All This And Heaven: November 2014

Saturday, November 29, 2014

How Far Would You Go to See a Clydesdale

I love the Clydesdales. I guess it is a sense of pride for me being from St. Louis. We would tour Grant's Farm and the Anheuser Busch Brewery and our favorite part was visiting the horses. The Clydesdales were always so big and beautiful. During the last short visit to St. Louis that a few us took we finally got a chance to visit Grant's Farm. It is set up very differently these days. Almost too commercial. It now costs a fortune to get a picture with the horses. I think that is crazy. While in St. Louis I didn't even let the kids know how much it upset me. Fast forward to a weekend here in TX and Goobers says that a Clydesdale will be at her HEB. We missed the time and decided, on a hunch, to visit the next HEB on the same road. We guessed right and got our photo op moment for free. The handlers said that they were from the Brewery Location in St. Louis. J and I were probably more excited than the kiddos were. A little bit of home and a little bit of childhood came for a visit.

One last peek as we drive past. By Timmy (that is what the kids think the horse's name was).

Who knows if we will get a chance to see the horses again. Next time we are in St. Louis we might try to make a quick visit to Grant's Farm. It is a good place to visit for the historical reasons and the animals.

My Girls

These two never stop, they are always on the go.

Notice the pile of bedding. We make their beds, they take it all off.

These two are nuts, but they have my heart!

Friday, November 28, 2014

EPI-ED AGAIN!

Poor Sugar feels this way at times. She tells people how allergic she is but it doesn't sink in. Even J and I hesitate to react. In the back of our minds we are thinking,

"It is a small reaction!

She didn't come in direct contact with shellfish!

This isn't that bad!"

All of those thoughts and hesitations could kill my precious girl.

We even get mad when she says she is having a reaction. It isn't on purpose. It is just that knee jerk response. The ER, the cost, the doctors doubting and questioning. All these things make it so hard on her.

After Kat stopped by for a visit, Sugar starting having trouble. None of us could figure it out until someone asked if Kat had any shellfish. We called her and as soon as she told us she had recently had shrimp Sugar was sure it was a reaction and then it was time to give her the shot.

Even when we realized the pen was needed it still causes a rumble in the house. Goobers was ready to give her the injection again but one of the little ones ran upstairs to get Bear. I was so impressed at how the kids take care of each other. I looked at the pen and said I would do but I was nervous. Sugar wanted to give it to herself but then realized she didn't have pants on. She worried that it would hurt more and hesitated. Bear walked over but a blanket on her leg and helped her steady her hand. When she pulled back he counted and then gave the injection to her, counted the time needing and then took the shot out. He was calm and steady.

The little ones went a got her stuff while Goobers took care of getting Sugar together and to the car. The doctor and nurses always grill you like you are making the whole thing up. I find it so frustrating and I understand why she hesitates knowing she is first facing mom and dad who doubt her and then the doctors.

I am so very thankful for this young woman. Sugar is an amazing person. I am so sorry that I ever doubt. I am so thankful that the epi worked again and I am incredibly thankful for all of her siblings that make it better for her each time. I had just sent a note to someone on Facebook lecturing her about how you should never hesitate. I hope Kat knows that we don't blame her. She is just very sensitive.

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Happy Turkey Day!

So our big day is finally here. Lots of shopping was done to make this a good day for the whole family and any guests that join us.

Everyone must watch the parade.

Pookers friend Harry even joined the fun for the day

After the parade the intense monopoly games began.

One of the girls posted the pictures below. They love to tease Bear.

Now to create the food magic. They all do a great job.

Beautiful

Bear and Adorable hiding in the hammock.

Time to eat!

and back to the games.

J loves having his family around.

So very Thankful for so much!

Dear heavenly Father,

Thank you for all that you have provided for our family.

We are blessed to have so much food!

We are blessed to have so many people in this house to love.

We are blessed that we love spending time together.

We are blessed to have the time to spend together.

We are blessed to have each other.

We are blessed to live in the United States of America.

Thank you for all of these blessings and for all those we didn't mention..

What will I see here?

Take a peek into our life as a big family in Houston, TX. Welcome to the electronic journal for the Texas T family. This blog was created to share some moments of our life with you. Often having 11 children (including twins), homeschooling, and being incredibly active in our Catholic faith we are asked “How do you do it?” We invite you to look around, sign up as a follower, and peek into the answer to that question. Remember we are not a perfect family; but I won't post the bad stuff.

Thanks for visiting, Neen

The Nicene Creed

We believe (I believe) in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, and born of the Father before all ages. (God of God) light of light, true God of true God. Begotten not made, consubstantial to the Father, by whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven. And was incarnate of the Holy Ghost and of the Virgin Mary and was made man; was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, suffered and was buried; and the third day rose again according to the Scriptures. And ascended into heaven, sits at the right hand of the Father, and shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead, of whose Kingdom there shall be no end. And (I believe) in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father (and the Son), who together with the Father and the Son is to be adored and glorified, who spoke by the Prophets. And one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. We confess (I confess) one baptism for the remission of sins. And we look for (I look for) the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help ~ Pray For Us!

Immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God and Mother of the Church you are also our Mother of Perpetual Help. With hearts full of love for you we consecrate ourselves to your Immaculate Heart so that we may be your devoted children. Obtain for us true sorrow for our sins and fidelity to the promises of our Baptism. We consecrate our minds and hearts to you that we always do the Will of our heavenly Father. We consecrate our lives to you that we may love God better and live not for ourselves but for Christ, your Son and that we may see Him and serve Him in others. By this humble act of consecration dear Mother of Perpetual Help we pledge to model our lives on you, the perfect Christian. So that, consecrated to you in life and in death we may belong to your Divine Son for all eternity. Amen

St. Joseph ~ Pray For Us!

NINE-DAYS NOVENA TO ST. JOSEPH (Note: This prayer was found in the 50th year of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Sometime during the 16th century, it was sent by the Pope to Emperor Charles when he was going into battle. It is said that whoever shall read this prayer or take it with them, shall never die a sudden death or be drowned, nor shall poison take effect on them; neither shall they fall into the hands of the enemy, or shall be burned in any fire or shall be overpowered in battle.) Say this prayer for nine days for anything you may desire. Then let go and let God. Trust that whatever is the outcome of your novena is truly what is best for you in accordance with the will of God.) O Saint Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires. O Saint Joseph, assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers. O Saint Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me, and ask Him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. Amen O Saint Joseph, hear my prayers and obtain my petitions. O Saint Joseph, pray for me. (Mention your intention)

St. Bernard of Clairvaux

St. Bernard of Clairvaux wrote to a couple that had a miscarriage. In response to their question, “What is going to happen to my child? The child didn’t get baptized,” St. Bernard said, “Your faith spoke for this child. Baptism for this child was only delayed by time. Your faith suffices. The waters of your womb — were they not the waters of life for this child? Look at your tears. Are they not like the waters of baptism? Do not fear this. God’s ability to love is greater than our fears. Surrender everything to God.”

St. Jude ~ Pray For Us!

(Novena say this for 9 days) Most holy Apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally, as the patron of difficult cases, of things almost despaired of, Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone. Intercede with God for me that He bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly - (make your request here)- and that I may praise God with you and all the saints forever. I promise, O Blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor granted me by God and to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you.

St. Anthony of Padua ~ Pray For Us!

Holy Saint Anthony, gentle and powerful in your help, your love for God and charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word, which you were always ready to request for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me (request). The answer to my prayer may require a miracle. Even so, you are the Saint of miracles. Gentle and loving Saint Anthony, whose heart is ever full of human sympathy, take my petition to the Infant Savior for whom you have such a great love, and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen.