A father to the fatherless

My Dad returned home yesterday, on Father’s Day, from Bolivia where he was aiding and loving on families who do not have easy access to medical attention.  He was a part of team that was caring for the very basic of needs, and in doing so helping to illustrate that there is a father who loves them, a father who is concerned with their wellbeing.

 

I am so grateful for my Dad.  To have a man who cheered for me, who wanted what was best for me, who read to me, who drove me all around the country (literally) so that I could pursue dreams, who loved me.

Dad.  A supporter.  A warrior.  A confidant.  A cheer-leader.  A protector.  What a role. 

Graduation

And, it is finished.  Honestly, the past two years of life have been some of the most significant in my life.  There has been more trusting, more seeing the Lord’s provision, more delighting in my family, more friendships formed, more appreciation of simplicity – the list could go on and on.

It is rare when a chapter of life is ended so abruptly.  Usually, in my experience, life’s movements are more gradual.  But, graduation came – Donald walked – and our period of SMU life ended (minus returning to the awesome playground right off campus, that is a dallas gem!).  Oh my, I am so proud of him!  We are excited for the next phase of life for our family – yet thankful for the past two years (especially given in the last year!) to slow life down and enjoy the contentment of today.  I am thankful to have been taught these lessons and have them take root, I know they will bless our family in the future.

Here we are, all waiting for the fun to begin (we sat in the upper level – not too close to anyone – just perfect for toddlers and two itty-bitty’s)

Abi & Josh signing “I love you” too Doons – they were SO good during the ceremony!

The good lookin’ grad making his way up there…

Post ceremony – the freedom of the outdoors!

 

And so it is done…Go Ponies!

Home & Processing

So, we’re at home.  For a week now.  Still processing the goodness of the past month.  More pictures to come soon, but here’s how we feel:

And here’s what awaited us:

Ahhhh, welcome summer

Oh yes, there is Memorial Day, but the way that summer is officially welcomed in the Wallace household (at least in my book) is a delicious BLT (with some extras to make it interesting – I need to, I average eating this delightful little sandwich at least 3 times a week in the summer) and a rejuvenating Arnold Palmer.  Oh yummy.

Welcome, Summer – glad you’re here.

Thankful

Thankful.

For three beautiful weeks spent with my precious family traveling.

For our home.

For the awesomeness and beauty of creation that we were able to witness and create amazing memories in.

For our family and community who love us; we are grateful to have dear people to return to.

Thankful.

Mothers

So thankful to be a part of this beautiful sisterhood.  To feel abundantly blessed because I have been given the honor of bandaging scrapped knees, wiping away sweet tears, giving endless hugs, and being amazed at being a part of this wondrous cycle.

I am overwhelmed today reflecting on the many woman who have mothered me.  Some recently, some in times long gone, some who are sisters yet still teach me and love me.  Grateful.

For my momma & Grandma – their love over me is powerful and wonderful.  I learn more and more of what a gracious presence they were in my life as I mother my own two beauties.  Thankful.

Royal Weddings

I think I’ve been excited to watch this wedding since I was about 11 and saw a picture of Prince William and thought “oh, he’s cute.”  I was ready, at 3 AM, to let the show begin!

My sweet hubby moved our nifty little Ikea couch out to the main room so that I didn’t have to move far in order to watch the wedding!  I know – I’m silly.

3:30 – heated up my beloved kettle, and enjoyed tea and scones (made by my fantastic, British, mother-in-love)!  I’m not going to lie – watching the Royal wedding while eating scones made by a former British citizen was excellent in my book!

And then my little beauties awoke at 7.  But, in enough time to see the kiss!  Abi LOVED that she was watching a prince and princess.  I just love her.

Still…the most beautiful little princess that I’ve ever seen.  Please note the nightgown that she chose after I told her what we’d be watching the following morning.

What a fun morning.  I was so sad when it was over!  The imagery and the hope that it stirred were beautiful, and I love that we all still love a good wedding.  There is something so beautiful in that.  Our hearts love a wonderful, beautiful fairytale.  I am amazed at how the Lord reminds us of his love for us in these things.  That we are a part of the ultimate love story – a truly beautiful and magnificent truth.