Holidays on the road!

Last Saturday, March 9th, Mark and I celebrated being married for 11 years. 
Mark and our drummer Jarrod took turns driving for most of the day as we were on our way to Texas for tour. Some might wonder if I felt disappointed that most of our anniversary was spent driving with his band, which isn't super romantic. But you see, we have spent many, many holidays apart since Mark started touring. 
I am so grateful for the new plan God has in store for me so far this year! Instead of waking up in a cold winter bed, to a "happy anniversary" text and picture from my husband, I woke up to his smiling face and I got to snuggle up against his warm chest and kiss him good morning, stinky breath and all. 
That is enough to me. Just being with him, being a part of the exhilarating tour lifestyle is enough for me.
But that wasn't all it was. See, there is something I didn't know about tour until I experienced it. People are so welcoming, strangers are so generous; The world becomes your family when you are on tour. It seems God has many helpers along the way.
Around 9 pm Saturday night, we got into Flower Mound, Texas which is our bass player/back up singer Davey's home town. Davey's father and wife were waiting up and so gracious to our rowdy group of men and children and one very tired baby. They welcomed us into their home and invited us to make ourselves at home, and offered their showers and laundry areas for our disposal, as well as warm beds. 
Davey's mother had been waiting to take us all out to dinner. She met us with gifts for my boys whom she's never met and warm hugs all around. She also drove me and my tired, screaming baby around and pretended the noise didn't bother her, which I was so grateful for.
We all ate at this delicious authentic Tex-Mex restaurant. Someone tipped off the waiter that it was Mark and I's anniversary so we ended up with a delicious dessert and best wishes extended. At the end of the meal, our check disappeared. It was the best anniversary I've had in a long time. 

Today is Johnny's first birthday. If I were home, we would plan a big birthday with my family, with presents, games, and of course a big cake for Johnny to smash.
But if we were home, we would not be with Daddy.
Which would be more important to you?
For me it is no question. I want to celebrate the birth of my children, with the person whose love mixed with mine to bring them to life. I'd rather have less of stuff and more of the love.

So far, we woke up together as family and first thing the brothers jumped into our bed to rejoice in Johnny's change from baby to toddler. Topher was especially excited but also a little sad we don't have a baby anymore. I agreed with him, but asked him to please not pray for a new baby just yet (THAT is how Johnny got here in the first place, well... sort of) 
Even though Daddy was up late driving last night and was very tired, it worked out. He was ready for a nap when Johnny was, so Daddy and Johnny got to have their morning nap together, which is something 1 year old toddlers really love. 

One year ago, Johnny was born and "Uh, Oh" got added to Mix 105.1 radio. Today, Junior Doctor is visiting Corpus Christi, Texas to promote "Falling to Pieces". I'm curious to see if our little good luck charm works again. 

I was satisfied with just being together for our anniversary; however, God had even better plans for me. 
I'm satisfied with just being together as family, surrounding Johnny with our love as celebration for his first birthday, but we'll see what God has in store. He sure is full of surprises. I mean, originally I expected  to be spending this birthday apart, yet here we are. 
Thank you Jesus.

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in him.”
          (Lamentations 3:22-24 ESV)