Just a little Head CT
A few weeks ago, Esther and I spent a gorgeous spring Saturday morning celebrating a first birthday party with family friends. The baby was in the middle of smashing the birthday cake when Corbin called. I let it go to voicemail, as Esther was trying to get the...
So that we may comfort others
Basketball season is in full force, and our high school teams are fun to watch. Recently during a rivalry girls’ game, a hush rolled over rowdy spectators as one of the opposing players made a basket - in our basket. Two points for us, a surprised pause from the...
What Will We Capture
Last spring I experienced a favorite parenting moment. Such a privilege to give Esther her dream camera and lens. For no reason. Not her birthday, not Christmas, and she didn’t earn the money (or even half of the money)... I just got to buy and give this gift to her...
It’s a Wonderful Life, Mr. Dennard
“Does my life make a difference?” That’s the question. Whether we admit it, whether we even realize it, that’s really the most fundamental, most important question we ask ourselves. It’s the reason we watch It’s a Wonderful Life every Christmas. Or if we don’t, we...
When Prayer Delights
My dad describes a surprising encounter with the Lord, years ago, when he was attempting nighttime prayers. He was lying in bed, going through a mental checklist of all the people and things he needed to pray for, and time and again his prayers were distracted by...
Basden’s Wise Heart ~ love, Cappy
Dear Basden ~ in keeping with Cappy's encouragement to Hud, here are his words penned to you as an eight-year-old. And we couldn't agree more. Happy TWENTIETH birthday, Little Joy! Basden- You have a wise heart. It shows in the way you really want to help Aunt Crystal...
To Hud ~ A Grandfather’s encouragement
Hudson James, just a couple days shy of your 22nd birthday... a little encouragement from Cappy's email to your ten-year-old self. Twelve years later, I'm encouraged by his words here, along with the joy of reminiscing over this exchange. The power of words on a page,...
Happy Hoco to me
Months ago when our SCS Homecoming date was released, we cleared all the kids' calendars and bought plane tickets to get them home. After 17 years in the stands cheering on her older siblings, the big kids showed up to support Essie in her senior Hoco pep rally and...
Practicing Gratitude 9.16.23
Bran's new job with InBox, amazing group of men, and a couple of weeks in Vancouver as a kick off Sunday afternoon Rangers game! This last fall of SCS pep rallies and Friday night lights, Saturdays for college football and BU games, repeat... Habakuk 3:19 -...
Practicing Gratitude 8.27.23
SENIOR YEAR here she goes (photo creds Morgan Gribble!) Sneak peek on senior pics, can't wait to see more Cheer pic creds Essie - ha! . Last First day Lord, I'm grateful for your gifts. But help me to be more grateful for YOU. You are our delight, you are our portion,...
Practicing Gratitude 8.5.23
K2 summer Provision of energy, wisdom, patience, problem solving for Hud and Basden during their time working at Kamp Hud and Hooper's handiwork Connecting with Tulsa James crew at Kamp Essie's two weeks at K2, O'nealsons, her siblings and friends. And a...
Heart Languages
Working in admissions, one of the things I love most is getting to engage with families as they come visit our school. When we tour families around our campus, we’re not only sharing about our school’s culture, academics, fine arts and athletic programs, but we’re...
Practicing Gratitude 7.7.23
Three weeks in June with this one - she is remarkable. Easy to be with, and yet pushes me to obedience This little Cheer Captain kicking off the summer with SCS Cheer camp. Here comes senior year Getting to be married to this guy. Full of joy and service Whew a month...
Ruby Girl
Ruby girl, we are just so surprised that you’re gone. You didn’t give us any warning, and that high-voltage personality of yours has left a huge vacuum in our home and in our hearts. We’ve been nursing Cross through some old-age symptoms lately but you hadn’t shown...
Gravel Paths
Each step elicits a crunch as my feet steady the slightly shifting gravel under my sneakers. Each step on this wooded, gravel path across from our home. Like opening an old perfume bottle, spring and summer walks usher in the memories of my college summers at Kanakuk,...
Practicing Gratitude 6.02.23
GORGEOUS weather, oh my goodness. Cool front, just lovely Sweetest grad party last weekend - Just amazing people from all facets of our life, reminded me how many neat kids we know. Essie and Basden had so much fun, we all did. Helped lift my heart to remember how...
Practicing Gratitude 5.20.23
God’s sovereign control is the guarantee that you will have everything he has promised you. God is involved in every detail of our lives, and he is near. Max's steady encouragement. Can I ready this every day please. Essie taking Liv's senior pics That the Holy Spirit...
Practicing Gratitude 4.30.23
Prom season! So fun AND it's done 🙂 Just the most amazing weekend in Georgia for with Adeline’s wedding - staying with Trey and Amy and their fabulous kiddos, time with Hills, Moffatts, Lawrences, Brogdons and many more Trey has always been my hero Charlotte is...
What I Cannot Do
**In light of Mother's day (and Father's day) around the corner, I'm reposting this from a few years ago. It's a a lesson I need to keep learning, still need to be reminded of. If I could give one gift to myself and to friends in the trenches of parenting, it would be...
Fort Worth Zoo by Day… and by Night
Feeling extra proud to live in this city. Extra proud and extra grateful. Corbin and I got to spend ALL of Saturday at the zoo. And with this fabulous weather, there was no better place to be. Never mind that all of DFW also decided to spend the gorgeous April day...