Finally, a happy post.

My last few posts have been seriously depressing so I thought I would lighten it up a bit. This weekend we went on our annual summer trip to Leakey with about 100 friends. This year for me was really special for a lot of reasons. One of which was in this photo. This trip almost always happens on our anniversary. We have been going since 1993. Somebody decided to decorate our car to celebrate our 25th. About 1:30 in the morning, as I was going to bed, I saw the car. It just made my day. There were balloons and cans tied to the back. It also said "Sugar Daddy " on Mike's side and "Hot Mama" on mine. I'm not sure why exactly but I started laughing hysterically all alone in the dark. Maybe it was sleep deprivation but it was fun.

I got to watch a great baseball game with all of my family in it. I got to enjoy the nice river. I got to play a few games and catch up with some friends I don't see much. One of the highlights of the trip every summer is the baptism on Sunday morning. All of our kids were baptized in the Frio. This year 3 kids were baptized. One of them was Ethan whose birth was one of those miracles I will always remember. Long story but we prayed for his parents to be able to have another baby and when they surprised us all with the good news it was such a joyous moment. Such a God thing. Watching him be baptized and listening to him sweet voice tell his testimony was awesome.

Another highlight was great conversations. We had a crazy day trying to get ready on Friday. Several things happened that day that I felt were spiritual attacks. But finally, I decided that I was going to trust God and not get all freaked out. I was wishing to talk with someone about all this and asked God to give me the chance and He did. My friend Susan listened and encouraged me so much. If you are reading this, thanks Susan.

One more conversation happened that was unusual for me. Someone sought me out to encourage him. That doesn't happen much but it was great. And I think I did encourage him. As he was taking I was praying for God to tell me what to say.

One more highlight. Mike told me that something I said to him was like a drink of refreshing water. Way too often, my words are bitter water to him so that was really a sweet moment.

Many times I know I have missed the opportunity to enjoy this trip by getting all wrapped up in a knot over what to pack or what to eat. I am exhausted before we get there and I miss all the fun. I'm glad that I did not miss it this time.

As we were leaving, Cody asked me if I was really a "hot mama". I told him of course and he looked at me like a was crazy!