There's a Red Raider in the House

One difficult thing about living halfway around the world is leaving our kids over here. Being so far from Russell these last two years has sometimes been really, really hard. Having friends here who let him crash at a moments notice in their extra bedroom, and feed him real meals when he comes through makes it a bit easier when we say our goodbyes. Another thing that helps is Russell loves Austin and the University of Texas.

This summer when we say goodbye, it will be to Russell AND Ryan. Oh boy. Ryan returned from Lubbock and Texas Tech orientation on Tuesday evening. He came carrying Tech paraphernalia and lots of fun details about his future residence. In other words, he sounded excited about his eminent move to the far west. Again, Mike and I are thankful for this and for an old friend of Ryan's who lives in Lubbock and made him feel so welcome when he went up there!! It makes it easier knowing they will be there for him.

As for our summer? Still having fun with friends. Still missing Mike a lot. Still very thankful for this wonderful home to stay in with our dear friends...

So we've been here a month. One month to go.

Hope everyone is having a good summer.

The Other Side of Normal

I parked at the gas pump and waited for the man to come fill my car and clean my windshield. I stared at the pump trying to remember how to put in the credit card. I hesitated on turning left..could I do that there? But I didn't hesitate to blast my horn at a big semi that about to cut me off. Back off, Jack. But the big question is....can I make it through the car wash on my own? without the guy there to tell me go..stop...? I just don't know.

Just some funny things from our second week here, but generally we've moved right back into our routine. The kids have had time with their friends. I've had time with mine. Early mornings are the best. I hear birds and crickets, not water pumps and cement trucks. The breeze is refreshing and does not bring truckloads of sand with it. Cars stay in their lanes. And most of the time I can ask a question or change my mind and the whole place does not go into a tailspin. :)

But you know what? I miss Abu Dhabi. Not the heat. or the noise. But the people. Our friends there and our routines there. I think all of us miss it a bit. I guess that's how it needs to be or we wouldn't go back. Course it would be easier if Ryan and Russell were with us. Or if Mike were here and not way over there right now. But we're having a good summer. Blessed to be here with the Fords. Looking forward to the rest of the time with friends. It's all good.

Family

The harvest.
Sallie and Robert.
Cousins
Grandma's front porch
Birthday celebration
Kent and Bekah
The Macarena :)
Cousins

On June 25th we landed in Dallas. Hugged the Fords. Hugged the Pearces. Hugged Ryan and a bit later hugged Russell. Friday morning we loaded into the car and headed to Kansas. Hugged Grandma at the hotel in Junction City and pretty soon after that crashed into bed. :)

Saturday was Kent's(Mike's oldest brother's oldest son) wedding. Saw many relatives and old friends and danced at the reception. Well, Russell and Robert and Sallie danced. Mike and I smiled and visited with family and new friends, who will be moving to Abu Dhabi to teach.

Sunday we were on the road again, headed to Stafford and Grandma Hildebrand's 80th birthday!!!Stories, laughter, tears and more stories filled the evening. Appreciation for the blessings we have experienced as a family confirmed to us that making that long trip was worth it ten times over.

Monday was filled with some of my favorite things....visiting and coffee on Grandma's front porch, cousins playing and hanging out, and Sallie and Robert riding on the Combine while the wheat was harvested. (i had to MAKE them do this but it is an experience i just think they had to have. :) and they both had fun, too! )

I'm a relative newcomer to the farming world. Just ask Mike's great family...:)...but over the years I have grown to love that part of my life. To stare over the endless wheatfields, to watch those huge, powerful machines cut acre after acre of wheat takes my breath away. It was good to be there.

Mike is back in Abu Dhabi now. It is not as fun with him gone. I'll write about Dallas later.

Mattie