Deep in the Heart of Texas

Many who who know me know that Texas is one of those places that is special to me. It's where my parents grew up, met fell in love and got married. It's where my cousins ALL lived most of the time I was growing up and where my at one point in my life my grandparents all lived. Fortunately, Mom and Papa moved home to Little Rock shortly after we did several years ago so we have had the privilege of having them here with us. It's now the place where my Grandma Osborne is buried (Mollie's namesake) and where Caleb and Stephanie are in school (Texas A&M) and my dad's dad still lives. It's also where my best friend Karen lives.

Over the last couple of years, the Lord has seen fit to bring special people in my life for what seems like short periods of time before moving them on to continue their lives elsewhere. A little over two years ago, God allowed me to become really great friends with two people who I had known for while. Both had daughters who are Ellie's age. However, one of these friends chose to follow a path that is completely opposite of everything that Karen (the other of the 2 new friends) and I believe in. I am so thankful that when God gave us all to each other especially Karen. We have relied on each other greatly as we have struggled with reality the past year and a half. We have very similar beliefs and have been great support for each other. Well, the Lord in his infinite wisdom saw fit to move Karen and her family (husband Robert and girls Haley and Kasey) to Whitehouse, Texas in August. We now see the benefits of this move. However, I have to admit there are many days I wonder why He couldn't have left them here.

This past weekend Brian and I loaded up our girls and headed to go to Whitehouse to spend the weekend with Karen, Robert and their girls before their newest addition - James - makes his grand appearance in a few weeks. I'm not really sure who this trip was really about. It started out being a chance for me to see Karen. However, Robert and Brian have a great time together; Ellie was in HEAVEN with her best friend Kasey; and Mollie adores Haley. It was definitely a great family trip! Below are a few of the highlights from our relaxing weekend. Thanks, Friends!

Kasey & Ellie had a blast playing Wii! I think Ellie is addicted. Now, if we can talk her daddy into letting us get one. :)

We can NEVER get Mollie to put on dress up clothes. However, she did this weekend. Her dress up adventure lasted just long enough for me to get a picture. Brian and I were very impressed.

Ellie also fell in love with Jasper the Luttrell's new yellow lab. Ellie thought it best to rock him. :)