Stephanie's Side

Welcome 2012

2012-01-12T07:09:00.000-08:00

Well 2012 has had an intresting start in our life. God is moving us in a direction to be closer to him and we are loving it! Nathan has a sudden interest in reading his Bible and has realized there is as much action in the Bible as he can find any where else. Travis has decided his life would benefit from a nice study Bible in which is at the top of things he wants for his 14th birthday coming up next month. I am proud of my young men!! God has brought them a long way and they have learned that they are not the only ones in the situation they were in but that God has blessed them in so many ways. Mom is doing good. We still have ups and downs with her health but we have learned it is God's hands and we must keep faith in him for a divine healing. As for me, well school is on a break and work is going great. I have an amazing supervisor, great upper management personnel, and an out of this world charge nurse and co-workers...we are family. I have been with Texhoma Christian Care Center for a little over 2 years and still love getting up and going to work. God has truly blessed us and performed miracles in our life. As for our church we love Clifton and his family and all the Word of Grace people, we feel so loved and at home and God is doing great things and I am thankful my family and I are blessed to be apart of such a great ministry. I have 2 statements for this year: "FAITH is not believing God can it is know God will" and "Don't judge me, you have not walked in my shoes, what you see is what you get, love me or hate me but you always know where you stand with me, yes the truth hurts but I'd rather be truthful than lie to you, thank you for keeping it real." Hope everyone has had a blessed new year, God is going to great things in 2012!!

Because I TRULY care about people in this world...

2011-04-13T06:47:00.001-07:00

It's like a storm that cuts a path, it breaks your will it feels like you think you're lost. But you're not lost on your own, you're not alone. I will stand by you I will help you through when you've done all you can do and you can't cope, I will dry your eyes I will fight your fight I will hold you tight and I won't let you go. It breaks my heart to see you cry, I know it's dark this part of life. Oh it finds us all and we're too small to stop the rain, oh but when it rains I will stand by you I will help you through. When you've done all you can do and you can't cope, I will dry your eyes I will fight your fight I will hold you tight and I won't let you fall. Don't be afraid to fall, I'm right here to catch you I won't let you down. It won't get you down, you're gonna make it, yeah I know you can make it cause I will stand by you I will help you through when you've done all you can do and you can't cope, I will dry your eyes I will fight your fight I will hold you tight and I won't let go. Oh I'm gonna hold you and I won't let go. I won't let you go, no I won't. (Alex Flatt of Rascal Flatts)

The Beginning

2010-08-24T08:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday officially started the new 2010/2011 school year. The boys had a great first day and have WONDERFUL teachers! As for me, I started my online classes yesterday but today starts my first day of on campass classes. It looks to be a great year and I am looking forward to all the challenges.

Remembering Travis Lyn

2010-08-12T11:16:00.001-07:00

WOW!! I can't believe it has been 8 years since Travis Lyn was killed. Most of you who know me knows I express feelings through songs...a lot. Well this year is no different. Garth Brooks', The Dance, is the fitting song this year. Yes, I could have changed it all and walked away from the danger but I would have missed the most beautiful dance ever!

Looking back on the memory of the dance we shared 'neath the stars above, for a moment all the world seemed right, how could I have know you'd ever say good-bye. Holding you, I held everything, for a moment weren't you a king? But if I'd only known how the king would fall hey who's to say, you know I might have changed it all. And now, Im glad I didn't know the way it all would end, the way it all would go, our lives are better left to chance. I could have missed the pain but I'd have had to miss the dance.

Up-dates

2010-08-10T07:56:00.000-07:00

These are our most recent family pics. Travis is in 5th grade and Nathan is in 3rd grade...man time has FLOWN by!! They are both great students and have readjusted to public school wonderfully despite the rocky start last year. As for me, I dropped the LVN program and am now in the RN program. That is going very well and I am making great grades which with my work and family obligations added to the school mix I feel blessed!

Time Flies

2010-08-09T21:08:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone, I really am still alive!!

New Adventure

2010-01-19T09:48:00.000-08:00

A new adventure has begun. I am a proud student in the LVN program. As most of you know I have FINALLY come to terms with a lot of issues and am progressing forward in my career. I know God opened all the right doors and Travis will forever be in my heart. I am excited about this new chapter in life as well as my family. Lord knows I couldn't do it without them!

Welcome to 2010!!

2010-01-11T21:29:00.000-08:00

It has been a LONG time since I have written here. So much has happened so I will try to keep this short but yet informative. I started a new job in October, had a great Thanksgiving, Christmas was a blessing, we set pride and ego aside and allowed others to help us with specific needs we had. We had an unexpected visitor for Christmas due to the snow and road closures but it was a good time for all. The boys enjoyed playing in the snow and for a short time I went down memory lane of all the fun I had growing up with snow all the time and the things my friends and I did to make winter fun. The boys started the New Year off sick and Travis spent a few days in the hospital but all is good now and they are back to school. We found out Travis is going to need surgery (January 18th) and we are asking friends and family to keep this situation in prayer. I was accepted into the nursing program and will start classes January 19th...so excited about this! God has blessed me in so many ways and I am so thankful for each blessing. Sometimes when we are pushed to the max and tested beyond imagination is when we see our biggest and best blessings. Praying everyone has a blessed 2010...Let Go And Let God...and see awesome things happen!

Seven years ago on August 12, 2002...

2009-08-11T20:18:00.000-07:00

Do you remember where you were and what you were doing 7 years ago today? I do. I was pacing my house waiting to hear from Travis Lyn, for him to let me know he was ok and would be home soon. I called friends and family to pray everything would be ok. But deep in my heart I knew, I knew he was not coming home...at least not to me. Instead he went to his home in heaven. The empty hole left in my heart was indescribable. I prayed for it not to be true. But deep in my heart I knew, I knew he was not coming home. I faded away from all I knew. I went into a deep dark world, a hell of sorts. But now that time has passed, what has happened? Well I walked out of that hell. I found the strength through God to face each and every day, to face the horror of living that day without Travis Lyn. Two years later on August 12, 2004, 2 of the most wonderful boys moved in with me. They begged me not to send them back to their hell. So together we started on our road to healing. I cannot tell you what the boys have done for me...that would be like telling you what God has done for me...I could never get it all said. On August 15, 2007, we made our family "official" and they boys legally became mine. While I can never reveal what the courts have sealed I will tell you Travis and Nathan and I left the courtroom 3 very different people. Today we look back over our lives, where we were and what we were doing...struggling to survive. We thank God for what he has done for us. For through our own hell we found the courage to change a life. We never take life for granted...we know in an instant it can be changed forever. Seven years ago I was 8 months from being an RN...a dream I have had since a little girl...today I will start the journey over and will again begin the road to being an RN. Seven years ago Travis and Nathan were struggling to survive a home where they were not wanted among many other hellish ordeals. Today we are a happy family...loved, happy, and survivors. Do you remember where you were and what you were doing 7 years ago today?

Just Life

2009-07-04T09:20:00.001-07:00

There are a lot of people I want to thank for all the hard work they have done in helping take care of me while I have been on best rest and preparing for surgery. Mom, what can I say...thank you for being there no matter what. It gets rough sometimes but you always find a way to help. Dad, wow, it really is hard doing my "job" on a daily bases...thank you for trying to keep it up. To my wonderful boys, Travis and Nathan, I am so proud of y'all for pitching in and helping to the best of your abilities! Bro. & Sis. Holley, y'all are awesome! Thank you for all your prayers. I know things don't always go like we plan them to or like we want them to but thank you for reminding me that God is in control and already has things worked out. A HUGE thank you to Linda for all she has done to help me out...it has been a HUGE blessing! Tammy, thank you for driving 2 hours to come and help me out. You and I both know there is way too much here for me to tackle by myself when I am well much less when I am sick. Alicia, thak you for coming and lending a hand. These people have gone out of their way to make sure things are getting done so mom, dad, the boys, and I don't have so much to do after the surgery.

For my friend and his family

2009-06-18T05:15:00.000-07:00

Hello friends, I am asking you to keep my friend Kenny and his family in your prayers. If you keep up with the news at all you might remember the horrible house fire in Electra this week. My friend's sister died in that fire. For those of you who know me really well you will also remember Kenny from Travis Lyn's funeral, he is the one who gave a speech on behalf of AMR (that never took his shades off). I know the family would really appreciate yor prayers. Thank you in advance.

If you only knew

2009-06-08T08:01:00.000-07:00

If you only knew where I have been, where I am now, and the struggles I have faced then you would know how good God is. Yesterday was an incredible day at church both morning and evening. As the morning service started I was just kind of there. Not uncommon, all Christians have been in that mode at some point. It took ALL I had to push through what I was feeling. Finally there was enough break through I was able to comfortably worship. Yes there was a lot on my mind and it was hard to be totally focused on church...I admit it, my mind wondered A LOT. However, I decided the evening service WAS NOT going to be the same. I work on a rotating schedule so I really have to get all I can out of the services I am able to attend. It was incredible! I had a MADE UP MIND that NO MATTER WHAT I was GOING to get a blessing before church was over. Believe me I did! As the service started every song was "my song" just for me...in particular a part of a song was: EVERY BLESSING you pour out I WILL TURN BACK to praise & another part: you give and take away, you give and take away and STILL MY HEART WILL CHOOSE to say blessed be your name...I still get shivers! It was at that moment I realized how truly blessed I was. God has kept me through so much in my life, when my husband died he was there to carry, comfort, and guide me through those long dark days until I could see the light at the end of the tunnel, my oldest son had been baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost, and following the service my youngest son was going to be baptized. How much more blessed could I have been at that moment in my life! Well when you are a single mom and all the burden is on your shoulders, your boss tells you she is going to cut your hours and you realize in an instant your summer plans just went down the drain it is REALLY HARD to see the blessings! Despite all that had been happening God had already made a way, and the boys ARE GOING TO YOUTH CAMP!! Folks you don't understand...this is worth shouting over!! Now the boys know God truly answers prayers even if it is a prayer to go to camp. This is building a strong foundation for them to know they can ask God for ANYTHING and HE will provide! If you only knew how good God is...your life would NEVER be the same!

In Rememberance...

2009-05-25T08:40:00.000-07:00

Today is the day most Americans will remember those who have fought for our freedom. One of the most awesome things I have ever done was when I was in Washington D.C. I had the privilage of going to the Wall from the Vietnam War and the Statues from the Korean War. The statues told a silent story and the tour guide gave me goose bumps telling us how to read the story. I can't wait to go back and go to the Arlington Cemetary! I want to thank my dad for the time he served this country. I appreciate the freedom we enjoy and I am thankful for his time served. I have numerous family and friends who also served and I want to thank them as well. My Uncles: Cliff, Tommy, Larry, and Bill, my friends: Joanna, Lonnie, Allison, Jerry, Carl, Gidget, and all the military at Life Tab. My hats off to your dedication to serve and protect! My family truly appreciates all y'all do. Hope you enjoy the pictures blow and that you have a fun and safe day.

13 Years

2009-05-23T18:28:00.000-07:00

Today, May 23, I would have been married 13 years. Remembering all we packed into 6 years I can only imagine what we would have done/accomplished in 13. In addition to not being able to post a pic of us, I am really sick and can't even do anything in memory of :(. Oh well...you can see a pics of us by clicking on my facebook or myspace link at the right.

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T05:48:00.001-07:00

Happy Mother's Day mom! Love you lots and hope you have a great day. Hope all the mom's out there have a great day.

WOW!!

2009-05-09T19:54:00.000-07:00

I have been wowed a lot since Wednesday. I know God has everything in His hand and in control but there are some things I wanted to share and some things to ask y'all to be in prayer about. First off, I got my hours cut at work and now I am working 20 hrs a week...God WILL provide so please help me pray what I make He stretches to meet the needs. Second, I decided since I was going to nursing school and would have not a lot of extra time I would put the boys back in public school...Travis will be in JR HIGH!! Ok, I guess I was expecting him to still be in the higher elementary one more year but they quickly let me know he was able to advance. Nathan will start the higher elementary school in the fall...that was not so hard to take...imagine that...LOL! Last but not least I have decided to down-size since I will be starting back to school in the fall. Please help us pray that the house sells quickly and for a good price...yes I did find a several houses I like...one especially...I know if it is God's will everything will work out as is should. Also please help us pray that we can get a good price for the items we are choosing to sell that we don't feel we need any more. Thank you in advance for your prayers and if you are looking for anything please let me know...there is a LOT for sale.

Happy Birthday Travis Lyn!

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

If Travis were still alive he would be 35! I know God had a reason for calling him home so in his memory this year please post your favorite memory of him.

Take note:

2009-05-05T19:23:00.000-07:00

this is the official announcement that I am moving. I am going through everything and down-sizing as much as possible so if you are looking for something specific please let me know. I will make you a good cash deal, including the house! If you or someone you know is looking for a nice home let me know. It is a 4 bedroom, 2 full bath, formal living and dinning room, kitchen, dinning room, wash room, family room, wood-burning fire place with built in bookshelf, large den, large privacy fenced back yard, 2 car garage, and free standing shed. Home sits on 1.17 acres. I will try to get a slide show put together and add to this post by the weekend. Please help me pray that the house sales quickly and that we get the right home in the right neighborhood.

The verdict is in...

2009-05-01T04:16:00.000-07:00

I PASSED!!! Now I am going to try to paitently wait for my acceptance to the program letter to arrive in the mail in JULY!!! Ok, the key work is try to paitently wait...could they seriously not have just said you're in while I was filling out all the paper work?!?!

Here we go...

2009-04-23T17:14:00.000-07:00

The time has come and I am now studying for my entrance exam to LVN classes. I would appreciate your prayers very much. There are a lot of circumstances surrounding this situation and I need God's strength. I will be keeping y'all posted on this new adventure so stay tuned for updates.

Hum...how 'bout an update or shall we say victory report?

2009-04-18T07:42:00.000-07:00

So much has happened since I last posted...thus the reason it has been so long since I have written anything. For starters, I have an awesome boss and job! I was working 2p-10p with a rotating 4 on 2 off schedule. I was not happy to have been missing so much church so several people I had contacted and I started praying and God opened a door for a shower aide position to be created and my boss fixed a flex schedule but I mainly work 6a-3p but as long as she knows what is going on I can arrange my scheudle to what I need it to be...thus I don't have to take off work nearly as much. I was really nervous about going back to work since I was blessed to have been home for the last 12.5 years. I have always wanted to be a nurse and at this time I am a nurse's assistant as a shower aide. Most of you will think I am crazy when I say I love giving showers for 8 hrs every day BUT I really do love it. There is something about providing personal care for someone is not able to, to make them feel better about themselves that is wonderful. I have also learned a lot from these "old-timmers" too, I think that is why I don't mind it so much. These people have a lot to offer us younger folks if we will just slow down long enough to listen to them! Now for my answer to prayer...I will be starting my LVN classes very very soon!! I did not think it was going to happen this soon because of circumstances BUT when you leave things in God's hands He supplies your needs AND the desires of your heart. Y'all pray I do well. I am confident right now but I know there will be many many challenges ahead. As for mom...she has received many blessings. Her health is not 100% better yet but she is stabilizing and improving. God IS going to COMPLETELY heal her and by my faith it will be soon! The boys are doing great...growing, growing, growing! In case you have not seen them recently Travis has gone for 1 yr and 4 mos. W/OUT a seizure...praise the Lord!! and is 4'10". Nathan is 4'5". They are 2 very incredible boys and I thank God for them every day. Yes we have all been through a lot with a lot of unanswered questions but God has given us that peace that passeth all understanding and we count our blessings daily and know His will for us is as He wanted it to be. Ok, well that is the past month and a half in a nutshell. I will try to keep y'all updated a little more often but I won't promise, as we are all aware...life is life.

Thank You!

2009-03-02T18:51:00.000-08:00

I want to thank all of you who prayed for me while I was sick. I am feeling better and was able to get and take Travis to quiz practice...boy was it nice to see something besides the four walls of my room, bathroom, and doctor's office! I will be able to return to work on Wednesday so please pray I have gained enough strength by then. Y'all are great friends and I don't know what I would do without y'all!!

A Pastor with GUTS!

2009-02-13T14:56:00.000-08:00

Thought you might enjoy this interesting prayer given in Kansas at the opening session of their Senate. It seems prayer still upsets some people. When Minister Joe Wright was asked to open the new session of the Kansas Senate, everyone was expecting the usual generalities, but this is what they heard:
Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done.
We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values.
We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.
We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.
We have killed our unborn and called it choice.
We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.
We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem..
We have abused power and called it politics.
We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition.
We have polluted the air with profanity and por nography and called it freedom of expression.
We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.
Search us, Oh, God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Amen!
The response was immediate. A number of legislators walked out during the prayer in protest. In 6 short weeks, Central Christian Church, where Rev. Wright is pastor, logged more than 5,000 phone calls with only 47 of those calls responding negatively. The church is now receiving international requests for copies of this prayer from India , Africa and Korea .
Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on his radio program, 'The Rest of the Story,'and received a larger response to this program than any other he has ever aired.
With the Lord's help, may this prayer sweep over our nation and wholeheartedly become our desire so that we again can be called 'one nation under God.'
'If you don't stand for something, you will fall for everything.'
Love & God Bless

HAPPY 11TH BIRTHDAY TRAVIS!

2009-02-10T04:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Travis!! Hope you have a great day and enjoy your birthday dinner!! Love you tons...Mom, Nathan, Nana, & Papa.

Hello...I am among the living believe it or not!

2009-02-09T07:51:00.000-08:00

Greetings! I know some of you are laughing at me because I used to keep this updated every week. Since I stated working it just gets updated when I am awake and at home enough to type a message or thought. I do love my job. It is going good, I have descent co-workers to work with and the people I care for are so sweet...not so much innocent...they have their moments...but they are sweet. I enjoy their stories even if most of them are made up or from so long ago it doesn't matter if it is right or not. I also like to listen to the stories of how these people helped shape the town I live in. So I am guessing y'all want an update on life...in a nutshell: Mom is able to get up and around...slowly but it is getting better. We have both agreed no more nerve testing...ever! The boys are doing great. Travis will be 11 tomorrow...it is that pre-teen thing...prayer needed now!! LOL, he is a good kid and I don't see where I am going to have a lot of problems...he does his best and tries hard to do the right thing. Nathan...well he is his normal self...just having all the fun he can. I know they both are growing...according to them there is not enough food to eat! Besides that we are doing great. I know I was in the process of posting pics from the holidays but I have to fix a slide show before the next ones can be viewed so may in a day or so I can get back to the holiday memories. Until next time...

Thankful for modern technology!

2009-01-25T16:51:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for modern technology that has allowed me to be "in church" via the internet. Because of sickness we were unable to be in service but it was AWESOME to feel God through the speakers of my laptop! Thank you Life Tab for having this capability for people who can't be in service. Bro Hurst, KEEP ON PREACHING messages like tonight! Our young people need it. My boys were GLUED to the floor listening to his voice and grasping what was being preached. Thank you God for speaking to us and touching us and drawing us to you. Oh and for the record, my seat IS 18" (+ a few more)...LOL!! If you don't know what I am talking about please click on the Life Tabernacle link on the right under 'my chruch' section. Once at the website click on the audio tab. You will want the Jan. 25th Sun. Nite service. Trust me it is WELL worth your time to listen.

Nothing like my God's power!

2009-01-19T05:05:00.000-08:00

I had not planned on making a post this soon, it is not part of my pics of the holidays, but I will get back to those. However, I have something I must share with someone, I just don't know who. Maybe it is you. Here is my testimony:
I have been struggling within about some things over the last 6-8 months and it seemed no matter which way I turned there was no answer or way of escape until last night. I have been praying for several things and one very serious. No one knew of the struggles (yes I was keeping things in again...but that is another matter) but God and me. Sunday morning at church I seemed to be at a "wall" and could not get passed it. In Sunday school it was challenged to read the Bible all the way through, to get past the point you usually "give up" at. Then we talked about integrity. Now, God was beginning to talk to me but I still couldn't get past the "wall" I was facing (spiritually) until last night. Last night was a major difference. God touched me and blessed me in a mighty way. I don't know how to explain the feeling of that great peace that passeth all understanding exactly but I know I am going to be ok. And He took care of that very serious issue, just like I knew He would, and in His perfect time. I know I will actually sleep at night knowing God has worked a miracle in me and many more are on the way in the extremely near future. I pray I can share this testament with someone and it will help them understand God loves us each one of us and there is hope in Him. I don't know why we have to go through certain situations or why certain things happen to us but what I do know is He cares for you and will provide your every need, if you will allow Him to.

Christmas Memories Part 2

2009-01-14T10:26:00.000-08:00

Here are some more pictures from our holiday celebration. My friend Alicia and her husband Robert along with their son Braden (AKA: Man) brought gifts for us. Also Jean brought gifts for the boys. This year I did not get to buy for everyone but I learned it wasn't the giving of a gift per say that counted, it was the love and friendship all year long that was the best gift. I won't say I will post the next set of pictures next week, as we found out I got really busy and it turned into a couple of weeks. Rather I will say I will say I will post the next set of pictures in a week or so when I have a day off.

Christmas Memories Part 1

2008-12-28T13:47:00.000-08:00

I finally have all the holiday pictures down loaded so I can share them with you. I will start with the decorations. How a picture nut like me could forget to take pictures I will never know but I guess from working so much and not many days off I missed getting the outside pictures so I don't have any to share and I even had lights on the house this year. Oh well I will catch it next year. Hope you enjoy the ones I got.

I will post the next set of pictures next week. Hope y'all have a great week!

2008-12-24T12:13:00.000-08:00

from our house to yours,
Nathan, Stephanie, and Travis.

Just for Dad!

2008-12-15T10:33:00.000-08:00

I am dedicating this post just for my dad, Jonas. If you know him very well you will see the humor in it. I know Deborah and Patsy will agree with me too!! Ok so any way here is my thought for this bitter cold day...

Oh the weather outside is frightful but the fire is so delightful and since we've no place go, LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW!

I think this picture says it all for my home today. We are snuggled inside in front of the fire. I hope you have a special way to stay warm and make some good memories in this cold weather. Oh should I mention that if I lived in Billings, Montana I would actually be out in it and consider it a "heat wave"...now there is a laugh for you but it is true all the same. If you don't have a fireplace and would like to enjoy one let me know, I will share.

Great Neighbors!

2008-12-13T13:54:00.000-08:00

Ok, so everyone dreams of having the kind of neighbors/friends you know you really can call on anytime you need anything. I have just that neighbor. I have a friend and her husband and have known them for several years but in the spring they purchased a home in my neighborhood and we became neighbors. Today I was tackling a task out doors in the wind. As I would have known, they came over and helped out. Before long the task was completed. I am thrilled to have such great friends as neighbors! Thank you Bobbie & Kevin for your help and Ty for entertaining the boys while the adults worked.

Open Doors

2008-12-09T12:34:00.000-08:00

I just want to take a moment and testify to the good of God. I have had several things I have been praying about and God has opened doors of opportunity and answered my prayers. There are changes in the making as I write this and I am thankful beyond words for all He does for me and my family. Just another reason to be thankful during this holiday season.

From our 2007 Thanksgiving Journal

2008-12-04T14:19:00.000-08:00

Well I have gone through and read our Thanksgiving Journal and I took the ones that were the most thought of. I thought it was pretty awesome at some of the things we are thankful for. Keep in mind some of these are from the mouth of babes. It is so awesome to see how God can work in the life of a child. While this is not everything we were thankful for I hope you enjoy the top things to be thankful for from our 2007 Thanksgiving Journal.

God, Bible, Church, and Pastor; Family and Friends; Home; Health, Doctors, and Medicine; Food, Clothes, Job, Modern Technology, and Education; to be an American, Constitutional Rights, Military, Country; Vehicles; Seasons and Sunlight.

It's Official

2008-11-28T14:54:00.000-08:00

Well it is officially the Christmas season. No I did not go to the early savings shopping. Instead I came home from work and went to bed. I suppose with the economy the way it is and having 2 boys at the right age for electronic items you maybe wondering why I would not take advantage of the sales. The answer is simple...I don't need any gift bad enough to fight a crowd just to find out what I wanted is out of stock. Seriously, I have already purchased my major gifts...folks the web has great prices and ships right to your home! All I have left now is just a few small items and stocking stuffers. I know time and items will go fast so on my next day off I will probably finish up my shopping and then enjoy the rest of the season reflecting on the most important reason for the season...Jesus! I wish you a fun and safe holiday season...and of course stay tuned for routine updates.

Holiday Blessing To You

2008-11-20T07:17:00.000-08:00

It is a week from Thanksgiving and oh so much to be thankful for! We have almost completed our our Thanksgiving Journel and I will be sharing some of the entries we have made in a few days. I want everyone who reads and comments to this blog to know how thankful I am for your love and friendship. May you be blessed at this holiday season.

I received a neat holiday greeting that covered the whole holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Year. I hope you enjoy it as well as I did.

God's Blessing To You:

The spirit of Thanksgiving is gratefulness for all of God's goodness. Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thess. 5:18

The spirit of Christmas is giving as we remember God's greatest gift to mankind, Jesus. The word became flesh and made His dewelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

The spirit of the New Year is hope in the knowledge of our future through Jesus Christ. For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jer. 29:11

May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus this blessed season and all the year through.

November Happenings...

2008-11-11T14:25:00.000-08:00

Needless to say November is almost half gone and Thanksgiving is right around the corner! Speaking of Thanksgiving, we are having fun with out Thanksgiving Journal. It is amazing the things we find ourselves being thankful for. We have reflected on how God has blessed us and how he keeps blessing us. While we are counting blessings, I am thankful for healing. I have been sick for the past couple of weeks with a sinus infection, bronchitis, and the flu. Today my temperature finally broke and I am feeling my self. Well just a little weak so I guess I feel mostly myself now.

Now parents. Lets talk about the causes of gray hair. We have all heard the different causes...children's behavior, hard work, & stress being among the top 3 reasons. As of this post I am pretty sure I have found the true number 1 reason for parents getting gray hair...taking your 10 year old shopping for new shoes and leaving the store with him happily fitting into a size 8 MENS!!! Can I get a witness?!?!? Ok, so the children are supposed to grow, but seriously...so rapidly?? I guess you are curious to know what size he out grew...size 6 Mens...in August of this year when I purchased new school shoes. Hum...for part of today's "I'm thankful fors" I will add all the stores I can choose from to keep my rapidly growing boys clothed! (In case you are not a parent yet...just wait! The best tip I can give is to have a special account just for your children and all the many many things they will need at an alarming rate!)

YES!!!!!

2008-11-01T08:47:00.001-07:00

If there is nothing else to be grateful for today it is simply the fact of gaining an extra hour of sleep...much needed sleep!!! Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Holiday Time

2008-10-27T07:55:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe we are already to the holiday time of year. Our family will be starting something new this year and I can't wait until Nov. 1! On Nov. 1 we will start naming one thing we are thankful for, Nov. 2 two things we are thankful for, etc. continuing to Thanksgiving. I will be keep a "Journal of Thanksgiving" and if the family is ok with it I will share some things from time to time through out the month. Thanksgiving and Christmas are my most favorite holidays and I hope they are wonderful for you and your family.

Miracles

2008-10-23T22:43:00.000-07:00

Some people say miracles were just something that happened in Bible times. I would like to meet those people and let them live one day with me and they would see tons of miracles like the one I just experienced. I know this is a little lengthy but I hope you will read it to the end. God is good all the time, all the time God is good!

As normal for our house at 9pm we started getting ready for bed. The boys were brushing their teeth, etc. I was in the process of putting up the clean laundry so I could go to bed right after I tucked in the boys. That's when it happened. It was the most terrifying noise I have heard in a long time. I sounded like an electric saw does when it first starts cutting wood, the high pitch shreel grinding noise...inside followed by flickering lights and then really dim lights that eventually returned to normal brightness. I called my dad and asked him to come up right away and help me find the source of the problem. He in turned told me to call the fire department and make sure there was not a smoldering somewhere. That is where the real action started. After the fire department went through my home they confirmed there was nothing smoldering and advised me to call an electrician. Ok now by this time it was 10:30pm and I asked it was safe to wait until morning. The very nice fire cheif said, "it is safe enough, there is no fire but you need someone tonight." I must have had a shocked look on my face as two of the other fire fighters replied in unison, "call Clarence, he does after hours work." So after a 5 minute phone conversation the electrician was on his way. He arrived at 11:15pm and went right to work on finding the problem. After doing a complete search inside and out he determined the problem was particially due to a bad breaker...hum, wonder if that means there won't be a hot shower in the morning? The other part of the problem is on the provider side in which they will have to come out tomorrow, or at this point later. I made the comment to no one in particuliar that I was tired of all the problems I had/have been having since I moved into this house. A fire fighter answered me with a statement that will stick with me for a long time to come, "What are you worried about? There is no fire, the electrician has proved you are not in any immediate danger, we are here 24 hrs should something else happen, and you have been through worse. The way I see it, God took care of you again." What stood out the most was God took care of me again. Yes, I have had various problems since I have moved into this house; yes, I was protected from harm, there was not a fire and I am in no immediate danger; and yes, I have been through much worse. I am so thankful to know no matter what life sends my way, He is going to take care of me again and again and that brings me great comfort.

As I share this miracle at 1am I am embracing the comfort that God has taken care of me again and I am going to say good "night" and rest in peace.

So who was it that said miracles only happened in Bible times? I don't know but I hope they read this.

Remembering a family member and friends

2008-10-17T21:44:00.000-07:00

This post is in memory of the people who lost their lives in the fatal accident in Electra, Texas. Adreanna Norrid (my cousin) 18 yrs old, Cortney Mengwasser 16 yrs old, Michael Nason 40 yrs old, and Alyssa Willieford is still fighting for her life in ICU, 18 yrs old. Monte (Rocky) Grounds was treated and released with minor injuries is 41 yrs old. May God be with all the families of all 5 victims of this horrible accident.

I want my friends in Electra to know y'all in my thoughts and prayers.

Catching Up

2008-10-06T09:13:00.000-07:00

Wow! Is it really already October?? Really wouldn't know it by the weather that has been very enjoyable. However, I will enjoy it while it lasts as winter is around the corner. There has been a lot going on in our household. The boys are doing great in school, mom has not had too much problem with gout, just 1 spell so far. As for me, well as usual I am always finding things to keep me busy! I don't keep Presley any more but I do have a new job and I love it! As anyone who knows me well knows I love to take care of people and that is just what do with my job. I really need to post some new pictures for y'all but maybe I can do that sometime this week around work, classes, and studing. Speaking of studying...better go do that. Catch y'all later in the week. Have a great one!

1st Day of School

2008-09-21T18:42:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures to capture the first day of the 2008/2009 school year. Travis is 10 years old, 4'9", and in 4th grade and Nathan is 8 years old, 4'6" and in 2nd grade. They are growing up so fast!

Sometimes

2008-09-08T07:27:00.000-07:00

Sometimes in life you get a real eye-opener. Well in the past month I have gotten several eye-openers. It is amazing how when you ask God to show you specific things how He does so but not always in the ways you would think or expect. I am not going to give specifics but I will say God has brought me to a new level in Him. Not only did he take me to higher level of trust with Him but He also showed He would open doors if I brought to Him, left it with Him, and trusted Him. Well let me say this month (even though it has just begun) has been just that. I know life has a way of bringing you down and all that but when you push through all that and put the devil in his place in Jesus name...you are opening the door and inviting Jesus into your life to do great and awesome things! I thank Jesus daily for all He does, with Him nothing is impossible!

I am leaving y'all with a prayer request. A Childress football player was seriously injured at the Thursday night football game. He underwent emergency surgery to remove a blood clot from his brain and to drill holes in his skull to help reduce swelling. As of the report I heard last night he is still in critical condition and still in ICU. I don't know if this young man will live through this injury or not but I do know a God who is in control and can heal him 100%. I don't know his name, we refer to him as the Childress football player. Also the family of Sam Hunter needs our prayers. Sam was injured in an accident and passed away Saturday. Thank you for keeping these two families in your prayers.

The great outdoors

2008-08-30T17:49:00.000-07:00

I love sitting on my front porch. I get to enjoy the great outdoors and get lots of fresh air. In addition I get to see all my neighbors and many of them stop for a short visit when they see me out. However, with all the rain we have received lately the mosquitoes have been so bad it is almost impossible to be outdoors. I was so excited cause the past two days I could sit out and not be eaten alive. This evening I watched the clouds gather and the sky grow darker with the rumble of thunder and visibility of lightening I knew it was going to rain again. I was excited, I love the rain but then a moment of sadness struck me because I knew that meant...to be outside means to be eaten alive again. I just LOVE the great outdoors!

Here we go

2008-08-27T05:40:00.000-07:00

Folks, it is once again time to greet a new school year. I am ready and excited. I am not sure which I enjoy more, getting my lesson plans ready for the year or actually teaching. This year I am teaching Pre-K, Second, and Fourth. It is so rewarding to see children learn and progress in life. Please keep our children and teachers in prayer as they go through the school year. They are faced with so much (even more than us or our parents) and needs God's strength daily.

Travis Lyn Wiens--5/8/74--8/12/02

2008-08-12T09:16:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe six years ago today my life changed forever. At 4:30pm while fighting a grass fire a civilian truck struck the firetruck Travis was on, killing him instantly. I recently found a song that describes the life we shared:

If I ever write the story of my life, don't be surprised if you're where it begins. I'd have to dedicate every line on every page to the memories we made while you loved me. I'd start with chapter one, love innocent and young as the morning sun on a new day. Even though I know the end, well I'd do it all again 'cause I got a lifetime in while you loved me. I was born the day you kissed me and I died inside the night you left me but I lived, oh how I lived while you loved me!

No, life will never be the same and true enough one day I may be blessed with another husband, Travis will always have a special place in my heart. I was going through some pictures I unpacked the other day and found several with Travis and put together this slide show. They capture his life from a child to his death. I think this can help descripe the dash in his life. All I can say right now is I still love and miss his smiles!

Please leave your comments or memories. You may also click on his picture to the right and read his biography. There is a place at the end of that for comments as well. He was truly one of a kind!

SPEECHLESS!

2008-08-04T20:23:00.000-07:00

If you know me very well then you know I am seldom left speechless. However, on Friday, August 1, I was left in tears and speechless! Granbury, Texas has a Firefighters Memorial Park

in which they have a very nice memorial. On the granite is the names of all the firefighters that have served on the Granbury Volunteer Fire Department from 1907-2007 and is topped with a statue of a firefighter.

Mary and Tommy ordered a brick in memory of Travis.

What I didn't know was there was a ceremony being planned for the placing of the brick. All I was told was we were going to spend the weekend in Granbury. Yes I was very surprised when I was told there was going to be a "Brick Placing Ceremony"! Roger Deeds did and awesome job. Though his words were few they were sincere and meaningful.

I had the honor of placing the brick in its spot. There was a feeling I don't even know how to begin to explain.

After I had the brick in place mom had flowers to place on it.

After the ceremony, brick placing, and flower laying we Roger Deeds and Ron Berryman took a few minutes and posed with us in front of the Memorial.

Becky and Sissy were able to attend. It was so good to see Sissy! I know she was not feeling very well and I felt honored to have her and Becky there knowing the circumstance they are going through.

They also have a firetruck playground. I thought it was neat and of course the boys had a blast playing on it for the 5 minutes they got to play...it was just too hot.

Of course to keep the whole story truthful we spent a little bit of each day visiting with Mary and Tommy. On Sunday we went and visited with Aunt Francis.

Personally, I think she looks good for a lady of 91 years young!!

Happy Birthday MOM!

2008-07-21T05:34:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday MOM, hope you have a great day. Love: Me, Travis, and Nathan (and Presley)

Six Flags

2008-07-14T06:39:00.000-07:00

Nathan got a trip to Six Flags for his birthday--which was exactly what he asked for. He had a good negotiation going. He was willing to give up gifts and a party to go. Well we did have cake and ice cream at the park for him and a few people did bring gifts. This was the first time him and Travis had been to Six Flags and in their words, "it wasn't fun, it was a BLAST!" Misty and Kaylie went with us. Kaylie had never to Six Flags either so Misty and I had fun watching the kids...it was priceless! Here is a few pictures we took.

"A Firefighter's Life"

2008-07-01T22:26:00.000-07:00

I know this is a little on the long side but well worth reading. After you read it post a comment. It will be interesting to see what y'all think of your local firefighters and how much you support them.

You stay up for 16 hours. He's been up for 48 straight.

You take a warm shower to help you wake up. The rain in the middle of the interstate keeps him awake.

You complain of a "headache" and call in sick. He's chilled to the bone, hasn't eaten all day, has the flu, and then runs into a burning building.

You stop and get coffee on your way to the mall. He pumps on a five year olds chest on the way to the hospital.

You make sure your cell phone is in your pocket. He makes sure the pass device on his pack is working.

You talk trash about your "buddies" that aren't with you. He watches his buddy fall through four floors.

You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls. He walks down the highway looking for the motorcyclist's missing limb.

You complain about how hot it is. He wears fifty pounds of gear in the middle of july and drags a body out of 1600 degree flames.

You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong. He hasn't seen a meal since last shift ate breakfast.

Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes. He's worn the same stinking, wet, grungy clothes for the past 24 hours....no time for a shower.

You go to the mall and get your hair redone. He holds the hair of some college girl while she's puking in the back of the ambulance.

You're angry because your class ran 5 minutes over. His shift ended 2 hours ago and he's on for another 24 hours at a station thirty miles away.

You call your girlfriend and set a date for tonight. He calls his girlfriend to tell her he'll make it back alive....then leaves abrubtly for another fire.

You yell and scream at the engine that just past you beacuse they slowed you down. Hes in the back of the engine, going to cut somebody out of their car only to find out that their dead and their daughter is barely alive.

You roll your eyes as a baby cries. He cries as he hears his new born cry in the hospital....but he was taking a drunk teenager in when his boy was born.

You criticize your fire dept and say their never there quick enough anyways. He blows the air horn while the person in front of them refuses to move while talking on their cell phone and doing their makeup.

You hear the jokes about fallen firefighters and say they should have known better. He feels the floor give way while hes carrying an old lady from her bedroom and tosses on to the hard floor and falls into the unknown.

You see the bright lights when you go by. He sees the broken bodies lying around the car.

You are asked to go to the store by your parents. You don't. He looks into buying a bullet proof vest because he been shot at trying to save the shooting victims life.

You stay at home and watch TV. He takes his spare time to wash the wagon, restock the ambulance and maybe call his mother to tell her not to worry, he'll be home the next night.

You crawl into your soft bed, with down pillows, and get comfortable. He tries to sleep on his spring board bed but keeps getting woken up by the gong and bell, ahh, one hour of sleep, it should due till tommorow night.

You sit there and judge him, saying the that its a waste of money to have them around. Garbage truck workers make more than he does, but its not for the money, its for the people who dont appreciate what he does.

***I know this to be true 100% I also know while you are planning your next vacation, his family mourns his death. Firefighters put their life on the line daily but it is the lives of the families of these firefighters that are affected when they leave to answer a call and don't come home.***

Just Bragging

2008-06-28T18:23:00.000-07:00

I just have to brag on my awesome boys!! Since I have started training with my new job my boys have done an awesome job helping out around the house. Travis has made it his job to take care of the kitchen...a few times he has even cooked for us. Nathan has made it his job to help keep the trash picked up and taken to the dumpster. Together they have done a great job helping me keep some since of organization to the house until we get a new routine established. I am so proud of them for stepping in and helping make sure things go smoothly. They are the best boys a mom could ever have!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATHAN!

2008-06-23T05:36:00.000-07:00

Just wishing Nathan a Happy 8th Birthday today!
It is hard to believe my "baby" is growing up...
and fast! Nathan we love you very very much and
hope today is a fun and extra special day for you!!
Love, Mommy, Nana, & Travis

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

2008-06-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

To say I have the best father in the world is an understatement! Though my dad is not perfect (and he admits it) he is the best dad a girl could have been blessed with! I have so many fond and funny memories of my dad and the things we did. However, some of the best memories were either sitting at the table playing games or on a vacation/picnic day in the mountains. Dad, I hope you enjoy the slide show and have as many great memories from the events as the boys and I do!

***ADDITION***

Now that we have finished our 2008 Father's Day activities I am adding them to this post. Dad, hope you had a fun day!! We love you...UR#1TEX, Travis, & Nathan!!!

Update

2008-06-14T15:03:00.000-07:00

WOW!! Where do I start?? I guess I will start with school ending. The boys finished the school year and tested with flying colors so they progressed to the next grade level. Nathan is now a 2nd grager and Travis is now a 4th grader! They are growing up so fast...but then if you are a parnet you already know how fast children grow up! Then I finished school and got the job of a life time! I am in the process of starting up my own business and will be filing medical claims for doctors. I know this is a blessing from God, there were so many things that needed to happen and I didn't ask for any of the necessary things! I prayed from the day I applied for the position and asked God to lead me in the right direction and if this was His will to open the necessary doors and to supply the need. Well He did just that and I am still in awe of this blessing! God is good all the time and I LOVE knowing He will provide my every need if I trust Him!

Been Busy

2008-06-13T10:19:00.000-07:00

WOW!! Summer has arrived and I have been busier than ever! Well there is alot I need to blog about but for now I will share a FEW pictures I took at our Family Reunion last weekend. I will try to make an Update post over the weekend.

Happy --8th Birthday!

2008-06-01T16:35:00.000-07:00

Happy --8th birthday dad!!! Hope the lunch and game of Phase 10 made your day special. I decided to share a few pictures from the afternoon. I am curious though...can anyone guess how old he was today? Post your comments and I will post the correct answer on Thursday.

Reflections

2008-05-27T06:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a day of remembering those who have served or are currently serving in the military. I got to honor someone close to me, my dad. I have great respect for our military men and women, they do a job most of us would not come close to considering and for that I am thankful. During our gathering we didn't take a lot of pictures (shocking), but we did have a great time and I am blessed to be an AMERICAN!

A Special Memory

2008-05-23T04:52:00.000-07:00

Sometimes a person will stop and ponder, Where did the time go? Today is one of those days in my life. In high school I met this individual who could make me laugh no matter what was going on in my life. A wonderful friendship developed. How funny would it be that he would land a job working with my dad! Well really it was more as my dad was coming in he was leaving but many times would stay over just to help out. One day I noticed him walking through the store I worked at and realized he was working for a different company. One a few occasions I would have a chance to chat and learned the change in job was for a reason...better money (but the hours were HORRIBLE!). Well over time there was a repeated question asked FAITHFULLY 3-4 times a day the days I worked. Of course the answer was always the same...no. One time he was in the store, permission was granted for him to use the intercom...needless to say it was funny! Now what was the questions and what was so funny...does the word Travis have anything to do with it? Well for those of you who had the privilege of knowing him it does! He used to work with my dad and I guess during that time he expressed his feelings of wanting to date me. To make my dad feel more "at ease" so to speak he got a better job. For six months he asked me out to which I always replied no. On September 15, 1994, over the intercom for all my co-workers and shoppers at the time to hear was..."Stephanie, I am not perfect but I have changed. If you would please join me for dinner tonight I want to tell you what I have done." Ok now, how could you say no to that!! After going to dinner he told me all about how he felt and the changes he had made and that he wanted a life changing change. Finally I agreed I would go on an official date with him. From there we both started going to church and what great things God did for us during that time! On October 22, 1995, Travis asked me to marry him and of course I said yes (the first time...LOL). We were married May 23, 1996. Today we would have been married 12 years!! While I am sad he is not with me now, I know he will construct something funny, out of the ordinary, or special to happen today...that was just how he was and in a lot ways still is! So in memory of the special occasion from 12 years ago, I am sharing our two favorite pictures from our wedding.

All Done

2008-05-18T22:46:00.001-07:00

I have been working on a project for our upcoming family reunion and I am pleased to announce (mainly for those who think I am a procrastinator) that it is all done and ready to go and there are still 3 weeks until auction time! NO I am not telling what it is!! If you want to know bad enough you will show up at the reunion and see for yourself. Oh, I guess that means I just invited all my friends too huh?? Well that is ok, if you are my friend I count you as family anyway so make plans and come on down.

On other news, I am planning on finishing the den Monday and then I will have 3/4 of my house completed. As of last Wednesday I was really positive the house was going back on the market. For those of you who don't know I have been here almost a year and am just now unpacking! NO, I am not lazy just from the time I moved in last year until the past few weeks somebody kept trying to break in...I think it had to do with the movers but still an attempted break in is a break in! I just don't understand why they didn't get the picture with 2 watch dogs, 2 kids, and a house alarm that there was not room for them too!! Well about the time all that ended I started having electrical problems. Now come on folks...checked out the price of an electrician lately?? Buying a house or car is almost cheaper! Well after being reassured (I think) by the electrician that my electrical problems should be fixed I have decided to start unpacking completely...yes the basics were unpacked...kitchen (heaven forbid the boys do without a meal...LOL), bathroom (again heaven forbid the boys come in from a day in the dirt hole and not be able to clean up...GROSS), and of course we have the clothes and beds clocks etc. But the things that make a house a home were still packed. That is what I have been working on. I do have to say a HUGE thank you to my friends Stephanie S and Alicia M who faithfully come on Mondays and Tuesdays to lend a hand. For those of you who think I am a pack rat, you will be thankful for Stephanie S! She has so kindly stated if it doesn't bring a smile or happy memories when you look at it get rid of it. So you can only imagine how much "stuff" I have gotten rid of in the past week!! Yes, it does make me happy to either use it or get rid of it...I am really honestly tired of hauling it every where I go!

Well I don't know what this week has in store for me but I am sure by the Grace of God I will make it through! He has provided for me my whole life and I don't see turning away from Him now! So, may God lead you and bless you this week!!

Playing in the dirt

2008-05-14T12:27:00.000-07:00

Today I took a break from working inside and went outdoors to play in the dirt. No, unlike my boys, this was with purpose. I have been wanting to fix my flower bed so I played in the dirt and got it done. Yes, the boys did join me. Here are a few pictures I took. Hope they make your day a little brighter.

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-10T20:42:00.000-07:00

REAL MOTHERS:
Real Mothers don't eat quiche; they don't have time.
Real Mothers know that their kitchen untensils are probably in the sandbox.
Real Mothers often have sticky floors, filthy ovens, and happy kids.
Real Mothers know that dried playdough doesn't come out of shag carpet.
Real Mothers sometimes ask, "Why me?" and get their answer when a little voice says, "Because I love you best."
Real Mothers know that a child's growth is not measured by height or years, or grades...it is measured by the progression from Mama to Mommy to Mother.

Author Unknown

As Promised...

2008-05-09T20:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I promised to blog about what we did for Travis' birthday memory. We got out pictures and talked about how he loved the outdoors, especially fishing. At Travis' funeral his dad framed a picture of the "Wiens Boys" and left it here for me. In the picture was Travis, his dad, brother, and nephew at the fishing dock. The picture was made in July 2002 and was the last time they spent the weekend fishing together, he was killed 2 weeks later. Anyway we also talked about how much he enjoyed being around people and helping them, and how he loved being involved in church. Which opened a wonderful door of opportunity to talk to the boys about how God can take a life, turn it around, and make something wonderful out of it. I was telling them about the lifestyle their dad was living before we got together and how when he let God really minister to him he started taking steps to allow God's will in his life. I related that to their life and how God opened a door of opportunity for them and how he took them from a life of pain and allowed them to be placed in a home where God could heal their broken hearts and live a life pleasing to Him. In all this remembrance I just started laughing hysterically! When I calmed down enough to share the thought it was simply...should I go to the store and buy a package of underwear and candy and make a "floral" arrangement and take it to the cemetery. (If you know this story you REALLY know Travis!!)...I may share that story at another time. Anyway mom joined in the hysterical laughing and what made it funnier to me was the boys started laughing...literally rolling on the floor with laughter. We all felt better and realized Travis was with us for his birthday...where there is a HUGE smile and laughter Travis was in the middle of it.

Hope y'all have a great weekend and to all the moms who read this...HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

A Special Day

2008-05-08T04:45:00.000-07:00

Today is a special day for us. If Travis Lyn was still alive he would be 34 today. We will be doing some special things today in memory of his birthday and of course...I will blog about it tomorrow!

Another busy week

2008-05-05T06:29:00.000-07:00

This week is just starting and is already shaping up to be a very busy week in our home. That is ok though...perhaps it will keep me out of trouble. Yesterday was a wonderful day. No, I did not get to go to church because of mom being in bed with gout but I did have a wonderful time talking with God and gaining strength. The boys were able to get out doors for a while, which was a blessing! When they came in and got their shower we had some great family time. Today I am finishing up a project I started over the weekend and then I am starting a new goal, to finish the den. I finally have a layout I think will work for everything I want to go in there...we will see. I may end up breaking down and getting rid of more stuff, which is ok too. I have been getting rid of stuff I don't need anymore, I have WAY too much and I am tired of trying to find a place for things I THINK I might need. While I am not having a garage sale, dad said he was planning on having one in June so maybe he will put my stuff with his and I can get a little bit for it. Well I hope everyone has a great week and I will try to post progress soon or at least by the end of the week.

Emotion Packed Weekend!

2008-05-03T20:58:00.000-07:00

WOW!! This weekend has been full of emotion! First my counsins left for North Dakota today. It will be sad not having them at the Christmas Eve gathering this year but I do wish them all the best. I know the feeling of leaving everything I have ever know. Yesterday I started working on my room and bathroom. I decided it was time to get rid of stuff and get rid of stuff I did! I was able to get rid of a king size comforter set, 4 sets of curtains, and 5 bath mat sets! I also was able to eliminate clothes and shoes I no longer wanted. It was not easy to do but I am happy I did! I am hoping to finish up tomorrow afternoon in there and then finsih the den Monday. Well that is the latest news from my home. Asking you to keep mom in prayer, she is having a bout with gout again and needs healing. Aslo I have a few things I am seeking direction for and would greatly appreciate your prayers as I follow the Lord's will for my life. Hope you have a great weekend.

Saying Good-Bye

2008-04-26T22:24:00.000-07:00

Tonight was a fun but difficult night. We went to Archer City for a going away dinner for my cousins Marc, Gayla, Will, Savannah, baby Lane and friends Justin, Carla, and their two children. We did have a good time visiting and eating of course but when it came time to say good-bye well it was just not easy to say. I do wish them well and that the move and transition goes smoothly. I know from personal experience how hard moving across the U.S. from all your friends and family is so my prayers are with them. Here are a few pictures from our evening.

Fun Afternoon

2008-04-20T09:43:00.000-07:00

Last week while doing errands we noticed the carnival was in town. Of course the boys wanted to go so I made a deal with them. They had to do all their school work, do their regular chores, and 4 extra chores of their choice and I would take them Saturday. Well I had more helping hands this past week and go a lot done so yesterday afternoon we went to the carnival for a few hours. Of course since this was the first time they have ever been to a carnival we took pictures to capture the fun. They really surprised me by what they chose to ride. Nathan invited Sydney to join us and we had a blast! This brought back some fun memories for me from all the carnivals and fairs I went to and all the rides I rode. Hope you enjoy the pictures of our fun afternoon.

Memories from Billings, MT

2008-04-13T17:45:00.000-07:00

I was strolling down memory lane today and thought I would share some pictures of where I grew up. Rimrock Beach was the name of the area we could drive on at the top of the mountain. Growing up my friends and I spent a lot of time there. Yes, I really did climb up and down the stairs often. The cross is in memory of Lance, a class mate who drove off the top and rolled his truck down the side of the mountain.

Need I say more?

2008-04-07T23:46:00.000-07:00

Welcome to a new week

2008-04-07T07:21:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone and welcome to a new week. It is amazing we are already to April and spring is just around the corner! I am still trying to figure out where the first 3 months have gone. I had an awesome weekend. I took time out for me, something I don't do often, and enjoyed a time of pampering and relaxation. Well I have not posted plans for awhile, got sort of busy, so I thought I would take a few minutes and bring everyone up to speed on life.

Things have been going well here, have been getting a lot done. Last week I did some scrubbing to some rooms and got the boys rooms almost finished, just need to hang a few things on the wall. I am hoping to finish a few started projects this month, have 2 rooms I have been working in and each is about half done. Then I will hopefully get to start emptying the shed and getting rid of stuff. I am planning to have the house completely done by the end of May and then be able to start working on the shed during the early part of the summer, before it gets really hot.

Well that is the latest news from my house. Hope you all have a good week and God blesses you richly.

So Happy For A Change In Routine!

2008-04-05T18:03:00.000-07:00

Today has brought a pleasant time of change in routine, which is so welcomed! I got to do some pampering for myself between the boys soccer games and tonight I am taking time to work on a special scrapbook album. I have been trying for the past five years to do my wedding album and tonight I will begin working on it. I would have been married for twelve years in May. I am very excited about starting this project (and yes I will have the box of kleenex right beside me in case it is needed)! It is amazing how far I have come since that tragic day in August 2002. I won't go into a lot of details now but I will mention I don't totally fall apart now when I see pictures of him (does that mean I am on the mend?) and actually have enjoyed telling the boys stories behind different pictures of places we had been to. Well as the saying goes, "When you give it ALL to God, He will bring you through and make you a stronger person because of it!" I have found that to be the truth through this trying time in my life. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and don't forget to take time for yourself.

Happy Wednesday!

2008-04-02T08:02:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to wish everyone a happy Wednesday. I am so excited about today. I am not sure why but I got up extra happy today and had to share it with someone!! Well I am looking forward to church tonight and what God has in store for me and my church family! Hope your day is richly blessed and that the rest of your week is splended!

Got this in an email and found it worth sharing

2008-03-26T11:09:00.000-07:00

I received this in an email and thought it was worth sharing. It is amazing all the things we take for granted. I realize this is a lengthy post but I hope you will take the time to read it through to the end. No matter what your political convictions are this is eye opener. What a thankless people we are!!!

Subject: Jay Leno on President Bush (Surprising)

Jay Leno wrote this; it's the Jay Leno we don't often see....

As most of you know I am not a President Bush fan, nor have I ever been, but this is not about Bush, it is about us, as Americans, and it seems to hit the mark. The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some Poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right? The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 % of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 % of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President. In essence 2/3 of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change. So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, What are we so unhappy about?

Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year? Maybe it is the ability to drive our cars and trucks from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state? Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter? I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough either. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital. Perhaps you are one of the 70 % of Americans who own a home. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames, thus saving you, your family, and your belongings. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90% of teenagers own cell phones and computers. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world?

Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks unhappy. Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S., yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here. I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me? Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad? Think about it...are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the 'Media' told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day. Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a general discharge, an other than honorable discharge or, worst case scenario, a dishonorable discharge after a few days in the brig. So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by justifying them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way...Insane!

Turn off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as country. There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative. With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?

Jay Leno

What's in YOUR fridge?!?!

2008-03-24T11:31:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T06:33:00.000-07:00

As any other Sunday morning in our house, it is busy rushing around getting ready for church...but this Sunday morning, I wanted to take a few minutes in the business of things and wish everyone a Happy Easter! Sometimes in the ups and downs of life I (and most everyone else I know) get down about my situations but my mind always drifts back to the night Jesus went to the garden to pray and ask God to let the bitter cup pass from Him. We know he died and 3 days later...WOW I could start shouting now...He rose!! What a blessing to us.

May you have a BLESSED day and a Happy Easter from my family to yours!

Spring Break

2008-03-16T15:47:00.000-07:00

Most people try to take a mini vacation or do something special during spring break. What am I doing special for spring break? Glad you asked! I am baby sitting again. My friend is going back to VA again to see her mom and I of course agreed to fill in for her again. I love the little ones and the parents are great. The only difference is I will be baby sitting at my home instead of hers. That will make it a lot easier for everyone. I will be posting pictures at the end of the week of how we spent spring break. Hope everyone has a fun and safe week!

I will stand and testify!

2008-03-12T10:50:00.000-07:00

I have not been blogging as much as usual, and that will probably be the case for a few more months. I don't know that any of my blogging friends know I have been in school. Well thank the Lord I will finish either the end of April or the first of May and then be able to pursue my career in the medical field. Yes I started this journey 10 years ago when I moved to Texas and as most of you know when Travis was killed in 2002 I had to walk away from it all and get through that situation. 5 years later I am proud to say I am 2 months from finishing. No I did not continue on with the RN like I had started but I am in the medical field with something I am very happy with and it will pay equally as well.

Now I want to testify about what God has done the past few days for me and my family. Most of you have seen where I have asked for prayer for my family a lot in the recent months. Mom with gout, Travis with seizures, the family in general with general sickness. Well today I am going to testify the goodness of God! I won't spend a lot of time going into detail about the needs but I will say, God worked things out in such an awesome way! There has been a certain situation that has been needing attention for a long time and just never seemed to be a way to work it out. I finally decided to pray and fast about it. During my fasting and praying things started slowly falling into place. Not only did God meet the need I was praying and fasting about but He went a little further and for the FIRST TIME IN 1 1/2 YEARS (yes you read correctly) mother was able to GET ON a pair of shoes AND WEAR THEM!!! That alone is shouting words! Gout is a HORRIBLE thing to have and seeing how it knocks a person for a loop first hand...anyway it was awesome to see her WALKING IN SHOES was a sight beyond what words can describe!!! Then God opened another door and allowed me to be blessed with the funds to finish my schooling early!!

You maybe asking exactly what my testimony is, well in a nutshell: knock and it shall be opened, ask and ye shall receive! Thank you Jesus for hearing my prayer and supplying my needs and then some.

You might be a red-neck if...

2008-03-07T19:54:00.000-08:00

If this mansion is your dream home you just might be a red-neck!! Hope this brings a smile to your face and brightens your day.

YOURS TO OWN TODAY...THE ONE...THE ONLY...RED-NECK MANSION!

What A Great Night!!

2008-03-02T19:49:00.000-08:00

Tonight at my dad's church Allen Asbury was there. If you have not had the chance to hear him...buy his CDs! He is awesome and his songs are so full of messages. Ok well anyway, God ministered to me tonight while he was singing and some of the songs brought back some fun memories of my youth group years (yes I am telling my age a bit)! I really enjoyed it and him and his wife were so friendly and took time to talk to everyone who came up to them. Dad, thank you for the invitation!! Well I am off to bed...assuming the weather doesn't get worse and I hope you all have a great week.

Awesome Pack Meeting

2008-02-26T12:28:00.000-08:00

WOW!! Last night's pack meeting was awesome. All of the boys are doing great and have been earning a lot of awards. Travis and Nathan each received 7 belt loops, 1 patch, 1 hat pin, and 1 gift card. I am proud of my boys and I am proud of all of the boys in our pack...they try really hard to keep each other encouraged and that makes them work better as a team. Well I hope you enjoy the slide show of our meeting...there are also a few pictures where I added some medallions to our walking sticks.

To My Family...

2008-02-24T10:23:00.000-08:00

I was reading an email from a friend and she asked me, "What do you consider family?" Well I consider my family to be my mom, dad, and boys. Of course my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins I have always considered to be extended family. Anyway she went on to say that if I was like everyone else she knew this is what family meant...
Father
And
Mother
I
Love
You

I hope you can honestly say this about your family...I can! Have a great week.

The end is in sight!

2008-02-21T20:49:00.001-08:00

Thankfully the end is in sight to a very long week. Travis has had 2 seizures with in 4 days of each other. This is the closest they have ever been. We are praying God will open the door for his insurance to be re-enstated so he can go to Cooks for some specialized testing. Anyway...as I was saying...after spending most of the week at the ER and doctor's office I am looking forward to some down time and to catch up on some missed sleep. Please keep Travis in your prayers...he is having a difficult time recovering.

On the brighter side...I went for my follow up for my eye ulcer that was infected, the doctor was expecting it to take 3-4 weeks just for the infection to heal. I went to her 3 weeks ago Wednesday, I went on Friday and it was already 50% healed. I went last Thursday and she was able to do a vision check WITH my contacts and the ulcer and infection DID NOT affect my vision. I went today and she said it was 100% healed. There is a scare on the eye ABOVE the vision area so I will have NO vision problems while the scare continues to heal and disappear. I can resume normal wear of my contacts and have been fully released from treatment!!! GOD IS GOOD!!! What she THOUGHT would be 3 weeks just for the infection, GOD performed a MIRACLE and in 3 weeks time I have been fully released...I LOVE being HIS child and receiving all HIS BLESSINGS!

Have a great weekend...hopefully I will have a quit one.

I'm An Invisible Mom

2008-02-20T11:33:00.000-08:00

Something for all my friends who are moms to enjoy.

I'm Invisible

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store.

Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone?' Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone,or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible. The invisible Mom.

Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this?

Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number is the Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, 'Right around 5:30, please.'

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going, she's gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a hair clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.'

It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: 'To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.'

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work:

No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit.

The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it.'

And the workman replied, 'Because God sees.'

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for Me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.'

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction . But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime, because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table.' That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself.

I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, 'You're gonna love it there.'

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

Great Job, MOM!

Lipizzaner Stallions

2008-02-13T14:45:00.000-08:00

First of all I want to say a huge thank you to my aunt Linda for giving Travis the tickets for his birthday! We had such a good time and enjoyed taking in the talent of these horses.

The performance was as follows: Pas de Deus, Classicial Training, Lipizzaner Stallion, Pas de Trois, Airs Above the Ground, Pas de Quatre, The Andalusian Stallion, and The Grande Quadrile.

The terms we learned:
Airs Above the Ground: this is a series of maneuvers where the hourse leaps above the ground. Mezair is a series of successive Levades in which the hourse lowers its forefeet to the ground before rising again on hindquarters, achieving forward motion. Courbette is where the hourse balances on the hind legs and then jumps, keeping the hind legs together and the forelsgs off the ground. Levade is where the horse must maintin a haunched position at a 45-degree angle to the ground, requiring muscle control and perfection of balance that is quite difficult. Capriole is where the stallion leaps into the air, drawing his forelegs under his chest at the height of elevations, and kicks out violently with his hind legs. The capriole can take many years of training.
Dressage: The guidance of a mount through a set of maneuvers without the perceptible use of hands, reins, legs, etc. It is a French workd for "schooling of the horse," and it simply means harmony between horse and rider.
Haute E'Coule: The advanced art of High School riding...the highest level of Dressage.
Lineage: There are six significant bloodlines represented in today's Lipizzan breed. The names of the horses in the show indicate these bloodlines, allowing one to trace the stallions's lineage. The names are: the Dane, PLUTO-1765; the Neapolitan, CONVERSANO-1767; MAESTOSO-1773; FAVORY-1779; NEAPOLITANO-1790; and the Arab, SIGLAVY, 1810 from the stables of Prince Schwarzenberg.
Movements: Also called Maneuvers, these are the actions of the hourse in presentation...and they are never referred to as "tricks".
Piaffe: The horse stands in one spot while performing a cadence trot.
Quadrille: As it applies to the Lipizzan's performance, it is a military drill performed to music and features several horses and riders.
Spanish Riding School of Vienna: A centuries-old training center in Austria, Bienna, considered the "Harvard" of the equestrain world. the "World Famous" Lipizzaner Stallions is an authentic presentation of this style, but is not affiliated with the Spanish Riding School.

Well that is a nutshell of what I learned. If you ever get the chance to go...GO! It is well worth the time and money. Now here are the pictures (which does not come close to doing the performance justice) to capture the experience.

Travis' 10th Birthday Party

2008-02-10T23:04:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures from Travis' birthday party. It was fun to be with family and friends. I decided to surprise him and I had his party at the Plex. I think the pictures tell it all. Just think in 6 years he can start driving...I believe I will start praying now!!!

Look Who's 10!

2008-02-10T06:18:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Travis!

Just think, you are a

decade old!! I do hope

you have a great day

and a blessed year!

I don't have the words to

describe how special you

are to me and to the family.

You are a true blessing from God!

With lots of love,

Nana, Mom, & Nathan

(you will have to read Papa's blog,

he has his birthday wish for you.)

A Little About Me The Past Few Days

2008-02-08T19:02:00.000-08:00

I will share a little about me over the past few days. As you have seen in my past few posts I have lost a dear friend. What you don't know is what was going on personally during that time. Tuesday night my left eye started hurting and was extremely red. I honestly thought I just had dust in it from where I have been having my floors redone. Wednesday morning when I got up it was throbbing (the only description I can come close to is it was like having a migrane headache in my eye) and was redder than the night before and I could not keep my eye open and it was severly sensitive to light. I was in so much pain I had my mom call the eye doctor to see if they had emergency appointments. Thank God they did. When I got there she told me I had a severe cornea ulcer eye infection and she gave me some antibotics to start right then and then a prescription to have filled the next day. When I got home I contacted a couple friends, my parents, and my boys and asked them to pray for my eye. I had to go back this afternoon for a follow up. Thank you Jesus for a healing...it was 50% healed!!! She had told me Wednesday that it would take about 2-3 weeks for it to heal and then I would have to have my vision retested. Well just like God to perform a miracle, I go back next Thursday for another follow up and to have my vision tested!!! So I am giving God all the praise for healing my eye!

In Loving Memory Of A Special Friend

2008-02-07T09:21:00.000-08:00

Richie...you may be gone but never forgotten! I will never forget all you did for Travis and I and for my family and I after Travis was killed, you were an awesome co-worker. You are a one of a kind friend and I treasure our friendship and the wisdom you shared with me. You will be gratly missed!

Howard Richard Ray
Thursday, February 7, 2008

Richie Ray, 61, passed from this life on Monday, February 4, 2008, in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Funeral services will be held at Colonial Baptist Church, Thursday, February 7 at 2 pm. Rev. Bill Choate will be officiating. Burial will be in Terral Cemetery, Terral, Ok. He was born December 28, 1946, to Howard and Francis Ray. He attended high school in Granbury, Texas, where he excelled in football, basketball, baseball, track, and golden gloves boxing.

In May of 1966, he volunteered for Vietnam and was assigned to the 3rd Brigade of the 82nd and served in the “Da Nang Valley” from 1968 – 1969. While serving, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Parachutist Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Medical Badge, 2 Silver Stars, a Bronze Star, and a Purple Heart.

He was an avid Texas Longhorn, Dallas Cowboy, and North Texas Fury fan. He enjoyed spending time with his loving wife of 16 years, his family and friends, his 2 pride and joys “Rowdy and Noah.” He loved golfing, camping with his friends and riding his Harley Davidson.

Richie served as a paramedic for 24 years. He was also a Star of Life recipient, which is the EMS highest ranking award.

Richie is survived by his wife Cheryl; three sons and one daughter and their spouses. Chris and Melinda of Duncan, OK, Caleb and Tiffany Ray of Granite Shoals, TX, Scott and Casey Ray-Tribble of Hurst, TX, Scott and Sarah Bowles of Henrietta, TX; six grandchildren, Jessica, Sarah, Abbie, and Allison Ray, Cameron Ray, and Allison Kate Bowles.

He was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Francis Ray; grandparents Jesse (Dado) and Pauline Knight; sister Ann Curry; uncle Bruce Knight; and his beloved little black poodle, Pierre Lapue LaRay. Richie was a loving Husband, Father, “Pops,” and friend. His smile and hugs will be truly missed.

With Great Saddness...

2008-02-05T17:12:00.000-08:00

It is with great saddness and a heavy heart that I make this post. For those of you who knew my late husband will remember Richie Ray. It has been like reliving my situation all over again. Richie was a dear friend and always seemed to know what to say when you talked to him. As soon as I get a copy of the obit I will post it. Please keep his wife Cheryl and all the family in your prayers. I could use a few myself for strength during this time. As you may know, emergency personnel are one big family and Richie was family to me and my family. This is the article that appeared on the front page of the newspaper.

Rollover accident kills man
Monday, February 4, 2008

Wichita Falls police were looking into the cause of a rollover accident that killed a 61-year-old man before dawn Monday. Police identified the victim as Richard Howard Ray Jr. of Henrietta. Ray died at the scene of the crash. A Henrietta man died early Monday morning after losing control of his vehicle on northbound U.S. 287 near Fisher Road. His Chevrolet Avalanche rolled over in the median and struck a light pole. The driver, Richard Howard Ray, Jr., was ejected from the vehicle. An emergency call sent Wichita Falls police to Central Freeway East and Fisher Road at 6:15 a.m. First responders discovered Ray lying in the median, not far from his pickup truck, according to a news release from the Wichita Falls Police Department.
Crash investigators said the black Chevrolet pickup had driven onto the median and started to roll. Ray was ejected from the truck, and the pickup knocked down a light pole and stopped on top of it. Police spent several hours in the area Monday morning.
Dense fog developed as emergency crews worked at the scene, and utility trucks from the city and equipment from the Texas Department of Transportation helped police control traffic around the area. Vehicles were slowed in the northbound and southbound lanes. Police were still investigating the incident and had requested an autopsy by the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office.

February Already!!

2008-02-04T06:51:00.000-08:00

WOW!! It is hard to believe it is February already...exactly where did January go, does anyone know?? Well guess it is time for the updates her at Stephanie's Side. January saw home improvements started. I have decided (finally) the best way to get the house organized/unpacked and am going with that plan for now. In the mean time the carpet is in and starting this week the rest of the floor will be done. Yes, I will have before and after pictures when everything is completed. For the month of January I lost a total of 10 pounds...which I am very thankful for. My goal for February is to loose 15-20 pounds. My other goals for February is to finish up the kitchen and den. Both rooms are at 99% complete. Once those rooms are done I will finish up the main bathroom, Rena's room and my bed and bath rooms, all are at 90% complete. I think I am finally adjusting to the new house and having the changes to make it more "me" is helping a lot. On a more serious note, thankfully as of today no one has attempted to break in...after 3 failed attempts I hope they realize you cannot mess with a child of God!! Yes we have humanistic material securities but those things are not guarenteed, however, daily prayer for protection and pleading the blood over my home and family...now that gets the job done!! Ok, I won't start preaching but I do thank God that whoever was making the break in attempts have stopped. I am now off to finish planning Travis's birthday...he will be 10 (where did the time go)...and boy is he gonna be surprised!! There is a place he has been wanting to go and I have finally decided to take him...but he won't know it until the weekend and of course I am going to go purchase that special gift he wants. Since there are a lot of special things happening this month...floors, birthday, valentines...I will be posting pictures along the way so stop by often to see the latest on Stephanie's Side. God Bless You!

What an eye-opener!

2008-01-26T07:40:00.000-08:00

In December when Travis had a really bad seizure God shed some light on a probable cause. One of the EMTs and I were talking on the way to the hospital about common threads with his seizures. In the course of our conversation she mentioned her nephew had seizures and they were related to his growth spurts. With that said when we went for a follow up appointment I asked his doctor about it and sure enough most of his seizures has been around his growth spurts and this particular seizure was caused due to him out growing his medication dose...he grew 5 inches and gained 5 pounds in 2 1/2 weeks! Of course as you can probably imagine it was time for new clothes and shoes. Yes well easier said than done! I went to 2 stores with no such luck of finding him the right size pants and after spending 1 1/2 hours at Penny's trying on various styles and sizes we FINALLY found a style he liked in his size! So I now have a 9 year old who wears a size 14 (slims only in pants) and a size 6 in shoes. The lady was kind enough to share this comment, "Just remember the next time you come in for him some shoes you will need to go to the men's section." HELLO, my son is not yet 10 and I am ALREADY having to shop in the men's section for him. Ok, I am not dingy, I knew the day would come that this would happen but could he have been a teen first...I mean he is still "little" we have 3 more years for him to be "big". Well anyway I got an eye-opener to just how much 5 inches and 5 pounds can really be! Not only did he out grow his medication dose, he out grew his clothes and shoes too. I will add Nathan did his share of growing too and they both ended up with new shoes and well when we find some place that has their size pants they will have new pants too. In case you are wondering, that makes him excatly a foot shorter than me and Nathan exactly a foot shorter than his Nana. You will have to ask their Papa about BigFoot...Have a great weekend!

Life update

2008-01-21T18:55:00.000-08:00

Wow!! There has been a lot happening here. Last week a friend of mine who owns a day care had to be out of town. I had the privelege of running her day care while she was gone. I was really excited because of course I got to keep Addie. In addition I also got to keep Presley, Braden, Autumn, Cameron, and Christopher. Now here was the "kicker" of the whole experience...I had to be up at 5am! Yes, if you know me well, know I AM NOT a morning person. However, I managed to be up right on time and was ready for the day, which ended at 7 or 7:30pm every day! After a week of little ones I was blessed with a virus, migrane, and all that goes with that from Friday night until late this afternoon. Thank the Lord for my boys who learned to pray!! They prayed for me many times a day laying hands on my head, stomache, and back asking God for healing for mommy! Nothing touches God like a child's prayer...and he answered their prayer too!! Well I took a few pictures of the litle ones, hope you enjoy the pictures.

This is Presley. She is 2 years old and has the most beautiful blonde head of curls! Her daddy is a fire fighter.

This is Autumn. She is 4 years old. She was a barrel of fun! Her brother, Cameron was in Nathan's kindergarten class last year. They had a blast playing together and "catching up" on things since school ended last year. Sorry I don't have a picture of him...we got busy and I forgot to take his picture...oops!

This is Braden. He is 5 months old. He was the "early bird" and arrived at 5:30am every morning! He ALWAYS had a smile on his face. He was happy and bubbly all day long.

Last but not least is my precious niece...Addie. We had such fun playing this week. I miss not keeping her every day but I love the times I get to fill in! She is now 14months old! Wow, she has grown so fast during this time. She also has 8 teeth! Her daddy is also a fire fighter.

I also forgot to take a picture of Chistopher. He is 3 years old and goes to pre-k. I feel bad I forgot my after school sweeties but I guess it is all in the fun of being surrounded by such sweet babies!

Welcoming the new year

2008-01-08T15:38:00.000-08:00

Well I am welcoming the new year with open arms so to speak. I have decided that I am going to shed 101 pounds this year! I must have a huge mind set because I have the treadmill set up and I have an air walker that I am making room for. As I see it, with all the health issues I have running on both sides of the family there is no time like the present to get my health under control. 2008 did start out a little rocky for us as Travis had a bad seizure. However, we may now have a cause for them. He grew 5 inches and gained 5 pounds in 2 1/2 weeks! For those of you who have not seen Travis and Nathan recently may not recognize them...they are tall! And I might add they are becoming rather handsome too!! For the rest of the month I am focused on getting a workout routine established and getting the den arranged the way I want it. I am sure for now it will be temporary as it has undergone many changes the last few weeks but I am at least getting the things in that belong. Of course school started back yesterday and during the holidays the boys and I decided to make a few changes and we are pleased about the way that is going so far. I feel sure I will have to make a few minor adjustments but we are happy with the overall experience of homeschooling. I will randomly share pictures as I journey through the weight loss battle and of the boys so be sure you check back often to keep up with my side of life. Hope you have a blessed week and God opens the doors of your desires.

Hello 2008!

2008-01-01T08:46:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR to you! I am so excited about what 2008 has in store for me. I have so many plans I don't know where to start. However, I have listed everything in a priority order so that will help some. I hope you will check back often to see the changes through out the year. I will be posting pictures/slide shows on occasion so that will be fun to highlight each month. The biggest thing I am looking forward to is getting settled in my new home and getting rid of stuff I don't need to keep anymore (those of you who have been around the last 5 years knows what I am talking about--it is time to let go and start a new life, he would not want it any other way and I am finally at peace within and am ready for what the future holds for me) and I will graduate college! I am excited about both and that will have my time occupied for a day or two--LOL! I hope the new year sees many dreams and goals fulfilled for you. I pray God's blessings for you.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2007-12-21T23:37:00.000-08:00

Since I will be "away" until after Christmas I want to take a moment and tell you all "MERRY CHRISTMAS!" I hope whatever you do to make your holidays special is extra special this year.

Proud of my boys

2007-12-17T13:47:00.000-08:00

I am going to do some bragging! So who says young men don't do house work? Obviously they have never met my men before! My late husband was awedome at helping keep the house clean, team work gets the job done faster. Well this is something my boys have picked up on. They have come to realize if we all work together things get done faster, everyone is happier, and there is more time for fun stuff. Hum...seems to me there is another important place I have heard if we all work together before...but this is not a sermon, as I said before, I am bragging. So here is the story: Before the weather got so cold here we had trimmed the trees and hedges. In the town I live in you can rent dump trucks, which is nice...they bring it to you and then take the load to the dump and dump it for you (and it is much cheaper than hauling it yourself). Anyway we did not get the back yard finished before the weather got cold. I requested a truck for this weekend because the weather was somewhat warm. Anyway, I asked the boys if they would bring all the debris from the back and make a nice neat pile beside the dump truck and then I would put it in the truck when they got everything from the back. A lot of time went by so I went to check on them and I found them loading the truck for me! Now I have to go back and say that for the past 3 1/2 weeks my mom has been down with gout so I have had a lot of extras to take care of. I told the boys to hold on and I would be right out. They came running to the back door and told me not to worry they were done. I went outside and they had cleaned where the debris had been, taken it all the way around to where the truck was parked, and loaded the truck just the two of them. When they noticed I was crying they wanted to know what was wrong. I told them nothing, I was just so proud of them. Travis said they decided they would do it because I was so busy with the dishes and laundry they knew I did not have time to come out and do it myself. Well he was right, I was very busy cleaning yesterday. After I finished working in the kitchen and doing laundry they swept the kitchen, dinning room, and front entrance for me. I am just so proud of my "babies" that they saw a need and took care of it. So the next time you get frustrated with your little darlings fussing and fighting look for the unexpected team work they might come up with just to surprise you!

My front yard in lights

2007-12-12T19:56:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of my outside decorations. I have already found a way to add just a little to it next year...for those of you who know me well will find the humor in that statement! I do apologize for the one that is not too clear, it was really cold and windy so I had a bit of a hard time holding the camera still. I will post pictures of the inside decorations soon.

The left side of the front yard

The right side of the front yard

The whole front yard...I LOVE the lights!

A close-up of the birdhouse on top of the mailbox

Full view of the mailbox

Although I LOVE lights this by far is my favorite Christmas scene...the REASON for the SEASON...the birth of JESUS...the most precious gift ever given to man!

Back to the basics and traditions

2007-12-07T11:51:00.000-08:00

Ok, this post is very different...it reflects on the love of my life. For those of you who don't know, my husband Travis was killed in the line of duty while fighting a grass fire in August of 2002. It was total devastation to say the least. Travis was not a person that had to have attention or to be the center of everything. He was just a 28 year old young man with a wife who worked a job just like everyone else around him. He dedicated his life to serving those around him. He was an Emergency Medical Technician for American Medical Response and a volunteer firefighter for Wichita West Volunteer Fire Department. If you read Matthew 25:34-40 it talks about taking care of others needs. This was Travis totally. I have not done much in the way of traditions the past five years, really trying to deal with his death and re-establishing myself in the society and finding myself again. In the process, it was too painful to do the things we did as a family so they were laid aside. Well this year has been a year of change. This year I decided it was time to partake of the traditions I have loved as a child and as a wife. Some of those traditions are to put the decorations up the Friday after Thanksgiving (while all the crazy nuts were out getting the stuff that really wasn't on sale anyway), to have each part of the house decorated, and to bake lots of goodies (that I really don't need just really like). Another tradition that Travis and I shared was to Read the Christmas story in front of the Christmas tree and have a time of prayer before opening the gifts. Since Travis and I spent our high school years together, we adapted my parents tradition of playing games on Christmas. A tradition I have started with my boys is to read at least 5 stories (yes, 5 sounds like a lot but after reading them year after year we have them memorized) and we enjoy seeing who remembers the words the best. I am at a point in life that I feel comfortable doing things from the past. The boys are having a blast, Little Travis commented to Nana, "I didn't know mommy could be so fun!" Well I will say he does know I can do some pretty fun stuff but he did not know how much I loved the Christmas season until this year. We decided this year we were not going to spend a lot on gifts. There would be a few but not near as many as in the years past. Instead we are going to reflect on the real reason for the season and the precious gift we were given--Jesus. Little Travis, Nathan, and my mom and I were talking today about how if we didn't get a single gift we still had gotten the best gift ever given to mankind, salvation. I must say it was a blessed conversation, the boys asked so many questions and wanted to know about salvation, being baptized, and being filled with the Holy Ghost. It was great to know a meaningful conversation came from talking about traditions and why and how they got started. This Christmas is going to be a Christmas like I remember from childhood and from being married...and I am honestly EXCITED!! Whatever you do that makes your Christmas special, I pray it is extra special this year. Please remember our military men and women who will not be with their families this Christmas, they give up so much so we can enjoy so much. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Let it snow, let snow, let it snow!!

2007-11-25T23:49:00.000-08:00

Well I just had to go capture the moment! I am not sure who was the most excited, the boys or me. There is just something about a cold snowy night during the holiday season that gives a bit more excitment, more real. Anyway, here are my pictures of the snow. For my friends in Montana, yes, I still have to deal with the snow!!