You've Got a Friend in Me

 

Meet my friends the Turkeys

Senior Year 2006 (that's why we look like babies)

In college, I met some of the most amazing friends. We call ourselves the Turkeys. The name derived on a road trip to Centerville at the beginning of our sophomore year. We were walking in the field on our friend's land when one of the guys made the comment about how we looked like a bunch of turkeys. You see, we were always together. You didn't see one of us, without seeing the rest of us. Some people may find that annoying or intimidating. We just found that's how we functioned best. Life would not be the same without these friends. In hard times, they are there to cry with me, pray with me, and encourage me. In happy times, they are there to celebrate with me, laugh with me, and enjoy the special moments with me. In every other time between, I know they are praying for me, loving me, and ready to drop anything for me. What a beautiful friendship!!

We started a tradition in 2009 that may be my favorite. And believe me, we have had some great memories and traditions over the years. Every year we take a trip over MLK weekend. No kids are allowed, so it's just us girls. We laugh. We reminisce. We share the latest joys and frustrations. We stay up way too late. We eat too much food. And we just enjoy being together. It's one of my favorite weekends of the entire year. I get to spend an entire weekend with some of the most incredible women in my life, and I'm so thankful to God for this friendship.

 2009 Chicago

me, Sarah, Jenny, Meaghan, Emily, Betsy, & Kristen

 2010 Kansas City

Kristen, Emily, me, Jenny, & Betsy

2011 Hot Springs

Kristen, Betsy, Meaghan, Sarah, Emily, & me

 2012 Birmingham

me, Betsy, Emily, Meaghan, Jenny, & Allison

2013 Wise's Lake House

Top: Meaghan, Allison, & Kristen

Bottom: me, Emily, Betsy, & Jenny

Not pictured: Sarah

2014 Atlanta

Miriam was a month old, so I missed this trip

2015 Destin

Jenny, Emily, me, Kristen, & Betsy

A lot has changed over the years, but one thing will always be the same. These girls are friends I can depend on no matter what happens. Remember, we just do life better together. Love you girls!

Girls Just Want to Have Fun

2014 Girls Night

I have some special little girls in my life, my cousins. I will always refer to them as "the little girls" no matter how old they are or how tall they grow. You see, two of them were flower girls in my wedding at the age of 2. The other 4 have been born since that time. 

Five years ago, we lost their amazing Gran (my aunt, my mom's only sister; yes, that's why my mom goes by the name Gran today) suddenly. It was unexpected and a whirlwind of days in the hospital. That Christmas my mom wanted to do something special with the little girls, and Bethany and I wanted to start a tradition with them that their Gran had done with us. That Christmas we had a tea party, and it was magical. Bethany and I started giving the little girls Christmas ornaments, because their aunt gave us one every year. It was something small we could do to keep her memory alive. Each year we try to do something special with the little girls as well as give them the ornament. Here's a look back...

2009 Tea Party

Elsie, Lucy, Grandma, Sophie, & Naomi

 2010 Gingerbread Houses

Grandma, me, Sophie, Lucy, mom, Elsie, & Bethany

2011 Handprint Trees

Lucy, Sophie, Lola, Bethany, & Elsie

2012 Marshmallow Snowmen (not pictured)

2013 Brunch at my house but no craft...I had a baby who was less than a week old. I think I deserve a pass for this year.

This year Bethany & I decided to have the little girls over to my house one Friday night, so their parents could go out for a few hours. (One year we may try a sleepover, but we aren't brave enough yet.) We ordered pizza, made our own lip gloss, made & decorated sugar cookies, painted fingernails, and had fun being together. Oh how I wish, their sweet Gran could be here to see them now. For now, we will try our best to show & tell them about her.

 Making sugar cookies

 Decorating cookies

I'm sure their parents loved that we gave them lots of sugar before sending them home. 

 Painting nails

Sweet cousins helping each other

2014 Ornaments

Elsie, Lola, Sophie, Lucy, & Corinne