Monday, March 1, 2010

So Extremely Blessed


(l to r: Suzie, Shannon, Janet, Kris, Mom, Stef, Marsha and Karen)

Just anticipating writing this post has gotten me a little emotional. I just can't figure out how I got so lucky... so blessed.

One week ago I got back from spending 4 days with some of my favorite people in the entire world. Somehow it just all came together for me and my 5 sisters, 1 sister-in-law and my cute mommy to be able to get together in Texas for several days. We live in 6 different states so we don't get to see each other as often as we would like (sniff, sniff). It was all a bit spontaneous a unplanned, but somehow we were just all available this particular week.

Here are some of the reasons I'm feeling extremely blessed

*Everyone was able to come
*Everyone was able to afford plane tickets
*We all have exceptionally supportive husbands who took over "Mom" duties while we were gone
*There is no one among us that we have to "walk on eggshells" around
*I feel supported and loved by all these lovely people. I don't have to be anyone but me
*There are no hard feelings among us

*Everyone is positive and happy
*We are all in general good health
*We got to see downtown Austin, eat at good restaurants, and stroll leisurely around the river

*We got to talk and talk and talk some more
*We all have testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ
*Playing the Wii with Noah and Austin

*Watching the Olympics
*Even though I got a cold (and laryngitis) I didn't have to miss out on any of the festivities
*I didn't get anyone else sick
*Talking and talking and talking... til 2 in the morning every night
*Steve T. was a great sport and let us rough up his house and take over his bathrooms
*We ate yummy ribs and tortellini salad, lasagne and taco salad
*Running with Janet (shortly before I got sick)
*Putting Noah and Austin to bed (I read a counting book, and Captain Underpants to them and sang some songs. I felt honored that out of all the cool aunts there, they chose me)
*Ate the yummiest donut of my life at Gordough's (when can I go back?)
*Being there for Emily's 9th birthday
*Eating lunch with Noah at School
*Ate super good Shrimp Tacos at Chuy's
*Flying with Mom (much funner than flying alone)
*Did I mention all the talking we did? Listening from the other room sounded totally chaotic - but we wouldn't have had it any other way - Steve is a Saint
*Laying in bed one morning listening to everyone talk in the kitchen. I could hear and recognize everyone's voices, it was so dear to me.
*Perfect weather
*Helped in keeping Austin Weird
Maybe this will never be possible again - I hope that's not the case, but you never know. So for now I just revel in being so extremely blessed to have had this experience. I love you all my family!

There's now a joke in the family going around about "The Brother-in-Law" get together. Can you imagine? If it ever happened you can bet it will be a lot more expensive than the girl's trip

Our Hosts -- The Theriaults

And since I know you are dying to know...
Here are my top 3 favorite photos of the trip! (no explanation needed)
#3

#2

My #1 favorite picture of the trip!

11 comments:

Shannon B said...

AHHH....I love it! I love to hear everyone different perspective on it (even though we all had the same experience). SOOOOO fun to see what you have to say and see your funny pics! My all time fav pic is that one of mom eating the donut! HAHA. I laugh soo hard when I see it! We ARE so blessed AREN'T we!??

Joe and Julie said...

Let me tell you. "I" am the one who is so blessed. So glad you all were able to get together.
DAD

Kristen said...

AMEN TO IT ALL!!!!

Lindseys said...

Love this Stef. Really, it's just how I felt. Thanks for taking the time to write it all down.

Mom's donut picture is the best!

Marsha

Joe and Julie said...

Shan, now I can see where Landon gets his funny face. I love you.
Mom

Janet said...

LOVE THIS POST! Thanks all for coming... i was talking about our weekend today to one of my friends and they were asking if it stressed me out to have everyone here... i could honestly say NO WAY!!! for all those reasons you mentioned in your post!... i enjoyed every minute of it and would have everyone back in a heartbeat. thanks all for coming!

Annette said...

I bet it was so nice to get together without husbands and kids for the most part. You'll have to rotate who's house you stay at every year. Stef, you really are blessed! I knew you had a lot of sisters, but looking at that first picture made me a little jealous. To have all those sisters and friends who, like you said, love you unconditionally, wow! I think I need a retreat with my 1 sister and 4 sister-in-laws now.

Angie Lucas said...

What a beautiful family you have! That is a true blessing. :-)

Jonathon and Sarah said...

I have just loved reading all of your experiences/thoughts on facebook and blogs. It sounds like you (all of you) had an amazing experience. As my siblings are getting older, I realize how hard it is to get everyone together. It really makes those times extra special. Those AMAZING looking donuts don't hurt either!

Audrey Pettit said...

You are truly lucky indeed! I'm so happy for you that you had this time with your family.

Christie said...

This post makes me wish I had sisters. Sounds like a lovely time.