Sometimes it's Family

Last week was wonderful. The day after Christmas we loaded up our Mini and drove for three and a half hours to my Uncle's ranch outside of Bracketville, TX. A much needed break from city life- beautiful, wide open spaces; and a refreshing time of family, friends, and food. The blessing this last week was to my heart words cannot even begin to express. To have people genuinely love and care for my children, to watch my kids' faces light up with utmost joy, and to sit back and drink it all in. Bliss.

Tucker in front yard at Ranch

Surrounded by not only my family, but my brother's in-laws (whom all of us consider family, really), and friends- and watching every single person love on my children. Truly love on my children... I mean, wow. Mothers will know what I am talking about. Especially when you have your baby with you, and your arms are beginning to go numb from cradling her and quieting her, and then you have this friend come up and whisk her away. They bounce her, talk to her, and rock her until she calms or sleeps. And that constant on edge feeling melts away and I am able to just breath deep and enjoy being with family. Because, ultimately, everyone really is...

Nicholas and Tucker on stairs in lodge 

This last week I realized how much good Christian company is truly needed for a healthy life. You need the time to voice your honest feelings, and to have honest Christian counsel in return. Women need that. Men need that. Couples need that. And it truly is a release of burden and a restoration of health to be able to have that. I think that's why counselors are so great- it's so healthy, to just talk, and to not be judged for it, but to have guidance in all of it. To talk to an impartial party, and yet someone who can give you sound advice, or even just listen. It's refreshing.

Tucker "riding" Samson

Fresh air is also refreshing. I know that's kind of a "duh" statement... But being out on thousands of acres, not seeing another soul other than those who are already with you... Seeing rolling hills, and just untainted space. A break from the crowds and the electronics (did I mention there was extremely spotty internet?) - I didn't check email or get on a computer the whole week! I felt like I was back in Lake City... sigh


The only downside to going on a vacation is that now we have come home... And Tucker is sick- has a fever for the second time in his life- and that in and of itself is pretty exhausting. But I am also discovering how draining homesickness can be. Maybe not so much for the city of Houston, more-so the people of Houston. So here's a "Hello" to all of our friends and family living there. Know we miss you all, and feel blessed to call you "friend," "family," "brother," and "sister."

Tucker sound asleep on ottoman in bedroom