6 Gifts Texas Gave Me…
I just returned from spending two nights in Dallas, Texas, last week for Blissdom. It was a last minute, whirlwind trip that came with too many perks to list, but here some of the gifts Texas gave me while I was away…
1. An opportunity to catch up with one of my favorite quad mamas on the planet.
Suz and I go back to when my quadruplets were around 3 months old, and she was on bedrest. I’m so thankful for God placing her in my life during such an important time, and the ability to keep in touch even when miles and the busyness of life make it challenging. There is no one who gets you like a fellow quad mama.
2. A taste of spring.
It’s been a LONG winter in Indiana. Nothing like 9 inches of snow to ring in the new season! I could have cried over the blooming trees, the warmer temps, and the glimpse of new life in Texas that will eventually come north!
3. Brilliant minds and inspiring hearts.
If blogging conferences were only about PowerPoint presentations and swag bags, I would come home empty. Instead, it’s the heartfelt connections with people like Jill, Mary, Lisa, Heather, Cris, Casey, Abby, Stephanie, Tricia, Alli, Barbara, Mandy, Tonya, Ang, Danielle, Ashleigh (I could go on…) that fill me with inspiration and gratitude.
4. A greater passion to do good in this world.
I nearly finished Jen Hatmaker’s Interrupted during my flights, which stirred me up all the more. I was a guest of BlissDom Events who invited me to participate in a round table discussion with their partner Johnson & Johnson to discuss the Global Mom Relay{Share a post and unlock a $5 donation from Johnson & Johnson and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to one of these four efforts helping women and children: Girl Up, Clean Cookstoves, MAMA, and Shot@Life}. And before I left for the airport, I was able to chat with Shaun Groves about my heart for Compassion International and how they continue to impact our family. More to come on how God is working in my heart…
5. The opportunity to connect with some amazing sponsors.
It means so much when sponsors believe in our voices, and there were plenty that did just that at Blissdom! Since my bliss was shortened, I wasn’t able to connect to all of the amazing sponsors, but I able to chat with Duck Tape, Carnival, GoGoSqueeze, Johnson & Johnson, AT&T, Famous Footwear, One2One Network, Stitch Fix, and Soybu. Thank you for your genuine investment in our community!
6. A love for returning home.
As much as I loved Texas and all of the Southern hospitality of the Gaylord Texan, there isn’t a better feeling in the world than stepping into the terminal and into five boys’ arms. I’m so thankful for where God has called me, and these lives that surround me each day.
I’m so SO glad I got to see you and hang out with you and hug you!!! Of course it wasn’t enough, but some Jen is WAY better than no Jen. 🙂 Love you!!
Mary, my thoughts exactly…just with the names switched and not as eloquent, of course.
PS We didn’t do TexMex in TEXAS.
So glad we were able to do dinner. I seem to get to know Hoosiers best while in other states 😉
Isn’t that hilarious? Oh well, so glad we made it happen even states away! Loved getting to know you better, Cris.
I am so glad the great State of Texas treated you well…..I read the Steece’s, McNulty’s and your posts through the Goerlich site – so loved it that you and Suz got together!!!
Did you get to see any bluebonnets yet??? Happy Spring – and wishing you and yours a blessed Easter!!
Debbie, I love hearing from you and glad you found us a while back! I spotted a few bluebonnets at the Gaylord but I bet things will be covered soon, right? Happy Easter to you and yours!
I’m working my way through your list of Blissdom Budettes. I’d love to attend Blissdom someday.
The title of your post caught my eye, as we lived in Texas for eight years. The two best things I gotten out of Texas are my DS2 and DD (now 14 and 10). DD was preemie (32 weeks, 3 lbs .4 oz, 13.5″) Now she’s torn between being a paleontologist or a clockmaker. As the kids’ Mamaw (great-grandmother) says, DS2 “don’t care which way the wind blows”.
Sounds like Texas gave you some terrific gifts along the way! I’m sure you would love Blissdom too!
I adore you and am so happy we had a few minutes – wish it was more. So glad the time you had at Blissdom was GOOD! xoxo
Oh Friend, YOU were a highlight. I always feel like I gain something valuable from our conversations, and I’m so thankful for our ongoing friendship. Wishing I wouldn’t have missed your keynote, but looking forward to taking it in when it’s posted.
I’m jealous! But so glad you had a good time. And I love Shaun Groves, and of course, my Compassion International! 🙂
I knew you would love that part! So thankful for Compassion and how it touches our family and another’s across the world. So glad we have this in common too!
I loved getting to meet you during Lisa Leonard’s session. Quad moms inspire me– especially one with all boys!
Linsdsey, I’m so glad we connected as well! Let’s keep in touch from here..sound good?
Oh yes! For sure!
LOVED getting to hug on that neck of yours sweet friend! come back to texas soon!!!!
I only wish I could have spent more time with you, Suz! We will have to just come back and make up for it. So good to see your sweet self in person. Thank you for being my taxi and spending your day with me! Hope your man-voice is gone! xo
‘Ya’ll come back now – ya hear?’
Would LOVE to come back…next time with my boys in tow! Love you, Sweet Lady!
That sounds like a fun trip. I will have to try a blogging conference some day (maybe when our little ones get a bit bigger).
I’m sure you’d love it! Although you definitely have to work to make it to be what you want it to be…go out of your way to meet people, connect, grow, etc. Hope you can experience it one day soon!
It was so nice to meet you at Blissdom! I hope you like your Soybu goody and that it blesses you to wear something comfy and cozy!
Rachel, the Soybu dress is incredibly soft and comfy! Love how versatile it is – thank you sooooo much for loving on us at the conference. Y’all were awesome, and I look forward to keeping in contact from here out!
I’m still bummed you had to leave early. I just loving seeing your face SO much.
You know how warm that makes me feel? It’s always great to spend time with you, Lovely. Let’s do it again soon…and I’d love for you to shoot my kids again this spring if you would be so obliged???
I loved getting to see you! I caught one photo of you in the coffee shop. Wish I had more time to talk! 🙂 Hope to see you again somewhere else soon! Let me know where you’ll be conferencing!