Texas Pride

Not growing up in Texas I never really understood the special pride that Texans had for their state and their land. It is almost as if it is another country. However, I did find something intriguing about it. I know understand how it all starts. I went to chapel at the girls' school several weeks ago. They start off with the Pledge to the American flag, the Pledge to the Christian flag, the Pledge to the Bible, then the Pledge to the Texas flag, and then a song about Texas. It is Texas Our Texas. Addi says to me the other day, "I am the only one who doesn't know Texas Our Texas and we are singing it on GrandPals day." This really seemed to bother her. I can tell you that in Missouri we never said the pledge to the Missouri flag and we certainly didn't sing a song about Missouri. Like I said though, I think it is kind of cool. It is a sense of community. And, there are so many things that are different down here in Texas. Coming from a very liberal city to the Bible belt has been rather refreshing for me. God is often talked about on the news...WOW that would never happen on KOMU or in the Tribune. It really is a different feel, one that I am liking. And the Texas pride or Texas fever is contagious...and I am starting to catch on. :)

You would never see this where I come from.

It's Been a While

Well, a lot has happened since I last updated y'all. Yes, I have picked up on the TX saying. Just seems easier to say than you all or you guys. At the end of September I packed all of us and we headed to the Bahamas for my sister's wedding. The kids and I left on a Wed. and TW joined us on Friday. He had to stay in town for school/class/seminary...however you would like to refer to it. It was great to spend time with my family. I hadn't seen them in a little over 7 weeks. That is the longest I had ever been without seeing them. We had fun hanging out, swimming, tanning, eating, laughing, and doing wedding things. Our good friend, Brooke, joined us as well to help us with the kids while we tended to wedding duties. We took over 500 pictures. After coming home from the wedding it was time for unpacking, laundry, and repacking. We headed back to Missouri for the reception. We were supposed to get in on Thursday but the weather wasn't cooperating so we didn't get in until Friday mid afternoon. My dear friends and my family surprised me with an early birthday party. I was definitely surprised!! I usually am not one to like surprises either, but since it had been so long since I had seen everyone I loved it! Saturday morning I met my friends for coffee, just like old times, and then it was back to my parents house for wedding festivities. Sunday we headed to St. Louis to see Jeremy's family. Bema made lasagna...DELICIOUS! I ate more than Papa! Then up Monday morning for an early flight home so that the kids could make it to school. It was hard for me to leave "home", it's not really home anymore but I still refer to it as thought it is. Sunday was an emotional day. I had lots of tears. I am doing better now that we are back and I am settling back into our routine. Here are some pictures...