The Rice Family

My Prayer

2011-02-06T19:50:00.000-08:00

From "Made to Crave" by Lysa Terkeurst

"Dear Jesus,

I have finally found the courage to admit I've craved food more than You. I have wept over giving up food while hardly giving a thought to You giving Your life for my freedom. I've been bound up by feelings of helplessness. I've been angry that I have to deal with this weight issue and have been mad at You for allowing this to be one of my lots in life. I've made excuses. I've pointed fingers. I've reliedon food for things it could never give me. I've lied to myself about the realities of why I gain weight. I've settled and excused and made pithy comments justifying my issues. I've been enthralled by buttered bread while yawning through Your daily bread.

For all that, I am so sorry. These are not just little issues. These, for me, are sins--missing the mark of Your best for my life. With my whole heart, mind, and soul, I repent. I stand on this step and stare at the reality of my depravity and turn. I turn from the dieting mindset. I turn from what I must give up and weep no more. I remove my toe keeping open the door to my old habits and patterns, my old mind-set, my old go-to scripts.

I choose freedom. I choose victory. I choose courage. And yes, above all else. I choose You.

Amen."

2010-12-21T11:27:00.000-08:00

And I pray that you, being rooted in love, may

have power, together with all the saints,

to grasp how wide and long and high

and deep is the love of Christ,

and to know this love surpasses knowledge- that you

may be filled to the measure of fullness of God

Eph. 3:17-19

Naughty or Nice

2010-11-26T20:10:00.000-08:00

Our first Christmas card photo shoot was cut short when Sam got into a fight with a yellowjacket. The yellowjacket won.

Christmas card photo shoot take-two was just as eventful, but at least no one was injured.

As you can see my boys felt right at home with the photographer.

So thankful for Maggie's patience.

She's a Rockstar!

Rain is a Good Thing

2010-07-23T10:48:00.000-07:00

What we've been up to........

2010-07-18T19:38:00.000-07:00

My first born is a ball player and we couldn't be prouder!!!

In regular season play, Brooks' team was the 8yr old League Champs! Way to go Astros!

MRYC had 3 8yr old All Star teams and Brooks was a member of the MRYC Fire.

After two tournaments the 3 three All Star teams merged and became the MRYC Vipers.

Brooks finished his season today as a Viper.

We've got the fever and can't wait for some more tournament ball!!

Possessions.....

2010-02-23T12:10:00.001-08:00

Are you so focused on what you don't have that you are blind to what you do?

You have a ticket to heaven no thief can take,

an eternal home no divorce can break.

Every sin of your life has been cast to the sea.

Every mistake you've made is nailed to the tree.

You're blood-bought and heaven-made.

A child of God--forever saved.

So be grateful, joyful--for isn't it true?

What you don't have is much less than what you do.

From Max Lucado's "A Love Worth Giving"

Naked Butts and Hair Cuts

2010-01-16T18:34:00.000-08:00

Naked butt..........

One of Tucker's favorite things to do for quite sometime now, is to

take off his pants and diaper.

He'll want to kill me for this oneday, but I just love that little butt!

Trying to put his daiper back on, but he gives up and throughs it down. Then someone has to catch him so you can get the diaper and pants back on. Sometimes we do this numerous times before he gives up.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A big boy hair cut......

This is his "cheese" face, and all his curls before his big boy hair cut.

Big baby blues and a big boy hair cut!

It may look like his curls are gone, but its still curling up in the back.

Confession

2010-01-05T09:56:00.000-08:00

Do I really need to confess to what few readers I have? Sure, I don't, but I think I need to for me. It helps to "write" it down. Now on to the confession, I am having trouble trusting God. ( Sorry to those of you who thought you might be getting a real scoop :)

I still believe that the Lord has put me here in this place with purpose. But I'm having trouble trusting that its gonna work out. The anxiety and pain that has come along with my knee surgery is quite overwhelming.

Before this I never really thought about the actually steps I take and how easily I could get from one place to another. Or how effortless it was to bend my knees. Now as I'm working through all this, every single step is contemplated and every bend of my knee is painful yet calculated. My how we don't realize that we take things for granted. I see folks in wheel chairs and I just can't stand it. I don't know wether to feel sorry for them or blessed that I will get back to normal.

I'm tired of asking for help. I'm sick of needing help!!!

wha wha wha!!

My new Bible study starts Thursday and I'm really looking forward to it. I've felt so lost without it. And I can't wait to get to Mass on Sunday. It will be my first since surgery.

Recovery

2009-12-04T18:50:00.000-08:00

I am day 11 post-op, and hopefully each day will bring less pain. Seriously, I had prepared myself for the worst, or so I thought. I don't think there is anyway I could have prepared myself for the horrific pain of having your leg broken by the Dr. so he could fix it. It stinks!!!!!! I thought the pain of childbirth was terrible.....nothing compared to this!

My mom has been helping out and will continue as long as my leg is immobilized and I am on crutches--which will probably be January. I can't imagine the money we would be spending if Mom wasn't able to be here. One of my sweetest, dearest friends has also made a big contribution. Nancy coordinated meals to be brought to us each evening for almost 2 weeks. What a blessing! I better watch out or Jason's gonna hope I'm down more often so he gets lots of home cooked meals. ;)

We are all adjusting to the circumstances and hoping the recovery is swift. Especially my sweet little Tucker. He definitely realizes something is going on, but seems to be doing okay. His sleep pattern has been messed up a little, but that's all.

I'm looking forward to a relaxing Christmas season and wishing the same for everyone!

Processing......

2009-11-16T18:04:00.000-08:00

I'm still processing the fact that I will have a major knee surgery and be totally dependant on others for a few months. To be quit honest, it really sucks!!! But....I've had my pity party and I'm moving forward.

In the midst of my pity party, I wasn't sure this was really what the Lord wanted me to do right now. So I said, "God, let me know this surgery is your plan." I was so unsure. Well, he let me know. Since I prayed that prayer, my knee has bothered me more on a daily basis than it ever has, and I haven't even exercised in days. Well, I'm certain I have my answer. But I still have questions.

I know the Lord is using and will use this time to bring me closer to him. Cause he knows I'll be all laid up with nothing to do but draw closer to him and seek his will for myself and my family. You see, things just aren't that great right now. I feel so disconnected from my husband and I know he feels the same about me. I know things will be okay, because I have faith in God's awesome plan for us. I love my husband of course he loves me, but sometimes we let the craziness of life get in the way and we start being so self centered. ( Now, those of you that read this....just chill... this is a season and the Lord is in it, so don't be letting your crazy minds run away with you. My marriage is okay). I'll probably regret the afore mentioned concern, but this is my blog and I want to be real. I don't want to give the impression that life is always just peachy. Cause we all know it isn't!

I also wonder what the Lord is doing in this ol head and heart of mine when it comes to my self image. What a life long issue this is and continues to be. For the first time in my life I've gotten my weight under control and I'm feeling great about myself, and BAM no more running for a year, and no exercise for at least 3 months! WHAT????? While I know he wants me to take care of myself, I just don't get it......or do I? When I first started this running thing I felt so close in my walk with him, but as time went on I was relying on myself and not giving God the credit for my success.

My prayer is that I will grow in Christ during this season of my life.

I'll leave you with these........

Bad Blogger, Busy Mom

2009-10-10T19:40:00.001-07:00

Well, what can I say? I have logged on several times to add something, but it seems that I always get called away!! Wonder who keeps doing that? Tucker in his Halloween pjs "talking" on the phone.

Brooks and Cole. Not only is Cole our neighbor, but he and Brooks are in the same class. This was from their 2nd grade music program.

Just look at the big ol grin!! Sam was so proud he got a medal for 3rd place in his age group at the Broadmoor Fun Run.

Jay and Tucker were troopers. They hung around and supported all the runners. Don't they look excited?

This has to be the worst picture of me ever!!!

This was after running the 10K and setting a new PR!!!

You got your tickets?

2009-08-16T18:48:00.000-07:00

Today as we sit in church. I am sitting between Brooks and Sam, and Jason is in the cry room with Tucker because he just doesn't ever sit still. Sam for that matter doesn't either, he's just to old for the cry room. Brooks and Sam both complained about having to go to church this morning because they wanted to go fishing. (For some reason, I just can't figure out who they get that from. Certainly not Jason!) Not at my house, Church is always the priority.

Anyway, so obviously the boys were very attentive in church. Brooks stayed pretty quiet, but Sam asked every 5 seconds, "Mom, how much longer?" Then of course he will not be still. Then finally he gets quiet. Score for me, now I can actually pay attention to Father and not my wild child. Unfortunately this didn't last too long, cause usually when Sam gets still and quiet he's up to something.

I'm listening to the Father's homily trying to soak up as much as I can cause lately I feel as if I'm just going through the motions. Sam turns to me with those bright eyes of his and he's just a grinnin', so tickled about something. So tickled he can hardly speak, but he manages to get it out. He whispers, "Mama, did you get the tickets?" I look at him and say "huh?" He repeats himself, still just a gigglin' and grinnin'. "Mama, did you get the tickets?" Finally, I say "What tickets?". At this point he is so tickled I almost can't understand him, but he manages to get it out. He says,"The tickets to the gun show!" as he flexes his muscle and points at it!!

I almost couldn't compose myself after that, and really didn't get much out of Mass today, but at least I stuck to my "guns" and made it to Church as a family.

Belly Buttons, Fishing, and Sillyness....

2009-07-16T19:57:00.001-07:00

Mr. Tucker has discovered his belly button, and his brother's too, as you

will see further down in this post.

Jason has been taking Brooks tournament fishing with Team Trails and

they recently took 2nd place. This is Brooks getting the check for winning.

Tucker has figured out how to get into the Bumbo all by himself. He's so proud. I know he is to big for the stinking thing, but he likes it.

Sam is such a WILD MAN!!!
Brooks is too cool in his shades!!
Tucker can't keep his hands off Sam's belly button!!

Good Times with Great Friends.

2009-07-16T19:49:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful time on our little getaway to Destin!

Baseball

2009-06-06T06:52:00.000-07:00

Just have to share with all 2 or 3 of you that actually read this thing that Brooks' 7 & 8 year old baseball team won the league championship. Our Head Coach, Jay Carter, is such a great coach and role model for these boys.

Thanks, Jay!

And I can't say enough about how much it means to me for my Jay to be out there coaching too.

I must say is really good with these little guys too, and

it means the world to Brooks!

All of my pics looked terrible, and then I couldn't get but one of them to load. So this is all I've got for now.

Also, Brooks doesn't know it yet, but he is on the All-Star team.

We are so proud of him!

Rain, Rain Go Away....

2009-05-25T19:28:00.000-07:00

Well the rain may not be gone, but it did go away long enough this evening for some sunshine and a backyard baseball game. The big boys weren't still long enough for me to get any pictures, and well, the baby wasn't still either.Tucker getting away.

The island in our backyard serves as the infield for our neighborhood baseball games.

Jay doing a mighty fine job at centerfield ;)

And Tucker enjoying the wet grass.

Clapping for the big boys.

What can I say, we love to clap!

Sweet Dimples!

One

2009-05-14T11:15:00.000-07:00

Sweet Baby Blues

2009-05-08T13:03:00.000-07:00

These are just a few of my favorite pictures from Tucker's 1 year photo shoot.

You can contact the photographer at

www.maggieingramphotography.blogspot.com

Tucker Helms Rice

2009-05-06T13:39:00.000-07:00

Tucker Helms Rice

May 7, 2008

7lbs. 8oz.
May 2009
What a difference a year makes!
Happy Birthday!

Who's the Man?

2009-05-03T20:30:00.001-07:00

JayBird of course!!!

Today Jason and PJ fished the annual Fallen Firefighters Memorial Bass Tournament on the Rez. They finished 5th! I'm so proud of them. Especially, Jay! I always give him a hard time about not winning in all the tournaments he enters. He wins more than I give him credit for, and today was such an accomplishment for him! He has fished the Rez countless times in the past 4 years. The "veteran" Rez fisherman are tough and today he stood with them!

Blessed Be the Name.....

2009-04-28T10:04:00.000-07:00

Saturday, when I stepped across the finish line there was such a rush of emotion. I couldn't believe I had done it. But then, I wanted to know where Molly was, since we had separated at mile 7. For me, the race was pretty easy up until that point. The crowds are amazing and the live music is a lot of fun. But, when we got separated. I thought, I can't do this by myself!!! I kept running and came to a church where they were singing...."Blessed be the name of the Lord!" When I heard that my eyes filled with tears, (as they are now). I knew then I could do this even if Molly and I weren't together.

I kept going and by mile 9 I could feel the heat starting to effect me. Sometime after mile 10 I had to start walking, but knew I had to finish this thing running! I walked about a mile or so trying to start back running a few times, but couldn't. Then I got to mile 12. The crowd picked up and so did their cheers. I began running and the closer I got the further away the finish line seemed. I was looking for Jay and Matthew and didn't find them. My memory seems so blurry. I finished, OH MY GOSH...I FINISHED!!

Where's Molly? I made my way throught the crowd and waited. She made it!!!

The heat took it's toll on both of us, but we had an amazing time!
Will I do this again? Can't wait!!! Sounds crazy, but I can't find the words to express what an expierence this was, both physhically and spiritually!

Unbelievable!

2009-04-26T17:57:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to post a few pictures from the Half Marathon. Its still "soaking" in, and when I can put into words just exactly what an experience this was I will share with you all! All I can say at this point is that it was truely unbelievable. We both finished, but at different times. We got separated at about mile 7. My official time was 2:45 and Molly's was 3:01. Jason didn't get too many pictures due to the crowd. I will have more later from Molly. Above and below are from the begining around miles 1 and 3.

WE DID IT!!!!
We had all the best intentions to really celebrate, but as you can imagine we were so tired. We did manage to eat dinner and have a few drinks. Then off to bed it was!
I even had a few pics of me and Jason, but accidently deleted them.

And we're off!

2009-04-23T14:54:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it is finally here. The half marathon is Saturday. We will leave for Nashville in the morning. Jason will be "driving the two Ms. Daisys". Matthew will be joining us later with his sister.

Here's a pic of Molly and I. Molly, you're a trooper, and I just love you!

We've been blessed with lots of support from our husbands. Matthew has given us lots of running tips, and well, Jason has had to rearrange his fishing schedule. Which is monumental;) Mann and Mandy Conrad, I think they call themselves Team Conrad, have also been very helpful. Last, and certainly not least, Ms. Becky, or should I say Coach! Becky is a "retired runner", and not by her choice. I guess you could say the artificial knee is a bit of a handicapp. If you ask me, she's a pro at this. Here we are with the Ultra Marathon runner! Love you, Becky!

Handsome Fellas

2009-04-20T20:12:00.000-07:00

Easter Sunday
Can you tell this is the 3rd child? Jay is still asleep...AND this is one of only two pics of Tuck with his Easter basket.

It's all on the pavement.

2009-04-04T13:01:00.000-07:00

Today, I saw a sweet, sweet friend I hadn't seen in a good while. Actually, I hadn't seen her since loosing 23 of a total 33lbs. When she saw me, her question was "Where's the rest of you?" I responded, "Its all on the pavement somewhere." (Thanks, Jenny!!)

That was a VERY small part of my day today considering the 10 mile run and two baseball games, but it has stuck with me. Not because it meant the world to me that someone else noticed my weightloss (fyi....it never gets old to hear it!!). It stuck with me because, not only have I "left" excess weight on the pavement, but I've left all those damaging thoughts about myself. Now, don't be mistaken here, those thoughts do try to creep up on me. They just don't stay around to long.

I'm not perfect, and frankly there is nothing about me or my life that is perfect and guess what????? THAT'S OKAY!!! I know the Lord never meant for me to be perfect. He calls me to be holy. Now running hasn't made me any more holy. Wanna know what it has given me? It's given mounds of time to think. Yes, I've solved the world's problems (JK:). Seriously, I have had the opprotunity to examine myself, my thoughts, my motives, and many, many other things. All that thinking has cleared my mind, allowing me to focus on what the Lord wants for me....and that is being holy.

Molly, its no accident that we met. It was all part of His plan!!!!

Oh, did I forget to mention, all this running makes my legs REALLY, REALLY, REALLY sore!

Moment of Grace

2009-03-30T16:05:00.001-07:00

From Max Lucado's "Traveling Light"

"Oh, how God wants you to hear his music. It will race your heart and...stir your tears. You want to journey to the stars? He can take you there. You want to lie down in peace? His music can soothe your soul.

But first, he's got to get rid of all the other stuff. And so he begins tossing the CDs. A friend turns away. The job goes bad. Your spouse doesn't understand. The church is dull. One by one he removes the options until all you have left is God.

He would do that? Absolutely. If he must silence every voice, he will. He wants you to hear his music."

First 5K

2009-03-21T20:09:00.000-07:00

Well, today I ran my very first 5K. That is, 3.2 miles for those of you that don't know. (I didn't know that until Mr. Matthew Kirk told me this morning. ) Molly, my running partner, and I figured this would be a great way to get the feel of a race before the Half Marathon in April. I don't think either of us were too surprised with anything. Except we can't let the crowd make us go to fast.

Speaking of the crowd...too bad we didn't have our cameras. I've never seen so many green knee high socks and crazy tights. Did I mention it was the Hal and Mal's St. Paddy's Day Parade 5K?

I finished just over 31 minutes. I usually do it in 33 minutes. So, I am pleased that I beat my own time.

I must say I really enjoyed myself!!

Irish Princess

2009-03-20T06:20:00.000-07:00

I may not be Irish, and I'm no princess. But I do get to celebrate my birthday on St. Patrick's Day every single year!!

This year was the BIG 3-0! I kinda snicker everytime I say that ;) Anywho....I have some really great friends,and they think I'm great too. ( Maybe an exaggeration, but I like the way it sounds). They, with the help of Jay, surprised me with dinner at Tico's. What a great surprise. I had no idea these guys were in on it.

Since the "photographer's" camera died at dinner, the only pic I have to share is my crown!! Well, actually, there are some pics, but I don't think a picture of the "unders" I got would be appropriate. Well, I feel the Lord "nudging" me. I think I've said enough!!

A great big THANK YOU to Kim, Fraiser, Nancy, and T!!! Love you guys!!!

Can't believe I've never been a beach person.....But, I am now!!

2009-03-18T18:32:00.000-07:00

I took these pictures Sunday evening right after we got into Destin. It was a beautiful evening!

Seriously, I have never been a beach person. I was sad to leave it all behind today. Can't wait to go back this summer!!

Victory

2009-02-26T13:23:00.002-08:00

Today's "Moment of Grace"from Max Lucado............
A bit of a sidebar: I have recenlty come in contact with someone who has fallen from grace and now claims to be an Atheist. I pray for you often....This made me think of you.

This is the victory that conquers the world--our faith. 1 John 5:4

"What is unique about the kingdom of God is that you are assured of victory. You have won! You are assured that you will someday stand before the face of God and see the King of Kings....that someday you will enter a world where there will be no more pain, no more tears, no more sorrow....
If you have no faith in the life that is beyond this life, then your present life is going to be powerless. But if you believe in the future and are assured of victory, then there should be a dance in your step and a smile on your face."

This also makes me think of my present journey--running. Running is something I never thought I could do. But I feel that the Lord is using this to teach me something about believing in myself and trusting that HE'S got it all under control....All I have to do is have FAITH!

"Romance"

2009-02-17T07:25:00.000-08:00

Dates are few an far between for Jay and I, but we actually got to go on one for Valentine's. The only time we go to NICE places is of course with out the kiddos, but probably because we are too cheap, or broke, but we have no shame when it comes to using our gift cards to eat out. We ate at AJ's and the food was fabulous!

It was a very typical night out for us......Sitting at the table ,
I'm having a nice drink, talking to Jay, as he nodds in agreement to my conversation trying to be inerested. All the while not really making eye contact with me.....WHY? Because we were just close enough to the bar and the BIG SCREEN with a basketball game on! Oh sweet romance!! I couldn't help but laugh.

I'm not complaining, although I have been known to do so. He's so good to me!! He's a great father and husband! He has to be to put up with me!

I love YOU, JAY!

9 months

2009-02-05T09:54:00.000-08:00

Well, I can't believe that our little guy is already 9 months old! His check-up was today. He is weighing in at 21lbs 15oz and is 28.5 inches long. Although it appears he is gonna be a late crawler, just as he was with rolling over and sitting up, he is a very healthy little man. I suppose I really don't mind not having to keep up with him yet. Holding my sweet baby boy is just fine with me!

Who Does Tucker Look Like?

2009-01-30T14:34:00.001-08:00

Tucker

Brooks I do have some better examples, but this was the first one I found!

Some of My Favorite People

2009-01-22T15:03:00.001-08:00

Have I ever told y'all ( all two of you that may or may not be reading this) that I

love me some Paula Deen!!!

All the men in my life!!!

Jason, Brooks 7, Sam 5, and Tucker 8mths.

Soul Searching

2009-01-20T13:10:00.000-08:00

Oh how wonderful it would be if I were an eloquent and inspirational writer like Angie from Bring the Rain, but I'm not. I do however have some thoughts about milestones in my life and this country. (Check my blog list for Angie at Bring the Rain, I don't know how to make it link there for you). So please keep reading if you can follow my rambling. :-)

I was raised in a Baptist home, but as I got older church was my choice. So I didn't go unless I wanted to. I never felt comortable there either. Then I met a great guy, who happened to be Catholic. What a change from my Baptist services. It took a long time for me to figure out Mass. I even stopped going for a while. But soon came back, because it was important for Jay and I to be in church together. Then, finally after 10 years in the Catholic church, I decided to become Catholic. My faith has really grown since I decided to actually join the Catholic Church. No, you don't have to be Catholic to get to Heaven, but this works for me.

Despite the fact that I am not the "model Christian woman" , I do believe and trust that our Lord is in control of it all. The good and the bad. I should pray more and read the Bible more, but despite these short comings I feel closer to him than I ever have. I look at my boys and can't believe that the Lord has entrusted these little men to Jason and I. It's overwhelming at times, but such a blessing. I pray that we can raise them to be noble Christian men.

I will be turning 30 in March. In my 30 years the Lord has blessed me so!! Great family, wonderful husband (most of the time;), healthy beautiful boys, jobs, a home, a car, and the list goes on. But as 3o draws near I'm finally finding myself after all these years.
I don't feel like I'm defined by my insecurities anymore. Although, I am very self concious about my size, I finally realized that doesn't define me! For the first time in my life I believe in myself. So much that I have decided to run my very first half marathon. The Country Music Marathon in Nashville, April 25th! This is a very personal journey for me. Do pray for me, please?

Now, for our Country! Today is such a milestone for our Country! I am very torn about all of this. I did not vote for Pres. Obama. I couldn't in good concious vote for him, because of his stance on abortion and other issues. However, I'm not totally against his economic policies or his commitment to ending the war. I pray that he lets the Lord lead him as he leads our Great Nation!!

I suppose that's enough rambling for today! It is such therapy to write or should I say type it all down.

Till later,
Mel

Bored....

2009-01-17T18:29:00.000-08:00

Just sitting at home on a Saturday night. The big boys are at the Redneck Monster Truck show, and me and the little man are at home. Little man is in the bed and the house is really quiet. I keep up with some blogs and decided to see if this is something I'm able to keep up with. I like reading everybody else's. So, well, I did it. Here goes!!!!