to him in his bed. A year and a half later, (yeah you read that right) I brought my baby girl home here! My family was completed in this house! A family I've dreamt of having since I was little girl!

I love this house, but ultimately, it is just a house. What I love about this house, I am bringing with me!

Peace Out Hommies!

Deep Thoughts.....

2010-04-11T20:21:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking of alot about this lady that comes into Witt's therapy place this past week. Every time she comes into the waiting room, she hugs EVERYONE in the room. Including myself and Emmi. Now, I know she doesnt know my name, for I sure do not know hers. But she seems to just have deep-rooted JOY!

Joy is something that I strive to have. I love and aspire to be like women who seem to be filled with Joy. And not the kind that is surface. I want Deep, True, JOY. The kind that is only achieved from having a Christ-like heart!

I just want to scream happiness.

to scream 'I HAVE JESUS IN MY HEART!'

DO YOU??

So thats something that I am working on every day. And sometimes its something I have to work on hourly.

Ok who am I kidding, sometimes I work by the minute to remind myself that I WILL HAVE JOY in my heart! Right now! This very moment.

While I'm trying to cook supper, clean the sticky-red kool aid that was spilled earlier in the afternoon, Brock is screaming about Emmi's poopy diaper, Emmi has a poopy diaper, Witt is wanting Orange Juice. BAM! Witten's finger is now stuck in the door That Emmi has slammed shut. And Chris has stepped out for an errand.

NO! I will not let the devil steal my joy!

I WILL HAVE JOY, JOY, JOY, JOY, JOY down in my heart!

Heres a pic of my sweet baby boy! We went to Mimi and Grandpas house for just a second and Witt just sat down to take in the view!! I love how he loves it here! I feel the same way about this house!

Peace Out Hommies

Just some cute pics of some cute kids!

2010-04-04T22:00:00.000-07:00

She got caught...The entire bathroom was COVERED in toothpaste!

They are so sweet! But this is when they are sweetest to each other!

Peace Out Hommies!

I swear...last pics!

2010-04-04T21:53:00.000-07:00

Yes, that is Yellow Snow! We went to the park and Witt pulled his pants down in the middle of the park and did his business...I love that boy!

Papaw found where some beavers had been hard at work!

More sky pics! It was just so pretty!

I thought this was pretty clever!

The guys on the ski lift!

Our skis

Taos ski lodge!

A store we pass on the way to Taos ski Lodge. The sign says:

What a great time....to be a girl!

I couldnt agree more!

Ok, I promise I'm done with the pics from our trip! Thanks for taking several hours and looking!

Peace Out Hommies!

Red River

2010-04-04T21:44:00.000-07:00

Ok guys! Thanks for being patient and going through all these pics! We had so much fun. I am already counting the days to next years trip!

Happy Birthday Nona!

My little Picaso

So intense!

Talking to Mimi

HEY! Look who we found, The Duckworths! Poor Witt was NOT happy! (Thats him in the background on the bench)

The view from our house!

Brock tubing down Strawberry Hill!

Witt & Daddy bringing their tube back up! W was so proud of himself!

A creek! Im working on my photo skills!

She thought this was the best thing she had EVER done!

We got snowed in the day we were trying to leave. This is Papa Jim & Danettes house. Thats my car covered in snow. We decided to just drive home early the next morning!

Brock loved this icicle!

The snow came up to my boots!

Witt eating the Snow Ice Cream Nona made!

The Dairy Bar, how I wish you were in Benton, LA. You were almost a daily stop for us!

Peace Out Hommies, til next year!

CV and I couldn't get over the different shades of blue in the sky. Ok, CV is colored blind and couldnt really see it so I was trying to describe it to him. I snapped it for y'all!

So Long in the car, so tired of the car, not so pretty in the car!

Peace Out Hommies!

Standing TALL

World Series Champs!

Witten says the darkest things

This Myrtle meets Fertile Myrtle!

The third bird always gets the last of the worm

Witten plays ball too ya know.....

Take me out to the ballgame....AGAIN & AGAIN & AGAIN.....

He is Risen Indeed!

What's up Lately.....

This is IT! I promise!

Day 5~ Pt. 2 Party with a Princess!

DAY 5~ Pt. 1 Hollywood Studios

Disney Randomness

Disney Day 3!

Disney Day 2!!

Disney 2011: day 1

I'm baaaaccckkkkk!

Snow Day 2011

Just a Few pics from my weekend!

Our Loss is Pop's Gain

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all!

Day 24

DAY 20

DAY 19~ Stupid Hawaiian shirt

DAY 16-18

DAY 14~

DAY 13~

DAY 12~

DAY 11

DAY 10

DAY 9

DAY 8

DAY 7 (again on day 8)

DAY 6 (on day 8 due to no internet access at home yet)

DAY 3,4 & 5

DAY 2

Thanks!!!

CLHHC= Wittens GTL

What you gonna do??

For you Granny!!

Witten says the darnest things....

Quotes De Jour!

1 Thess. 5:16-18

Brocks Baptism

Eat, Pray, Love.....yup! Im good at all 3 of them.

Dear Baby Jesus!

Dear Baby Jesus!

Humble Persistence

I SHAKE MY HINNEY!!

Just for you Jac!

8 is Great!

My Children's Rehab!

I'm Baaaaacccckkkkk!!!

And she walks with Angels

Nah, you Dar-lin!

Proud Momma!!

Not TODAY!

My Friend....

Crawfish Boil!

No P in our OOL!

I wanna walk like a.....CAMEL!

The 6 letter dirty word!

“The key to change... is to let go of fear.”

Too Funny~

Last Monday night!

Deep Thoughts.....

Just some cute pics of some cute kids!

I swear...last pics!

Red River