I've been MIA, if you haven't noticed.
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Prior to this week off, I had been feeling like I was spread pretty thin. Work had really worn me down and lots of other things, too...and then God handed me, on a silver platter, a big, fat reminder.
Life is good.
In a nutshell, our best friends from college days flew in from Colorado and spent 10 days with us. I, on purpose, chose to unplug from technology and aside from a few texts here and there and a game or 100 of jelly splash on my phone, chose to be present in the lives of those that I love.
It was needed.
So, here's a glimpse of the last week and a half. There were many, many, MANY games of poker and spoons (and only a few people were hurt) around our little table in our little house. Alex's friends were all home from college and I love that our house becomes a hang out house. Loud is an understatement.
Brian and Kamryn...the babies of the bunch. Our friends have three perfect, beautiful daughters who totally stand up to my boys. I love that.
The four of us (M and I, Chris and Tammy) met when they moved upstairs from us in family housing at CU Boulder and for 5 years we were one big conjoined family. They had three girls and we had three boys and these kids are so very, very funny together....they just 'get' each other.
Everyone should have friends like that.
Thanksgiving happened. A lot of people sat in our garden and ate and ate and ate. It was a crazy busy day...cooking and eating and dishes and dishes and dishes, as well as football and cards and laughter. I just kept catching that guy that I like so much's eye across the room and I knew he knew what I was thinking...this is our life.
This is our life.
It's easy to focus on the relationships that aren't there but then, right in my little garden, were all the people that I love so very much...and who love me. And my boys. It was right there in front of me and I saw it.
I am so thankful.
My BFF's are now BFF's. Seriously, what more could a girl ask for?
Blurry picture. 15 yr old, in a hurry, took the picture.
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And then it happened. After 10 days with our friends, they had to fly home. I sobbed. For reals...I dropped them off at the airport and cried an ugly cry. I miss them so much it hurts and I hate that...but I'm thankful for texting and phone calls...but I wish we lived near them.
As I get older, I am realizing how precious relationships are to me and I am so very, very thankful for them.
Friends are the best.
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So today, Sunday, I am gearing up for tomorrow. Our little house on our little street is decked out in her Christmas finery and we just ate a big steak dinner. Tomorrow is back to reality...work for me and that guy that I like so much, school for Brian and more healing of a broken foot for Alex.
It's Advent and I am feeling the need to prepare, just as Mary did so long ago. My preparations are different than hers but they are still preparations...cookies need to be baked, presents need to be wrapped and parties and concerts need to be attended. I'm ready though...ready for this season. My focus for this Christmas season is up...my eyes and my heart are open and ready. This Thanksgiving week was all a part of that...it was a time to show me what is important in my life which in turn has prepared me for what is to come.
I'm ready.
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