I love this place, even though it was cold this morning and it is June. As much as I do not necessarily want to make this my home permanently, let it be known that I do love it here.
However, I spent 4 glorious days in Texas and Beavers Bend, Oklahoma and it was over 90 degrees and nice and humid the whole time. While Forrest would have melted, I very literally reveled in the heat. It was simply heaven for my body which has been dried out and heat starved for TEN MONTHS! That is correct, the last time it was hot…I mean really hot here was last August.
It was just me and the girls in a cabin in Beavers Bend. The drive to Beavers Bend actually reminded me of Atlanta. It is gorgeous and green with long stretches of trees and beautiful sky. God truly did bless the south, I’m not going to lie. Forrest always tells me that Texas doesn’t count as “the South” and I know that it’s not the Georgia south; but let’s be honest, when you look at a map of the United States, where is Texas and Oklahoma on the map? Exactly. I like Texas because it is hot and people speak slowly and with accents. Everyone smiles at you and waves like they know you and boys refer to you as “ma’am” and “miss” and treat you like a lady. What a place.
On Wednesday, Forrest and I were able to meet Madelyn Enger for the first time. I cannot tell you what a beautiful moment it was seeing Rachell there holding her baby. I cannot tell you what a beautiful moment it was when she let me hold her baby. I wish all of you had been there, but I’m glad all of you were not because Forrest and I got to be selfish and have the Engers all to ourselves. Rachell, you are my rock and that baby is lucky to belong to you and Tim.
One last thought: I have been thinking a lot about all of my siblings (including their spouses of course) and am just amazed. Take a look at us:
Roberts: Logan, Paula, Nathan, Lindsay, Ben, Ryanne, Forrest, Elin, Russell
Engers: Tim, Rachell
Jensons: Layne, Ian, Laurel, Seth
Tylers: Delys, John
4 Mothers
4 Fathers
9 College Graduates
5 Soon to be College Graduates
3 Individuals accepted into Graduate School (2 law schools, 1 medical school)
3 Certified Teachers
4 fluent Spanish Speakers
2 fluent Portuguese Speakers
7 Return Missionaries
1 Missionary bound for Milan
2 Scout Leaders
3 Eagle Scouts (There may be more—I only know of the 3 Jenson boys)
2 Soon-to-be expert fishermen
5 High School Football Stars
1 Orthopedic Surgeon- Need I say more? I don’t know why but he is so impressive to me because school and work never ends for this guy! He works so hard and yet is so generous with his time and with what he has.
1 Owner of photography business/craft blogger/Interior Designer/ winner of “She can do anything” in Elin’s book
1 Recently promoted employee/author of a book-length manuscript that is soon to be published/reigning six degrees of Kevin Bacon champion/ Experienced Gardener/House Remodeler
1 Owner of an Arborist Business/Champion Cycler/big muscles/Outdoorsman
1 Prom King/Skilled Vocalist/High School Musical Superstar
1 almost certified nurse/playwright and actress who recently returned from Ghana/Pianist/Vocalist/ Cake decorator Extraordinaire
1 Skilled Musician (sings, plays the piano, plays the guitar and about any other instrument you give him)/plays the expert levels on Rock Band and Guitar Hero/Dancer/Winner of “Crazy Talented” in Elin’s book
1 Computer Genius/Cultured, well-read in everything, and knows way too much about art, books, music, history, etc./Winner of “Most Enjoyable to be Around” in Elin’s book
1 Best husband in the world/Geologist in training/Valevictorian/Experienced Gardener/Layer Carpet and Tile
1 Gun connoisseur/Eternal student of American History and Economics/When I met Forrest, this guy was his hero
1 Expert organizer/Half-Marathon runner/Avid reader/Winner of “Best-dressed person I know” in Elin’s book
1 Gourmet chef/Talent & Beauty Pageant Queen/History Buff/Interior Designer/pianist/vocalist
1 Expert quilter/Adventurer/Hearts Champion/ Winner of “Life of every party or gathering” in Elin’s book
1 Dancer/Adventurer/Half-Marathon Runner/Health Nut who eats lots of ice cream & frozen yogurt/Soprano/Winner of “Most amazing hair I have ever seen” in Elin’s book.
1 Businessman/lucky charm/gets hired for every job he interviews for/winner of the “Greatest Male Smile” in Elin’s book (I can’t pick my husband because he already won for best husband….)
And these are just some of the somewhat measurable qualities.....
