Make New Friends

One last vacation post...I mean seriously, our vacation was weeks ago.....but I couldn't NOT post about this.  While planning our trip to Illinois and back, I knew that we would be driving through a few states where some of my most precious blogging friends live.  After having the privilege of meeting (however briefly) with Shawn from Seriously last December, I emailed a few of my "friends" and made plans to meet.  And I am so glad that I did.

I met Tanya from Miller Racing Family over a year and a half ago and we quickly became friends.  Funny story, when I first started reading her blog and saw that she was from "Houston" in the "Texas County" and worked for a newspaper, I automatically assumed she lived in Houston, TX and worked for the Chronicle there.  Another Texas blogger?  Right?  I was so wrong.  As I started reading more, and seeing pictures that most definitely were NOT Houston, TX, I dug a little deeper and figured out we weren't in Texas anymore Toto!

That's ok, though I am partial to Texas, I can be friends with those that are less fortunate not to live here.  I'm kidding y'all. Tanya and I had so much in common, both working moms, working hard for our families, all the while praising our God for all his blessings.  She used to post on Saturdays a song that had blessed her that week, and it always resonated with me as well.  Little did she know how much encouragement she provided me though those posts.

So, I knew that if it worked out, we would have to meet!! And it did- we were able to meet for lunch during our drive from Illinois to Arkansas.  And it was just like catching up with an old friend.  There was no awkward pauses in the conversation, we easily chatted for almost 2 hours.  It was an absolute pleasure to meet Tanya, Trey, and her newest sweet girl, Lila.  And I was sorry to not have more time to visit.

Her sweet hubby, Donnie- the race-car driver, made this amazing sign that sits in the front of the house now.  She also made snacks for the kids for the trip!  So sweet!!

When I started blogging, I did it to keep the family updated in what was going on in Texas.  It soon became a wonderful outlet to chronicle our adventures.  But it has grown into such a wonderful community of friends.  As I log on to read, I can imagine going to see the sexy McDonald's guy with Connie, laughing over a margarita with Shawn (oh, we did that right- how about another?), making one of those amazing Subway Signs with JenJen, hearing all about the scary motorcycle rides with Jen, going camping with Viv (not....maybe we'll go to breakfast and she can show me pictures),  attending one of JennyKate's Twilight parties, going to one of Model's soccer games with MiMi, or learning how to Stamp-it-up with Kelli!!  I have enjoyed getting to know so many of you across the country and I feel like I really, truly know you all.  Thanks fo the endless hours of encouragement and entertainment you have all provided.  My hope it to meet you someday and tell you this in person!