The Importance of Girlfriends

For those of you that know me, know my Mom and I are best friends. We are so much alike, we love the same things, we laugh at the same things, and well...she's my Momma Love. To some, they just don't understand how close I am to my Mom. So think I'm dependant on her and just haven't "leave and cleaved". Nope, that's not it. I mean leaving and cleaving your family is such a process so I'm going to jump out there and say that just because you say your vows and get married, doesn't mean you leave and cleave over night. Some people are different, yet for me, it is a process to "leave" my family, and "cleave" to the man I have married. I've enjoyed the process and have come a long way but this isn't what I am blogging about, and now I'm rambling so I think I'll get back on track:) 

Girlfriends. 

I've got many:)

Yet, sometimes I don't realize how many great girlfriends I have been given. 

And I allow myself to get in a routine of busy life....cleaning, being a wife, working, and looking forward to the next time I get to see my best friend, and my family. 

And then I go through a tough time, often a night of crying, and Jason trying to figure out why I'm sad...oops! (Anyone else ever have a spell of woman emotions and leave your poor husband feeling like "he's just gone through a blender" (that's what Jason calls it:) because of our silly emotional rollercoasters that poke their heads in here and there?

So then, Jason reminds me that I have some wonderful friends up here and that it's important to spend time with them while we are living here. It's a gift to be so close to them. We are in a place where I am finishing my degree this year, and then after that we will be settling in somewhere for good wherever we feel God is opening the door. 

Even though it's a wonderful thing to be so close to my Mom and having her as my best friend is amazing! I would never change that. But I can't forget that I have friends that are close by, that I am able to spend time with as well. God has given me a community here as well that I have grown to love. 

Am I making sense here? 

So alass, I was encouraged. I was reminded that I need my girlfriends even though I have married my best friend. I can see why Mom's need their girls nights out. While I am not a mommy and still a student, I have more time and freedom to do those things with my girls and I am so thankful for that. 

The last two weeks, I have been able to reconnect with two girls I had gotten to know my first year of school, and that has been such a gift! I thank God for bringing them back into my life, and being able to connect with them even though it's been so long. I look forward to spending more time getting to know them again, and enjoying their friendship. 

I have been able to get to know a few other people more in the last few weeks and I have been so refreshed, so thankful. Carolyn, I know you will read this, so THANK YOU. Thank you for reminding this and literally leaving your door open for me to come and join you for breakfast. I cannot express how thankful I am for your gift of hospitality. You are amazing.

Jason and I have been able to spend time with a few other young couples and that has been incredible! In fact, this year we have been able to do this regularly. And that is a constant gift to us. Last night for Canada Day, we spent time with some new/old friends and it was so much fun! 

God is continually showing me how important it is so surround myself with people that poor life into me, build me up, challenge and encourage. And I've got that. Thank you God. Thank you Jason for reminding me to spend time with those that I love. 

And Mom, you are amazing. I'm so looking forward to our girly weekend of scrapbooking and pedicures. I always miss you and look forward to our next weekend being goofs together, yet I am always at peace knowing I have you a phone call away. 

Life is wonderful guys. It's challenging, and always seems to be a growing experience. Above all, God has given us friendships for a reason and I look forward to the many memories that continue to be created. 

Love and hugs. 

The Newlywed.  

Yummy. Pretty. Refreshing.

I love summer! I just love the way the sun stays out until after nine. I love the fresh squeezed lemonade. And the abundant deals on fruit and veggies. I love being able to open all the windows first thing in the morning, and let in the freshness of a new day. I love falling asleep every night with the ceiling fan going. I love camping. Roasting marshmallows over the fire, even though it's pure sugar, or pure who knows what. I could go on and on about what I love about summer....

But these would be my favorites today. 

Hydrangeas

These grow right on the CBC campus so I had to ask my boss if I could take some home. Little did she know, these are my absolute favorite! When I was busy wedding planning, these were the only things that I continued to want used. I would change my mind about this, and that. But these would always stay on the priority list. Having them on my kitchen table just makes me so happy. I love taking a moment to look at how beautiful they are.

 

Cherry Apple Crisp

I had a can of cherry pie filling that I had been wanting to use, and there were a couple apples in the fridge, so this recipe worked great! I can't remember where I found it, but it was online, so just type it in the search engine and you will find it. I should really write these things down so that I can make them again, especially when it's a great recipe! 

Cheesy Rolls

I can't tell you where you've had them, or where I even got the recipe because it's a yummy one I have taken from my Mom and it's become our little secret:) But they are good all right! I made them to go along with out good old midwest meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and fresh organic corn (from Costco might I add:)

Well, today I felt like a lighter post. I wanted to share with you some things that bring joy to my heart. Of course, some yummy home cooking will be on that list. Yet, the flowers are pretty high up there, for they remind me of the love God has for me. 

Yep:)

 Jason and I have enjoyed such a refreshing Sunday. It sure was a sabbath! We spent some incredible time with the Lord this morning, and then of course I got the itch to bake. We had been given a huge amount of rasberries from some wonderful friends, so I just had to use them;) I decided I would make some muffins, so that Jason could take them to work, and then some banana bread for me. Jason is allergic to bananas, so I just have to eat it all by myself over the next little while. Bummer:) 

Be blessed as you enjoy the rest of your Sunday, and start your week all over again. Tomorrow, before you start the day, read one Proverb. I've found that to be incredibly encouraging and motivating as I get going on my day. 

Tomorrow, I'm going for a run with a friend that is going to push me. For those of you that know me, know I love to exercise and be active. Yet when it comes to running, I don't enjoy it. She's going to HELP me or MAKE me enjoy it more. It's the one thing I ignore in the world of exercise, unless it's on a tredmill with the tv going. I'll have to update you on my journey of WANTING to enjoy running:)

Britt