Mine was great, how was yours? This year, we decided to rent a cabin in Pigeon Forge for Thanksgiving. It turned out to be a great decision. What a blast!
The cabin was beautiful, scenery spectacular and the company was second to none. I don't think it matters to me where I am as long as I'm with my family. Nothing in the world makes me feel content like having all four of my daughters and now granddaughter with me. Salem loved the hot tub, the trail walk and the food. She pulled out every game in the place and we were still searching for game pieces the morning we left.
Family. Nothing like it in the world. I am so in love with mine. I wonder if it's unusual this closeness I share and love that I have for all my girls. It's like I'm obsessed.
On the morning of our departure, Salem couldn't stop crying. She said, "I don't want to leave the cabin and go back to Nashville! I want to stay with my family." I told her, "Don't worry, baby, you'll always have us."
Life is good.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
Busy, Busy, Busy
My first two radio shows have been great! So great that the station owner is already changing me from my 6-7pm time slot to prime time at 4-5:00 pm central time! He and I are excited about "Real Talk" and believe the time change is going to be great for the show.
I already have guests booked into February and so many more to invite. I am having a blast! Today, I spoke to the Kiwanis group. I thought it went well, with one exception. I was so conscious of the time that I forgot to ask for financial support for the center! And during these economic times, we are in desperate need of help.
The good news is that Ken, (who introduced me) invited me to return as his guest to make a plea for financial help. So, I'll be visiting again soon. Ken was a great host. He knew so much about me. He said reading my blog gave him great insight as to who I was and what I was about, especially my "Bucket List" blog. My daughter, Tawni, came with me and she couldn't stop talking about how delightful Ken was. I'd have to agree. I know you'll read this Ken, so thanks again. You are precious! This Sunday, I will be preaching at a Methodist Church and here's what I'll say about that.
I hope they're ready for me.
I already have guests booked into February and so many more to invite. I am having a blast! Today, I spoke to the Kiwanis group. I thought it went well, with one exception. I was so conscious of the time that I forgot to ask for financial support for the center! And during these economic times, we are in desperate need of help.
The good news is that Ken, (who introduced me) invited me to return as his guest to make a plea for financial help. So, I'll be visiting again soon. Ken was a great host. He knew so much about me. He said reading my blog gave him great insight as to who I was and what I was about, especially my "Bucket List" blog. My daughter, Tawni, came with me and she couldn't stop talking about how delightful Ken was. I'd have to agree. I know you'll read this Ken, so thanks again. You are precious! This Sunday, I will be preaching at a Methodist Church and here's what I'll say about that.
I hope they're ready for me.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Takin' It To The Airwaves!
Well, He's done it again. God has opened yet another door and I'm so excited to walk through it. I will be hosting a new radio show called "Real Talk" with Victoria.
Later this afternoon, I'll be taping the first two shows and we go live November 11th. I can't help but remember a friend of mine, Cathy Thomas, who many years ago said to me, "Victoria, God is going to use your bold personality and that outspoken mouth of yours for His good."
And He has. He's given me many opportunities to speak around the country for over 15 years now. Kathy's prophetic word has come to pass many times and I can't help but believe that this is another of more to come. He knows I'm not perfect, but I'm in love with Him and willing to allow Him to use me in any way He chooses.
The concept of the show is this. I'll basically talk about anything and everything on people's minds. And what's allowable! I'll cover topics from teen, parenting and relationship issues to what's going on in and around the world and the community we live in. I'll invite interesting guests, as well as, take questions from listeners.
And let's just hope this outspoken, opinionated, big mouth of mine doesn't get me into any trouble. Scratch that :)
Later this afternoon, I'll be taping the first two shows and we go live November 11th. I can't help but remember a friend of mine, Cathy Thomas, who many years ago said to me, "Victoria, God is going to use your bold personality and that outspoken mouth of yours for His good."
And He has. He's given me many opportunities to speak around the country for over 15 years now. Kathy's prophetic word has come to pass many times and I can't help but believe that this is another of more to come. He knows I'm not perfect, but I'm in love with Him and willing to allow Him to use me in any way He chooses.
The concept of the show is this. I'll basically talk about anything and everything on people's minds. And what's allowable! I'll cover topics from teen, parenting and relationship issues to what's going on in and around the world and the community we live in. I'll invite interesting guests, as well as, take questions from listeners.
And let's just hope this outspoken, opinionated, big mouth of mine doesn't get me into any trouble. Scratch that :)
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Give Me A Break!!
As you know, I speak around the country about delicate and controversial issues such as abortion and teen sex.
Recently, I was asked to speak for 10 minutes to a group of pastors and laymen about the pregnancy center, our needs and the happenings going on here. I've said this many times before, but it bears repeating. I am convinced that God has called me to antagonize religious people. I have a bold personality, very little intimidates me and I have strong opionions that I'm not afraid to share. And so, I spoke about the great things we are doing and how frustrating it is to me that I continually feel that I'm "begging" for financial support from those who should willingly give it.
The next day after this event, a sweet pastor asked if he could speak frankly to me. He proceeded to tell me that until someone knows me a little better, I may want to tone down my passion a little bit. He said this would help me not offend anyone. He said people don't like to be "told" what they should or shouldn't do.
But, seriously?! By a show of hands, how many of you think I'm ever going to tone down my passion? And with all due respect, I think it's time to offend, to a degree. I believe God is sick of people "playing" church and is ready for us to "be the church" and do what He's called us to do! I don't know what Bible you're reading, but the one I read teaches that we are to help those less fortunate than we are. Trust me, our clients are much less fortunate than most of us.
So, forgive me in advance if you're one of the people who can't handle my personality. If you think it's bold now, you should have met me 10 years ago! I truly don't seek to offend anyone, but I am passionate about my work and get quite frustrated with those who do nothing to help our cause. We are saving babies, for gosh sakes! We are saving women from making decisions that will cost them much more than they'd want to pay. We supply free diapers, baby food, formula, clothing, counseling and parenting classes, yet I can't get people to pledge a mere $10.00 a month!
When you're on the front lines of the work we do at the center and witness the pain, heartache and hopelessness of so many, then you've earned the right to tell me to calm down. Until then,
Give me a break!
Recently, I was asked to speak for 10 minutes to a group of pastors and laymen about the pregnancy center, our needs and the happenings going on here. I've said this many times before, but it bears repeating. I am convinced that God has called me to antagonize religious people. I have a bold personality, very little intimidates me and I have strong opionions that I'm not afraid to share. And so, I spoke about the great things we are doing and how frustrating it is to me that I continually feel that I'm "begging" for financial support from those who should willingly give it.
The next day after this event, a sweet pastor asked if he could speak frankly to me. He proceeded to tell me that until someone knows me a little better, I may want to tone down my passion a little bit. He said this would help me not offend anyone. He said people don't like to be "told" what they should or shouldn't do.
But, seriously?! By a show of hands, how many of you think I'm ever going to tone down my passion? And with all due respect, I think it's time to offend, to a degree. I believe God is sick of people "playing" church and is ready for us to "be the church" and do what He's called us to do! I don't know what Bible you're reading, but the one I read teaches that we are to help those less fortunate than we are. Trust me, our clients are much less fortunate than most of us.
So, forgive me in advance if you're one of the people who can't handle my personality. If you think it's bold now, you should have met me 10 years ago! I truly don't seek to offend anyone, but I am passionate about my work and get quite frustrated with those who do nothing to help our cause. We are saving babies, for gosh sakes! We are saving women from making decisions that will cost them much more than they'd want to pay. We supply free diapers, baby food, formula, clothing, counseling and parenting classes, yet I can't get people to pledge a mere $10.00 a month!
When you're on the front lines of the work we do at the center and witness the pain, heartache and hopelessness of so many, then you've earned the right to tell me to calm down. Until then,
Give me a break!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
WHAT DID SHE SAY??
I had to put on paper some of the shocking, yet hilarious things she said to us. Here goes:
Mimi: "Where did Mommy buy you that beautiful dress?" Salem: "E-Bay."
"Mimi, Where's my IPad? Is it charged? I need to watch my mooovie."
"Salem, how do you turn this thing off?" Salem: "Gimme Mimi, I show you." (and she did!)
"Papa Ghee, I need the IPod! I wanna listen to moosic and dance!"
"Mimi, can we go to Target? I LOVE Target!"
"Mimi, can you turn my CD on when we get in the car? I want to hear #17, the Hickory Hickory Dick Song."
"Hey, I likea put my sound machine on moosic to do ballet. Let me show you! No, Mimi and Papa Ghee, dat's NOT HOW YOU DO IT!"
"Mimi, I needa watch the Booty Pageant. Papa Ghee, you CANT watch it! Just me and Mimi! Can you buy me a blue dress so I can be in da booty pageant?"
"Oh, Mimi and Papa Ghee, I just LOVE your new big TV!" (we finally hung our 52 inch HD plasma)
"Mimi, we can watch Yo Gabba Gabba." Mimi: "I don't know if I have any recorded, baby." Salem: "It's On Demand."
To be continued :)
Saturday, October 8, 2011
My Answer in Video
One of the questions I'm asked over and over again is "Why are you so passionate about the work you do?" Now, instead of trying to explain, I can share this 3 minute video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFYssR4Ypmk&sns=fb&noredirect=1
Any other questions?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFYssR4Ypmk&sns=fb&noredirect=1
Any other questions?
Monday, September 12, 2011
"Mom and Best Frend"
Being a Mimi has been one of the greatest highlights of my adult life! I am so in love with this little girl that stands 3 feet tall weighing in at a whopping 25 lbs. I never knew love like this. Although I'd heard others talk about their love for their grandchildren and how nothing compared to it, I couldn't quite comprehend what they were saying.
That was until I met Salem Sophia, my Lil Pooks, on June 1, 2009. My life has never been the same. She's cost me thousands of dollars already (I can't say no to her!) and in January, 2011, while living in Arizona for 3 years, I told my husband I was moving, with or without him, to Nashville to be closer to her. (I'm happy to report, of course, that he came with me, I mean the man's not stupid! :) To say she has me wrapped around her finger would be an understatement. I love my daughters and I would die for any one of them, but the love I have for my granddaughter is different, yet the same. It's a mystery to me.
We share a bond that I can't compare to any I've ever experienced. I truly believe it could be said that one of the best parts of having children is for the grandchildren that come later!
What a joy this little girl brings to me and my family every single day. She's brought our entire family closer since the day she was born. She's God's gift to us. I hate going a day without hearing her voice. Having her living up the road from me is a dream come true. She calls my husband Papa Ghee, Tawni's "the nawn", Kolby is KoKo and Kendra is well, just "Kendra"! She adores every one of us. What a lesson she's taught us of how important family is as she lights up every time we're all together. This baby loves her family.
But, me, I'm her favorite. She calls me Mimi and just to make her Mommy laugh, she'll refer to me as her "Mom". And now, she's been calling me her "best frend".
I call her "Beautiful."
We share a bond that I can't compare to any I've ever experienced. I truly believe it could be said that one of the best parts of having children is for the grandchildren that come later!
What a joy this little girl brings to me and my family every single day. She's brought our entire family closer since the day she was born. She's God's gift to us. I hate going a day without hearing her voice. Having her living up the road from me is a dream come true. She calls my husband Papa Ghee, Tawni's "the nawn", Kolby is KoKo and Kendra is well, just "Kendra"! She adores every one of us. What a lesson she's taught us of how important family is as she lights up every time we're all together. This baby loves her family.
I call her "Beautiful."
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