Friends

When we first found out we were moving to Texas, Mrs. Troop told me some of their friends from church moved to Texas. She gave me their contact information and not only did they live in Texas, they lived 1.5 miles from the house we were moving to in Texas! The second day we were moving in they came by to bring us snacks and welcome us to the area. That next weekend they invited us over for supper and swimming. It was such a blessing to have friends when we moved here. Our kids had a great time together.

They even came to our OU party. They were the only ones. (It's hard to find dedicated Sooner fans south of the Red River for some reason)

Just recently they found a way to move back to Oklahoma. The land that they love. So for the past two days we had the kids over while the movers came to pack them up and move them out.

Here are the younger girls.

And the bigger kids.

We are really going to miss them. My daughter is especially going to miss their daughter. They were connected at the hip every time they got together.

They would even swing together in sync so they could talk. About what, I have no idea.

Yesterday when they left, my daughter turned to me and said, "I gave her my word." I've never heard her use that phrase before so I was a little confused. "What do you mean exactly?", I said. She replied, "I gave her my word. It was goodbye. That was my word."

So there you have it. Her word was goodbye.

And we will miss them.

Happy Birthday Mrs. Troop or Why Mrs. Troop Rocks

Mrs. Troop rocks because its her birthday.
And everyone rocks on their birthday.


Mrs. Troop rocks because she has
been married to the same man for 13 years.
That rocks.
I've only made it 11 years so far myself!
Ha!


Mrs. Troop rocks because she has 8 kids.
That seriously rocks.


Mrs. Troop rocks because she is an awesome cook.
I mean like Martha caliber.
Seriously.
I've personally had her cooking on several
occasions and she knows
what she is doing in the kitchen.


Mrs. Troop rocks because she is well read.
I do not have many friends who are avid readers.
All the women in my life who I look up to and have considered to be
my mentors have been readers. And Mrs. Troop is a reader.
And my hero.


Mrs. Troop rocks because she can sew.
With patterns.
And make fancy stitches.
She totally rocks


Mrs. Troop rocks because she is generous.
The first time I met her was at a double baby shower
for me and another girl in Sunday School.
She didn't even know me and still brought me a gift!
She is always taking meals to friends and relatives with new babies.
She is always able to find a moment to chat and
impart an encouraging word. And she is always happy to share her
wisdom in child raising and training.
She is generous with what she has,
what she makes and what she knows.
That rocks!


Mrs. Troop rocks because she sticks with her convictions.
And she is who she says she is.


Mrs. Troop rocks because she can host a get
together IN HER HOME for 120 something relatives
and NOT BREAK A SWEAT.
That rocks.


Mrs. Troop rocks because she has been my faithful friend
even though I moved half-way across the country and have
spent half my time in Georgia on the brink of Insanity.
And she is still my friend.
That rocks.


Mrs. Troop rocks because she is funny and witty.
And she appreciates my humor which is marginal at best.


Mrs. Troop rocks because she has left a comment on
EVERY SINGLE POST I have ever written.
Go look and see for yourself.
That really rocks.
Who can beat a devoted friend who loves you enough
to leave a comment on every post?
THAT is true friend love.


Mrs. Troop rocks because she loves our Savior
with all her heart and is passionate about serving Him.
Her heart's desire in the midst of the chaos is to continually
grow closer to Him and encourage others to do the same.


Mrs. Troop rocks because she encourages me to run faster towards
the prize and work harder towards the goal.
She encouarges me to be a better mom and a better wife.
And she accepts me for who I am.
That rocks.

Happy Birthday Dear Friend!

YOU ROCK!

(go on over to Mrs. Troop and leave her a Happy Birthday comment or two or three)
(even if you don't know her)
(it would totally make her day)

A Day With The Troops

So, whilst we were on our Texas/Oklahoma trip,
we stopped in to spend a day with Mrs. Troop.
We had a blast!
Here is a pic of us (note, it was a very windy day)
taken by her oldest daughter
(thank you very much, you did a great job)
with a cameo of her oldest son.

Here are the kids on the trampoline.
I think they are playing
"all the small kids sit down while the
two oldest bounce everyone around."
My kids were so thrilled that I think we
might just skip Disney World
and get them a trampoline
I think it would cost less!

Here are the kids posing.
Those are my kids, her kids and then
several of their cousins.

Lots of kids.

Here are the kids taking Champ for a walk.
My daughter would have taken him home had
she the chance!

And here is my youngest girl with Mrs. Troop's youngest girl.
They really had the best time!





I left wanting a big lot in Texas with lots of trees,
a dog, a trampoline, and 5 more kids!

Thanks for a great play date Mrs. Troop and troops!