All This And Heaven: August 2018

Friday, August 31, 2018

Mary B Visits

One of our favorite family friends decided to go to SLU for college. I think we were more excited for her than anyone else. She just brings a little bit of Texas love to our family. Now if we could only get her entire family here.

New Job

Today is Possible's first day at her new job. Good luck at the day care Possible.

Thursday, August 30, 2018

Fraser Family Sends a Texas Surprise

The people that lived next door to us in Houston are an awesome family. Princess used to baby sit for them and she is missing the kiddos a lot. We were completely surprised to receive this gift.

Tuesday, August 28, 2018

New Car News

Back in Texas, Goobers has some important news . . .

"So back on Independence Day my poor Trent got in a little accident and unfortunately didn’t make it out, they labeled him a total loss (little depressing there.) So after a couple stressful weeks of talking to insurance agents, looking up cars, thanking Pooker for driving me around, I’d like to introduce my new friend! Everyone meet Patrick the Patriot... I love him!"

Congratulations Goobers, and welcome to the family - Patrick.

Bagel Update

Still healing just fine. I am amazed at all that hardware, still. She would now be assigned some physical theriapy.

Tooth Fairy Makes Her Rich

This precious little honey lost her tooth and is now rolling in the dough.

Twin Beautiful

I love this little one. She might be "the baby of the family" but she is growing up.

Monday, August 27, 2018

Supporting Bear

J and I miss our 3 older children more than we thought we would. It was hard have Bear go off without seeing him. We got some shirts to show off our pride in our son!

Making Cotton Candy

Years ago Bear purchased a cotton candy machine. He used it a few times but kept it hidden. The kids discovered it after the move and we got some floss. We had a fun afternoon making our own cotton candy.

At least Twin Adorable and Twin Beautiful are wearing shirts that they got from Bear.

I guess this is why we needed the gym in the garage!

Garage Space is Transformed for Working Out

I had to share this one. I guess we can see what is important to this family.

Sunday, August 26, 2018

Dinner and Balloon Fight

Twins + cousin M =

Have you met the "Triplets"

Friday, August 24, 2018

Jumba and Others Receive Torture Birthday Gifts

JavaJava is like one of the family already. He knows how to tease Pooker's siblings as if they were his own. He sent the August birthday kiddos gift cards. Jumba and Princess were both thrilled until they 'figured it out'.

JavaJava sent What-A-Burger gift cards. Princess opened her card with a big smile on her face and then it turned sour. I didn't understand when she said, "HE IS EVIL!" I mistakenly thought how can he be evil, he sent you a gift. OOO it is a gift that you can not use no matter how much you want to.
I guess we send our thanks to JavaJava.

Thursday, August 23, 2018

Week of First Days

Sugar started working at a new place. She is a pre-school floater, going from room to room as needed when he school opens.

After working Sugar heads to Lindenwood for school and job number two.

Sugar keeps it all going and makes it look easy. She operates at her own speed.

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Missing Texas

I am so glad to be back in Missouri with some cooler temps this week but moving is so emotional. The stress for mom and dad is over. The house sold, we moved everything, we are mostly unpacked with pictures on the wall and we even have new MO license plates for the cars and the drivers.

This is when it gets hard for the teens. The adventure of the new is over. It is time to get to work. They are hours from their friends, jobs and the routines they were used to. They have to get involved in new places with new people. This is not easy. J and I have to balance pushing them while being understanding about how broken their hearts are.

Now that some busy things have passed I am struck with how much I miss Pooker, Goober, Bear and all of our friends from church, homeschool world and neighborhoods. Don’t forget us Texas. We love you and will forever be the Texas T Family.

Monday, August 20, 2018

Cub Cutties

Sunday, August 19, 2018

Trying ICD's High-school Program

Having beens so involved in Lifeteen at STAOP we had no idea what this change would be like. We wanted to try Magnify, as they call their program. Sugar and Possible wanted to help. We giggled when they thought they had a huge turn out with 60 teens.

I am still not sure if we will stay involved. Sugar, Possible, Pickle, Princess, and Bagel.

Happy Birthday Princess

Goobers,

"Happy Birthday to this Red headed little hottie! 16 years old.. I am so proud of my little look alike here, Princess has become one of the most incredible, caring, and selfless person I know, I am so honored that people think we look alike! Happy 16th My-Keeka! Love you lots."

Possible,

"Happy birthday to the weirdest but coolest Ginger I know happy birthday Princess!! #16"

Happy Sweet 16 to the most beautiful and kind young women I know.

Bears Heads to Seminary

Bear wrote this on Facebook before signing off . . .

"Tomorrow I head to Denver to start my first year of seminary! This year is a spirituality year, where we focus on prayer and our relationship with the Lord! We get to do a media fast for the year so I won't have any forms of media. Please keep me in your prayers, as I start this part of my formation."

None of these are pictures of the event, I don't have any. Bear left from his other home at the parish in Oklahoma. He is headed to St. John Vianney in Denver, CO. At least he is headed to a beautiful place.

Taken from Facebook taken from St. Charles Borromeo
on the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary 8-15-2018

WE can see that he looks great dressed in blacks, so we can't wait to see what his future holds. Please pray for him.

Taken from Facebook 6-3-18
Matthew Duff, Stephen Jones, Bear

(This is a stock picture of the special building where the SY guys stay.)
He will spend his first year in what they call a Spiritually Year. The men are to get rid of social media and phones. We can reach Bear in an emery through the school.

I just say that we are more upset about loosing contact with him than anything else. It was very hard for our group text of "Family of Cool Kids!" We miss our constant communication with him. This feels like a punishment for us. It isn't, but it feels that way! God Bless these young men and their families.

We are praying for all in this place and hope that Bear fits in, is safe and enjoys the path that God has put before him.

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.