On the Road

Today we drove to St. Petersburg for my last (for a while) piano lesson. Ty sweetly rose bright and early on his day off and took our wagon to the coast. This time the weather was gorgeous - a perfect sunny Florida day. It's too bad we never have time to stay and enjoy the beach! Afternoon teaching doesn't stop for beach days.

I love driving over the bridge into St. Pete! Usually I'm behind the wheel and can't get a good look (or take photos!). 

Snap, snap, snap!

Ty took this while he and Brooklyn were chilling during my lesson. In the era of Instagram, I feel I need a "no filter" disclaimer. God really makes colors this vibrant without the use of technology!

Hello, gorgeous.

On the way home, we read up on the vehicle registration rules for Texas. Apparently there's an official guide to becoming a registered Texan, complete with hysterical illustrations. We were cracking up at this title page!

Eighteen days and counting! Only forty-two more lessons to teach, one wedding to attend, two piano recitals to host, and one graduation to celebrate. And that's just the big stuff! Good thing our entire house is packed, save for two place settings and our everyday clothes.

We Call You Blessed

Mommy and Mamacita,

Today we remind you that you are blessed in our eyes and that we are increasingly thankful for the godly women that you are.

For the the commitment you have shown in your marriages, we are thankful.
For the selfless ways you love your parents, children, and grandchildren, we are grateful.
For the ways you live out the Gospel in your everyday lives, we praise God.

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; he husband also, and he praises her: 

"Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all."

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates. 

(Proverbs 31:26-31)

You are so loved!

Soakin' Up the Sun

When I think of Florida, I think of humidity, lakes, summer rain storms, and sunshine.

Of course fresh-squeezed OJ and Disney World come to mind, as well.

But the home that I know best is the one where you can feel the humidity before walking off the airplane, where you can't drive more than a few blocks without running into another lake, where the summer storms come like clockwork, and the sun always comes back out. This is home.

Since we only have a few more short weeks to take advantage of this national vacation hot-spot we call home, I've been taking every opportunity to enjoy it! I just hope Ty gets to take his kayak out again before we leave. I'm happy to say that we will be living close to one of the most renowned lakes in Dallas, so he should have plenty of opportunities.

Ah, the sweet smell of humidity.

It's been a while since I've taken Brooklyn to the dog park. Normally I try to get out there about once a week, but I've been so busy of late. Today's visit to our favorite park was long overdue. I also figured she could use a rest day from running; today's exercise was all fun and games!

Here are some photos from our adventure today. Nothing beats the warm sun rising over calm, glassy waters. Oh, and the world's most beautiful dog.

One-year-old Vizsla named Oliver. His owner and I were equally thrilled our pups found pointer playmates. If you've witnessed the energy levels of pointers, you know that only other pointers can wear them out!

And because she was FILTHY...

Clean and tired pup hard at work!