Tuesday, August 9, 2011

1000 Gifts: Texas Trip

I'm a day late for Multitude Monday, but when you're out of your normal routine the days all seem to run together, so I'm using that as my excuse. A week ago the kids, dog, and I drove down to Lake Jackson, Texas, a town south of Houston near the gulf coast.

The purpose of the trip was to help my dad move out of the house he's owned for about 30 years. I was in the third grade when we moved from Michigan to Texas, so this house holds many, many memories for me. Dad has bought a smaller house in Colorado, just nine doors down from my sister's house, so this will probably be the last time I ever visit Lake Jackson or see this house. Who knows maybe I'll go to a high school reunion someday (haven't been to one yet), but emotionally this is good-bye.

Although I've been working hard for the last week, we've had a little time for play too. God gives us many gifts sprinkled amongst the craziness.

76. A safe trip with well-behaved kids and dog.

77. A son who didn't mind spending most of his 12th birthday in the car. Maybe it was because he got to eat things like this.

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78. One last time to see the house in which I spent most of my growing-up years.

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79. Seeing my mom's touches everywhere.

80. Finding little remnants of my childhood.

81. Showing the kids my first decorating craft project (and then promptly throwing it in the trash).

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82. The pool. It served me well during my high school and college years and now it's keeping my kids busy while I work. I'm also thankful that the kids all know how to swim and Anna is old enough to supervise.

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83. My dad's dogs. They provide endless entertainment as they jump into the pool, and they are welcoming to my big black lab.

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84. A short visit from my sister. It was nice to catch up and to have an extra set of hands.

85. Getting to take home some new things. I'm trying hard not to add to my own clutter problem, but I've found some real treasures.

86. My dad's next-door-neighbors. There simply are not better neighbors than Billie and Bruce and their baby daughter Zoe. They moved here after my sister and I were out of the house, and have been like family to my dad. And this week they have practically adopted Grace. I hardly saw her all weekend. Grace has loved the attention.

87. The stories my kids are hearing as we sort and remember.

88. An early morning walk on the beach with my 13-year-old daughter.

89. Seeing flamingos hanging out in a marsh. Of course, I forgot to bring the camera that morning. But I remembered it when we had an evening picnic at the beach, so you get seagull shots instead.

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90. Playing in the waves like I did when I was a kid.


2 comments:

  1. I knew this would be a hard trip, and a lot of work...been praying for you. So glad you are able to see God's blessings! I really need to start a list, too!
    ~Melanie

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  2. You have been blessed with some great moments. Praying the move goes as smoothly as possible.

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