tiny horsy, and remembering the Author.

This weekend we got to spend some time with Parker's cousins that live about an hour away from us here in Oklahoma.

Abigail had a blast seeing the cows and the "tiny horsy"!

(we had really built up the tiny horsy, but then she was scared of it...oh well, next time.)

We got to do some swimming, drink some cold beers, and just enjoy being with family!

These are the nephews and family of Parker's dad, Steve.

Steve would have turned 65 last Wednesday, and we were sad to not get to celebrate such a big day with him this side of Heaven, but also know he got one amazing celebration with Jesus.

We lost Parker's dad very suddenly almost 3 years ago, and though we know he is fully free now, we still miss him greatly.

He had been on my mind a lot last week with his birthday,

so it meant a lot to us to be able to spend time with Steve's family.

I know Steve was watching and smiling!

Thanks Tim and Debbie for opening your home and

loving on us and our girls so well!

(that is Parker's truck that he inherited from his dad...it's a special truck to us.)

It was so fun to swim, see the cows, and (try) to pet the horsy.

And also was such a blessing to know that we have family close by, that I am getting to know now. So thankful for that!

And obviously, with the sudden loss of Steve and then the Colorado shooting on my mind,

I am trying to commit my thoughts this week to knowing that we are not promised tomorrow.

As cliche as that sounds, it's true y'all.

I am thankful that I know the One who is the author of life and death,

and I have to trust His goodness for us in the midst of it all.

So here's to living each day with the knowledge that it is a blessing.

And thankful to the blessings He gives us.