Texas Reflections

This is our fourth summer in Texas, and most likely our last. I've been reflecting over the last week about my thoughts on life here in Texas.

1. The summers are too stinkin' hot! We are grateful to have so many pools nearby because it's about the only thing we can do outside after 8 am.

2. We love how beautiful it is here. Before we moved to Dallas we were sure we were coming to the desert. It's really quite green here (when it's not August) and the vegetation is very pretty. We love that there is a canal with a walkway just down the street from us. Madeline and I walk/run down there just about every morning to feed the ducks, turtles, and fish. This is one of the things I will miss the most when we leave.

Looking into the water from the bridge that we feed the animals from

3. We have been extremely blessed to have such a great support system here. Through the church there have been many people who have had our family in their stewardship. We have had the most giving, caring, helpful home teachers, visiting teachers, Elders Quorum Presidents, Relief Society President, and Bishop. We have also made many wonderful friends here in Texas. These people have taken the place of our family, as much as is possible. We wil always remember them and their service to us. Hopefully we can "pay it forward" to those who may be in need of our help in the future.

4. Our time in Texas has been a great learning experience for us. But, we miss our family. There is no true substitute for family. Over the last couple of weeks I have been really thinking that we need to settle down by at least one member of our family. We'll see what the future brings, but that's my goal for now.