My oh My – Last class at SMU

Hard to believe – hubby had his last class at SMU last night.  Everything else is projects and take home exams.  I am so proud and thankful for this man of mine.  He has finished this chapter so well.  Not sure where wifely-bragging and obnoxious overlap – so I’ll just say he excelled academically.  (That’s OK, right?!)  But more than that, he has loved our family and me so well through this process.  Even with his crazy first year schedule of full-time school AND full-time work –—we remained his number one priority.  Grateful.  I am SO SO proud to be his gal.

His first night of class, way back when…

Leaving last night…

 

PS – we will miss this chapter of our life ending.  Having donald home more has been such a good and amazing gift from our God.  I will always reflect upon the past 9 months with great delight.

SMU & H2O

There is something great about being on a college campus.

I always feel a bit more inspired when I’m on one.  That might be totally ridiculous, but it’s the truth.  I shoot for the stars a bit more.  Hah.  We have loved “our” time at SMU.  I’ve loved taking advantages of others being more “with it” on current events than I am – what a good wave to ride!

 

The Engineering School sponsored an “Engineering & Humanity” week.  How cool is that?!  We learned a TON!  Mostly I was encouraged by how many people there are who truly do care for humanity.  Beautiful.

Abi loved to check out the various living quarters.  All designed to maximize energy usage.  Many of these types of homes are used in refugee camps.  I was moved considering how something so basic could be so dignifying to another person – a home, four walls, when they’ve had everything taken away from them.

 

 

World Vision had a large booth.  Raising awareness among 18-22 year olds regarding the water crisis in much of the world.  Urging and challenging all of us to create a difference!  To love…

Students were challenged to pick up a water-carrying device and transport water around campus – creating compassion for our neighbors… 

A reminder to be about the things that move the heart of God…

The joy continues…

At times the “day after” the holiday can seem somewhat of a let down.  Or at least, that is sometimes true for me.  The anticipation has passed, the preparations have been fulfilled, the family has gone.  You’re left with clean-up. 

Thankfully, this morning was so beautiful!  I was thankful that my rejoicing and celebratory spirit not only get to continue from Easter Sunday to today, but that is the point of it all!  That we are alive!  The truths that were true two thousand years ago ring true today – Jesus has conquered the grave on Easter Sunday and that victory can be claimed every day since that first Easter.

Joy continues…

Earth Day {Dallas}

You know that we love some Earth Day around here :) 

 

Good ol’ Dallas offered the free 2-day festival in the Arts District – and we eagerly took advantage of it! 

There was some checking out of the Trammel Crow Collection of Asian Art…

(compared to the real deal)

 

Chit-chatted with old friends (both Aubrey & Billy the ball python)

Made some groovy art with recycled products at the DMA’s booth…

And enjoyed a reading of ‘The Lorax’ as well as free admission at the DMA!

And ended the day with a ride down memory lane, Abi exploring the trolley and then enjoying some delicious food at an old favorite…

    

 

“The future will belong to the nature-smart—those individuals, families, businesses, and political leaders who develop a deeper understanding of the transformative power of the natural world and who balance the virtual with the real. The more high-tech we become, the more nature we need.”  Richard Louv

You know you’re a momma when…

You spend quite a deal of time trying to figure out why sweet child brought this home from “school” today and what it is– when you ask darling child why…she responds with “It’s a red circle on a plate!”  Oh!  Delight in the simplicity of it all.

When you realize that much of your day is dictated by a three hour rotation (thankfully, not during the night!)

When you go to drive, grab sunglasses and can’t see clearly because they’re smeared with chocolate milk from darling girl.

When the following doesn’t make you blink an eye…in fact for a moment you question if you forgot to unbuckle your bouncy baby boy!

Be all here: and be holy.

Be all here: and be happy.

Because the Presence of I AM always fills the present moment. ( be encouraged here)

Ode to our Oslo

 

Monday was such a sad day for our family.  After almost 5 years of delightful crazy, we lost our most beloved cat.  My heart is so heavy, as I really miss our little buddy and wish he had more time with our family.  But, he was such a sick little kitty cat.

 

For those of you who knew Oslo well, he was really unlike any other cat.  He was our cat-dog.  He loved to be with people, and had such a personality.  Granted, he was the first cat that I’ve ever owned, but I feel pretty confident to say that he was the best cat EVER.

  

We have enjoyed recalling delightful memories of our Os.  From chasing the laser like a crazy-man, to having a love affair with my flip-flops, to loving taking showers and obsessing over running water, to letting Abi dress him up in baby clothes.  He was so loved and we felt loved by him.

  

I will miss his amazing cuddles, his funny antics, the way he greeted us when we came in the door.  Our home feels more empty now.

 

Thanks to everyone who has shared a funny story of Oslo, or just let us know that they are sorry for our loss.  We feel loved by our friends and family – thank you!

Thankful…

Thankful for friendships that grow us…

For those friends who rejoice in life’s pleasures…

For friends who care for us in each stage of life that we walk through together…

For friends to anticipate great JOY with!

For friendships that through them we learn to love our Lord more and see His goodness reflected.

Sarah dear, I am just so excited for dearest Addison to be here.  We love her already!