Summer2026 Trip#1 Washington DC

Roses are red, skies are blue, summer in Texas is hot, but that's nothing new....

The month of May has flown by so quickly. Thought I'd better post an update. For those that are interested in the outcome of the Big Ask, more funds are trickling in. Thank you so much! We are at $29,000 now, need $13,000 more. It's been such a cool journey. Praying. Stepping back. Letting God handle it. I've had 3 current clients ask me if I can do more work for them, plus a couple of referral calls for new work. I'm not advertising for more work. It is just coming my way. From the God who sees. Beyond that, the Lord is providing in smaller increments. I like this, because it keeps me praying. If you're compelled to give to Keaton's 529 college savings plan, here is the link to instructions: Keaton's 529 savings

13 years ago this month, my husband was a few months post op from his bowel surgery. He had started drinking a ton of vegetable juice, taking stock of his life, reluctantly began chemotherapy, while simultaneously taking in vitamin therapy prescribed by the naturopath. He felt pretty amazing on his 48th birthday (we went bowling - - SEE THAT POST HERE.) And then began his speedy journey to be with the Father in September of that year, 2013. My sweet sister-in-law reminded us this week, he would have been 61 a couple of days ago. My marriage to Eric seemed very brief compared to the marriages of my friends and my father. But I do still miss him. Faintly. Sweetly. I think that my kids truly missed out, but I know that has brought the 3 of us closer together into our little tribe. Now that Keaton will be moving to Nashville in the Fall, and my dad will probably be moving in with us, the tribe will change a little. So this summer, I feel very nostalgic and aware that the travel we do may be some of the last trips we might be able to take together.

This month, Cole and I were able to go to Washington D.C. with the Evans Family. (Keaton stayed home and manned the fort, watered the yard, and cared for the pets.) Cole and I had an amazing time. We even got to spend one evening with Uncle David, Aunt Cindy and cousin Jacob, as he lives in the D.C. area and was graduating with his MBA from Georgetown the same weekend we happened to be there. We walked and walked and walked when we weren't riding, riding, riding the Metro. Stayed in Alexandria and rode the Metro into D.C. each day for museums and monuments. Great fun. Great memories. The first day we just made our way from the airport to the AirBnB and settled in. Then....

Day Two:

We toured the Museum of the Bible and the International Spy Museum. The Museum of the Bible was very interesting, lots of artifacts. As Riley poignantly remarked, "It's way harder to NOT believe all of this is true." The Spy Museum was kinda fun. You take on a secret identity and make your way through the museum completing portions of your mission. Truth is, for me the best part of the Spy Museum was how they marked the floor with percentage of completion. I am really interested in the CIA and spies and read a lot of spy novels. But I was so tired by that point in the day, I probably rushed through just so I could sit down.

at the Museum of the Bible

a guy in period garb explains the Gutenberg Press

Day Three:

We were going to hit the National Archives on the 2nd day, but apparently every school group in the D.C. area also had the same idea. They were lined up around the block with more kids coming as we stood there deliberating about our next move. Do we wait in this humongous line? Or go to the next thing on our list? We opted to move on to the Smithsonian American History museum and come back to the Archives later.

fountain right near Metro stop for Archives (Archives building in the background)

From M.A.S.H. tv show

Cole and Riley (with C3PO & R2D2)

Derek appears to give his own narration at one of the exhibits- haha!

At this point in the day, I got a call from my nephew, Jacob. So the Evans headed to the Archives and Cole and I met up with David, Cindy & Jacob at the Air & Space museum. Then we went to dinner in Alexandria at a spot Jake recommended. It was yummy! And I know it's random, but the plates were very pretty!

 Cole & Mom with Capitol Building in the background.

Cole, Cindy, Dave & Jake at Air & Space

Jake sprang for an Uber

See? aren't the restaurant plates beautiful?

Jacob at graduation

Day Four:

Monuments. We walked all the way around the National Mall and saw all the monuments. Took the Metro across town to the Library of Congress, where 5 of the group got library cards, then walked right past the Supreme Court building and all the way around the Capital Building and then back to Alexandria via the Metro. By the end of the day, we'd walked over 23,000 steps. (Whew!)

Jefferson Memorial was being restored

FDR Memorial was a series of water features

MLK also had several walls with some of his famous quotes

Korean War Memorial

Vietnam Memorial

I should point out, I've been to Washington D.C. before, in high school. But Cole never had. Actually, Ellen and I had been planning a trip to the capital the year of COVID; she'd even rented the AirBnB but had to cancel it because everything was shut down. So this trip has been a long time coming. But probably for the best we were delayed by COVID, as Emily would have been too small to remember it 6 years ago.

Cole in the Metro station

My favorite building the whole trip was the Library of Congress. Not that you can actually see the books, but the architecture and design of the interior was just vast and intricate all at the same time. 

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Ellen, Ethan, Ellicia, Riley, Cole & Ellen got library cards

Supreme Court Building

Capitol Building

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As if we needed proof of our mileage, our feet and backs were so sore from all the walking!

Day Five & Six: Over the weekend, we rested some, but also walked around Alexandria and toured an old tavern & bunkhouse (where George Washington often stayed). The building next door actually had a ballroom where inaugural balls were held. A lot of history in the town of Alexandria. Cole and I also found an ice cream shop, that I went to 2 days in a row! 

Day Seven: Weather showed it was going to be scorching hot this day. Ellicia had the brilliant idea to do indoor museums. We went through Air & Space museum in the morning and the National Art Gallery in the afternoon. As for the Air & Space museum, although it is a very interesting museum, this was my 3rd time through. And as my nephew Jake mentioned, there's the "Boeing Propaganda Wing" - we have been to the Boeing museum in Washington state and seen a lot of airplanes. And we've visited Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral in Florida too. So, sorry. No photos of Air & Space. Honestly, we were super glad to see benches throughout the National Gallery. Took advantage of the air conditioning and the respite. 

That evening, we found our favorite restaurant in the Penn Quarter of D.C. - Matchbox. Everyone got what they wanted to eat, even splurged for dessert, and then we headed back to our AirBnB.

Day Eight: We headed to the Museum of Natural History. But on the way, since we had to walk by the National Archives anyway, Cole and I took our opportunity to see the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and other important documents on display. No lines this day. We literally walked right in, saw what we came to see in 20 minutes and headed off to meet up with the Evans at the Natural History museum. We went home and ate the rest of our leftovers, packed and headed home the next day.

I'm running out of adjectives to describe this trip. It was so nice to spend time with our friends. We've been vacationing with them for a decade. Plus Cole and I have a special memory now as this was the first trip I ever remember taking with just one of the boys. And the bonus of getting to meet up with some of the Neufelds was also amazing. More travel to come this summer. Stay tuned!

After we got home, I spent the rest of the week trying to catch up on work. Then on Memorial Day I grilled out ribs, chicken, burgers and hotdogs. Let's just say I got a little trigger happy in the grocery app on Friday before the holiday. Luckily my brother called me that night and we threw together a family meal for Monday, including my dad. It was great. We enjoyed the food and family and some (not me, still too chilly) even took the first dip in the pool for 2026. So thankful for this month of May 2026 and the many memories we made. (How about that alliteration, y'all?!)

Captain Midgey on the USS Cole

Philippians 1:3-4 "I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy."

Asked and Answer-ing

After I posted the last Big Ask, I had a close friend tell me their "loaves and fish" story when her son decided late in high school he wanted to go to a private Christian college. They too were really not wanting to go into debt. They sought the Lord for guidance and provision and He really came through. I feel that's been happening for us too. Friends and family have donated to Keaton's 529 college savings plan that I opened for him in April. Along with donations, a few of my larger clients have been asking for additional services, thus increasing my revenue base. It all seems to be coming together. A lot of you have been texting/emailing/calling me to ask for an update on the funding. 

So without much ado...thanks to some generous donations, Keaton's first semester at Lipscomb is covered and we are partway to the total goal! I put a link at the top of the blog if you are still inclined to give (if you're looking at this on a mobile device, you may not be able to see that link.) Here's a quick animation Keaton created to link you to the 529 giving website. :)

You can click here: KEATON's 529 COLLEGE SAVINGS.) We think the total will be $41,998 for Year 1. We have received just under $26,000 in donations so far. Thank you!

 

Meanwhile, he received an Outstanding Student Award this week.

And after a false start earlier in the week (he neglected to sign up to participate in the graduation ceremony by the deadline and did not have a cap and gown reserved, but his professor suggested he just show up early and see if they'd let him in anyway...) he WAS able to walk across the stage to receive a diploma on Friday. He's officially graduated with an Associates of Applied Science in Graphic Arts! They split the graduation into 2 ceremonies. His was at 9:30am. So he left the house about 7:00am to get there at 8:00am to convince them he should be in on it. He texted me at 8:27am to let me know he got in! And they had extra caps/gowns. Cole, Grandpa Cook and I were already in route (hoping and praying it would all work out.) He had to sit at the very back but I think it was worth it to have the memory of this pomp and circumstance. We didn't really do a "graduation" ceremony from homeschool high school, so this was nice. Congrats Keaton! 

College Grad

1st Grader

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO OF KEATON'S NAME BEING CALLED

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO OF THE TASSEL FLIP

Both of these events were precious to me (the Momma) because we were able to share it with my family. Watching my Air Force veteran Dad stand up to salute the flag actually brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for your service Pop. While we missed having Keaton's Dad in this moment, I feel certain he'd be proud of his boy. And really, years and years of all of our friends and family pouring into this young man have helped him mature into the fascinating, faithful man of God he is today. (Momma is proud too.)

 

Psalm 136:1 "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever."

A Big Ask

This weekend I drove down south with my dad to visit the Shooks and my brother and his family. This was a first for my dad...first time traveling without his wife who passed away last month. Before we left the house, I told him I wanted to acknowledge that because I am fully aware that this next 12 months will be full of "firsts". 

I also experienced a "first" this weekend. As a native Texan, I know that the bluebonnet is Texas' state flower, but we generally do not see these in our dusty, dry West Texas landscape. However, down near my brother and the Shooks, these flowers are in season and very noticeable in patches and clumps along the highway. Coming back home this weekend, we deliberately traveled down some backroads so I could stop and take pictures to share. Aren't they sweet?

As you know, I try to write in this space about lessons we've learned. Lots and LOTS of lessons! God has done big things in our life so far and I know He has the ability and the will to do much more than we can ask or imagine.

With God's leading, I have worked hard to provide the boys with a firm faith foundation, a peace-filled home and a sense of dependence on the Lord for their security. As evidenced by the pictures and stories I've shared in this space, we have had a ton of fun along the way! I think they've turned into very decent young men. Not because of me, but because of God through me and all of the friends and family who've helped us over the years. 

Today I am again asking for help. In the 15 years I've been writing this blog, I have asked for financial help a few other times. Friends and family helped us pay for Eric's cancer treatments and for two different mission trips to Guatemala for me. Outside of the blog, many donations over the years have helped me survive life as a single parent. It has been a battle some days but a huge blessing too. Is it even possible to call the battles a blessing? I think so. For one thing, like I mentioned at the outset, I am so much more AWARE of the pain in the loss of a loved one and am (hopefully) able to encourage others with that sensitivity. In addition, I've LEARNED so much about my tendency toward pride and self-sufficiency. For most of my life, I thought I could 100% control the direction of life. Not so. That was eye-opening for me. The battles have also TAUGHT me how to overcome my fear of inadequacy and anxiety over the future of my family with thanksgiving and praise. I always want to push the praise back to the Lord for seeing us through.

So I've got another big ask.

Keaton's desire to finish up his college degree in Animation at Lipscomb University in Nashville is very close to becoming a reality. Now we are looking for strategic partners to help him fund this dream. It is admittedly an expensive endeavor. He needs 2-3 years at this school. Even with his generous academic scholarship, it will still cost us about $50,000 per year. I do not have the means to cash flow this alone. I'm hoping someone reading this will feel a nudge from the Holy Spirit to help us in this time of need. 5 people giving $10,000 each. 50 people giving $1,000 each. I really believe God can do this! We have been praying for this exact thing.

So why animation and why THIS particular school? I asked Keaton to put it in his own words:

WHY ANIMATION?

Keaton: "Growing up, I loved watching cartoons and reading comic books. My mom can probably tell you that I was a very easily stimulated and observant child that tended to pick up and imitate what he consumed on tv, meaning it was imperative to both my homeschool parents' sanity that I had a productive outlet. Around a similar time in my early development, I must have gained the motor control to correctly hold a pencil and make that pencil produce a line on paper, and like that, I guess I just kept doing that for 21 years. In a weird sense, coming up with stupid ideas in my head and putting them on paper was something I never pushed to the side only to move onto something else just to pass time. I just always wanted to create.

Throughout my youth I had an on-and-off relationship with my dream to make cartoons, and I had a thought in the back of my mind that I should probably have a more conventional and adult job, like a retail manager or something. Growing up in the Church, I knew I was different from the other kids (as cliche as that sounds). I had interests and talents that weren't conventional in a Church environment, and while I knew the other kids certainly liked me, I felt like something about me was broken. When I eventually gave my life to Christ, I came to realize what having faith in Jesus really meant, and that comparing your own spiritual journey to others will get you nowhere. And as I've gotten older I've learned to trust that God made me the way I am for a reason, and that's when I really started to lock in on pursuing animation. I'm still on a journey of fully understanding what God wants me to use my gifts for, but the big thing I desire to bring to light (that I learned so far) is that everybody has the potential to make something. Whenever anybody tells me they aren't a creative person, I don't believe them. God, the ultimate creator, made man in his own image, so to say that you aren't creative is to deny your own God-given gifts and humanity. Man's relationship with God through creativity and appreciation of good and beautiful things is a type of faith I don't hear talked about much. What I believe I do by doing the things I love and creating art is to be a witness to the miracle of creation, humanity, and art itself. The amount of potential in that idea alone is what gets me going and wanting to create, and that's the big reason why I want to get into animation."

WHY THIS SCHOOL?

Keaton: "This whole school and program were kind of a jackpot of things I was looking for that I knew I would be crazy to pass up on. The notable and talented alumni who have actually been places around the industry in which they are still currently working in, combined with the faith-based environment where I can build community with other talented people who share my goals and values really attracts me to this school in particular. I've been blessed to be able to attend South Plains College and it was certainly a great experience in my personal growth as a person and as a creative. What I'm hoping for is that Lipscomb will be a positive next step in the direction of being able to be a positive witness to God's kingdom."

So, if you feel the urge to assist us, please reach out to me (Lisa) personally. You can send me a private message directly through the section at top right on the blog that looks like this:

We will tally the pledges by April 30th and let the school know the outcome. They have offered to create a portal for giving directly to them but only after we are sure Keaton is going to attend. We're not seeking a go-fund-me type fundraiser here. Instead we really want partners in this who believe in Keaton, and believe in the power of prayer. If you do not feel led to give, can you please pray for us (as I know many of you already do!) And if none of this resonates with you, but you can think of someone else that might be inspired or inclined to help, feel free to pass this on to them.

THANK you!

Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever. Amen!