Henk and Margreet

 We first met Henk and Margreet early in 2009 when they volunteered at SITAG.  There was no job too big or too small for them to humbly tackle.

So when they said they would be driving through Arkansas, we jumped at the chance to see them again.

Last time they stayed with us, Henk helped us take down the kitchen walls.

Can you see Aaron and Katherine climbing down to the waterfall?  Fun fact: this was a favorite date spot for us in high school, and one time I slipped down the rocks, scraped up my bracelet from Aaron, and had to be rescued by my knight in shining armor.

This time we decided to build upon our tradition of hiking waterfall trails together.

We enjoyed Petit Jean State Park and the Cedar Falls Trail, along with the lore connected to the original Petit Jean.

And of course, Henk and Margreet couldn't depart without serving us in some way...raised beds and a delicious supper accompanied their sweet company and refreshing conversations.  What a gift of friendship that has withstood the test of time!

Spring Break, Part 2

Our first morning in Dallas, my precious friend Roxanne came over early to walk and talk.  What a treasure she is!

At one point in the morning, I was doing some strength training, Aaron and Olivia were tackling her taxes, and Benjamin and Hannah were practicing driving with Katherine while Sarah was at work.  Quite the variety of activities!

We asked everyone to bring games, and after our picnic lunch, Benjamin and Hannah taught us to play Antidote.

 

Sarah discovered that the Dallas Opera was performing one of our favorite operas, "The Barber of Seville", prompting us to buy tickets and build on the tradition of our family attending operas together.

So we gussied up, piled in the van, and climbed a bunch of steps to get to our cheap seats. 

 

Sitting on the next to top row was definitely worth it.  We could see straight into the pit.

After a slow start on Saturday, full of waffles and some JBU friends, we enjoyed a hike around Sarah's campus.

Playing together is the equivalent of glue for our family, especially for my hard working hubby.  Along those trails, I heard plenty of laughter, cementing relationships and lightening hearts.

Saturday evening, we gathered in the guest house lounge to sing hymns together.  Singing is another type of glue that bonds our family.

Way too quickly, Sunday arrived, and we began to go our different directions, back to our responsibilities and places where God has planted us for this season.  What a treat it is to spend time with my favorite people!

Spring Break, Part 1

Sarah's Spring Break didn't coincide with the Arkansas bunch, so we decided to meet in Dallas for the second half of the school holiday.

Olivia doesn't have a car, so we drove up to northwest Arkansas to pick her up at a super cute coffee shop and bookstore, Chapters on Main.  We will definitely have to go back and visit when we have more time to peruse.

We did find an inexspensive gem, A Dictionary of Musical Themes, that we picked up for Benjamin.

What a fascinating book!

The next day, four of us left to meet the other three in Dallas.  The day was special because it was also our 32nd hand-holding-versary.  We made hand shaped sugar cookies to help us celebrate,

and we watched "Hunt for Red October" with the family and a few extras.

But most importantly, we retold the story of God's faithfulness in twining our lives together and praised Him for continued gentleness and mercy in marriage and family.

Friday Favorite Five

 ...Backpack version

My new favorite backpack goes with me almost everywhere...to the gym, to school, on the road.  So I thought it would be fun to make this week's treasures "Things you can find in my backpack"!

1) My earbuds are cheap, but exactly right for me.  I I have an extra early start, I can listen to my daily Bible reading while I ride the stationary bike at the gym.

2) Lawry's Garlic Salt.  If you ever want to know what you can send us in care packages overseas, this stuff is at the top of my list.  It makes just about anything taste better, and a small bottle fits just right in my bag.  Perfect for my hardboiled egg on the go or my leftovers for lunch.

3)  My water tumbler.  Just about every time I sub for a music teacher, one of the students asks where I found my glass tumbler.  Then they ask what's inside!

4)    Lemon butter cuticle cream.  My nails tend to flake easily, and my cuticles are often dry from so much hand washing, and this tiny tin of goodness smells amazing and locks in moisture.  Bonus:  Burt's Bees original lip balm.  Also always in my bag.

5) RX mini protein bars.  I love the variety, the flavor, the boost of protein, and the way these little guys help keep me from getting hangry.