Ever heard the old saying, “Two heads are better than one?”  Apparently whoever started that saying must have met these two!!

As we’ve had the joy of pausing on this Rescuing Ruby Miracle Tour to hang around the old homestead and visit with family and friends, I could hardly wait to spend time with my cousins.   It is always a highlight of our trip.  It has been three years since we were East…and the time together is so beautiful.

Talking, laughing, sharing hearts…just the simple things…which really turn out to be the big things.    

Hard working farmers.  Steadfast Christ-followers.  Earnest prayer warriors.  My cousin was telling me last night about all the time that driving the tractor affords the opportunity to pray.  I shared my longed-for requests.  I know she’s got my back and will be contending for these serious needs.  Oh how grateful I am for her and her husband, Oak.  Open spaces.  Acres of crops.  Big old gorgeous barns.  Beautiful farmhouse.  Sweet traditions.  Such fun – Ruby and my cousin BillieIrene became fast buds.  They “talked and talked.” And Ruby let Billie rub her leg for forever, which Ruby rarely likes anyone to do.  Obviously, Ruby loves her very much – just like her mommy does.  It was so precious for me to watch.  And every time I pulled Ruby’s shirt down to cover her belly, she pulled it right back up. Apparently Ruby thinks the midriff look was rather chic last night.  It made me laugh.  She was not into having it down.  At all. Of course, with such a cute little belly – why not??And when I asked Ruby to smile for the camera, she did this. I’m not sure if it was from the flash or she was being funny.  But it sure made me laugh either way.  The picture below, inspired by Emma when she was with us, makes us all laugh.  We pray that one day Emmy and her family will be with us again on the farm.  

These ladies are such a place of refreshment for my soul.  The memories we’ve made over the years are some of my all-time favorites ever.  And throughout the year, when I hear of the stuff they’re doing, my eyes often well with tears, always wishing that we were around the corner.  Memories.  Sweet, sweet memories.  Grateful.  Always, always grateful for each of them.  Almost already have started counting down the days till next time.