Old friends and some new friends

Okay so I went today and actually had a great time! People were super nice and the flea market was sweet! Thank you so much, sweet California friends for the encouraging words.

I wanted to share about our last couple of weeks in California that were filled with great times with great friends. First, Andy and Jeannett hosted a going away party for us in their beautiful new home. We were so blessed to get to spend time with people so dear to us. (I didn't take any pics, oops!)

Then, Cade and Joy hosted a "Santa Maria G3 disbandment" dinner, which was wonderful. Our Grace Growth Group (hence the term "G3", for the uninitiated) had met for three full years. Wow. Many laughs and good times with Troy and Becky, Andy and Jeannett, and Cade and Joy (and Tom, and Dan and Kristin, though they bailed on us, maybe because we were too weird.)

We also were blessed by Darin, Lara and Caedra coming and making us dinner right before we left. We have been friends with them since college (Kevin knew them first) and what can I really say, they are amazing. I used to get sunburned from talking to Lara for so long in the church parking lot after church! They are those people who will always be in your heart, you know? (If you wanna see some fun old pics of us and them, check out this post on Lara's blog.)

I also got to have lunch with three girlfriends that I grew up with, a few days before we left. Dusty, Misty and Rebekah always make me laugh and it's always a treat remembering old times and catching up on life now. I will miss these girls, even though I didn't see them near enough when I still lived within an hour of them!

The day before we left, Rebekah called me in the morning and asked if she could bring her two little girls up so they could see the kids before we moved. Yay! SO not only did I get to see my sweet friend again (my BFF since 3rd grade, wow!), I got to see her kids. AND Rebekah showed up with the makings for ice cream cones, fed the kids lunch, AND took them all to the park for a long time while we worked on packing and loading the truck. When they were about to leave, her girls gave each of our kids a special "care package" for the trip: some toys, a mix of their favorite music, snacks, etc. I was so touched and my kids were so thrilled! They will miss Claire and Sadie!!! (Well, so will I.)

Also shortly before we moved, my friend Kate prepared a meal for us to have. I feel like for as long as I've known Kate, any time a baby has been born, or I've been sick, she's called with the offer of a meal. I've been so blessed by her friendship! (And not just because of her good cooking. :) ) Anyway, she made us this chicken potpie--what a fun surprise when we took the foil off!!

Anyway, I miss everyone and look forward to visiting and catching up in person one of these days! Thanks for all your prayers and friendship during this crazy time! I am blessed!