A New Small Group

About a year and a half ago I registered for GroupLink at Buckhead Church, completely unaware of just how strange of an experience it would be, in the hopes of joining a women's small group.  After possibly the most uncomfortable night of my life, I left feeling unsure of what would come of the group I'd formed with some other women.  We didn't have a leader and none of us knew each other.  Then, after about a month, I was chosen to lead the group.

To be honest, I would have to tell you that the group experience wasn't everything I'd hoped it would be.  Please don't get me wrong, the girls in the group were amazing.  Only when God's in control of forming groups is it possible for 12 20-something women to all get along and genuinely enjoy each other's company.  Am I right?  So the group was made up of some [12] incredible ladies.  As we each shared our stories, we learned that we're all from different places and in various stages of life.  It was great.  We'd meet on Wednesday nights for fellowship, Bible study, and prayer.

I said earlier that this group wasn't everything that'd I'd wished, so let me tell you why.  It wasn't because of the girls in the group, because I can't say enough how wonderful they were.  I truly love each of them and loved getting to have discussions and grow with them.  I think the issue was just the number -- 12.  

12 is a lot of people.  It's almost how many students I teach.  How can you meet for 2 hours, once a week, and have 12 people equally join into a conversation?  How can you grow close to 12 people?  We tried and tried, but it just wasn't working.  Intimacy with 12 people is really difficult.  Vulnerability with 12 people is almost impossible.  So, although I met some wonderful friends in our group of 12, I don't think the group flourished as it should have, and our group ended up dissolving.  

So why do I think I should lead a new group since my last group dissolved?  

Well, for one, God is asking me to do it.  To open our home to a group of women for fellowship.  [Do I need any more reasons after this one?]  If God wants me to do it, I will.  I am trusting that He will lead this group from our very first meeting.  I know that He has great things planned for this group.

When I led my last group, I went into the whole experience blindly.  I was completely unaware that I'd be chosen to lead the group I formed at GroupLink.  This time, though, I made the decision for myself.  So I think from the beginning this time, we'll be off to a better start.  We will set norms and expectations.  I also think that since I've led a group before, I will learn from the past experiences and allow them to help me in the future.  One of those things is not allowing 12 people to form a group.  I have learned that with 12 women, intimacy, trust, and vulnerability are unlikely.  Accountability is easily swept under the rug and it's easy to remain anonymous.

So, that being said, I am excited to begin a new group.  I am eager to make new friends.  Close, real friends.  I am looking forward to having real, intimate conversations, and getting to know the hearts of these women.  

I am praying that God uses this group to grow each of us closer to Him.  To grow in truth. To grow in our faith.  To become better examples of who Christ is.  To sharpen and support each other.  I am praying that this group will bring glory to God, while we are meeting, and as a result of our meeting.

This year I am thankful for...

Everyone on Facebook seems to participate in the 'Days of Thankfulness' or whatever it is called, where each day they post one thing they're thankful for.  Instead of posting each day, I'm compiling my list all into this post.

I am thankful for...
1.  Such a loving, gracious God and for the truth in His word.
2.  My wonderful husband -- he loves me more than I'd ever imagined possible.
3.  My mom, dad, and brothers -- I couldn't have asked for a better family to raise me.
4. The best grandparents on the planet -- they are so inspiring and I hope I'm like them when I grow up.
5. My awesome in-laws -- they are such a blessing to Byron and me in countless ways.
6. My aunts, uncles, and cousins -- they have always been constant, supportive, encouraging, and loving.
7. My friends -- they've shaped who I am, are dependable, and make me laugh like no one else can.
8. My job -- I love my school much [maybe because of the next two on the list!]
9. My friends at work -- they are such a blessing.  I could not make it through the day without them.
10. My students -- they keep me on my toes and make each day enjoyable and interesting.
11. Bridget & Mook -- the two pups that bring joy to each and every day with their wagging tails.
12. The 11 women in my women's small group -- I am so thankful for the new friendships we're building and for how God's working in them.
13. The 4 couples in our married small group -- It is such a blessing to build relationships with couples who have the same love for the Lord.
14. A home -- it's not where we want to stay forever, or even for another 6 months, but it's fulfills the needs we have right now and is a temporary place for Byron, the pups, and I to call home.
15. Laughter -- because it leaves you feeling better than almost anything.  It's something so simple with such a great impact.
16. Wakeboarding -- One of the first things Byron taught me and our favorite way to spend time together.
17. Running -- because nothing makes you feel free-er.
18. Food -- oh, how I love to cook it!
19. Wine -- specifically Prosecco and Cabernet, and how good it is at the end of a long day!
20. Free time -- that allows me time to clean, write, grade, pray, shop, and catch up with good friends.

October in Photos

As summer and our weekends at the lake came to a close, I remember saying, "I'm looking forward to life slowing down and catching my breath."  It seems, though, that I've jinxed myself.  Our weekends are still packed, and our weeks are more busy than before!  I can't believe it's already November!

That being said, here are the highlights of October in pictures:

October began with a teachers-night-out.  Over the river and through the woods, to Luke Bryan we go!

[Quite literally]

Susan, Kelli, and me -- Love these two.

While back in Athens visiting Cal and Ashley, we decided to get festive at the pumpkin patch.  I'd never picked a pumpkin off the vine before!  We loved walking around looking at all of the different pumpkins and sunflowers on the farm.  We decided to paint our pumpkins instead of carving them this year.  It's nice to enjoy the pumpkins through November! 

pumpkins for daaayyyyyyyssss

Maybe one day I will have a garden of sunflowers.

Could there be a more accurate picture of us?

Love this man.
We're holding the pumpkin like that for many reasons:
1. It's heavy.
2. If you hold the pumpkins by the stems, they'll break off.
3. How do you non-awkwardly take a pumpkin pic?
This is NOT a 'I'm preggo!' picture.  

This is my pumpkin -- Byron's was rather disturbing so I'll spare you from that.

Byron and I went on a short hike one weekend (I'll post pictures of that later) and I celebrated Halloween with my kiddos at school wearing our PJs.  Then Friday everyone welcomed November with a Sugar Hangover.  

My goal for November is to slow down amidst the chaos, enjoy it, and give thanks for the blessings that come with a busy schedule.

just like the song goes: make new friends & keep the old

I grew up with an incredible group of friends.  There's no doubt that God strategically placed them in my life.  These girls were who I depended on, laughed with, and knew my secrets.  We spent the weekends together, served on mission trips, and unconditionally loved each other.  We had a strong foundation built on trust, Christ, and similar interests, with countless shared memories.  After graduating from high school, most of us went to different colleges where we began a quest to make new friends.

At Georgia College and after graduating, I quickly learned that all girls are not like my friends from home.  I can't remember ever fighting with the girls from Lilburn.  We never had a falling out.  We didn't have drama.  And although most of us still live near Atlanta, we don't see each other that often, so I need to make some new friends.  Not to replace the 'old' ones, but because you can never have too many friends, right?  And it's just time for that.

 Needless to say, finding good, genuine, Jesus-loving [new] friends proved to be rather tiring. . .which is exactly why I joined small groups.  [I'm doing a women's group and Byron and I are in a newly-married group!]  In a previous post I mentioned just how awkwardly it began, but I am more thankful than ever with the way they've turned out.

Yay for our new friends Adam and Alicyn!

After spending months praying for God to put me in a group, I am certain that He's handpicked these new friends for me.  We've only been meeting in our groups for about 6 weeks and I am already loving the people.  I am excited we are building our friendships with Christ as the foundation and making it a priority to meet each week.

It's neat to think that I've made so many new friends in the past 6 weeks and I already feel like we know each other so well.  I can't wait to see how the friendships evolve and relationships grow as we individually grow closer to God in the process.  

I know that God created us to be relational beings.  Sometimes, especially when you don't know many people where you're living, it's easier and more comfortable to continue to seclude yourself and veer away from and new community of friends.  There is no doubt, though, that with a little courage and God's placement of new people into our lives, great relationships happen.  I couldn't be more thankful.

God works in a public school

Most teachers will be honest and tell you that sometimes we get children in our classes that we wish we could trade.  They're disrespectful and distracting and their parents are unreachable.  They're the students that can change the whole dynamic of a classroom.  They're the children that, by the time the morning announcements come on, put you at your wit's end.  They're the hardest to love. 

Yet, they need your love the most.

Their parents are unreachable because they aren't involved...in or out of school.  The children misbehave because they don't know any other way to get attention -- and positive attention??  That exists?! They talk back and argue with you because they don't know any other way, and shy away when you ask for a hug because they're unfamiliar with affection.

Yet, they need your love the most.

So as a teacher you pray for patience and for God to speak through you because you may not always speak words of love.  Instead of groaning at the sight of them traipsing down the hallway in the morning, you great them with a smile.  Instead of getting angry when correcting that same student for the 500th time, you take a deep breath and repeat your instructions once more.  Instead of sending the child home in with crocodile tears streaming down his face because you've expressed how angry you are with him, you pull them aside, discuss how tomorrow will be better, and wave good-bye to a tear-free 6 year-old.  

And as you consciously love them, things begin to change.

Their pace quickens in the morning as they walk to your classroom and greet you with the most genuine, beautifully crooked-toothed smile you've ever seen.  Their excitement for learning grows and and they begin to follow directions.  Their behavior has improved and before they leave your classroom each day they stop to give you a big, sincere hug.

And as you consciously love them, things begin to change.

You realize that God placed this child in your classroom because that is exactly where He wanted him.  You realize that while this child may not experience any of Christ's love at home, he gets to experience it for 8 hours each day in your classroom.  You realize that even though you haven't spoken a single word about God, you've loved this child as God does.  You realize that this child has changed because of how you've loved him and because of what God's doing through you.

It's funny how sometimes it's the most unexpected students that grow into your heart and impact who you are.  They're the students you were so reluctant to love at first, but you can't seem to get out of your mind once they leave your classroom.  The students you specifically pray for each night.

I always thought it would be too difficult to work in a public school where I wasn't able to talk about Jesus with my students.  And while it is difficult, I think it's pretty incredible how God continues to work and reveal himself in a place where the His name can hardly be spoken.  

so long summer

The end of Summer is always so bittersweet.  Okay, maybe it's a lot more bitter than sweet.  With such a wet June and July, the warm, sunny weather arrived just in time to tease us, and run away for another 8 months.  I hope she returns on time in 2014 and leaves the dreary rain south of the equator.  Luckily, we were finally able to get on the water in August and September before greeting Fall.

The lake is our happy place.

and Brigdet's, too.

Byron landed a new trick this summer -Wake to Wake 180.  Whoop!

I'm not hitting Wake to Wake yet. . . but I am a lot closer! :)

Our good friend, Ralph, doin' his thing.  We love spending our summer weekends with him!

How sweet is Ralph's pup, Georgia?

Bridget and Mookster are completely exhausted and need to rest-up for next Summer.

Byron & I both ended the summer in need of new sunglasses.

So long lake weekends filled with wakeboarding.  Until next year....

As we wave good-bye to Summer it's time to embrace all of the pumpkins, apples, mums, and cool, crisp air. Happy Fall, y'all!

sometimes awkward is good

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:17

I grew up in a community with a wonderful church I was proud to call home.  My best friends and I grew as friends as we grew in our faith.  Our friendships were built on a foundation of worshiping, reading the Bible, and serving together.  I loved my church and the people there.  But as with most things, it no longer is what I need what Byron and I need.   After not really settling anywhere for over a year, Byron and I decided it was time.  Although we aren't in a house and our living situation is still up in the air, we agreed to start actively searching for a church.  We ended up at Buckhead Church, and although we still aren't sure if that's where we want to call home, we felt like God wanted us in small groups.

Let me just explain this process to you.

In August they have this event called GroupLink.  I imagine it's just as awkward, if not more so, than Speed Dating and Sorority Rush combined.  All of the un-grouped women met in the sanctuary and were given time to mingle and meet with girls in their same age groups.  From there you form a group.  You meet all these girls you've never seen before and decide to do a group with them.  Not really knowing anything about them.  Hardly even remembering their names.  It was really uncomfortable.  But I went through it.  Twice.  [once for a women's group and once for a couple's group]

I left after finding my women's group completely overwhelmed and apprehensive -- 100% unsure about the process and 80% positive it was not going to work and I was going to drop out.

"I won't have anything in common with these girls," "They all seem so different than me," "I don't think this is going to work,"  I told Byron.  Still I prayed.  I've been praying for a group for a while -- long before GroupLink or we even stepped inside Buckhead Church.  So I continued talking to God, and did my best to trust that He had some reason for placing me in this group of girls.

We all got together for pizza a few weeks later.  I was nervous before dinner, sure it was going to go terribly.  Man was I wrong.  My nerves were immediately calmed and I left Felini's feeling much more confident in our group.  I've only known them for a month and I already love them.  We meet once a week and I couldn't look forward to it more.  I love learning about them and building our friendships.  I honestly couldn't be more thankful.  I'm excited to see what God does through the girls in our group and within the group itself.

After months of praying for this group to come together, I'm sure that God had it mapped out for it to happen just as it did. In the best timing, when I'm able to commit to this group and in need of friends with the same love for Jesus.  I have a good feeling about this!

first days in first grade

1st day in 1st grade:  I got an apple from a neighboring teacher & thought my Dove message was fitting.

Holy cow, how have we already been in school for 2 weeks?!!  It has been busy and crazy, but great at the same time.  I have a sweet group of 17-first graders and they've already nestled their ways into my heart.

I love, love, love my job.  Although it is exhausting and I leave school most days with swollen, tired feet, but there's nothing else I would want to do, or that I feel God's calling me to do [at least for the time being!].  One thing's for sure, though: if I didn't have the support and encouragement that I have, I wouldn't have the energy to spend my days in a classroom full of kiddos.

I think 'Husbands of Teachers' should be some sort of support group for the sweet men who choose to marry, and stay married to educators!  I mean, let's be honest -- my husband always puts up with me loves me, listens to my crazy stories, cuts lamination...I could go on.  And, thankfully Byron was blessed with a stronger immune system than I was, so I don't always share the germs with him that the children generously give me!

There is no doubt in my mind that the Lord intentionally placed me in first grade with an incredible team of teachers.  My head would've spun off into another galaxy by now if I didn't have these women, and after only a few weeks of working together I already feel like there are no words I could speak or write to express how much I appreciate all they've done for me.

Work hard and cheerfully in all that you do as though working for the Lord.

Colossians 3:23

I know it's going to be a great year, especially with the amazing people God's placed in my life.  It's truly a reminder that He won't give me anything I can't handle, and that He's blessed me with relationships with friends who are more supportive than I could've asked for.

St. George Island

what is all this sand-stuff and why is it on my face?!

By the last week of my summer break I had finally convinced Byron that we should take a weekend beach trip.  After looking at different places on the gulf and Atlantic, we decided on St. George Island -- an island with beaches {and pretty much everything else!} that are dog friendly.  We packed up the truck before there were any signs of the rising sun, and with Bridget and Mook we headed toward the sandy shores.

Upon our arrival we immediately walked to the beach.  The pups were more than entertaining to watch.  When I was in college I took Bridget to the beach, and I knew she wasn't wild about the water, but she loved digging in the sand.  Mook on the other hand, had never been before.  He was really confused about the waves, the salty water, and how to dig sand {seriously -- he used his nose!!}

For the entirety of our trip the pups went everywhere with us, even to dinner!  They loved being included, but exhausted is an understatement of how they looked by the time we began our trip home!

sunrise walk

taking a walk on the beach after dinner

Day 2 on the beach -- the pups were dragging.

beach super model 

I'm so hot but the water keeps trying to attack me.

dinner at Harry A's with the pups

crab legs & mahi-mahi tacos
pina coladas & margaritas

At dinner, we noticed there was a special on crab legs, so of course we ordered it.  I haven't eaten seafood until just recently, so when our waitress delivered our food to the table I expected Byron to take the lead and demonstrate how to eat the meat, but as she sat the food down, Byron slid it my way expecting for me to do the same!  Needless to say, neither of us knew what we were doing, but I think we managed along alright without any instruction.  Be warned: if you're the next people to eat crab with us, there is a great possibility we'll embarrass you!

one last morning walk on the beach, mimosas in hand, yum.

Although Byron and I spend many weekends at the lake and other places, this was the first weekend since last summer we've spent away 'just us.'  I can't believe it's been so long.  Having a few days alone, without the distractions of our everyday lives, chores, the internet, etc., we were able to really focus on each other.  We had some great conversations, shared lots of laughter, ate crab for the first time, and were able to relax completely.  I'm not any sort of a marriage expert by any means, but I would recommend taking time to get away with your other half [more often than once a year].  We will be taking another weekend getaway soon, I hope!

sweet summertime

I am so thankful that my job allows for me to enjoy summers -- time to relax and enjoy the warm weather as I've recuperate from last year, while also preparing for the upcoming.

I began the summer with a quick trip to Birmingham to cheer on Stephen as he pitched in the oldest Stadium in the country and a Braves game.

Memorial Day Weekend

We were also able to spend some good days on and at the lake --  wakeboarding, relaxing and hanging out with family and friends.


The puppies sure love being at the lake.  Mook absolutely loves the water, while Bridget hasn't been as much of a water-dog.  [I think it's partially because she's not exactly shaped for swimming, so she always wears her life-jacket.]  The days at the lake were unbearably hot and the water abnormally high [because of the rain, duh!], which resulted in sweet Bridget voluntarily plopping herself in the water!

We love weekend with Cal and Ashley.

The lake has always been my favorite place.  I'm thankful I was able to spend  a few weekends there.  Although we didn't get to do as much wakeboarding as we would've liked, when we enjoyed the time we did get on the water.  Maybe the rain will hold off and allow for some more time at the lake for a few more months!  

Blueberry picking off the bush at the lake is one of my favorite things of summer.

After spending quite a few days at school, some days working and planning with my new grade level, others sorting through the items kindly given to me, I can finally think about school starting without hyperventilating!  [I do still have a good bit to accomplish, but at least it no appears that a tornado hit my room!]  In addition to being incredibly thankful for the sweet teacher-friends' generosity, my mom also spent a day with me organizing and sorting through the rummage of the teacher supply tornado that seems to have hit my room, and I honestly couldn't be more grateful!  I should have taken before and after photos -- maybe I'll take one before the first day of school!

With just short of a week left of my summer, I plan to enjoy the last days to the fullest.  Off to the beach we go!

reaping a harvest

I look forward to and pray for middle school camp all year.  [I'm pretty sure I anticipate it as much as more than the campers.]  It's week away from home spent with middle schoolers and adult staff at Woodland Christian Camp, where we sweat through the hot temperatures of June in a variety of activities and delve into God's truth about how great He is, how much He loves us, and how to better serve Him.

Above all, love each other deeply, 

because love covers a multitude of sins.

1 Peter 4:8

During my quiet time on the first day of camp I read 1 Peter 4:8, which reminded me of Romans 12:9 -- Don't pretend to love others.  Really love them.  Those verses immediately became my prayer for myself and fellow staff for the week.  It's hard to fathom that some children arrive at camp unknowing what it means to be loved, and then there's other kids who can tell you exactly what it means to love and be loved.  Regardless of the students' understandings of love though, they're middle schoolers who we shared cabins with, sat at the breakfast, lunch, and dinner table with, brushed our teeth with, tossed frisbees with, worshiped and prayed with, followed everywhere, and were followed everywhere by for a week.  It'd be easy to pretend to love them as our patience grew thin, which is exactly why my prayer was for our love to be deep and genuine for these children.  After all, if the kids can't understand what it means to be loved by another human, how can they begin to grasp the love the Lord has for them?

Working with kids can be difficult, especially when they're stubborn and already know everything there is to be known. [haha] It'd be easy to wave your white towel in surrender, thinking that all the camp food, lack of sleep, and moody pre-teens are just too much to handle.  On Wednesday, Craig shared a verse he'd been praying over us:

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time 

we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Galatians 6:9

God works in wonderful, miraculous ways, and sometimes the campers get worn down, too. They let their guards fall for just enough time for God to work in them.  He's able to get into their hearts and minds, and then through conversations and prayer, the students are able to make confident decisions about their lives.  Deciding to accept Christ as Lord.  Deciding to rededicate their lives to Christ.  Deciding make changes in the ways they're living and how they're loving others.

10 middle school students were baptized by the end of the week [and many, many more were interested and making plans for baptisms when they returned home] -- Talk about reaping a harvest!  Praise God!

we made it a year!

Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
1 Corinthians 13:7

How has a year already passed since Byron and I got married?  When we talk about our first year of marriage, in some ways it's like we've been married much longer than that, and in others it seems as though we were saying our vows just yesterday.  We've had a crazy 365 days and it's funny to think about all that's changed for us in that time.

Our first year of marriage was busy, filled with the uncertainty of jobs, and provided us countless opportunities for us to trust that the Lord had something greater in store for us.  Byron and I have grown closer and stronger than we were a year ago as we've supported and encouraged each other in difficulties, prayed through the ups and downs, and praised God for the wonderful blessings we've received.  

I've been blessed with one of the best man in the world to call my husband.  A man who loves me when I'm completely undeserving and better than I've ever dreamt.  Someone with an uncanny ability to make me laugh when a smile hadn't surfaced all day.  He writes sweet notes with Scripture and hides them in my lunchbox.  How did I ever get lucky enough the snag this guy? 

Our anniversary began with a brunch of strawberry french toast and cafe au laits.  And bacon.  Of course there was bacon.  Byron surprised me with a new wakeboard vest -- I'm a lucky girl!

We went to Three Blind Mice for dinner, of course.  We discussed quite a few other places, but no where else is as perfect for us as Three Blind Mice.  Not everyone can go back to the place they celebrated their marriage for each anniversary, so why not take advantage of that?!  Not the mention, it's our favorite place anyway!

We sipped on celebratory champagne after dinner, then shared a slice of our original wedding cake, which had made itself quite comfortable for the past year in my parents' freezer!  Surprisingly, the cake was incredible.  Seriously, you never would've known it'd been frozen. Sugar Kneads gave us a top layer of our wedding cake as an anniversary gift.  They say, "Who wants to eat year-old cake?" [but they must not have tasted their own!] Naturally we wrapped the cake from our wedding back up and put it back in the freezer til next year!

The rain stopped long enough for us to make it to dinner.

This is the fresh cake...but the one from the freezer doesn't look too different!

I thank God every day for blessing me with such an incredible husband and I look forward to many, many more years together!

sweet, sweet Easter

Easter has always been one of my favorite holidays. . . and not just because of the jellybeans and egg hunts!  What’s not to love about celebrating our risen Savior?! 

Passion Good Friday

We attended the Passion Good Friday service again this year.  There is just something powerful about worshiping under the stars with a large group of believers.  Louie Giglio, Chris Tomlin, and the rest of the Passion team do a splendid job using their talents to bring glory to God.  It was a great service with the message focusing on Jesus died for us, the unrighteous, to bring us to God.

For Christ died for sins once and for all, 

the righteous for the unrighteous, 

to bring you to God.  

He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit.

1 Peter 3:18

Dark and early on Easter morning Byron and I, as well as my incredible mother-in-law and father-in-law and our friend Katrina, climbed Stone Mountain for the Sunrise Service.  Although the clouds were heavy and the rising sun wasn’t visible, it was a great morning to celebrate Christ’s resurrection on the third day.

There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, 

going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.  His appearance was like lightning, 

and his clothes were white as snow. . .The angel said to the women, 

“Do not be afraid, for I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.  He is not here,

he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay."

Matthew 28:2-3 & 5-6

Sunrise Service

1st Married Easter

We spent the afternoon with our families and after 40 days without sweets, I was finally able to enjoy some strawberry cupcakes and goodies from the Easter Bunny!

I stayed up until midnight baking fresh strawberry cupcakes with homemade buttercream frosting
so I could eat one first thing on Easter!

Happy Easter!

girl friends & tasty drinks

I think this is one of my new favorite flowers -- ranunculus. 

The second half of March seemed to pass at a supersonic rate.  Between crunch time for the CRCT, completing some of the last assignments for my Gifted endorsement, planning and preparing for our trip to San Diego, and busy weekends, it’s no wonder weeks have flown by. 

Over Saint Patrick’s Day weekend we enjoyed the Suwanee Beer Fest.  It was my first beer festival, and while I’m not too much of a beer conosuiere, I enjoyed spending the afternoon outside in the gorgeous weather [getting my first sunburn of the season] with my happy husband, Byron.

so much beer.

My good friend from Parkview is getting married to her high school sweetheart in July.  It was such a blessing to celebrate with them and catch up with some of my favorite & best friends.

love, love, love these girls. 

Even though the weather was subpar the next weekend, I joined my mom and some of her high school friends for a quick trip to the mountains.  We did some shopping, visited a vineyard, and cozied up around the fire at night. 

My beautiful mom & crazy 'Aunt' Karen at Crane Creek Vineyard

It was wonderful to spend time with my mom, as well as the company of her crazy friends.  They’re always entertaining to be around, and a reminder that true friends will always be around to share joy and laughter.