Day Three Hundred and Eighty-One

The Kade 'N Kobe Play Date

Big Boy is an only child. For now at least. So, he's used to being the sole center of (everyone's) attention. But today, I changed all that when I took him on a play date. Hunter met Kade and Kobe this afternoon, two sweet boys belonging to my best friend from high school. I hadn't seen Jeri in almost a year and had to see her while I was here. So, I stole away my precious nephew and the five of us hung out the whole day together. LittleMan was petrified at first. Just terrified. He clung to my side and wouldn't let go. Maybe he never realized that he's not the only child alive? Or maybe he's just not used to seeing double (Kade and Kobe look so much alike). In any case, within an hour, Hunter was playing nicely with the cutest blonde boys on the planet. As they attempted sharing - attempted - Jeri and I got a chance to catch up on our very different, but similar, lives. She's just recently accepted the Lord as her Savior and got baptized shortly after! This best news caught me off guard, and I teared up instantly. Praise God! I AM SO EXCITED FOR HER! Jeri and I come from a very similar background and in high school, we had no idea who Jesus really was or the life He offered. In college, the two of us drifted apart, as she got married and started a family while I ran track. Neither of us were Christians. And the last time I saw her - in December of 2011 - she still hadn't made the decision for Christ. 9 months later, today, I was talking to a different girl. A girl so in love with the Lord, her life, and the the church family she's come to call her own. Seriously, beautiful. Gosh, today was good.

Hunter figured out that he's quite the hitter today. Looks like Uncle Adam and I know exactly what BigBoy is getting for his birthday! He hit that ball perfectly every time. Didn't miss once. Not to mention that he's never hit a ball before. Hello, Natural! 

Jeri holding Kobe, top left...Kade on the left...Hunter on the right...and Auntie Kendall, top right. These are 5 happy, beautiful people! We absolutely loved hanging out with our friends today, and I'll make sure that Ellie gets Hunter and the two Ks back together again! That's for sure! Plus, I have a sneaky inclination that Ellie and Jeri have definite BFF potential. Haha :)

I love you, Jeri. 

I miss you, Jeri. 

And I'm so, so proud of you.

 You're a beautiful woman. A wonderful Mommy. And a passionate lover of the Lord. 

I am so thankful that I have you in my life.