Happy Birthday, Aunt Jocelyn!

I shutter to think about the times she's probably looked up to me - The times she's actually taken that "oh-so wise Big Sister advice" when all the while, in so many ways, she's been more level-headed than I ever thought about being. She's one of those middles, you know the type - balanced, steady. There's so many things I admire about her - many things she doesn't even see in herself.

When we were little, she and I would play school all the live-long day. Mother boasts to this day about her singing the ABC's and knowing how to add and subtract before she was three. By the time she'd reached the age to finally attend real school, Montesorri kindergarten was absolutely boring. Things got harder, though, as she diligently trudged through a tough nursing school program during her college years. Today, she has blossomed into an accomplished, mature, beautiful woman who loves the Lord.

When I called this morning to send her birthday wishes, I discovered she'll be in our neck of the woods this evening on business. (yay!) We plan to meet her for a birthday dinner. Oh, will the kids be ever so excited when they hear the news!

She's pictured here with my girls, who love her so dearly.

Happy Birthday Jocelyn

You are loved....

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful for my Beloved, Phillip.

He's not perfect, but he's perfect for me.

He knows me. He's got me figured out.

He's one of the very few people I honestly trust.

He makes me a better person.

He's my friend.

Many years ago, we were encouraged to pray together (out loud). At first it was awkward. Though we were married, I wondered if I knew him well enough to actually pray with him. It sounds weird to actually type that, but the longer I live, the more I realize that so many couples really don't know each other at all. Praying together can be that missing link, in my opinion. It's intimate. It's real. And it's beautiful. Today, I'm thankful we took that giant, awkward step to pray together. When we're apart, we miss it. When life seems too crazy, it's the first thing we want to do when our heads hit the pillow at night. Try it. And then write me. Your testimony will encourage others.

Blessings ~ Angela

*Phillip does not sit around posing for pictures. I steal them when I can - shutterbug that I am. This one was taken at the state park last weekend as he watched the kids swim.

Hattiesburg Hiatus

It's been over a week now that we stole away to spend time with hubby. We headed home Monday morning, only to make a U-turn in Jackson when Phillip called to inform us the steering went out on his truck. So we're here for week two and so very glad to be spending extra time as a family.

We found a beautiful state park with a nice swimming hole. Only the most adventurous can stand the freezing cold water, but it's nice to be out of the hotel no matter what we're doing. Last Sunday, we went for a drive down to Gulfport and frolicked at the beach. It was very beautiful and not what I expected at all. Yes, you can definitely see remnants of a disaster, but what I saw most was regrowth and beauty. I had nothing with which to compare my observations as I'd never been to Gulfport - or Biloxi, etc., but I was pleasantly surprised to see vacant lots with debris cleared away, new shopping centers, and beautiful southern-style homes being rebuilt right along the water.

A Trip to the Alamo

About three weeks ago, we went down to visit Phillip for a week while he was on a job in San Antonio. We made a trip to the Alamo and the Riverwalk along with a gajillion other folks who were there for Spring Break. We've never had to stand in line to get into the Alamo! Phillip had time to pop over to RiverCenter Mall for a Starbucks run with time to spare. Needless to say, we stood in line more that day than anything else, but if you're going to stand around outside in San Antonio, Texas for any length of time, I'd say March is the month to do it. A cool front had made it that far south and it was very pleasant.

The Alamo

Downtown San Antonio

A river really does run through it...

A boat ride down at the RiverWalk

RiverWalk: Boat View

Mommy & Lollie

Springtime in Texas

Good Morning ~ Happy April!

It's Springtime in Texas and I've been out capturing the beauty of it all.

Today is also the first day of Leah's" Bible Reading Challenge. If you haven't already joined us, head over and sign up - it's not too late and there's a drawing for a p-r-e-t-t-y cute prize if you make it with her to the end of the month.

Blessings ~