Spring in Texas is glorious. Everything from the bluebonnets, to the vibrant splash of colorful tree buds, to the various bird peeps before the crack of dawn, it's divine. Our days lend themselves to picnics, bike rides, bar-b-ques, and contentedly basking in the sunlight on the many cloudless days. I can't help but blast country music on the radio that takes me back to the days I visited Mac at Texas A&M in the spring. There certainly is such a thing as Texas pride, and spring in Texas undoubtedly plants the State's position solidily as the best.

Our family had quite the spring break, leaving us with full hearts and what feels like a slight hangover. I actually haven't experienced a hangover, but just work with me. I imagine it's way worse than what we're actually feeling <grin>. Even so, the kids played so hard they've each slept over 12 hours a night and taken longer than 2 hour naps since we got back home. Our family plays intensely, mostly because of a boy with boundless energy.

The past week had a major theme: friendship. 

I'm thankful for...

• I love one-on-one time with my Momma. When I picked up the kids from her last Tuesday, the four of us picnicked in Dripping Springs, and she and I had two hours together. Both of us wrestled through the night a week ago, unable to sleep. The words that keep resonating in both of our hearts from the Lord at the moment are, "Trust Me." 
• As an introvert, I highly look forward to time by myself, so those days my folks had the kids were good for my soul. But boy howdy, it was good to hug those little ones again, and they were pretty excited to see me, too. That's always something to be grateful for: being gladly welcomed.
• On Wednesday we had a very special visitor, our friend, Melissa. We go back a decade now, traveling a couple times to visit her when she lived in South Asia, and we've seen God do mighty things in and through her in all sorts of various seasons of her life. She's walked with me through my own, and we're grateful for any time we have with her when she returns to Austin.
• On the first day that felt officially like spring, the kids and I picnicked in our backyard. There's something very precious to me about our meals outside. Brennan was fascinated by the new wind chimes my Momma gave us saying, "It's singing to us. It's singing Jesus Loves You." May He always have eyes to see His gifts and Presence all around us.
• It never fails: whenever we're rushed to get out of the house, things turn ugly. I turn ugly, I should say. We loaded the car to Dallas Thursday morning with a few soul-scrapes. I'm thankful for my kids who respond to me with a loving, "We forgive you. Now let's hit the road," said without a pause or breath in between the two.
• Sara, dear Sara. We try to squeeze in a visit whenever possible, and she always has a gift in hand, usually a book for me to read. The kids have a great time together, and Sara is an example to me of a thoughtful friend and a cheerful giver.

• Chris, Jill, Harrison, Haddie, and Hays! That Rutland family makes my kids' world go round; they stand with us, kneel with us, cry with us, pray with us, and crazy laugh with us. They feed us amazing food. And you know they're true friends when Chris loans Matt his boxers because Matt's bag didn't remember to put itself in the car. Jill is my regular mani/pedi companion of which we partook this weekend. She knows me so well that when Kensie Jane protruded a pouty lip because she wanted more food, Jill took one look at her and robustly declared with a cackle, "She's her mother's daughter!" We delight in this family. A particular highlight was sitting outside on the hammock with Jillie eating our treats, wrapped in blankets, and gabbing away.

This cutie was my shadow, and I love her lots.

At the Ft. Worth Stockyards, a number of people commented about these 'twins'. One man said while we passed him, "Here comes double trouble." These two were sweet on each other! We're saving up a dowry.

This girl LOVES animals.

He made a friend he quite creatively named "Goatie".

• The Shireys made it to Turkey safely and smoothly!
• Guess where I'm going?! In May, I get to jump on a plane and meet my niece and nephew!!
• I'm deeply thankful for Matt who knows how to pray for me. Genuinely and sweetly, he covers me with prayers when I hurt and ache over not knowing how to be a mommy, and God uses him to speak rest and peace to me.

Due to technical difficulties, it hasn't been the easiest to publish this today. So before I lose my mind or pull out all my hair, I will say, 'So long, farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, goodnight.'

And now not only am I craving a viewing of The Sound of Music, I know that song will be stuck in my head the rest of the night. 

Adeui!