We hadn’t seen our friends Matt and Laura in about four years. What a delight to find them *just the very same* as they have always been.
Let’s see, David was a baby when it all began. In fact, Matt came to see Davy in the hospital when he was born. So, almost 9 years back. How can that be possible?
Matt (who was single at the time) started coming to our church and we began having him over for dinner once a week. My sister was living with us and as part of the living arrangements, she made dinner one night…well, that one night became the night Matt came to our house. He and Rich would go running, and then we would eat as a family. This continued for several years even after Amanda (the weekly chef 
) had her own apartment. It’s pretty much a blur to me now, really…except little bits and pieces, it was mainly a nice time for Rich and Matt. I do have old photos. Of Matt on his birthday with the little ones standing around him at the table, with his cake. Of us outside all together. I remember the last time, before he moved away. It hurt, as it always does, to see a friend moving on.
The happy thing is, with friends, it always feels the same when you get back together again.
Matt’s not single anymore…he has married lovely Laura. We’ve spent time with her before (Matt’s brought her for visits several other times) so she’s also an “old friend”.
Last Thursday, because they were back in the area visiting, they came for dinner. And just like old times, the two men went running, talking together as they ran. Laura and I didn’t talk as much because Laura attracts children like moths to a flame. Like flies to honey. Just like that. They basically lined up to show her things. I’m laughing just thinking about it. After we saw the chickens and Davy catching a fish, we went for a walk to the field. I gave up trying to keep up so while Laura and the children explored, I sat with Seth and Sarah.
“I want to pledge my undying devotion to you, sweet sister”
“And I shall seal this pledge with a small kiss.”
“She did not like my kiss and that makes me sadder than anything.”
“How about a hug, instead?”
“No. She is also not enjoying the hug, as much as I am.”
“What to do, to gain her approval?”
“How about a pretty?”
He’s a smart one, that Seth.
Pretties for Sarah, the wild black eyed Susans, and Sarah loves them just as much as her Mama does.
“Oh yes, Mama needs one, too! The two ladies I love the most will get pretties!”
He didn’t actually say these things. But I can read his mind and none of these pictures are staged.
In the field, at dusk.
Good to be Home 
Oh Seth and Sarah… you make my heart happy 🙂 That series of pictures is almost magical Shanda! “Pick up were you left off” friends are the best kind of friends! So thankful for good friends. I always tell my dearest friend Stephanie that I’m going to grow old with her. We have big plans that involve a lot of embroidery and knitting, small cookies, and long conversations where we fix all the world’s problems. I am looking forward to it…I know life is busy for you Shanda but I am so thankful you take the time to write about your life and share your beautiful photos. I enjoy every.single.one! Have a lovely week my friend 🙂
Shanda!!! 🙂 I just got caught up on your blog. What beautiful pictures. Your kids have GROWN so much and your family is beautiful. I really enjoyed reading and looking at your pictures. I know what you mean about friends……long time friends who feel like family & you can pick up right where you left off the last time you saw them. I’m so glad you had such a precious visit with them. LOVE the pictures/story of Seth and Sarah. SO adorable and priceless. Thanks for sharing your family & your life. (((hugs)))
How fun! We love Matt and Laura too… how can you not? Love the pictures! Glad you all had a great time! ps love your green shirt..it is cute!~B
This little picture story was perfect with my cup of coffee and french vanilla creamer this morning. 🙂
How sweet. The two of them are adorable.Glad you had a good visit. Seeing old friends is so special.Have a great Monday. =)
I forgot….Love your header!
Great pictures – cute “story”!
I do remember that time in your life and it DOES seem so so long ago! Matt looks very happy to be with your family again and this time to have a wife by his side!Little Seth’s heartbroken face is so cute, I love Sarah’s smile like she is all cute and has no idea that he is upset! LOL!
Love it! Old friends are awesome, aren’t they? Penpals and internet friends are pretty special too. 🙂 We were actually talking about you before Jake got saved. He asked me how I could have a friend that I had never met in “real life”. I told him that you and I had been friends and writing to each other for years, but even better, because we were both saved, we would get to be friends forever in Heaven. So then he said, “I want to get saved already!”The pictures of Seth and Sarah (and the comentary) are priceless. So sweet! Thanks for sharing, Shan. Love ya!
Oh what a sweet story and pictures of Seth and Sarah. Don’t worry Seth, she will be devoted to you too in just a short while and so glad of your love! This would make a sweet little story book. So dear, and in the field…thanks for the black eyed Susan! I planted one in a big pot on the deck to be my cheerful flower. So far it is staying compact, I like it when they grow tall and the little birds come and perch on them. Dear friends are so wonderful, you can just jump in like no time has gone by. Doubly fun when you enjoy a couple.
love the commentary of the wee one’s
What wonderful company!
how sweet.. a brother showing love to his sister. 🙂
sigh. what a lovely visit and a lovely post! i loved the pictures!
What fun pictures. I like the look and feel of them, peaceful, relaxed, and happy. :o)
hi shanda…….thanks for sharing your sweet memories and sweet pictures of seth and sarah. those photos have that “70’s feel” to them – love it!
This little post warms my heart as all your posts seem to do!
I love the ’70’s look of those last pictures.