I can hardly believe that, as of Saturday, we’ve lived in Texas for four years. It truly seems like yesterday that we were packing boxes and babies (still in diapers) and heading out into a future that was clear as mud.

Avery & Piper in 2006

It was a time in our lives that I can look back on now and smile. We were stuck in a rut that was beginning to consume us, trying desperately to break loose, but hitting major obstacles at every turn. Moving to Houston, we knew, would either kill us or make us thrive. Thankfully, it has been wonderful.

Texas has not felt the economic crunch that so many other states have. Our educational system isn’t facing the deep cuts that are prevelant nationwide. And, we’ve been blessed to have surrounded ourselves with people that have given us wise advice so that we’ve made smart decisions that are now working to the benefit of our family.

People always seem to ask if we’ll ever move back to Tennessee. I can honestly answer “no”. Our times there were wonderful & we have such fond memories, but Texas is our home now. It feels right to us … We love it.

Avery & Piper in 2010

Our children have lived more years as Texans than as “Volunteers”. They were potty-trained here, started school here, and have no memories of living elsewhere. That still seems so weird to me. Time really does fly!

There’s a bumper sticker that says “I wasn’t born in Texas, but I got here as soon as I could.” I agree 100%.

God bless, Texas. Thank you for being so good to us!!! Here’s to many more years, memories, & good fortunes!