Friends are a treasure

Jesse and I have always been blessed to have good friends around us. Honestly, we are both non-social by nature, and whether or not it is because we are shy or insecure, I do not know. But nevertheless, God has always been faithful in providing good friends to come alongside of us.

This past year has been rough. Moving away from family and friends, even though it was not a far move, was difficult. We have a hard time reaching out to people we don't know, and therefore have pretty much become hermits in our home. So when our friends planned a weekend at the lake (minus kids), we jumped on board. Nothing like a little Jesse & Melody time + great friends to equal a fun weekend!

By NOT having any friends here, we have really realized what a blessing it is to have friends. Even if we don't see them or talk to them all the time, we know that we could call any one of them at any time, and they would be there.

The weekend was perfect. Seriously, the most fun we've had in a long time. Whether we were out on the boat,
Playing around the cove,

Relaxing and catching up on life,

Floating and getting some sun,

Or enjoying the sunset from the tower,

We had a blast. We relaxed, had adventure, shared a ton of laughs, and were free to just be ourselves. Which, if we're being honest, makes for the best times with friends. We've decided to make the lakehouse weekend and annual deal, and I'm already looking forward to next year! I love you all, and had a great time hanging out! We truly are blessed.

---------------------------------------------------------

Also in the "friend" category, I have to let you know that after living in College Station for over a year, I finally have some friends! Yay!

• Ryan and Megan- Ryan went to high school with us, and I knew his younger sister. When they found out they were moving into the area, he looked us up and we met them for dinner. They have a 2 year old daughter, who Ryleigh loves to play with, and a 2 month old son. Megan and I got the girls together for a couple play dates, and the rest, they say, is history! We have been hanging out a lot, and really like them! We all seem to "mesh" well, which can be difficult when trying to mesh multiple people within families. Jesse and I are very excited to have people in town to hang out with.
• Vicky & girls- I joined the Mom's Club here in town, but because of my work schedule, I haven't been able to do much with the group. They had a new member's brunch a few weeks back, and I made a point to go. I figure I could band with other 'new' Moms, instead of trying to get into the group of Mom friends who had been hanging out for awhile. That's where I met Vicky! She is new to CS as well, and has two daughters, a 3 year old, who again, Ryleigh loves to play with, and a 6 month old. We have had a play date, and conversation was very comfortable and easy. I haven't met her husband yet, but I hope we can be friends!
• Mom's Club in general- I have made more of an effort to put myself out there and try to hang out with people. Ryleigh is such a social butterfly that she really thrives in activity and social settings. So, I've spent time with several new people. I actually saw a fellow mom in the grocery store, and felt so excited! Finally, I'm starting to recognize people out in the community and feel like we belong.
• Church- I started helping out in the nursery, so I've met several sweet women in there too. Again, putting myself out there and trying to meet people, so that when I see them around the church campus, I can smile and say hi. It certainly helps make you feel like you are a part of the community.

So, yay for progress in the friend department!! Friends are a true treasure. I've always been lucky to have the opportunity to meet people based on life circumstances, but I've never really had to go out and look for opportunity. It is a lot scarier (and harder for me). The payoff will be worth it. :) Thank you to all my friends out there! I love you all!