My girls

A couple of weeks ago, I joined 10 other girls for a wonderful weekend in a cabin outside of Blue Ridge (the mountains for GA, small hills for my Colorado family). I wasn't going to write anything about it because it has nothing to do with my kids. I try to keep this blog for them, but I realized that writing something about my fabulous weekend is for the kids. It will show them how I am a better mother because of these amazing girls I'm fortunate to call friends. Some I have been friends with since 9th grade and others I have gotten to know only in the last couple of years. The weekend was full of talking, talking, and more talking. We included a lot of food, many drinks, a walk, some hot tub time, and dancing. It was fun, re-energizing, and relaxing. I love my family more than anything in this world, but I live for weekends like this-a reminder that I am someone besides just a mom and a wife.

I am a friend who loves to laugh and dance.

I am a friend who can ask any question and know I'll get an honest answer.

I am a friend who can talk about things that I would only talk about with my girls.

I am a friend who can offer advice.

I am a friend who is fortunate to receive advice.

I am a friend who can cook and clean up with the best of them.

I am a friend who can reminiscence about the high school and college years.

I am a friend who can trust my words will not be judged nor will I judge those that I hear.

I am a friend that is beyond lucky to have some of the best women in my life that I call friends. I love them. (gulp, I actually called us women which sounds way too old!)

Thank you for the laughs, the advice, the talks, the dances, the food, the drinks, the smiles, and the love. I am blessed to have you all in my life.

Our Cabin

The View from our back deck

A random dog that went along with us on our walk. Sweet baby.

Me with my best girls, Leslie and Caroline. Leslie, Jenn (a fellow mother of 3), and me

To my kids:

Surround yourself with good people. People that you can trust, love, laugh with, and cry with. Good true friends aren't easy to come by. Earn their trust and love. They will make you a better person. They will make you want to do your best. They will support you, treasure you, and encourage you. Their loyalty will guide you through tough times. Their laughter will celebrate with you. Their tears will empathize with you. Their love will help you endure. Lilah-this is especially true for you. We girls need each other. I don't know why, but we do. So, please understand this is what Mommy needs on her weekends or nights away. I need my girls to help me understand that I am doing my best. I need their support, their stories, their advice, and their wisdom. I need them. They make me better.