Surprise!

Last weekend Coach and I took a little road trip to watch the Temple Wildcat Baseball playoff game in Tyler. On the way I saw a sign that said, Kerens 4 miles. Instantly my eyes filled with tears and in about a nano second, Coach decided we would drop by and surprise my dad on our way back. It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed the drive. After the Wildcats won (way to go guys!) we headed back..... our destination Kerens, Texas. It had been way too long (eight years) since I had seen my father and even longer since I'd been to Rual Shade (20 yrs?). With directions (thanks Chris and Ryan!) we found the place and drove right up to the door, unannounced. With perfect timing, he came walking out the door with his cup of afternoon coffee and said, "Well what have we got here?" I smiled and said, holding back tears, that we just happen to be in the neighborhood and thought we'd stop by and see him. We hugged big! Hearts saying what words cannot. We pulled up chairs and took a seat under the giant oak trees, and we 'sat a spell' and tried to make up for lost time. He told us about his neighbors, his garden, the squirrels and raccoons. We watched the hummingbirds and enjoyed the breeze and after a couple of hours we left. Glad we had gone. I love my dad.

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When I woke up Sunday, Coach said, 'Happy Mother's Day.' I smiled. He had already told me he would take me out for breakfast. A few days earlier I had been a teeny bit sad because our kids
had not mentioned a word about Mother's Day and I had begun to prepare myself for an uneventful weekend. Knowing they were all busy, I embraced them in spirit and thanked God for their love. Grateful for the many opportunities we do have to get together.

We drank coffee and enjoyed the morning at the farm. Coach took me to Meggs Cafe for brunch and I was happy. I really like this locally owned and operated bakery and cafe. Everything is so fresh. The atmosphere lovely and a little hip! As we walked in the door it was very crowded. My sweet husband grabbed my hand which I always love, and pulled my quickly past the hostess station. I didn't have much time to figure it all out because I suddenly saw my son, Clint and his wife Jenny! Of course, I started crying. Then I saw Kim and Beth! Nathan, Carter and Emme!!! It was too much! They all seemed so calm and normal but my head was reeling and heart pounding!

I thanked, Mike, from the bottom of my heart. He quickly assured me that he had nothing to do with it, that it was all our kids idea......he only did what he was told. :) My heart melted. I tried to explain to everyone how much this meant. How I would never forget! That I had never been so surprised, in my entire life (well, except maybe for the time my sister Lynnette jumped out of my closet and scared me to death!)

It was an extrodinary day! I've never felt more loved. Thank you precious family! I adore you people!!! I couldn't have dreamed you up!

After breakfast we headed to the Knight's wonderful farm for a little relaxation which quickly turned into some crazy fun in the cornfield. My kids are some of the silliest peole I know! Jenny, who is quickly becoming a great photographer, did a little photoshoot. I can't wait to show you! (patience please....she has to edit. She is a woman of excellence!)

It was hot so we all headed to Kool Kones for snow cones.

Jenny had Georgia Peach!

Thanks to you all for making Mother's Day 2011 such a awesome surprise! I loved every second.

Coach and I are off on another adventure! Our cute house in Abilene is 'for sale' and we're in the process of making Temple Texas, our new home.

The Wildcats have welcomed us warmly...though we'll miss the Cooper Cougars and the friends that embraced us there. Change is in the air and excitement, around every corner as we adjust to our new surroundings. A new town, a new school, a new staff, a new house.....a new everything!

Currently we are living in a ninety year old farmhouse. Though cows and rolling green hills are nice, I miss my old life...or perhaps I miss it's familarity. Nevertheless, I'm challenged. Deliberately choosing to be thankful. Trusting God. Depending on Him to meet my needs. Remembering time after time that He is faithful.

Confident He will be again.

EASTER 2011

I am so thankful that God saw what a mess I was and sent Jesus back to get me. My heart, like the earth, rejoices in God's redeeming love! Praise God for His never ending goodness!

Slumber Party!

Recently, my dear friend Jana, gathered 15 friends at her Brownwood lakehouse for a unforgetable two-night slumber party. It was a send-off, really....and a wonderful way to celebrate friends! Living in Abilene has been special (as has everywhere we've lived)! Many sweet friendships have developed in the past five years. So many amazing women have touched my life while living there. June, was the first! We go way back....our families share so many memories. Then I met Susan, at It's About Time! and instantly knew I was going to like living in Abilene Texas. Jana was next! (who I called 'out of the blue' for decorating advice...she's amazing!) Though we had never met, she sweetly came and helped me get a plan. Jana and husband, John make a talented team!

Just look at this fabulous log cabin!

Here's the dining and the kitchen.....

The bunkhouse sports three sinks and it's own rustic decor!

Shabby Chic charm embellishes the log house.

There were plenty of 'ooo's and aaah's'!

Delight's at every turn!

This tiny bunkroom was a favorite!

...just big enough for 4 children!...or short women:)

Great food and fellowship was served three times a day!

I had forgotten how much fun girls have at slumber parties!

At night we told all kinds of stories...and laughed way too hard!

The later it got, the sillier we got! And when it got a little chilly, we tied on kerchief's so we wouldn't 'catch a cold'!

You had to be there to understand.....trust it was FUN!

I love being silly!

Later, I had even more fun when Susan and I crawled out of the house and 'short sheeted' beds and 'scratched' on windows! You should definitely plan a slumber soon!

Note to friends: I love every single one of you more than you know! I'll treasure your friendship forever and look forward to future adventures. Thank you for loving me, encouraging me and helping to grow! You have made a difference in my life. I am grateful. Please call and please come see me! You are precious!

Driving back and forth and visiting here and there, has become the 'norm'. However, it has taken a toll on my blog. Living out of a suitcase has for weeks on end has left me out of sorts. Last week I had big plans to catch up on my blog but suddenly found myself without a wireless connection. Darnit! As soon as I arrived in Temple (our soon to be new home) I settled down with my lap top to begin a new post, realizing quickly I had left my battery cord in San Antonio. Double darn!! So as I wait for it to arrive in tomorrow's mail I'll post something short and sweet.

Make new friends but keep the old.

One is silver but the others gold.

I'm so thankful for all the friends we make along life's way. They are a blessing, indeed!

A big hug to each and everyone of you...both new and old.