"That's Right. You're Not from Texas." - Lyle Lovett

It's funny how I feel like I need to apologize or make excuses when I haven't written in over a week. As if there are tons of people reading this and waiting on pins and needles for the next post. In all honesty, I know that this blog is really just for me, my sanity, and possibly for my children to read one day since they have no sort of scrap book to chronicle their childhood. So kids, sorry for the gap in the posts... if you even noticed.

I didn't write all last week because it was just plain awesome. Full of all the things I love. Food, fun, travel, family and celebrating. October 6th was mine and Steve's 15th wedding anniversary. I don't know about you, but we think 15 years is pretty impressive. We spent the day reminiscing on all the fun of that day in 2001. Steve and I met for a nice lunch and spent the night at the school open house and book fair. Because that's what being married for 15 years looks like. The highlight of the day was showing the kids our wedding video for the first time. They could not even handle all of the romance. There were equal parts embarrassed and entranced. My sweet Walt kept saying "I love this movie!" 

Me too, buddy.

Since our anniversary very often coincides with the kids' fall break we usually try to work in some type of fun trip. This year we decided to take advantage of the new minivan and take a 12 hour road trip (Griswold style) to Houston, TX to visit Steve's parents. We have hit that sweet spot with the kids and traveling. They are all old enough to ride long distances without meltdowns and young enough to enjoy each other's company and agree on the same in-flight movies. The trip was extremely smooth. We loaded the luggage and children and headed south before the sun came up Saturday morning and arrived at the Grandparent's home just in time for dinner that night!

This was the first time our younger 2 had been to Gram and Poppa's house. (Thankfully G and P love to travel and make the trip to Memphis very often.) The kids loved being in their home. There is something so special about "going to Grandma's house" for a child. I loved watching them make some really great memories. And I think G and P had a little bit of fun too!

It doesn't get much better than these sun grins.

For no other reason than this is the cutest little diva.

While the grandparents and the kids were having tons of fun, Steve and I were able to run over to San Antonio for a couple of nights to celebrate the big 1-5. We took our rental pick-up truck and headed west with the windows down and Lyle Lovett reminding us that everything is bigger and better in Texas.

Little known fact: We spent one night in San Antonio on the return side of our Mexican honeymoon and I haven't been back since. So I spent much of the time pointing out familiar spots along the riverwalk and tearing up as we road the touristy Rio Taxi. Here is a river boat picture of Mr and Mrs Summy from 2001 and 2016. I almost hate to show these side by side because, well, 15 years older and 25 lbs heavier. But again... this is what a long and happy marriage looks like. Take note beautiful 23 year old brides. It's possible this could be your future. If you're lucky.

Between nostalgic emotional episodes we managed to exchange gifts, eat lots and lots of delicious food (which I believe we have established is my chosen love language), revisit the Alamo, and spend a few hours at a spa. I don't think I spend enough time at spas. I have decided to make it my goal to get more facials and/or massages in 2017. I don't have pics from the actual spa treatments because, clothing optional. But the after massage meal was delicious and totally Instagram worthy.

Here are more of my favorite San Antonio pics from then and now. Maybe we can go back for our 30th anniversary. However, I can guarantee there will be no side by side comparisons of any pictures taken in 2031.

2001

2016. Same bridge.

There's no basement at the Alamo

Our room from below. Beautiful hotel.

When you walk in and the lobby is this nice.
You know it's going to be a good trip.

Relaxing by the pool with a great book. Perfect.

The view from our beautiful room.

Being tourists at the Tower of Americas

FACEBOOK FROM THE PAST
October 2014
I keep seeing these "what kind of parent are you?" quizzes come up in my news feed. What if one of the answers is "screw-up" or "deadbeat"? No thanks. Ignorance is bliss.

That time I got lost in the woods

Today was "dress like your favorite book character" day at school. I think it have made it clear my feelings about dress up days. It is so hard for me to get my children up and fed and out of the door each morning, never mind having to remember to dress them in a costume. To tell the truth, I am not a fan of costumes in general. I avoid dressing up as much as humanly possible. I think my resistance to costumes can be traced back to a work place halloween mishap that resulted in me going to lunch with a client dressed as a 1920's Flapper. I have been a bit costume shy ever since.

Nevertheless, we pulled off a successful literary costume day with Walt dressed as Waldo and Amelia as Hermione (again). The kids were very happy and I was feeling like a total mom rock star. (which in itself is an extreme oxymoron). I don't know about you other moms, but there is a real problem that comes with me gaining a little confidence in a job well done. I let that stuff go straight to my head and become invincible. I can leap tall buildings, clean multiple bathrooms, and go on a invigorating trail run.... Wait. What?

If you know me or have read even a little of this blog, you are getting a little nervous for me and my new found confidence. You are like those people that scream at the girls in the scary movies "No! Stop!! Turn around!! Don't be an idiot!!!" 

Where were you guys a couple of hours ago?

Fueled by the adrenaline of my successful morning of mothering, I decided to skip the gym, take advantage of this beautiful day, and hit the Wolf River Greenway for a quick 30min trail run. I had never been on this particular portion of the Greenway, but I have friends that run and they say it is great. The word on the street was that it ended at Cameron Brown Park which is "fairly" close to my house, so without any thinking or planning I grabbed my running shoes and headed towards the trail.

About an hour into this little jaunt in the woods I realized it is not enough to just know where the trail starts and where it ends. I really should have looked at a map to see how all of the twists and turns affected the distance. As my run (okay there was more walking than running) became longer and longer I started thinking about how this is a perfect example of how I often go through life. I am completely focused on getting from point A to B, not taking the time to prepare for the twists and turns along the way. I get so frustrated when things don't happen as quickly or run as smoothly as I thought they would. Sometimes I even wonder if I have taken the wrong road just because things have taken a difficult turn or I find myself heading in an different direction than expected.

My tendency is to focus on the end and blow past all of beautiful stuff that happens along the way. But If I always stick to my plans and never allow any wiggle room, I could miss the detours that the Lord has planned to shape and refine me. It took getting lost in the woods in the middle of the city for me to get that message.

"My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. 
Isaiah 55:8

I made it home 1.5 hours after I left. I was hot, tired, and hungry and could not stop laughing at myself. (Partially due to the dehydration. Not really. Normal athletic people run that distance in their sleep. I'm just a total wimp.) Next time I take off on a run, I think I will check out a map first. Or better yet, maybe I'll just stick to the treadmill at the gym. That's really how I prefer my exercise... with air condition and television and a restroom close by.  And all God's people said.... Amen.



FACEBOOK FROM THE PAST
September 2013
I feel sorry for anyone who doesn't love their bed as much as I love mine.