cherish

the first few years we were in houston, i didn't think i liked it. it was so hot, so different from both iowa and california, we didn't know barely anyone, and i was so immersed in my work at the houston scholar program i didn't take much time to form relationships outside of that. then we had eden, and even though i still worked part time, as any mother knows, babies (whether you have one or 10, work at home or elsewhere), consume much of your time and energy. so, as a new mom, i loved my sweet daughter, but it also made me realize how lonely i was. and i don't know if it's my midwestern upbringing, my insecurities, my personality, or a little of each, but i have never been the type to take intiative in making friends. but slowly, over time, and in the kindness of budding relationships, i began to get to know some other moms. over the last four years, these friendships have grown into something so important to me, it's hard to even write about it without getting teary. i was so lucky to spend time with these girls this weekend. it was a little time away from everything else--a chance to fellowship and talk, laugh, dance, enjoy the peaceful texas country, rest, eat, drink and for real, just be merry. God places people in each other's lives in such wonderful and impactful ways. i love and treasure all of these girls and look forward to many many more memory-making years together. i could not call texas my home if they weren't here with me. i wish i had a picture of the whole group--all eight of us--but unfortunately i don't. so you will just have to look at me, katie, and leah in our urban cowgirl wear. it was pretty much the first real reason i had to wear my cowboy boots besides the rodeo... ----------------- an extra note: my dear friend megan (who made us some seriously fabulous food this weekend!) sent me this link awhile ago and i think it sums things up beautifully. http://devotions.proverbs31.org/2011/02/a-recipe-for-relationships.html