Over the River and Through the Woods....

I am so blessed to have wonderful memories with my grandparents. Every time we loaded up the car and drove through the mountains for a visit, I always felt a little carsick and tremendous excitement. The combination of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins meant fun. And even today, a huge source of entertainment for my family, are the stories we relieve from those times spent together. Christmas, Easter, and Birthday's were better because we were always with people who loved us so much. This week Georgia and I packed up and went to visit my parents so that we could take our newest additions to meet their great-grandparents. It was a long haul. Two adults, five children, 32 episodes of Elmo, and one speeding ticket later, we had completed the trip- and it was completely worth it. Driving through the mountains, this time with five carseats along with us, I still felt a little carsick, but tremendously happy for the opportunity to hug their necks and make a few more memories. And after spending the day with them, I'm left feeling a little nostalgic. Here are a few of the favorite memories and qualities about each of them I want never to forget.

Pa Goodman is larger than life. He laughs big, he hugs big, he cooks big, he talks big, and he loves big. When he is singing in church, his voice can be heard over the choir and congregation combined. I love that he took us to the Rodeo every year on the fourth of July. He tried to give my girly-girl sisters and I a taste of farm life. Whether riding horses or gathering chicken eggs, he always got a laugh as he watched us hold our noses on the way to the barn. He knows how make a great big mess and a great big meal-the man can cook. All of my Christmas memories involve him putting food on plate because I need to, "Try a bite of this." He keeps you on your toes, because you never know when he might offer you some very straight forward advice. And he has some great stories- some whopper stories. He loves Jesus, his church, his wife, and his family and he always makes sure you know it.

Granny Goodman makes me smile. She is mannerly, polite, and believes their is a proper way to do things- but she is also down to earth, never prissy, and married to my grandfather, who she often elbows when he opens his mouth. She is a woman after my own heart when it comes to clothing and I truly believe my love of fashion began with her. She always made sure her grand daughters had the most beautiful dresses and I vividly remember twirling around her living room in full skirts. At Christmas she has an entire room of the house devoted to candies and sweets. I could never count how many chocolate covered raisins I've consumed each December. She has the gift of hospitality. She will make your favorite meal every time you come to see and would die before she sent you home without leftovers to enjoy the next day. I have dreams about her fried chicken. Her house is immaculate. I mean clean. She reminds me it is a great virtue to take pride in your home and make it comfortable and pleasant for all who enter. She is incredibly humble, kind, and someone who always had gum and mints in her purse to share.

Pa Robertson is a servant leader, quiet- reserved. It isn't his words that will motivate you to act, but his example that you feel inspired to follow. I loved to watch him teach his Sunday School class when we would visit Temple Baptist Church with them on Sunday mornings. I have so many memories of his bible being out. He knew the power that comes in knowing God's word. If I close my eyes, I can vividly see him sitting in front of the Christmas tree, reading from Matthew the birth story of Jesus before we opened a single present. He could build a mean tree house and didn't mind letting you ride around with your cousins on his riding lawn mower. He treated us to Silver Dollar City and the Passion Play in the summer. He is incredibly generous, meticulous, and smart. He has a dignity about him that is rare and wonderful.

Mima makes me laugh. And when I hear her laugh, it only makes me laugh more. She has a spunk about her that keeps her youthful and fun. The first thing you did when you walked into her kitchen was head straight for the drawer with the jar of homemade cookies. I have unscrewed that blue jar lid more times than I care to ever know. I love how she would always indulge my sister and I by reading one more book, before we went to sleep. She was a wonderful "Fashion Show"audience as we paraded about her in our costumes. She knew how to shop till you drop, and was brave enough to spend Saturday afternoons with us at the mall. Conversation was an art for her- I have been apart of many great discussions around her table. And my gift of words must of been inherited straight from her genes. She has a natural warmth and sincerity that people are drawn too- and she makes the best taco salad around.

I know it is a blessing to have my grandparents be such an influential part of my life. I know it is a blessing that my children will experience the same blessing.

Beaux already loves Dr. Pepper as much as her Nana.