As the end of 2023 is coming to an end I couldn’t help but go back and reflect on my blogs this year. We didn’t have much of a crop and that stunk for Tye especially because he truly loves being a farmer. The patience and love for growing a crop runs deep in his blood for 5 generations. My heart truly aches for him when at the end of the year it doesn’t turn out in his favor.
Despite the crop, it’s been a wonderful year. One full of healthy, growing kiddos and Tye and I watching it all. They are growing in stature and toward God with two of them giving their lives to God. It was a big year for them and for us. Our village of family and friends are all still here helping us through it all with love, prayers and encouragement. I thank God every single day for this life.
Here are some things we did to finish off 2023:
Sydney and I finished her rag doll that Tye and I brought her back from Washington D.C. when we went in March. It was so fun doing this sewing project with her. Her doll is precious!
We have gone hunting lots and lots of nights and mornings with Ayden. She really, really wanted to get a buck this year.
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving full of YUMMY food. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.
Mim and Grandaddy with just a few of their great-grandkids. I adore these two and am so thankful to know them and be apart of their lives.
Myles and I spent one morning grinding all of our leftover beef from our cow. We had several cuts of meat that I knew I wouldn’t use so we made hamburger meat. I browned it all and now can throw a meal together in 30 minutes. That is a WIN! Myles said watching the meat go through the grates was so satisfying. Hahaha
Tye with Mim and Grandaddy.
I’m so thankful that he still gets to enjoy and love on his grandparents for this long of his life. I miss mine terribly and wish they could be here to see my kids grow up. They were good, good grandparents that helped shape who I am today. I tell my kids all the time how important they were to me and how thankful I am that they get to have such a close relationship with Tye’s grandparents. Mim and Grandaddy are GOOD, good grand and great-grand parents.
Ayden and her daddy sighting in their rifles. They are making sure they are READY when Ayden sees that buck!
Bubby always builds the best things. Even his gingerbread house was incredible. I love the way his mind works.
I have no idea what we were doing and why I was laughing. I do know that this man makes me laugh every single day. We really are best friends.
Tye harvested all of his crop and Brent harvested some of his crop this year. That meant kids working, supper in the field and lots of stripper dates.
Sydney and her artwork. She must take after Mim because neither of her parents got any type of artistic ability. She did a great job!
My littlest girl. She still sits in my lap at home and at church. I will enjoy it as long as she isn’t too heavy for my legs to fall asleep. Even then, I’ll just let her sit until they almost do.
Myles Lew is what we call him most days. He is the most hilarious and witty child you’ll ever meet. Just like his daddy but looks like his momma. What a blessing he is to me (even when he leaves crayons in his pockets and they melt and ruin an entire load of clothes.) haha
Syd and Poppa working on their gingerbread house. Syd likes to team up with Poppa because he gives in to her wild ideas and helps make a gingerbread house out of triangles. She gets her stubborn…umm…determined spirit from him. No wonder they get along so well.
Sweet little children working on school and not talking or fighting with each other. Snapped this picture real quick so I could remember it. Maybe I should print it out in like an 11x14 size and hang it up. Every morning point to it and say “be like this picture.” Just a thought…probably wouldn’t work though.
Music Showcase 2023
Ayden- piano “We wish you a Merry Christmas”
Ryan- acoustic guitar “One Christmas Night” He wrote the song and composed the chords. He wouldn’t let us hear it until this day. I bawled like a baby! I am so proud of this kid. He’s really got talent with song writing and music.
Myles- banjo “Jolly Old Saint Nicholas”
Sydney- ukulele “Away in a Manger”
As you can tell music is very important to us and we are super proud of our kids.
No, she wasn’t cold. No, she wasn’t just being silly. She was afraid a wasp was going to sting her. Hahaha
A little to her defense she always gets stung or bit by things. Pasture or the beach Ayden is so unlucky. Thankful that she’s learned to laugh about it. Always ready to take off running hysterically but it always provides entertainment nonetheless!
I had to include this picture because it was a funny memory I shared with my kids. Papaw was such a funny man. Now that I’m thinking about it Myles may take after him too. haha. My aunt and uncle live in Abilene and when Pop would tell us how to get to their house he would say to turn on Brad, Brent Buck (it was Bruce street) but he could never remember the name.
Here is the way the conversation would go:
Papaw: You go down and turn on Brent, Brad, Buck
Mamaw: Dickie, it’s Bruce
Papaw: Okay, well, you go down and turn on Bruce Street. You’ll know it’s the right street because there will be a lady and little kid. She’s holding a purse and it’s pointing right where you turn. I mean the arrow is pointing right there. You can’t miss it.
We still laugh so hard about it. The way he would tell stories and describe things was like no other and I miss hearing him talk so much. So thankful we get to pass on these funny stories and reminisce any time we get together with the Massey family.
Sydney got a baby doll for Christmas and she is so beautiful. Sydney loves her and decided to name her Julie.
Uncle Dustin, Aunt Donna and dad. I love my family so much.
Myles got a spider man shooter from B and Shell. He loves it!
These two asked me if they killed a rabbit and skinned it could they cook it. I said sure but they couldn’t skin it in my kitchen. I didn’t really think they’d do it but the next day they proved me wrong. Hahaha.
All I heard was Tye “ehhhha, get outta the house with that rabbit. It’s dripping blood on your momma’s floor.” Tye makes the same sound toward cows, pigs, donkeys, dogs and children when he wants them to get away.
He’s still so cute though.
My girls. How did I lucky enough to be their momma. I’ll adore them forever and ever.
Myles is starting a new instrument in January. He’ll still be playing his banjo but he’s adding a fiddle to the list. His instructor has lots of patience and our ears are going to have to have the same. Whewww, it’s not a pretty instrument when you don’t know how to play it.
Poppa and Honey, well I’ll say Poppa because I’m pretty sure Honey had nothing to do with it, got the boys daggers for Christmas. He assured me that they were “non battle ready.” Thanks Poppa, didn’t know they made battle ready ones. As you can see by their faces this was a favorite Christmas present for them. They were so excited. They both collect knives so it was a pretty cool thing to add to their collection.
Ayden GOT HER BUCK! She was so excited and cute telling me all about it. I was actually not feeling well and had already showered and fell asleep while Tye and her went hunting. I got woke up from Tye FaceTiming me saying Ayden had something to show me. I cried!!! I jumped up, got dressed and went to the pasture. It was such a fun night. All of our family came to help and even Trent and Melyssa, Dakota’s brother and wife, came to help. We were so thankful for them!
Massey family Christmas in Abilene.
Christmas Eve we went to church in Post with Mim and Grandaddy.
LOOK at him. He was big and beautiful. I’m so happy for my girl!
Rusty boy living his best life in front of the fire place. This dog is our world!
My guys! Wonder how long they’ll be able to take a picture like this.
Ryan and his best bud, Grandaddy. Ryan and Grandaddy have always had something special.
It makes me happy.
Tye and I went through some mud and went right into the ditch. Tye called Ryan to come get us. I didn’t think he could do it and was terrified for my baby boy to drive over to us in the tractor. He did it, Tye knew he could, Ryan knew he could and when he got there and got out of the tractor he said, “Okay Mom, don’t start crying like you always do.” He knows me so well. It’s hard watching them grow up. He’s not a baby but he’ll always be my boy.
Myles and his bff, Mandy. These two have always had something special and that also makes me happy.
Spencer really wanted a picture of him and Sydney in front of the tree. He just loves her so much. I think he could spend every minute of the day with her. Syd loves him too and will always be there rooting, cheering and sometimes correcting her cousin. They have a sweet little relationship.
She’s so beautiful. Even in the middle of building a deer blind, thrown on top of a bale of hay. Just beautiful inside and out.
These two sweet, but ornery boys. They have the best time making memories together.
This picture speaks for itself. When you live in a house with 6 people you gotta protect what’s yours.
My twin!
Tired Daddy waiting on a buck. I would’ve woke him up if we saw something but since we didn’t I let him sleep.
Hunting and freezing our tail ends off waiting for the sun to come up. Anything for our sissy!
So much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.
Helping Daddy with the built in trash can. Myles was actually a really big help because he could fit in this cabinet with the door closed.
B and Shell with their grandkids. Always thankful for them.
My friend Beth was initiated into the four eyes club with me! At least we get to grow old together with our bifocals taking over our lives.
Our house all lit up for the holidays.
Looked over during a family movie night and laughed at this guy.
This was Myles’s first year to help with stripping. He did a great job and loved working with everyone. His big bro and sis helped teach him the ropes.
We got to spend an unexpected fun afternoon with Poppa and Honey a couple Sundays ago. Lunch, Menchies, Santa and walking around Cabelas. We had the best time. We love them so much!
Tye and Rusty just watching a Christmas movie together. Haha
Syd and her Diddy
She has always called him Diddy and Tye wants that to be his grandad name someday.
New Year’s Eve with my favorite people in the world. Cuddled up in the floor in front of the fireplace because in our family it doesn’t matter how much room you have we are always piled on top of each other. I told Tye just the other day that 2023 was truly a a good year. I think the older I get the more and more I appreciate the simple things. The simple days, the celebrations, the time with friends and family, the good pot of chili, the sun shining with no wind, the moments that make a good day that end up turning into a good week, month and year. Our life isn’t perfect and not all days are good but when you can look back at any time spent and be thankful for moments
~ do it. It soothes the soul.
God has blessed us immensely and I am grateful every single day.
Looking into 2024 like: this one is for you Kam Kam. Hahahaha
