September 11, 2015

For a day with such a dreadful name- September 11th- a day in history I will never forget, this September 11th turned out to be pretty magical. Though I will never forget lying in bed with Scott when Starry called September 11th, 2001. We were just married and not fully awake yet, Starry told us to check the news. Then hours later we were stuck, glued to the TV, falling on our knees in sadness and prayer. 14 years later...

I made a new friend today. It seems the stars aligned and Liz and I both have Monday's and Friday's off of work and all of our kids are in school. I told her I would love to walk with her sometime and we decided to hike instead. She picked me up today at 8AM just after our kids hopped on the bus for school. She apologized that her car wasn't immaculate inside, I thought, mine never is! How could it be toting all the kids around? We made it to the base of Mt. Sanitas. It's one of my favorite hikes. It's a loop and we both agreed that starting steep and ending in the valley is the best way. It was one of those perfect Colorado days, the first day it was 70 degrees instead of the whopping 90 degrees it has been for the past week. The sun was out, we got a parking space right in front and we were off. 

You never know when you first hang out with a new friend how it will be. Will you have anything in common? What will you talk about? We laughed; it was kind of like a first date, a friend first date. It was natural. She is so interesting and engaging. We talked about Brene Brown and her research on shame, one of my favorite topics these days. It seemed like no subject was off limits and we could both speak freely and vulnerably. It was really nice. It's been a long time since I made a new friend. After our hike we ran a few errands. We went to the paint store where I learned you can get small premade samples of every Benjamin Moore color known to man for just $3. We had Mad Greens for lunch and then we even strolled through a few of my favorite stores. She had a gift card to one so we just had to try a few things on. We both found a few cute things on the sale rack. Score! I may have fallen in deep like with the couch in the dressing room as well! It may look cute in my new living room. 9-11-2015 turned out to be a really relaxing fun friend first-date! It kept me smiling all day. 

Later that evening I had the privilege of seeing two lives become one. I might have been as proud as a parent seeing Carley and Ross tie the knot. Ross got a job out of state and so they moved their wedding up a whole YEAR! Carley looked gorgeous, like a real princess and Ross even blushed after the kiss. The ring bearer had a white button up shirt that read 'ring security' on the back and he wore dark sunglasses to play the part as he strutted his stuff down the aisle. Carley made the flower girl wings and a tutu! Perfect for a 3 year old! They danced their way down the aisle after the wedding! I wish you could have seen it they stole the show! My heart is so happy for Carley and Ross; I think all heaven must be rejoicing. I was sad leaving the wedding, knowing that soon they will leave for Texas and our paths will not cross as often. I love Carley. I wish I had more time to have lunches and coffees and celebrate life, learn and grow together. I hope one day Colorado will be their home and our lives will cross again. I can't wait to see, even if it's only via Facebook, what this new sweet couple will bring to this earth. 

Matthew 19:5-6 "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together let not man separate.” Tonight as I get ready for bed this is my prayer for them. 

The kids are wrapping up a movie and Jessica was nice enough to watch the kids while I was away. I better get everyone to bed in hopes for happy, rested family in the morning. 

Good Night! 

Love,
Jen

Nothing but LOVE for Carley! BEAUTY- inside and out! My new dress from the sale rack earlier that day!

Oh what a night!