WEEKEND OF COMMUNITY

Every year around this time, the guys in our community group go on a man trip.  They stay in a cabin and do manly things.  This year they chose to canoe the Buffalo river.  We ladies were a bit on the skeptical side of this plan since it is February.  And cold.  And it was supposed to rain.  But, our manly men were not deterred and ended up having a great time on the river.

I'm so glad that John has fantastic friends who love the Lord and are able to encourage one another, and they had a great time.

Meanwhile, us girls all held down the forts in our respective homes, but a couple of years ago, we wised up and learned to plan lots of stuff together while the guys are gone.  It certainly makes everything go more quickly and is much more fun when you are doing it together.  So, Friday night, we had a pizza dinner at Courtney's with all the kids.

It was chaotic, but actually not too bad, considering the number of children.  And no one was sick, which seemed a February miracle.  On Saturday night, we all got sitters and went out for dinner at one place and then dessert at another.  And it was wonderful - truly.  We could all talk and talk and talk and talk just about forever.  There are so many interesting subjects ranging from the shallow to the very deep to discuss.  Especially when there are no shorties there to interrupt us.

Living life up close with people is one of the greatest gifts in our life.  So, when I got home and my power went out inexplicably about 15 minutes after I walked in, I had a bunch of willing commiserators to text with who had funny quips and offers to come to their houses if our power stayed off.  Thankfully it came back on within about two hours, and the kids slept through the whole thing.  And John came home at lunch time today, and all was well with the world.  Well - at least - all was normal in our household where someone is usually dancing or crying or laughing or needing to eat or wanting to be tickled or needing to be wiped or wanting us to fix something.  Our hands our full, but our hearts are fuller.