2 adults plus 15 teenage girls equals madness!

A couple of weeks ago, I agreed to help my sister chaperone my niece's 13th birthday slumber party. What was I thinking?? When she first asked me, I thought, oh this will be alot of fun! Just a few of Cheyenne's friends and some time with my sister...what could be more fun?

Am I cool or What???

Well, first of all, it was around the same time as finals, so I was already more tired than usual. I say this because I am ALWAYS tired. Some say chronic fatigue syndrome, I say mom of three, full time student and married to a fireman with two jobs! Anyways, I show up to help set up the food and get ready for the girls. Then I find out that there are going to be 15 girls! I don't even know if I knew 15 girls close enough to invite over to my house for the night when I was that age! I'm still positive in my thoughts, thinking after they eat we will all settle down to watch Twilight. My fourth or fifth time. Their 3oth or so. Yeah, by the time the movie was over, I couldn't hear. All of the high pitched screaming over Jacob and Edward sent me immediately to the internet in search for hearing aids. Am I getting that old? I also found out that 15 different girls have 15 separate "favorite" parts of the movie. And each time one came on the screen, more screaming.

Finally, at 2:30am, I decide I really have to lay down. The girls are still in full swing of course. Ann and I figure we will lay down, take turns checking on them and watch some TV in the meantime. I found that it was much more effective to text Cheyenne then to go tell her to turn the music and/or TV down. So finally, at 6:30am, all girls were asleep. I was exhausted! I think we figured up that we got 3 hours of sleep all together!




I was tired but I definitely wouldn't have traded it! Cheyenne is getting to the age of needing someone to talk to and I'm glad I can be there for her. I'm basking in the aunt/niece relationship and am glad I can be that role model. I know that one day, Reese will look to her for the same thing so its important to set the example.
Look at how tired I look!


Also, notice that Cheyenne is wearing her To Write Love on Her Arms shirt I bought her in the pictures! I was able to talk to some of the girls about it and was suprised that many of them had actually heard of it. Two of them had shirts as well. I'm so excited that Cheyenne is strong enough to say no to cutting and self injury and instead promote love and hope. So I have finally recooperated from such a long night and finals. Oh and in case you're wondering, I did switch my major back to Psychology and counseling! I'm right where I need to be and never felt better.

Free Treasures, Yet Not so Free by Tammy Wisdon-Virgin

This is something my cousin wrote and really touched me today so I wanted to share. I never knew there was someone else in the family that loved to write as much as me! Thanks for sharing Tammy!


Imagine unearthing a treasure so valuable that it takes your breath away or leaves you in awe wanting more. This is what I ran into today as I was clearing out one of the flower beds. I began to pull up weeds. I tugged on roots and found some black tarp that was used to combat weeds by the previous planter, however, underneath that tarp was good soil! I had to push my way thru layers of mulch, shingle pieces, and even a Capri Sun pouch to find the tarp but there it was. I thought, "well this is clever. I've done this before." Matter of fact, I was thinking about doing that again once I had prepped the beds but the treasure I was seeing before my eyes distracted me.As I sat right in the middle of the dirt, I noticed there were two kinds of roots that I was having to wrestle with. The first I'll call superficial, only grew as far down as the tarp. The other, deeply rooted and so hard to pull that I literally feel on my behind a few times. It wasn't going to win though; I was going to make sure of that. Anyone who knows me knows that I have a stubborn streak within me.Right in the middle of the bed I began to tackle the stubborn root that wouldn't budge. I dug away at the dirt and dug some more to get to the root. Now, this root was underneath this tarp. It didn't have a barrier so it was free to grow and seek out the necessary nutrients. In the middle of the flower bed, sitting on my backside, hands dirty, no filthy, with dirt and fertilizer and the true treasures began to be seen. It's not the treasure that you can sell or clean up and use a decorative ornament. These treasures are those you cherish and protect within your soul, within your heart. God began to speak to me through the dirt and work at hand. Remember, I had two kinds of roots I was dealing with but I also had the black tarp material.The black tarp. What's the purpose for it? Well, a practical use is to protect or create a barrier from unwanted elements. But it's also used to hide or cover up things we don't want exposed. Sometimes if you pull up a tarp you might see a cherished vintage car or you may see a rusted, decrepit piece of junk. Either way, that tarp is a cover up. For me, it was a cover up of good soil that flowers need. Instead of using it, whoever it was, covered that soil and created shallow beds that was barren, except for the weeds. Isn't that like each of us?We cover up our faces with masks and cover our lives with lies. We hide what we truly are. We're depressed but we say, "I'm fine." We appear happy and joyful but behind the scene we're falling apart at the seams. We build walls so that no one can penetrate the very depth of our souls. I'll decide who or what is allowed in my "turf" of life. We cover up the results of anger with make-up or long sleeves. We hide addictions by pretending there's nothing wrong. We overcompensate the bad within by doing works of "good" thinking no one will notice. God showed me that we cover up ourselves way too much that we've forgotten what it's like to be real, to be shown, and to be who He wants us to be. From the time of Adam and Eve, we've been covering ourselves from shame and guilt as if no one can see through the charade. He also showed me that those lil roots are our attempts to clean ourselves up. We make ourselves pretty because of the ugliness inside. Our attempts are feeble and won't take a good hard grasp because we don't have the foundation to grab hold too. For those of us that call ourselves Christians, we have a lot of growing to do but if we can't or won't take the time to pull out those "weeds" of life, they are going to choke out all that is good. We say we are free but live in chains. We say we love Christ and want to be like him but we don't want to read on how to do that. We want to know God more and more, we say, but yet we don't take time to talk to Him. It's time to be naked, figurately speaking, and say what we mean and mean what we say. Let's be real because it futile to hide. We usually end up exposed anyways!Those hard to pull roots, well those roots were deep in the soil. I worked on that for what seemed like an hour. I had to work my hands and fingers deep enough to reach underneath and pull. First, I had to break away all the lil bitty roots to get to the big ones. But once I did it came out and I won. Or did I?You see those deeply planted, growing roots represents the world. We've been engrained with worldly ways for so long that they've grown way deep into our minds and hearts. You can read in the Bible that the "bad" things in our lives needs to uprooted. You can't just cut the plant, tree, or weed at ground level. It will come back. We can cover them up hoping they won't sprout through but ya know what? They're still there underneath. The only way to truly get rid of something unwanted is by getting to the root of the problem and ridding yourself of it, just as I did with that one stubborn thing right in the middle of the bed.You see, even though I have the bulb and the main part of the root base, I didn't get it all. There was one left but I couldn't find it in the dirt. With my own hands it's impossible but if I had the right equipment I could probably do it. However, it would no longer be by my own power. I was reminded of Jesus' teaching of He being the Vine and we are merely the branch. Remove the branch from the vine and it can't produce fruit. Remove the plant from the root, well, it dies. So does every attempt we do in life to make ourselves better. We just simply can't do it on our own power. I say let's take off our masks, the phony perceptions we give and be real. Let's be real with ourselves and let His power be made in our weaknesses. It's futile to do so otherwise. I began to look at myself at that point of the day, the point of God's lesson/reminder as I was holding the root mass in my hands. What have I been covering up? Have I been deeply rooted or have been only allowing my roots to go so far?I'll be the first to say I've covered some things up. I've said I was fine when I really wasn't. I've tried to handle things on my own without going to the One who can do it for me, thru me. As I washed the dirt and grime off my hands and as it turned to clay-like substance I began to think of how God had fashioned me. I reflected on how each detail of my being was strategically and methodically thought out and prepared for me. Who am I to question and try to drive the car of my own life. I don't know the detours or the roads laid out before me but He does. I think I'll slide over into the passenger's seat and give him back the wheel. I may not understand the why's, how come's, and what for's that will/has come. But I do have a choice to trust in Him who has my best interests at heart. Just when I thought I had seen the good soil today I found another treasure. Underneath rocks, boards, and black tarps (oh how they liked those things) I found a small pond. Imagine covering up a water hole capable of sustaining life and even giving life as if it wasn't there. Hmm, don't we do that too? Turns out a simple task of clearing some flower beds turned into a treasure find. I didn't say a treasure hunt because, to be honest, I wasn't looking for any. It was simply a task. Jesus isn't a task but our source of life and in Him, well, he's the only covering I need and that's perfect. My little treasures just so happened wasn't free. Jesus paid for all my sins, shame, guilt, and even my inadequacies with his Blood. It cost Him everything but the good part is, He wouldn't have done it any other way.Take with it what you may but this was a good day. A good weekend. Not because of what I've done or how I've felt. It's because of my time with Him. There's no better feeling and there's no price that can be paid to ever buy it either. To me that's priceless.

This and that!

Baseball is in full swing for Ross and Reese is kicking with soccer!

Just wanted to post a few random pictures since I've been so neglectful of my blog!

Heavy and Light

I realized when I signed on tonight that I have not written a blog in over a month. Since then, I am a year older but not much wiser. My baby also gained a year. It has been a month of heavy hearts and light conversations. As we said hello to a new baby niece, we also said goodbye to a dear grandfather. A first of many for a nine year old. A first time to say goodbye and to experience a loss. A first for the mother that had to explain death and wipe away tears at a funeral. How do you explain life and death when all they know is laughter, ball games and the occasional fight with the siblings? To my suprise, Ross explained it perfectly to his brother and sister. This became apparent when at the graveside, Reid (a 3 yr old) blurts out "Gene Pop is NOT there...he's gone!" Yes, a 9 year old's explanation to his siblings was that it was just a body. Gene Pop's spirit is already gone to be with Jesus. I couldn't have said it better.


Tonight, I took my niece to hear Jamie Tworkowski, the founder of my favorite organization, To Write Love on Her Arms. An organization that started as a few friends reaching out to a girl that was hurting. What started out as a t-shirt has turned into a movement. A movement to encourage love and hope. As I sat there listening to him and the story behind the organization, I realized that I had no right to be sitting there as if I am actually doing what I am meant to do. All my life, I have done what everyone else thinks I should do. I have a passion within that fights to get out and I just bury it back down. There is always some excuse why I can't think of what I need to be doing. Busying myself with kids and classes, trying to convince myself otherwise. Afraid that I don't possess the right tools that helping others requires, but the desire within me to reach out is growing stronger every year. God planted this desire in me long ago. He let me know that I have hurt and gone through all that I have for a reason. To help youth and others hurting. After Jamie spoke tonight, I had the privilage of talking to him for a moment. The voice inside getting louder as I listened and becoming more inspired. I feel like Moses. "Who, me?? Are you sure you don't mean that other much more outgoing person over there?" Yes, my thoughts are heavy tonight but my heart is light. It feels lifted as though I finally feel at peace about my journey and excited about where it will take me. I started a study with the ladies at church recently. Part of the study included a board that had a verse or words of inspiration written on it. Each quiet time session, we were to write something that spoke to us on the back of the board. The point of why I am telling this is that the boards were wrapped. You didn't know what yours said until you picked one and opened it up. God works in awesome ways. I picked one out and on my way home from church, I opened it up. My board reads: "Here am I, send me". At the first study, I heard something and wrote it down on the back of my board. I wrote, "God will use you when you are willing." I want to make a difference in at least one young girl's life. I am not perfect. It's okay that I am not perfect. God doesn't need perfect. He can use my broken life. Not to mend someone else's broken life but to offer the connection. To offer hope and love. To show a young girl that God never meant for bad things to happen to her and that He loves her and wants to hold her and comfort her the way only He can do.


I noticed on Facebook tonight that my niece posted her status as "Love is the Movement. You best believe it! Thank you Mims (thats me!) for telling me about TWLOHA!"


I love my niece. She turns 13 this week. Getting ready to face a big cruel world. I will make a difference in her life. Hopefully I already have.

Sports, school and scattered schedules!

This last weekend was our final tournament for basketball. The boys did awesome and we were the only 3rd grade team going into the tournament undefeated. We had to play three games Saturday and made it to the championship but lost by 3 points to Blue Ridge. The boys were a little disappointed but they had an awesome season and I can't wait to coach them next year! In fact, I found myself a little depressed Saturday evening that the season was actually over! We had our party on Sunday and Coach Joe and I took the boys to CiCi's for some pizza as well as roller skating! We all had a blast and it was a great weekend. I also had my last day at the ER on Friday so now I can concentrate on school and my kiddos again. Speaking of which, Thursday starts soccer for Reese and Friday is Ross's first baseball practice! Whew! Not sure if I updated last time but Bart will be coaching in Sherman instead of Leonard this year. Long story but it is for the better anyways. We are already enjoying the parents and the league much better. It is more organized and a little stricter on the parental and coaching rules which is nice.

On another note, I am going to brag on myself for a minute. It was hard for me to make the decision to go back to school. Not because of the lack of desire but for fear of not doing well, and trying to balance kids and home life as well. Most of all, the fact that I am in my 30's and most of my classmates are just out of high school! Well, I'm in my third semester now and have managed to maintain my 4.0 and also have been invited to the Phi Theta Kappa (National Honor Society). How cool is that? Then...I got a letter from UTD offering a transfer scholarship. What?? I am so glad I made this decision! I am also amazed that all the younger girls look up to me in class. It is such a blessing! Of course, most of the time they just want to copy my notes but it is still nice to be accepted after waiting all these years to go back! It has also become a sort of competition with me and Ross to keep his grades up. "If mom can do it, so can you!"

Anyways, continue to pray for my patience and sanity nevertheless as I press forward. I think I will even take a Summer class. Yes, I am a glutton for punishment. I actually just want to get in as much as I can so that I don't get the urge or temptation to quit. Although, I am pretty positive my kiddos wouldn't let that happen. They are so stinking awesome! Hope everyone's week is going well. I will try to keep everyone posted more often....really...I swear. Okay, I will try.

Just some long overdue updates!

Again, I am faultering on my blogging as of late. I am overwhelmed with the time management of kids, school and sports. Not to mention my working every so often, although I did finally give my notice so that will give me some relief! We finished basketball with an undeafeted season and we will play in the final tournament this coming Saturday! I am so proud of all of the boys and the great job they all did playing as well as learning excellent sportsmanship with their team mates and other teams as well. I had a few of the boys over a week ago for a night of roller skating and sleep over. It was a lot of fun but this ol' gal was exhausted the next day! They all wanted me to take them "ding-dong ditching". I was afraid to ask but I finally did only to find out it was just the old trick of knocking on doors and running away before someone answered. I tried to tell them that was probably not the best idea on Valentine's night even though they didn't understand! They settled for snipe hunting with Bart whatever that is.

Next we have baseball for Ross and soccer for Reese! As if my head isn't already spinning. We have had a long ongoing inner struggle trying to decide to keep Ross in Leonard sports or go elsewhere. Oh the small town politics and I have about decided Leonard is far worse than Celina ever thought about being. Bart has had two winning seasons with little league baseball here in Leonard and we have endured quite a bit of turmoil without going into detail. So, when we learned that they went about choosing their coaches a little differently this season, it made our decision easier as to what to do. Bart will coach this season in the Sherman league. We have been wanting to put Ross in that league for some time so it wasn't anything new. They are a much bigger, more organized league with strict rules about who coaches as well as parental behavior. I am excited to see what the season brings! The only bad thing, is that I had already signed Reese up for soccer in Bonham before this all came about! So now I will be going to two different towns for sports and still work in school two nights a week as well! Whew! It will work out and will be good for the kids. I will just be sure to register Reese to play in Sherman in the fall!! (If I make it that long!)

So, here are some random snapshots of the kids since I haven't done my blogging duty lately. I will be sure to post some sports shots soon! Reese is a little humdinger of a player so I'm excited to see this! She can out run Ross's basketball team!

A Not so Prestige Membership

I have become guilty of being a bad blogger and friend lately! I have an old friend from high school that I email on a weekly basis and they reminded me so politely yesterday that it has been *cough* 12 days! So, my sincerest apologies to all my friends and family for being such the recluse lately. I have good reason...I really do! First off, we have all been sick to some degree. It seems when I go awhile without working and then return to the ER, I bring EVERYTHING home. Even though I anti-bacterialize my whole body when leaving, the little virus bugs still sneak in my jacket or pocket only to be found by the ever so curious Vest children. Not to mention us older kids. So, we have been battling pneumonia with Reid, upper respiratory with Reese and the good ol' stomach bug for me.

All for good reasons I think, since I offered to work a little extra for a friend at work. A friend that at only 22 has just lost her mom in a horrible accident. I hope that through all of my negligence, I can at least be a friend to her right now, although, unfortunately I missed the memorial for her mom due to the stomach bug I was carrying around this week. I will get over the virus and be well in a few days but she will carry this for the rest of her life. Please pray for my friend as she is unfortunately inducted into what some of us refer to as "the club". The club is an unspoken organization for those of us who have lost a parent, or heaven forbid, both parents. The price of membership doesn't require currency, but a lifetime of regrets and questioning. My friend may not realize all that is ahead yet, and soon she will go to make "the phone call." The one to tell her mom about something her 2 yr old did that was so fascinating and when she picks up the phone, she will have a pain in her heart so deep as she remembers there will be noone on the other end. She will be angry for a while and that will be replaced with the deep sorrow that won't seem to go away. I pray that she will learn to lean on the One that understands what it is like to lose someone so precious. I pray that I can be there for her, a big sister in a sense, to help her through this. The ER is far from kind and understanding, but maybe I can prove that wrong. So please pray for my young friend. She is a young mom having just lost her main support and life line. Pray that I can be there for her and that my busy life can slow even just for a little while to help shelter some hurt. I am also so thankful through this, that even though I am "fatherless", I am fortunate to still have my mother...well, actually two of them. My natural mother that gave birth to me, of course, and my adoptive mother that takes the form of my older sister. Both of which I couldn't imagine life without. Life can change in an instant, and I see that everyday that I am at work. I know its kind of cheesy but the last couple weeks really has made me think more about the saying "Live every day like its your last". So, if its not too late to add to my New Year's resolutions, I am going to pin that one up. My friend told my boss after the memorial that she didn't want to be a part of this club anymore. I want to tell her, neither do I, but we will get through it. I want to tell her you never get over it but it does get better with each day. I will tell her that I love her and I am here for her. Despite school, family and basketball, I will make time for her so that she doesn't feel alone. Its the worst feeling and she doesn't deserve to go through that alone right now.

I hope everyone has a good week and go spend time with your parent or child. Give someone a much needed hug today and let them return the favor. Live today like its your last and love like you have never lost before.