Now I don’t want to rub it in, and I wouldn’t want to drive my readers to jealousy but I must tell you of some of the most wonderful people we’ve been spending time with this week. We have been blessed with some precious friends and I know we share them with some of you so let me share who we’ve seen.

Sunday night we arrived in Springdale, AR. We are here on business; Kurt’s company has sent him to a school here in town. It just so happens Springdale is the home of our beloved Rubios so Joshua and I tagged a long for the trip.

We didn’t get to see Josue, JoAnna, Aaron, Felicity and Mama Tony till Monday night but the wait was well worth it! The kids are growing so much, Felicity is absolutely beautiful and it was great to meet Josue’s mother. We spent a few hours at their house and tore ourselves away late so they could get some sleep and we could get back to our hotel.

Now, for those of you who haven’t gotten to know this precious family you have missed out hugely! Josue and Joanna Rubio have made a tremendous impact on Kurt and my lives as well as on our children’s. Teaching us through example they have demonstrated great faith, integrity, generosity and love. There devotion to Christ is apparent in their every word. Knowing Josue and JoAnna has inspired me to strive at being a better mother, wife, daughter, friend and child of God. They are truly some of the dearest friends we have and we are so proud to call them family.

Tuesday evening Joanna and I took the kids to “a Very Veggie Christmas Live“
The kids had so much fun! It was a fabulous show! During one song Felicity was so touched by the beautiful music there were tears in her eyes! She told her mommy “That was so beautiful it made my tears fall!”

Wednesday Joshua and I took a trip to the mall and Joshua met many friendly folk. He was so excited to meet Santa. He told me he knew the guy wasn’t really Santa Claus but he looked really Really friendly and he was giving away candy canes so we stopped to say hello.

After Kurt got off work we buckled up and headed towards Carthage. We had a fabulous dinner at El Charro but better than the fine food was the fellowship with fabulous friends. We were so blessed to spend the evening with Pastor Jerry and Twanda Davis along with Nicole and Stan. After dinner we went with them to the “Full Faith Church of Carthage”. Joshua went to youth with Stan and Nicole (otherwise known as the beautiful girl in the blue sweater). Kurt and I joined the adults in watching the last video in John Bevere’s Driven by Eternity series, this worked out quite well as our small group just got done with the same book. After it was over and it was time to go home Joshua was not too excited about leaving. He was pretty sure he was supposed to be spending the night at Jerry and Twanda’s and I think he would have gladly moved in permanently with Nicole and Stan. The only thing that consoled his not getting to live with them was the fact that if he stayed in Carthage he wouldn’t get to see Josue again today.

Now to describe what the Davis family has meant to us is quite difficult. When they moved to Texas in 92 to pastor our church they also moved into to our hearts as part of our family. Nicole and I grew up together in youth group and Jerry and Twanda were there for most every major event my life. They attended my High School Graduation and Pastor Jerry married Kurt and I as well as Amy and Joel and Julie and Chad. He also was there when Mom and Dad renewed their vows on their 25th anniversary. He was there for each child’s birth and dedication. In fact Jerry and Twanda were both there for a good portion of my prolonged labor with Kaleb and they prayed during our emergency caesarean. When Charleigh was first taken to the NICU in Amarillo they passed as grandparents and got to sneak in for a look days before I would get to see her. Twanda taught my kids many beloved songs each Wednesday night in Sonlight and Pastor Jerry was the one to baptize Kaleb.

Besides all the events we’ve shared most of all this family has been an example of love and grace. While I have to admit right now I don’t remember any of Pastor Jerry’s sermons I do remember how he has always ministered with love and compassion. He is a man of humility and wisdom; a true pastor. We sure have missed him!

Oh, another great thing Jerry Davis did was introduce us to the Rubios. . . and I already told you how much we love the Rubios.
Speaking of them, tonight we have planned another evening at the Rubios. I can’t wait to see them again, I do wish Kaleb and Charleigh were here too. Aaron and Felicity have really missed seeing them.

Joshua has really been missing his “Kids” too. While we’re having a great time I’m anxious to get home to the rest of my family. I’m also a bit nervous that Sarah might have Eva before I get home. Hold on Eva, I’ll be there Saturday. Oh, and Janae give your girls a hug from me, I miss them too.