And I think to myself.....what a wonderful world

Has it really been two years since I last posted? Not sure why I haven't posted. Too many emotions I guess. A lot has happened since my last post. In October of 2011, my Papa Bristo went to be with Jesus. I have never delt with such pain and hurt and loss. I didn't think I could do it, but with some grief therapy, I pulled through. I think of him every...single...day! I'm constantly wondering if he sees me. If he hears me. If he's proud of me. I absolutely adored him and adored being his "sugar".

In September of 2012, we sent our chocolate lab, Luke, to be with papa in Heaven. Luke's vet found a tumor on his stomach in January and by now it was the size of a basketball. I did everything I could to save him but I finally had to make the decision to say goodbye. It was absoutley the hardest descision I have ever had to make. I carry so much grief, you cant imagine. I feel like I did have faith in him, in miracles, in God. There are some days still where the pain is just too great. I know some think that he was "just a dog", but he was far from that. He was a protector, a prayer partner, a babysitter, a walking buddy...my best friend. I know that one day I will be ok with my decision to let him go. Most importantly I know that one day I will see him at the Rainbow Bridge.

In July of 2013, I went to see my ENT for an ear ache that just would not go away. After an MRI, we found out that I have Acoustic Neuroma (www.anausa.org). This is a tiny tumor (not cancerous) that is sitting on my hearing nerve. I am under the care of an amazing neurologist, Dr. Mickey and an amazing ENT, Dr. Roland at UTSW in Dallas. At this time, the tumor is too small to remove. When Dr. Mickey removes my tumor, he will leave a little sliver on the never so that he is not scrapping the nerve. That would only do more damage to my face, hearing and movement. We are needing it to grow (that sounds so weird to say). I will have MRIs to watch the growth of the tumor. The tumor has caused some hearing loss in my right ear. It makes me nauseated, tired, my balance is off, there is a constant ringing in my ear and sometimes I am forgetful. A friend asked me today, "what I pray for" in regards to the tumor. I pray that the tumor disappears. I pray that I am healed. I pray my pain is minimum. But most importantly, I pray that through this experience, people see Jesus in me. I try no to complain. It is what it is. I am trying to deal with it with grace and bravery. When I first found out about the tumor, I cried...ALOT! I was soooooo scared! What would happen to my babies, my husband, my dad...my MOM!!!!! Who would take care of my mom and her MS? I went into panic mode. I couldn't find the strength I knew was there and I knew that I had. But I have AMAZING friends and an AMAZING God who help me find it. Not sure when I will have surgery. Hopefully next summer since the recovery will be about 3 months. Until then, I pray...faithfully and every chance I get. I love life. I hug my babies. I hold my husbands hand. I want to spend more time with my friends and family. God is putting me on an amazing adventure with the tumor and I'm ready for it! So many have asked me how I am. I have no clue what say...Scared! Terrified! Grateful! Blessed! Many times I wanna cry but I usually end up saying "I'm fine"! This is a whole new experience for me and my family but we are learning! God is sooooo good! I end with three songs. The first one is my Papa Bristo's absolute favorite. It brings joy to my heart and tears to my eyes.... The second song is one that I find myself constantly singing and humming. I am grateful that God puts a song in my heart to remind me that He is God...that's just the way it is.... And finally the third song is a song that I find my strength in. It is probably my "theme song". I listen to it everyday.... I hope to be better about journaling during this adventure. Its a way for my friends and family to see how I am doing, my progress and to see how good my God is! But its mainly for Jaydon and Kye. I want my babies to be able to look back and see how strong their mommy is!

Disclaimer.....

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

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

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

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

In May, Jaydon graduated from Kindergarten!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Now we are current with April 2011...

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

Jaydon loses ANOTHER tooth :)

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

I wonder what God was thinking.....

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

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

Happy Mother's Day!

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

Kindergarten Roundup

My baby Jaydon then.....

and now...

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

Jaydon and Daddy wrestling at roundup...

Jacey is here!

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

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