The knock on my door caught me by surprise last night. I opened the door expecting to see one of the neighborhood kids. But no- it was Dani, the editor/cofounder of OTMOM standing with a "hot off the press" bundle of magazines!
Its funny the thoughts that run through your mind. I'd been weeding the tomato plants and they were strewn all over. Plus I had sweated off half my make up and was in the midst of scouring my face. Rick had carted home boxes of yearbooks and they are stacked in my entry way. Then you add in all the dog bones and toys, the kids shoes, and the boy stuff and oh my- my house was just a hot mess.
And then I just didn't care. It's Dani! The "on the minds of moms" magazines are officially here!
It was Dani who contacted me about her idea for the story. Sheri and Dani would come to my house and interview me. Then Sheri would skillfully craft our story together using part interview, and part posts from my blog. The concept was brilliant! The story makes my heart swoon. Have I said what a lucky girl I am? Because... I so am.
So if you'd like to read the story in full, you will find the link to the story by clicking over here:
Please feel free to "like" their page and leave them some love.
This is their FIVE YEAR ANNIVERSARY! Will you say hello- to Dani and Sheri? Wish them well- celebrate their awesomeness just a little?
Thanks again to Ria for her beautiful work! You know we are saving up so we can plaster our walls with just a few, cough, many of these one day soon!
One last question for you? If you live locally you can find a magazine at the following locations if you check here.
But so many of my readers live all across the country. If you would like a magazine of your own- will you kindly email me and let me know? We will do our level best to mail one your way if you would like!
Email me at: vwestra14@gmail.com
Blessings and love to one and all!
My dear Vicky,
ReplyDeletethese are soooo wonderful pictures of you and your sweet family!!! I´m so happy for you!!!
Big hugs and "bussals",
Barbara
Thank you so much Barbara! Oh my- your English is so good! So love having you and Mimi be such a big part of my blog. I so love your talents and enjoy seeing your creative work! Hugs and bussals to you!
ReplyDeleteDear Vicky....what a great article!! You are a true inspiration! I am still lighting candles every week for you. The photos in the article are great too! What a beautiful family. Hope you're feeling well.
ReplyDeleteKatie- I have been feeling pretty good- thank you so much for your continued support and encouragement. It truly helps us keep going and I hope you fully know how special you are to me. Thank you sweet friend!
DeleteI just had a quiet moment to read the article and it's very good. Wonderful, in fact!
ReplyDeleteVicky, since I haven't been reading your blog as long as others, it was helpful to read more of your story. I'm so glad this article was written and pray that much good comes from it.
I also pray for you - for strength and peace in your heart.
xxx
Thank you Susan for taking the time to read and comment- I truly appreciate it. Sheri truly did a wonderful job of incorporating all of the journey from back then till now :) I love those prayers Susan- they are truly what keep me going. I pray all is well with you!
Deletethis was so well written, and an excellent melding of your words and the interview! the fact that your "hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness" SHINES through this story. kudos to sheri.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jenn- so glad you shard these exact words with me- spot on with what I hoped could be seen and felt- thank you! Sheri really got it all just right! Hugs to you sweet one!
DeleteHi there!! Those pictures are super good - so sweet!
ReplyDeleteI am hoping to do a photo session with my kids SOON! I need to capture this time with them!!
Can't wait to read this - I emailed you.
Continued prayers for you and your healing and treament Vicky! You are amazing and such a blessing to me!!
xo
Tiffany- well you friend, are a blessing to me- in so many ways! I hope you always know that :) Yes- go do photos with the kids- you will so not regret that!! Wish I could send my hubby out to do it for you-what a grand time we'd have :)
DeleteThanks love!
Woohoooo!!!... what an awesome thing... you are SUCH AN INSPIRATION!!!! I hope you know that, really know that.. :-)
ReplyDeleteLove love love the photographs too -
Karen- I'm doubly blessed- first the amazing story and then the fabulous photos- how lucky am I? Truly that is what it feels like :) Thank you for always embracing me and making me feel it!
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ReplyDeleteI zippadeedoodaa'd myself right over to that page and "liked" it on FB and bounced back over here to look at those GORGEOUS photos again and again!
ReplyDeletePats on the back and hugs around the neck to Ria for those amazing amazing photos! She's captured the laughter, the love, the warmth...everything that is memorable about your sweet family. The colors are perfect...the stillness of the water as Rick holds you...so amazing, Vicky. I could go on and on (and usually do) but I'm gonna just keep it semi-condensed and say I love this!
Congratulations to On the Minds of Mom for picking the perfect lady, wife, and Mother to interview. I'm so happy for you, Vicky. Love you much!!!!
J.
Jackie- thank you so much for going the extra mile like always for me! You nailed it about Ria and her talents- so true! It was a fun night for all of us and I am going to love having those photos to remind me. I'm doubly blessed by every little bit of this! Love you right back sweet one!
DeleteHeaded over to the link to read your story. The photos are fantastic. I'm especially touched by the one with you and your husband. All best blessings to all of you.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Susan- they truly are very special to us- that Ria is one talented photog!
DeleteI really like these photos.
ReplyDeleteEvery moment cherished and so full of love.
:)
xoxoxoxox
Thank you so much Vic- we love them too! xxoo
DeleteThese pictures are both beautiful and FUN all at the same time - such a great capture of your family dynamic!
ReplyDeleteThe article was beautifully written. It's possible I might have shed a few tears through it. You are such a good reminder to me to embrace the here and now. I should know better by now, but it's a lesson that I keep learning over and over. And while I *so* get what you mean in the last paragraph, the truth is that some people are better than others at handling what is put on their plate gracefully. And you are definitely one of the most graceful women I "know."
Melissa- I think the "dynamic" part is what I am seeing really shine through your own photos and I truly admire that. You know, I think I remind myself sometimes too- I still need to remember and truly live those words. Thank you for "getting" me and for the awfully kind words :)
ReplyDeleteI love your photos Vicky. I can't believe how grown-up your boys are looking. I need to checkout the links you posted. Take care my blogger friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Lisa- we must have just crossed bloggie paths :)
DeleteHi Vicky,
ReplyDeleteI was Colton's preschool teacher at Probstfield waaaaaay back when :) I don't remember how or when I stumbled onto your blog, but I have been reading it forever. Last night I picked up the new OTMOM magazine and before bed I read your article. It brought me to tears. Your struggles are overwhelming, and yet you have such grace; such thankfulness. Your blog grounds me when I am overwhelmed. Thank you for that.
You are in my prayers every night. Much love to you and your family.
Jenny Cantler
Jenny! I was so surprised to see you here last night and loved reading your comment :) I pulled Colton onto my lap this morning and he saw your face and said "Hey, that's my teacher!" He totally remembers you! Thank you for your kind and gracious words. You were always so encouraging and compassionate towards Colton and he has fully blossomed into a great kid because of teachers like you!
DeleteThanks Jenny! Much love to you!
I actually teach Kindergarten at Jefferson and Brad Franklin is my principal...small world!! He mentioned that he had Colton in hockey at one time!
DeleteYour boys are growing into such handsome men. You should be very proud!
Prayers for you and yours will continue!!
-Jenny
And thank you for the kind words about being Colton's teacher...that was my first year and I am fairly certain I had no idea what I was doing! ;)
DeleteThank you Jenny!
DeleteExciting news here Vicky,,,,, and the photos are over the top fabulous!!!!! I am so happy for you----you deserve every good thing!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your heartfelt wishes Janay :) Blessings to you!
DeleteOh my, I haven't even read it yet but am so looking forward to it! I can't believe what I missed while in NJ! So happy it's finally arrived, and sooner than expected! Hugs and love from across the river!
ReplyDeleteHow uber fun and wonderful is THIS?! So proud of you and can't wait to have my very own copy, even way out here in California! The pictures are exceptionally well done and seem to capture so much. What a great photographer. Love the one with you wrapped in a robe standing feet-in-water, with Rick kissing your forehead. So dear. So tender.
ReplyDelete