One of the highlights of March for me was getting to hold a set of TWINS for the first time in my life.  My friend Tammy had a beautiful set of boys; Isaac and Isaiah.  Our whole church family is just as proud as can be of these little ones!  What a blessing.

And here’s my baby Sarah Joy and her bestest friend Sunaya Jaden (same initials, even the last name.).  Sarah got invited to Sunaya’s first birthday party.  They were so pretty and I could tell that they can’t wait until they can talk so they can really have fun together! 

My friend Kathy and I have been getting together with our kids for the past 10 years.  I have group pictures of these kids from when David and Emily (pictured above) were babies.

I was tucking the boys in last night when I noticed Ethan’s framed photo on the wall above his bed, of this same picture.  He loves it as much as I do.  There are a few school boy/girl crushes going on here.  Shhhhhhh, don’t tell anyone!  LOL  Oh my, it’s so fun to see them all grow.  I’m thankful they are still (for the most part) just fun loving children ready to play.

We love our friends!

Yesterday was my 3rd time hosting a special Valentine’s Day party for my friends.

I love February, it’s my birth-month, and also the month of LOVE.

Anyway, during our party, we were all sitting together in my livingroom, talking.

We talked about how friendship is a beautiful thing, and how blessed we are.

Karen brought up the point that it is beautiful now,

but the wonderful part about Christian friendship is that in one hundred years

we’ll all be gone from this earth,

but together again, in heaven ~ along with millions of other friends.

No sin will be there, our relationships will be perfect, complete and whole.

I told everyone that they are welcome to my mansion at any time!

Shanda’s door is always open to all of my friends.

I like the words to the hymn, “Blest be the tie that Binds”

Blest be the tie that binds
our hearts in Christian love;

the fellowship of kindred minds
is like to that above.

Before our Father’s throne
we pour our ardent prayers;

our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,
our comforts and our cares.

We share each other’s woes,
our mutual burdens bear;

and often for each other flows
the sympathizing tear.

When we asunder part,
it gives us inward pain;

but we shall still be joined in heart,
and hope to meet again.

written by John Fawcett  1740-181

I always make a special dinner.  This year was chicken cordon bleu with a special cream sauce.  Rice, and broccoli, dinner rolls.

I set the table with fiestaware; scarlet, rose, cinnabar, and white.

We filled the glasses with rosy-pink cherry 7-up

All the girls wear red, pink, or white.

We exchange cards and small gifts.

I replaced the family photos that I had in frames, with ones of the ladies.

Everywhere they looked were pictures of us all, from past gatherings.

I made little pretty papers with quotes and ribbon and glitter and scattered them about, too.

I filled a glass canister with valentine m n m’s, 100’s of them.

And a big scarlet fiesta bowl was filled with those little conversation candy hearts.

I bought sweetheart roses, and gave each friend 2 of them, tied with a white satin ribbon.

We had a pretty piano cd playing in the background. (the link is attached to this post)

We always take lots of pictures.

And every year we pull out the same journal (pictured in my last post) and we write in it.

It’s fun to go back and read through the previous year’s records.

After every one left, I sat alone in the dark livingroom, with only the light of the fireplace.  I read our journal and thought about my friends.  After a group leaves like that, their presence lingers within the walls of a home for a while, and that is what I was feeling.  I could still see Cathi’s stricken face as she told us of a friend of hers who had just suffered pain and loss, I could hear my friend Kathy’s familiar and comforting voice (we talk almost every day), I could hear the laughter, hear Jen busily cleaning up my kitchen for me, feel the quiet smiles and the warmth.  My heart aches with happiness when I think of the friendship God has shown me through these women, and from all of my other friends— YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE.

I thank God for you and I love you all very much.

Quotes from the journal:

“My favorite part was reading all the friendship quotes around the table” ~ Kathy, who came at 1:30 to help me put everything together.  I could not have done it without her help.

“I’m so blessed to have a great group of friends, each of you are special for different reasons” ~ Jen

“I refrained from telling my teapot story once again, although I did offer” ~ Cathi

“I ate one cupcake too many!  I just know that I am so blessed to call everyone here friend.” ~ Trish

“I am so thankful for all the love, encouragement, wisdom, different points of view–I have grown in Christ because of that–from each one of you.”  ~ Bridgette

“The profundity of our fellowship here is impressed upon my mind more deeply each year.” ~ Karen

“I have been so blessed to be a part of such a wonderful church family” ~ Deanna

“It was a blessing to be around so many friends and just be able to talk” ~ Suzanne

“I cannot wait til next year!” ~ Suzanne again.

More friends~me, and Kathy and Karen 

My 10 year old took these on Thursday at Old Sturbridge Village.   We had loads of fun–lots of laughing.  When there are 3 moms and 10 children (10yrs and under) things are bound to get silly.

Is everyone having a good Saturday?  We (Rich and me and our five littles)  found a great pizza and wing place–finally.  Then we went to the grocery store.  We keep reminding ourselves that we have Monday — isn’t a holiday weekend nice? 

It’s sunny and windy here today–a very lovely day. 

“There is no possession more valuable than a good and faithful friend.” Socrates

Once upon a time, long long ago, there was a young girl who left home and went to Bible college.  She was shy and quiet, with dark brown hair.   On her first day, she noticed another young girl, who was small and cute, with long brown hair.  The shy girl wanted to get to know cute girl right away.

One day, shy girl was eating lunch when cute girl sat down beside her at the same table.  Shy girl found out that the cute girl’s name was Joanna.  Joanna started making conversation and somehow, very soon, found out that Shanda (the shy girl’s name) had a boyfriend.  Joanna also had a boyfriend (her future husband) and this became their #1 common interest.  Shanda was asked many questions that day about her relationship with Rich (who was her future husband). . . . . . . . . . .

In fact, when I look back on the year I spent in college–and remember my conversations with Joanna–I think most of them were about Steve and Rich.  We were both convinced that we had met the men we were going to marry.

And we were right!  After we graduated (from the 1 year Bible program), Joanna married Steve in July and I married Rich in September.

My firstborn, Jacob, was born the next year and that was when I wrote to Joanna for the first time.  To my delight, she wrote back and our friendship was continued.  Now we could write about marriage and babies.

I don’t know how these passed 13 years have gone by so quickly.  Lots of changes have occured in our lives.  But through it all, we’ve had 13 years of writing lots and lots of letters, then emails, some phone calls, sending packages in the mail, and some visits.  Along the way we became the best of friends. 

“Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow-ripening fruit.”  Aristotle

There isn’t a day that goes by when I don’t think about Joanna.  There is something special about a friendship that grows slowly through letter writing.  We share our hearts.  Because I write and read her letters in private, the relationship is more personal.  Each visit is a monumental one, something to look forward to, and something to celebrate with non-stop chatter, hugs, and photos.

We got to see each other this summer, on August 7.  We met at a Crackerbarrel.  I was so excited because I had not seen her in 3 years.  I got there first and was writing on the “front porch” in a rocking chair when I saw her walking quickly up the sidewalk toward me.  She looked so good.  We hugged each other and immediatly started talking–and did not stop for 6 hours.  After lunch we drove to Barnes and Noble and sat in the cafe.  We looked at a magazine together, I had coffee, she had tea, we laughed and talked and looked at our cameras.  We went over to look at the journals–and I discovered that she really really loves a good journal–we browsed through them for quite a while and we both bought the same one.  We will use them as our nature journals.

still cute!

Taking her back to Crackerbarrel to her vehicle was sad.  The visit was over.  As we both drove out of the parking lot, I cried.  I felt totally drained (in a good way!) and very satisfied with our visit.  We still had chemistry–our friendship was still everything I thought it was.

I know without a shadow of a doubt that Joanna and I will always be friends, always.  I will always love her.   She means so much to me. . .by the way, she’s the reason why I started blogging.  I didn’t even know what it was until she started her blog here on xanga and begged me to join in on the fun. 

The best thing about the story of “us” is that there is no end.  We will dance through life together and then share eternity together in heaven.  Our friendship has a “happily ever after”.  And maybe my mansion will be right next to hers.

(Shanda, Christie, and James)

The only bad thing about visiting an old friend is having to say goodbye again. (spoken like a true pessimist)

Christie and I met each other 7 years ago, when we lived in the Pittsburgh, PA area.   At that time, I was a mom of 3 little ones 3 years old and under.   It was hard for me to get to know new people back then, but Christie showed me by her actions that to have a friend you must be a friend.  We met through church and discovered we lived in the same neighborhood.  She did so many nice things for me–she was the one who would call and ask if I wanted to take the kids to the park with her (she had 2 little ones then).  She paid my way so that I could attend MOPS at church.  She invited us over to her house.  She lent me books and cute clothes for Grace.  She asked me to go to Barnes and Nobles with her–the VERY first time I went there with a friend was with her.  I was all nervous–didn’t know how or what to order at the Starbucks cafe.  We went to the movies together one time, too.   Another time, on a gorgeous fall day, we loaded up the van with the kids and we drove to a lovely park together.  Because she wanted to be with me and do things with me, I felt like I was someone special.   Friendship is a beautiful thing.

(Christie’s baby boy, James)

(our kids together–Jacob w/Caleb, Cameron, Ethan, Grace, Katie w/James, and Sophie)

When I think back to that time I just thank God for her friendship–it really stands out in my mind.  My family only lived in PA for about 8 months but what a blessing to have made a lasting relationship with her.  We’ve kept in touch all these years through emails and occasional phone calls.  She encourages me and has helped me through some little bumps in life. . .just like any good friend would do.

(Christie’s oldest daughter, Katie)

I have five children now and she has four.  She and her family have been vacationing in Canada and stopped here yesterday on their way back home to PA.  We had not seen each other for about 5 years–and I was so excited as I waited for them to get here. 

(David and Sophie)

It was nice to reconnect–to sit and talk and watch our kids play together.  

(Grace and Katie)

(Christie’s son Cameron and my Ethan–with one of the frogs they caught)

They couldn’t stay long, though.  This morning they packed up and left for home–(they have about an 8 hour drive today).  It was a wonderful little visit.  But now I’m sitting here sad that she’s gone.  A true sign of a good time! 

Thanks for being my friend, Christie.

Just living is not enough.  One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.  ~Hans Christian Anderson

(flower picture of Colleen’s garden)

When I was in NY I was able to spent LOTS of time with my childhood partner in crime. . .my aunt Colleen, who is almost 2 years older than me.  We grew up together, so our relationship is special.

When I took the kids to her house they had a lot of fun while Colleen and I talked, looked at cookbooks, and studied our family tree that she has been working on.

Our girls went down to the stream to play indian and came back looking like this:

Apparently they wanted to be “dark-skinned”.  Uncle Roger had to spray them off before they got in the pool.

Molly

Meghan

Marissa

Colleen knows I collect pigs and gave me these sprinkles that she found.  I thought they were so cute:

Colleen and I got to go antiquing together later on in the week.

Here is what I bought:

(a cool necklace)

for my violet collection!  An owl and a pig!

(bottom of teacups) 

a cool, “perfect shade of blue” shutter and some awesome cherry teacups (child’s sized)

I got a basket of cookie cutters and a set of 2 handmade table runners.

One of our old forts:

While I was at my mom’s, we went for a walk and I took this picture of a place in the woods where we used to play as kids.  Colleen and I named this “Daleen” falls–a combination of our names (and my brother David’s name).

I think it’s great that I have Colleen in my life to be family and friend to me. 

Have a great day everyone!

Thought I would share a few pictures that I took last night at our closing night of VBS. 

These first pictures are of my friend Cathi, wife of Josh and mom of 2 gorgeous little girls.  We’ve been friends for a few years now.  We go to the same church and share a common love of the written word. . . . .she’s my loyal xanga pal, too.

Cathi is so sweet and I love sitting right next to her in choir (we both sing alto).   We’ve had lots of fun together and our friendship has also been made sweeter by tough times–we’ve been there for each other during church turmoil and personal loss.  There’s just something about tears that cement a relationship.

I remember the first time I really noticed her, all absorbed in her firstborn baby girl.  And now here she is with her second.

Somehow I just loved the look of black and white for these pictures:

Frankly, I can’t decide who’s cuter–mom or baby!

These next pictures are of my friend Karen with her son, Leo.  Leo and my David are good friends and they remind me of each other–especially because of their many facial expressions.

Karen is a “deep thinking” friend.  She grew up reading C.S. Lewis and would love to have her own “inkling” club.  As soon as we get together we dive right into deep conversations about life and death. . . . . and other important matters.

I guess I should explain why New Englanders are wearing cowboy hats.  It’s because our VBS theme for this year was “Calvary Junction”.

One of God’s beautiful blessings—friendship!

I  had my 2nd annual Valentine’s Party at my house today.  It was so relaxing and enjoyable.  I invited 8 of my friends and made them dinner.  After dinner we exchanged valentine cards and gifts and we played a little game.  (each person brought a picture of themselves as a baby and/or little girl and we guessed who was who).

We also passed around a journal and we each wrote a little something in it.  I will add pictures to it later.  We used the same journal last year and it was neat to go back and look what we wrote.   Last year, we found out that **** was expecting a baby from our little journal.  There were no such surprises this year!  

When they left, I gave each of them a single rose with a quote tied to it with a ribbon .

Everyone has left and I am sitting here happy.  We talked and laughed and just had FUN.  I am sure we resembled hens in a henhouse with all the cackling and chattering we did.  What I loved most of all about this night was observing my friends talking to each other and laughing.  It felt so good to be together, this dear little group which has gone through so much together–mostly good times but a few bad times as well.  I know we will always be there for each other.  And the circle is wide.  It includes everyone. 

friends

(The only man allowed!)

I can’t concentrate on what I am writing because hubby is sitting on the floor next to me looking at his new purchase:  a deep fat fryer.  Never did I think I would own such a thing.  He wants to make chicken wings.    What a great man he is, he took all 5 of the children out from 4:30 until 7:30 while I had my party.   When he got back he put the kids to bed and came downstairs and held my friend’s baby so she could eat her dessert.  He’s the one who took the group pictures of us, too.

By the end of the night we all tend to get a little silly.  I think SOMEONE had a bit too much sugar? 

Thank you, God, for the love of friends.

I  had my 2nd annual Valentine’s Party at my house today.  It was so relaxing and enjoyable.  I invited 8 of my friends and made them dinner.  After dinner we exchanged valentine cards and gifts and we played a little game.  (each person brought a picture of themselves as a baby and/or little girl and we guessed who was who).

We also passed around a journal and we each wrote a little something in it.  I will add pictures to it later.  We used the same journal last year and it was neat to go back and look what we wrote.   Last year, we found out that **** was expecting a baby from our little journal.  There were no such surprises this year!  

When they left, I gave each of them a single rose with a quote tied to it with a ribbon .

Everyone has left and I am sitting here happy.  We talked and laughed and just had FUN.  I am sure we resembled hens in a henhouse with all the cackling and chattering we did.  What I loved most of all about this night was observing my friends talking to each other and laughing.  It felt so good to be together, this dear little group which has gone through so much together–mostly good times but a few bad times as well.  I know we will always be there for each other.  And the circle is wide.  It includes everyone. 

friends

(The only man allowed!)

I can’t concentrate on what I am writing because hubby is sitting on the floor next to me looking at his new purchase:  a deep fat fryer.  Never did I think I would own such a thing.  He wants to make chicken wings.    What a great man he is, he took all 5 of the children out from 4:30 until 7:30 while I had my party.   When he got back he put the kids to bed and came downstairs and held my friend’s baby so she could eat her dessert.  He’s the one who took the group pictures of us, too.

By the end of the night we all tend to get a little silly.  I think SOMEONE had a bit too much sugar? 

Thank you, God, for the love of friends.