Roadtrips

I remember wayyyy back, many moons ago, when CR and I got engaged my sister in law was telling me about a recent road trip her and her husband had taken.  She said something along the lines of, "I just love it because we can talk for hours when we are in the car like that."  I remember getting kind of queasy at the thought of riding for 5 hours with just one person and having to talk the entire time.  I mean, what in the world would you talk about.  Little did I know this would soon become my absolute favorite thing to do with my husband.  Oh how you grow over the years.

Even before we had kids, this roadtripin' gig was our thing.  I guess when you live this far away from everything, you learn to appreciate the time on the road.  It's either that or be a hermit and although we love our home and being home, sometimes you just have to go.  Experience.  Build relationship, character, and horizon.

Our latest adventure was one of my favorites.  Back in March of last year we got a puppy.  Yes, while I was on bed rest we decided, "Hey, why don't we add more crazy to our train?"  Our last dog had either gotten stolen or run away, and we just don't seem complete without one here on the farm.  Just like the others, CR wanted this dog to primarily hunt with.  So we found a way to make that happen.  Since CR has no extra time on his hands, we sent Duke away to be trained by a guy up in Austin.  This past weekend it was time to pick him up.  We also needed to go over to Bedias to help move some of my daddy's equipment south (that adventure will soon be a reveal on its own post!).  Knowing we needed to do both, we decided to make it work in the same trip.  And since we were only an hour out of the way from Waco, I put in my request to go visit Magnolia Market at the Silos.  Oh, and hey, I just so happened to finally find a set of chairs I like for our table on Craigslist and they are in Austin.  How perfect is that?

So Friday morning after Kirby was in school and Patton was playing with Granny and Daddy Ray, we loaded up our baby gear and Bowen, and set off for Austin.  We visited the outlet mall in San Marcos on the way up to burn a little time since we couldn't get the chairs until that evening.  CR had great luck there, but then broke his favorite pair of sunglasses while being a goof ball trying on jackets.  He pretty much wanted to end the trip there and go sit in the living room to cry in his big ugly green chair.

Thankfully Cabala's came to the rescue and he found a new pair just like his for a steal of a price.  Happy now, we were able to move on up the map.

Chair time in Austin.  Craigslist and Blue Bloods marathon watchers do not match.  In my heart I knew all was ok; I had talked to the lister and he seemed to be a kid in college or possibly fresh out.  Ritzy part of Downtown Austin.  We are all good.  Prayed about it ... it's fine.  As we are approaching time to meet, all kinds of scenarios go through our heads, and then a text from mom that mentions, "You know, scary things can happen from Craigslist posts."  Yes mom, got it.  And at that we had to park in their parking garage!  Ha.  Out comes the cutest little college kid that barely could shave to meet us.  Thank you Lord.  Up I sent my pistol packing, burly bearded hubby to end my three year long search for the perfect chairs.  Five minutes later (which seemed like eternity- yes I was ready for CR to jump in so we could haul out as fast as possible if needed) out came 2, innocent as newborn babies,  teens carrying chairs with my hubby close behind.  Loaded in the bed of the truck, between the dog kennel and diesel tank, ratchet strapped down, my beautiful chairs were finally safe and sound.

The next morning CR got up early to meet the trainer.  Thankfully Bowen slept like a champ and was still sleeping while I waited for CR to return, so I finally got some awake time just to myself.  I had some deep quiet time and prayer with the Lord, wasted time gleefully on Pinterest, and thought about how much I missed my other 2 back home on the farm.  Ha, why is it all you want is a little peace and quite, and then when you get it all you can think about is the craziness that you wanted some time away from?

The dog training took a little bit longer than I had planned out in our day, so when he got back I told CR that we didn't have to go to Waco, we really didn't have time.  My bearded babe looked at me and said, "Darlin', we are making time for that.  We are going to Waco."  Blush.  If you insist.  The "Darlin'" gets me every time.

An hour later we made it to the Silos and oh how my heart leaped.  It was not necessarily for the goodies that I knew awaited in the market, but the experience.  I really, really, really love Chip and Jo (just like everyone else).  But I feel like their relationship is almost a spitting image of ours.  From the first time I watched the show, I thought that Chip reminded me of CR.  Now, on almost every episode, he does something that CR has actually done and Jo's response is word for word mine.  Family, how many times have you heard me say, "Don't laugh it only encourages that behavior?"  Ha,  I love it.  And I love their testimony.  And I love Jo's journey - how she had a great business going but then heard the Lord calling her to pause to be with the kids, and then came back when it was time.  So much an inspiration to me and my journey with trying to balance photography but feeling called to stop or pause for a season of life.

The Market was busy, but fun.  We were cold, and with Bowen in my arms we didn't take time to do the outside adventures.  I definitely want to go back with the whole family, but possibly during the middle of the week so maybe not as crowded.  Don't worry, we didn't make that trip and leave empty handed.  ;)

We loaded back up and headed South East to Bedias.  GPS suggested a route I had never taken before (you know, being a former Baylor Bear I made the trip from Waco to College Station very often so I could drive highway 6 with my eyes closed).  We decided to take the suggested route and I am so glad we did.  My breath was literally taken away.  Not sure if you have ever been through the mine areas of Groesbeck, almost to Buffalo, but if you have not you need to add it to your bucket list of Texas.  I could not stop looking at it and just thanking God for his magnificent creation.  Wow.

Finally we made it to Bedias, slopped through the mud and this cowgirl had to drive out the truck and trailer through some mucky, sloppy, mess.  CR took the tractor to the road where I met him and on we loaded it.  And some implements.  I did not get a picture, but we for sure looked like the modern day Clampits.  Let me remind you ... the bed of the truck had the dog kennel, 4 chairs, a stroller and CR's beautiful diesel tank.  Attached to said truck was a long utility trailer with a giant tractor, post hole digger, bucket and of course, yes I forgot the best part .... a stove top and oven range.  Yes, you may pause while you wipe your tears from laughter.  Thank you Lord for keeping me humble.

After 3 stops to attempt to get air for the tires, we were finally South bound.  Thankfully Bowen and Duke traveled well and we made it safely home about 10:00.

I am so thankful for those 36 hours away.  We covered many miles and we had some great conversations.  I was reminded of how gracious our God is as we talked about our past year.  I was reminded how thankful I am for CR and his job.  I was reminded how often I take for granted so many things, and feel entitled to do so.  Thank you Lord for bringing that weekend to us right when we needed it.  Thank you for the message the following morning in Sunday school to bring that weekend to a close in such a perfect way.  It all tied together so perfectly.  And all right before a busy week where CR is off graciously helping so many families at the stock show with their pigs.  I needed that refreshment and time with him before this week.  I love how God knows that and orchestrated everything to work out so well.  I am thankful for in-laws who volunteer to help with the kids in order for that to happen.  I am thankful my kids can be right up the road from their home and enjoy life on the farm and the experiences it brings, even when we are away.

I take so much for granted, yet as I write this I am thankful and humbled by what the Lord has done and is doing in our lives.  It all goes way too quickly.  I mean, Bowen is already 5 months today and tomorrow Patton turns 3.

Be present.  Be fully there, wherever you are.  Take the time to embrace the crazy and fun.  Ride a tractor that is only meant for 1-3 year olds when you are 33 and you have to wiggle to get your hips out of it.  Dance in the rain so it gets your kids from being scared of it.  Run and jump into your husbands arms to the tune of "I had the time of my life" to bring laughter to a room filled with your favorite people.  Just be, and love every second of it.

Run as fast as you can to pick up rocks, rocks that looks just like all the other rocks you have in your collection, but from a different place.  Just do it - you will be amazed at the freedom your soul feels.