family map

Tomorrow morning my parents leave for Niger, which means that our family will once again be on three different continents. No matter how many times I do it, saying goodbye never gets easier. I love my parents. Last night as I journaled before going to bed, I wrote down the following blessings.

- I'm blessed to have a dad who holds my hand as he prays for me.

- I'm blessed to have a mom who is my best friend--who knows me best, who speaks truth, who gives hugs of comfort, and who always listens.

- I'm blessed to have a dad who still loves to take care of his princess!

- I'm blessed to have parents that still always tell me they love me.

- I'm blessed to have parents who have made the Lord their Greatest Good, their Constant Stay, their Redeeming Hope. 

Starting tomorrow, our family map will look like this:

I think I just might go cry now.

Taylor's Best Vacation EVER !

Sunday evening Erika was at work and I was going crazy all alone in our big beautiful country house, so I decided to meander down to my Uncle Gordon's farm. As it turned out, U. Gordon, A. Terrry and Taylor were just about to head out on a drive and invited me to go along. 

What a treat! 

Who could say no to that? 

We piled into the car and headed off. 

Purpose of the drive: to give Taylor the vacation of his lifetime.

First stop: Burns. 

Taylor had never been. 

Of course, Aunt Terry had to document this historic moment. 

(I'm so glad you brought your camera, A. Terry!)

We took our time exploring the thriving town...

...soaking up every moment, right Taylor?!

Then, it was back into the car for more driving and sightseeing. 

(Please take time to notice the name on my 'football' jersey!)

Do you see the rainbow? 

(Erika, do you remember that movie we used to own about the kids who went looking for the pot of gold underneath the rainbow? Has anyone else seen it?)

We had great times in the car. 

I sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow and Say my Name, Say my Name.

Taylor introduced me to everyone's farm that we drove past and made up recited names of creeks and ponds such as "Turtle Pond" to impress me. 

U. Gordon gave fascinating history lessons and was a true Tour Guide. 

A. Terry captured all of the memories on camera...or tried to. We had to convince Taylor.

Some of you may have noticed a certain object in the back seat between Taylor and myself. It's my gun that Taylor begged me to bring along!  :)  Just kidding!

We saw a deer on the trip and I had to kindly remind my dear (ha!) cousin that 'twas not the appropriate season for such activities.

Last stop on Taylor's best vacation: Potwin!

I told U. Gordon that we needed to stop at the next Starbucks. 

He agreed with no hesitation. 

Too bad the closest one was 30 miles away.

I commented on all the "pretty houses"  and Taylor on the "sweet bins." 

I now know where everyone lives, who used to live there, what changes have been recently made, where A. Terry had her first Bible studies, and whose fields look the best (ssshhhh!).

I'm pretty sure it was the best 2 1/2 vacation hours of Taylor's life. 

It ended with him bringing me home on the four wheeler. 

Perfect end to a perfect evening.