Photomania part 2 (our weekend away)

Before we had kids, we swore that we would always make our marriage our first priority and set aside time for just the two of us. I think in my mind I imagined that once we had kids, I would long for time away from them or feel desperate to go out on a date night and leave the kids behind. Then we actually had kids. And while not every day is blissful, we find that for the most part we really love spending time together as a family. It is hard to leave the little munchkins behind because we get such a kick out of them. But this weekend, we left them behind, and I am so glad that we did!

While I missed them like crazy, I had so much fun with Mike. We intentionally savored all of the little things- 6 hours of uninterrupted conversation in the car both directions, eating in restaurants that don't have high chairs, no strollers and diaper bags, staying up irresponsibly late, not watching any cartoons, holding hands with someone my own size, and falling in love all over again. I have said it before, but I married the best man in the world. He makes me laugh until my sides hurt, challenges me, and loves me in the purest sense of the word. Wherever he is feels like home to me. I think that I sometimes get so distracted by little things in life that I forget to look him in the eye when we talk or we don't take time to tell each other that we would choose them again. This weekend was exactly what we needed!

Our sweet friends, Heather and Jody, got married this weekend in Fredericksburg and Mike was a groomsman. I took Friday off of work and we hit the road. We ate at Cooper's BBQ on the way there (it completely creeped me out for the record), and then arrived at the cutest little bed and breakfast! Mike booked it as a surprise, and it was perfect. It was out in the middle of the country- the stars were so bright at night, there were deer in the morning, and we never saw another human there. Heavenly!

The wildflowers were in bloom, and the drive there was breathtaking. I did wish that the kids had been there to take pictures, but we did the best that we could without them! I love this part of the world in the spring time.

This is a horrid picture of both of us, but aren't the flowers pretty?

The weather was perfect. The highs were around 75. We went to the rehearsal dinner on Friday night, then had coffee and hung out. On Saturday morning, we had breakfast at the cutest basement restaurant, then shopped on Main street, and went to the wildflower farm. We had Mexican food for lunch and even had time for a nap before the wedding started!

The wedding was gorgeous- it was outdoors and very granola. The music was beautiful, the ceremony was simple, and every detail was perfect! My favorite part (next to the actual wedding of course) was the cake! Check this out. I am proud to say that I tasted 4 different kinds!

The precious couple- Heather and Jody Bolin. She was completely breathtaking!

The entire wedding party doing the whole "I'm too cool to look at the camera" thing.

The boys. . . (notice the really handsome one on the far right)

Mike and Jody. They have been workout buddies all year. Mike won't know what to do now that he can't show up in Jody's garage at 5 in the morning. I guess he could still show up, but Heather might not appreciate it.

Twelve years ago on April 10th, this guy asked me to marry him. I am so very thankful that God brought us together. I am happier than I ever dreamt possible!

A bunch of folks from Evans were there! Somehow, Jessica did not end up in this picture- boo. Anyway, it was a lot of fun to get to hang out and visit with people that I really love in such a beautiful location! Somebody else from school should get married so we can do it again!

These girls just make me laugh!

I was so excited to get to take some pictures of the wildflowers, and the weather was absolutely perfect for it!

It was an amazing weekend. I am so excited for Heather and Jody as they start on this wonderful adventure and feel so blessed to be on the journey that I am on with Mike. It was great to get home to Carter and Evyn, but I am going to try to be better about being intentional about leaving them behind every now and then to focus on my first love! I loved every minute!

Photo-mania

*WARNING* You are about to be subjected to a lot of pictures of my kids!

Evyn recently climbed out of her high chair, across the tray, and was saved from imminent harm by daddy right before she completed her escape. So, she graduated to the booster chair at the table. We are all rather entertained by her at mealtime. Here she is working on a banana.

Carter recently spent the night with Grammy and came home wearing this! Mike thought that he was Esau while my vote was for Gene Simmons. He is actually a cat. No matter how you look at it, this picture is disturbing!

We had the opportunity to go visit Mike's grandparents in Abilene. Carter calls them "silly grandad" and "grandmother." They are amazing people and just know exactly how to make you feel loved and special.

Here are two of my favorite girls.

Silly grandad is 87 years old, but he still finds the energy to play kick the cans with Carter. They played outside together for two hours! I hope that I am that spry at 87!


Grandmother and her "Mickel Michael."

For the record, Evyn did not learn her table manners from me!

Every year the ABC rodeo comes to town and they have a kid's rodeo before the real deal begins.


Carter and Evyn both rode the horses. Carter rode solo, and one of the volunteers was kind enough to carry Evyn.


Here are my sweet babies checking out the sheep and the bulls.

Carter had a stick horse race with his friend, Terra. It is so funny to watch a four year old run on a stick horse!

They also had bull roping. Despite his very best efforts to rope the bull, . . .

All he could rope was the cowboy! They both thought it was pretty funny!

Last but not least, we colored Easter eggs after sister went to bed tonight. Carter was so excited. Mike discovered the "magic" crayon that comes in the egg coloring kits. He had never seen one before and was completely fascinated by it. Those boys just make me smile!



I am sure that I will have Easter and egg hunt pictures soon, but this seemed like enough for tonight!

Psalm 67:3

"May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you."

You would think that being married to a minister of missions, I would have a very global perspective and be freshly aware of prayer needs from around the world. Sadly, I tend to fall into my pattern of American complacency and forget that God is truly at work around the world. Tonight I was reminded of the urgency and need to be on our knees for lost people worldwide.

I am reminded to continue to pray specifically for my bestie, Brigitte, and the Asian people that God has given her a burning passion for.

I am reminded to lift up Katlyn as she shares the truth with people in Germany.

I commit to pray for Linley as she shines for the Lord among Muslim women.

I will remember to pray for Mike's friends in Morocco, who do not know the Lord.

I will pray for the people from the ends of the earth who live right here in Lubbock. May they encounter the truth during their time here and carry it home with enthusiasm! May God continue to open doors as we seek to build those relationships.

I pray that my sweet friends, Trupti and Ruchi, would know Jesus as their savior one day spend eternity in heaven.

I am thankful for an Indonesian friend who went to great lengths to translate her testimony into English for me for the sole purpose of encouraging me.

I am simply reminded that God is so much bigger than my little corner of the world and I want to be part of what He is doing! May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you!

I just can't get enough. . .

Of these cheeks

Or this smile

Or this messy little girl

And this silly little boy!

Think about such things.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things." Phil 4:8

I am amazed at how the enemy seems to know exactly how, where, and when to attack. He specifically targets the quiet places in our hearts where he has already planted seeds of doubt. I am so thankful to know that what he (the enemy) intends to harm us, God intends for good (Gen 50:20). I am humbled by the faithful and strong love of a savior who will search me and know my heart. What an amazing Heavenly Father I have.

I say all of that to say that every day we get to choose what we will focus on. We choose where we spend our emotional, physical, and spiritual energy. Today I choose life. I choose to focus on the blessings in my life- the things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. Here are just a few.

• Evyn greeted me this morning when I got her out of bed by saying "Hi cookie!" I have no idea where that came from as she normally calls me mommy, but it made me smile.
• Carter gave me a homemade "trophy" this morning for being the best mommy ever.
• I was greeted with warmth and enthusiasm by kids and teachers at school today- it was almost nice to be back.
• My sweet Mike sent flowers to me at work today- just because.
• The weather was a beautiful 75 degrees today!
• We had breakfast for dinner!
• One of our students unexpectedly lost her father over the break. I am freshly reminded of the gift of each day.
• A sweet friend called me with her own emergency today but patiently listened to me instead.
• My orthodontist and his entire office staff are potentially the most friendly people on earth. I walked in for a checkup and left smiling ear to ear. Plus, it looks like I will be out of my braces by this summer! In the mean time, I have 5 horrific rubber bands to wear, but I am not choosing to focus on that today!
• I got to spend a quiet evening with my two favorite little people. Their love is so sweet and pure and good.

I don't mean to pretend that life is all sunshine, lollipops and rainbows, but I am reminded today that I have a choice about what I think on. Thank you, God, for the reminder.

No, Lilly.

Our trip "down under."

We went to Carlsbad Caverns last year over Spring Break and Carter has talked about it ever since then. With Mike out of town this week, I thought that the kids would get a kick out of a return trip. My parents graciously agreed to come with us, and we had a blast! We started out the day with donuts and then loaded up and hit the road. It was a cold and rainy day, and the park was crowded! We had a nice picnic lunch in the car and then set out on our adventure.

Here is Park Ranger Carter.

And the sweetest little spelunker ever.

Carter posing with "Carl" the bat. He came home with a much smaller version of Carl, courtesy of Papa!

Grammy and her girl. I think that Evyn favors my mom's side of the family.

So excited to see the cave again!

My mom was so cute. She sat in the back seat and entertained Carter the whole way there, and when we pulled into the parking lot she said "All of a sudden I am so excited!" just like a little girl!

This is the only picture that we got of the whole crew. While you can't really tell from this picture, it was raining and freezing cold. My hair looked fabulous by the end of the day!

We sort of had our hands full inside the cave, so I didn't take too many pictures but I did get a few shots worth sharing!

While I missed Mike like crazy, I had a really nice time with my folks! I was completely exhausted by the time we got home, but it was a fabulous day.

Living the Dream.

Every now and then I pinch myself when I stop to count my blessings. God has been so faithful to provide me with the desires of my heart.

Starting with being married to my very best friend. . .

One precious, tender hearted little boy. . .

One spunky and loving little girl. . .

An energetic and snuggly little puppy. . .

And even good old Toonces!

I think it is safe to say that I am living the dream, folks!